The News You Need for Dec. 21

Injury prevention and holiday hangups for travelers

Developing an Injury Prevention Plan: A Strategic Approach to Workplace Safety 

Dr. Claire C. Muselman

Preventing injuries is the ultimate goal of workers' compensation. While accidents may seem inevitable, a proactive injury prevention plan can significantly reduce risks, protect employees, and enhance organizational efficiency. This fourth article in the Workers’ Compensation Road Map Series focuses on crafting a comprehensive injury prevention plan. By systematically addressing workplace risks, employers can create a safer, healthier environment where employees feel secure and supported. Learn how to develop a plan prioritizing prevention and building a safety culture. 

Why an Injury Prevention Plan Matters 

An injury prevention plan is a blueprint for identifying, mitigating, and eliminating workplace hazards. These plans are more than about compliance. Injury planning demonstrates care for employees and commitment to their well-being. Key benefits of an injury prevention plan include: 

1. Reducing Workplace Risks: Identifying and addressing hazards minimizes the likelihood of injuries and illnesses. 

1. Enhancing Productivity: A safe workplace fosters confidence and focus, enabling employees to perform at their best. 

1. Lowering Workers’ Compensation Costs: Fewer injuries mean fewer claims, reducing direct and indirect costs. 

1. Strengthening Employee Trust: Employees are more engaged and loyal when they know their safety is a priority. 

Steps to Develop an Injury Prevention Plan 

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment: A thorough understanding of workplace risks is the foundation of an effective injury prevention plan. Risk assessments help employers identify potential hazards and prioritize mitigation strategies. 

• Analyze Job Roles: Review the tasks associated with each role, identifying physical, environmental, and procedural risks. 

• Evaluate Historical Data: Examine past injury reports, near-misses, and claims to identify trends and recurring issues. 

• Engage Employees: Consult employees to gain insights into the hazards they face and potential improvements. 

• Inspect the Workplace: Conduct physical inspections to identify risks such as tripping hazards, poorly maintained equipment, or insufficient lighting. 

2. Set Clear Objectives: A successful injury prevention plan is guided by specific, measurable goals that align with organizational priorities. 

• Reduce Incident Rates: Establish a target percentage for reducing workplace injuries over a set timeframe. 

• Eliminate Specific Hazards: Avoid high-risk hazards, such as unsafe machinery or repetitive strain risks. 

• Enhance Employee Engagement: Aim to involve a certain percentage of employees in safety initiatives or training programs. 

• Improve Safety Reporting: Increase reporting hazards and near-misses to address potential risks proactively. 

3. Implement Targeted Prevention Techniques: Take concrete steps to mitigate risks once identified. These strategies should be tailored to your workplace's unique needs. 

• Engineering Controls: Modify equipment or workspaces to reduce physical risks, such as installing guardrails or improving ventilation. 

• Administrative Controls: Develop policies and procedures that minimize exposure to hazards, such as rotating tasks to reduce repetitive strain. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide employees with the necessary PPE and ensure they are trained on its proper use. 

• Behavioral Interventions: Foster safe habits by educating employees on ergonomic practices, proper lifting techniques, and hazard awareness. 

Building a Culture of Prevention 

An injury prevention plan is only as effective as the culture supporting it. Creating a prevention-oriented workplace requires buy-in from leadership and active participation from employees at all levels. A culture of prevention not only reduces the likelihood of injuries but fosters a sense of accountability, pride, and trust among employees. Consistency in communication and leading by example are imperative in building culture.  

1. Engage Leadership: Leaders set the tone for workplace safety. When they prioritize injury prevention, employees are more likely to follow suit. Their commitment to safety sets a positive example. It ensures the necessary resources and support are allocated to the injury prevention plan. 

• Communicate Commitment: Share the importance of the injury prevention plan in company meetings, newsletters, or intranet updates. 

• Allocate Resources: Ensure the plan is adequately funded and staffed to address risks effectively. 

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate a commitment to safety by participating in training, inspections, and safety initiatives. 

2. Involve Employees: Employees are the front line of injury prevention. Their active participation is crucial for identifying and mitigating risks. 

• Safety Committees: Form committees with representatives from various departments to oversee and implement prevention strategies. 

• Employee Input: Encourage employees to report hazards, suggest improvements, and provide feedback on prevention efforts. 

• Recognition Programs: Reward employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. 

