NLT is a comprehensive program developed by expert specialized Physical and Occupational Therapists that has been proven to help companies significantly reduce their workers' comp costs. Below is a glimpse of how the program can work.
DEFINE the PROBLEM…
The problem is actually two problems… INJURIES…and…COSTS…
as two distinctly separate issues, each with its own risk factors, causes, corrective actions.
Correcting the problem calls for several inter-related actions…
PRIMARY INJURY PREVENTION
PROPER CLAIMS RESPONSE & MANAGEMENT
The problem is much more an IGNORANCE-ATTITUDE-POLITICS-POLICY issue than it is a safety-ergo issue. This must be corrected before anything else can be effective. The right EDUCATION and policies will correct this.
Then there is OSHA COMPLIANCE (the last reason to implement an ergo-prevention program)
PART ONE; PRIMARY PREVENTION…
Do not invest resources on injury management until you reduce the number of claims… PREVENTION
1. Examine the workplace for MSD risk factors for injury, excess claims, excess cost per claim… Examine OSHA 300 records; claims care analysis, attitudes review. This produces a problem list from which you may build a plan for correction.
2. Educate supervisors & managers - No Lost Time (Neck-Arm CTD School & Back School)
3. Educate-motivate workers via Work Smart Industrial Athlete training
4. Train your in-house Ergonomics Team, looking beyond ergonomics
This program installs prevention tactics such as ergonomics, job rotation, an effective micro-stretching program, sit-stand options, and policy development and enforcement.
It also establishes pre-requisite knowledge & attitudes for building injury response and management processes, including an efficient Restricted Duty program.
Back Schools and Neck-Arm MSD Schools can work very well, if done right.
These training programs introduce several effective prevention strategies…
The keys of MSD elimination:
Preventive interventions may be categorized into any of the following:
1. WORK DESIGN & DEMANDS (ergonomics)
a. Retooling the workstation, tools, process to reduce stress required
b. Low-cost actions emphasized
2. WORK VARIETY
a. Job or task rotation
b. Sit-stand option
c. Alternative work technique
3. MICRO-STRETCHES - the Right Program! Takes 90sec - 2 min.
Reverse the effects of Aging.
(not to increase flexibility; rather, to relax & increase perfusion)
a. Ergonomists & OSHA not enthusiastic about this; controversial issue!
b. Literature evidence and arguments conflicting. Must look closely.
c. Outcomes stats and design
d. Warm-up... hourly micro-stretch breaks... after-work recovery
e. Stretching versus perfusion (circulation)
f. Effect on production and quality - our program has been shown to improve these.
g. Personal fitness
WORK SITE STRETCHING PROGRAMS:
Yes, it does work, if key rules are followed:
>Customized to the demands of the jobs;
>Addresses both proximal (neck and thoracic outlet) and distal structures;
>Designed by professional therapists;
>Instructed by professional therapists,
>Actual practice check-out of employee performance by the therapist;
>The company commits to enforcement (with medical excuses available).
4. ENLIGHTENMENT: Cure the "CULTURE OF CONFLICT"
a The basis for all the rest; nothing happens without this
b. Attitude modification (of management and coworkers)
c. Behavior modification...commitment to accept responsibilities
d. Managers-supervisors-workers-engineers-medical staff
PART TWO: PROPER CLAIMS RESPONSE & MANAGEMENT…
The short answer in one sentence… You must have a structured, accountable process of early pain reporting, with a non-punitive immediate response of referral to a specific preferred health care provider (HCP), with same-day intake and evaluation, immediate identification of work restrictions, and aggressive progression of those restrictions to get the worker back to regular duty, with effective aggressive conservative treatment.... How do I achieve this?
This does not magically appear. And consultants cannot simply deliver and install this process. You must take a deliberate developmental effort to cultivate and grow this. It will require enlightenment and knowledge and cooperation among production supervisors, supported by management; as well as cooperation and expertise among your local HCP’s. You must get all the "players" involved on board. Education and communication are the key. SmartWork Solutions, Inc. can help!