Safety Training for Supervisors

Welcome and Objectives 2 This web-based course is designed for supervisors of all commonwealth agencies. To explain the purpose of the safety initiative and provide information to fully understand its importance. To understand your role and the roles of others in your agency to ensure the implementation of successful safety initiatives to reduce injuries.

Topics to Be Covered Why should I focus on safety? The basics of an effective safety program Your responsibilities for safety Next steps 3

Why Should I Focus on Safety? This segment of the course provides an introduction to the costs of workers’ compensation claims and provides information about the goal of the safety initiative to reduce workplace injuries. 4

5 How much do you think the commonwealth spent on workers’ compensation last fiscal year? a)$120 million b)$45 million c)$100 million d)$97 million

The Iceberg Theory of Costs Direct Costs Indirect Costs Direct costs - $2,808 Indirect costs - $6,815 WC wage loss (indemnity)$2,126 X-rays, crutches, splint, pain medication, and follow-up appointments $ 682 Co-worker takes employee for medical treatment $ 100 Inservco per claim charge$1,235 Health benefits continuation$1,680 Overtime replacement$3,600 Injury investigation and claim management $ 200 Photo by Noël Kingsley

The Safety Initiative Goal… Last year 5,779 commonwealth employees were injured at work! For fiscal year 13/14, each agency has set a goal to reduce injuries by at least 10% To see how many employees were injured in your agency and to see your agency’s goal, click here. 7

To Sum it Up: 8 A lot of employees are injured at work. Injuries and illnesses are expensive, and there are costs beyond the cost of the claim. Every agency is being challenged to reduce injuries by at least 10% in fiscal year 13/14.

The Basics of Effective Safety Programs A lot can be done to ensure your agency has an effective safety program. The following slides explain the basics of an effective program. 9

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility 10 Safety Safety starts with senior leaders taking ownership and managers and line supervisors taking responsibility for implementing and reinforcing safe work practices with employees every day. HR

Unions’ Role The unions have an interest and role in ensuring employee safety. Safety is covered by most collective bargaining agreements—e.g., local and agency safety committees, training and information sharing. Unions will be afforded an opportunity for input as we get underway. Expect them to be engaged as we progress.

Supervisors know the jobs best and can train employees how to work safely and reinforce safety rules. Employees generally do what their supervisor wants them to do. Supervisor involvement shows that you care about employees’ well-being when you encourage them to work safely. Never encourage employees to cut corners and take risks to save time. 12 Supervisors Make it Happen

To Sum it Up: All employees and their union, where applicable, have a role in the safety program. An effective safety program, which will ultimately change our safety culture, is driven by supervisors. Managers and supervisors must train on safe work practices and reinforce safety rules. 13

Responsibilities In this section, we will review your roles and responsibilities as they relate to safety. 14

Supervisor Responsibilities You must ensure a safe work environment  Work with safety coordinators to ensure applicable health and safety policies and safe work practices are developed for your work location  Identify and promptly correct hazards  Ensure personal protective equipment is used when required 15

Supervisor Responsibilities (continued) Train employees in the safety procedures of the job  Ensure employees receive or participate in required safety training programs  Provide job specific safety training to employees before they start work and when an employee is exposed to a new hazard  Provide safety information to employees as appropriate 16

Supervisor Responsibilities (continued) Reinforce safe work practices  Observe work practices/behaviors and provide feedback  Include safety as part of employee performance evaluations, under the work habits section of the review form 17

Supervisor Responsibilities (continued) Report and ensure all incidents are investigated  To figure out why it happened and prevent reoccurrence  Work with management and your safety coordinator to promptly address unsafe work conditions or modify procedures  Monitor implementation of corrective actions 18

Supervisor Responsibilities (continued) Hold employees accountable 19 Even when an employee is injured, it is important to hold the employee accountable if they were not following safety procedures or rules.

To Sum it Up Supervisors must:  Ensure all applicable health and safety rules, procedures and work practices are adhered to in their work environment  Provide or ensure the required safety training has been completed  Recognize employees who consistently practice safe behaviors  Ensure incidents have been investigated  Be engaged and get others engaged  Hold employees accountable 20

What to Expect Next This initiative is just beginning, and we have a lot of work to do to achieve the goal of 10% during this fiscal year. The following slide provides next steps. 21

Next Steps Be aware of the safety policies in place and determine if additional ones are needed. Training has been provided to senior leaders on their safety roles and employees will receive training after you. New programs and additional training will be made available by the safety coordinator to focus on the most frequent and costly injuries. There will be a safety awareness campaign. 22

Your Commitment 23 Contact your safety coordinator with questions. Click here for your safety coordinator’s contact information. So everyone can return home to their families

Knowledge Check The following questions are provided to verify your understanding of the initiative and your role and to give you credit for taking this course. 24

Knowledge Check Each agency must have a FY 13/14 injury reduction goal of at least: a. 7% b. 4% c. 10% d. An injury reduction goal is not required 25

Knowledge Check A supervisor should include a rating for safety on employee performance reviews.  True  False 26

Knowledge Check Everyone has a role in safety – from leaders to employees.  True  False 27

Thank You Thank you for attending the course 28