3. Foster Open Communication: Transparency and dialogue are essential for maintaining momentum in injury prevention efforts. 

• Regular Updates: Provide progress reports on the plan's goals, achievements, and ongoing initiatives. This regular communication keeps employees informed and maintains their interest and engagement in the injury prevention plan. 

• Incident Reviews: Share lessons learned from injuries or near-misses to prevent future occurrences. 

• Accessible Channels: Create easy ways for employees to share concerns or suggestions, such as anonymous hotlines or online forms. 

Measuring the Success of Your Plan 

An effective injury prevention plan includes metrics to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement. Regularly review and update the plan to address new risks, incorporate lessons learned, and reflect changes in workplace dynamics or regulations. Quantifiable areas to track include:  

• Track Incident Rates: Monitor reductions in workplace injuries and near-misses over time. 

• Analyze Trends: Look for reported hazards or incident patterns to refine prevention strategies. 

• Employee Surveys: Collect feedback on the effectiveness of safety measures and training programs. 

• Compliance Audits: Assess adherence to safety protocols and identify gaps in implementation. 

A Proactive Approach to Workers’ Compensation 

Developing an injury prevention plan is a proactive investment in your workforce’s safety and well-being. By addressing risks before they lead to injuries, employers create a positive work environment, reduce costs, and build trust with their employees. A prevention-first mindset does not simply benefit individual workers; it strengthens the organization, fostering resilience and long-term success. 

Looking Ahead: Preparing a Response Plan for Workplace Injuries 

While prevention is the goal, preparing for the unexpected is essential. The following article will explore Preparing a Response Plan for Workplace Injuries, guiding employers through the critical steps of providing immediate care, ensuring effective communication, and documenting incidents. These efforts will help create a comprehensive workers' compensation strategy that protects employees and the organization. 

 By investing in injury prevention, employers can build a culture of care, accountability, and safety that benefits everyone involved – and prevent injuries along the way. 

Air Traffic Controller Shortage May Create Delays for Christmas Travelers  

chriss swaney

Labor Landscape

A continued shortage of air traffic controllers may cause delays and long lines at airports nationwide as more than 7 million Americans begin their Christmas vacation journeys, according to Robert Strauss, a professor of economics and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University.  

Strauss said the shortage goes back to the Ronald Reagan presidency when Reagan branded the air traffic controller strike as illegal and fired more than 11,000 controllers who refused to go back to work.  

Michael Whitaker, the FAA administrator, reported that 1,800 new air traffic controllers will be coming on board to ease the shortage issues.  “But it will take 5 to 6 years to be back at full staff,’’ according to Whitaker, who leaves his post January 20 after a year of  dealing with safety and quality concerns at Boeing, the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers and numerous equipment issues within the aerospace industry.  

The FAA also reports that more than 1,400 controllers – or about 10 percent of the total work force would depart this year.  It takes two to three years to be certified at an air traffic controller.  

“What you have is burnout and it remains one of the most stressful jobs in the aviation industry,’’ said Strauss.  

From 2011 to 2022, the number of fully certified controllers declined more than 9 percent, even though traffic increased. Based on targets set by the FAA and the union representing the air traffic controllers, 99 percent of the nation’s air traffic control sites are understaffed.  

“The shortage is hurting airlines and travelers,’’ said Strauss. In fact, United Airlines is quantifying the effects of  air traffic control staffing shortages on its operations at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The carrier says more than 343,000 passengers were impacted by delays, cancellations and longer taxi times during the Thaksgiving holiday rush.  

Still, the flight cancellation rate for the first half of 2024 was just 1.4 percent – nearly the lowest rate in over a decade, according to the Transportation Security Administration.  And the average number of daily passengers traveling also showed higher numbers compared with 2019.    

AAA recently projected that nearly 119 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period from Saturday, Dec. 21, to Wednesday Jan. 1. This year’s domestic travel projection narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA also expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year when the COVID pandemic kept many travelers at home.  

Donna Madaras, a retired school teacher from Pittsburgh, Pa, said she is not worried about the controller shortage because she is traveling with friends.  “If I was by myself, I would worry. “ 

Other travelers like Bernie Woodruff of Washington, Pa. said he just closes his eyes and waits until the plane lands.  “I just keep my fingers crossed the whole time,’’ said Woodruff, a retired shoe salesman.  

Industry experts report that the best day to fly to avoid the the holiday rush is Christmas Eve.