MONIQUE NAVARROJHIOVANNI FRANCO

ANGEL ORTIZ

GROUP 04 SAFETY CONSULTING FIRM

BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING A WORKPLACE SAFETY PROGRAM

Introduction

At the forefront of productivity issues is back injury related workers compensation claims.

There were 956 workplace injuries between 2012 and 2013 at Quezada Imports.

Quezada Imports faced losses upwards of 3.5 million dollars between 2012 and 2013.

These figures can be dramatically reduced with the implementation of this proposed “Workplace Safety Plan.”

Issue

Back injuries have the highest rates of occurrence within warehouses, one of the main factors being the continuance of employees lifting of heavy objects without proper training. OSHA lists the factors associated with back disorders. (OSHA, 1999).

Reaching while lifting. Poor posture--how one sits or stands. Stressful living and working activities--staying in one position

for too long. Bad body mechanics--how one lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries

objects. Poor physical condition-losing the strength and endurance to

perform physical tasks without strain. Poor design of job or work station.

Issue

Repetitive lifting of awkward items, equipment, or (in health-care facilities) patients.

Twisting while lifting.Bending while lifting.Maintaining bent postures.Heavy lifting. Fatigue.Poor footing such as slippery floors, or constrained posture.Lifting with forceful movement.Vibration, such as with lift truck drivers, delivery drivers,

etc.(OSHA, 1999).

Introduction

Relevant Information

Injuries to the back are the most common type of injuries occurring in the warehouse.

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics shows that warehousing have the highest rate of Back injuries than any other job.

(OSHA, 1999).

Relevant Information

The Graphic below show the rates of back injuries on different work environments or environments.

Culture of Prevention

Having a culture of prevention is extremely important to avoid accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Since accidents cannot be controlled we must work to prevent them.

Culture of Prevention

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention offers this graphic which documents the primary reasons for which accidents occur in the United States.

Culture of Prevention

The International Social Security Association lists the next points about the culture of prevention (Helsinki, 2013). Comprehensive management of safety and health Ways to promote safety culture (e.g. zero accident

vision, resilience technology, attitude, cognitive factors in occupational accident/risk prevention).

Developing safety and prevention culture - the role of training and education (e.g. education and safety in health and safety, transition from school to work, lifelong education and training).

Benefits of prevention (e.g. economics, working career, work ability).

Available Options

Available Options

Recommendations

Mandatory 5-Minutes Stretches A cost effective way to reduce the occurrence of back

injuries. Improves muscles strength and alertness

Recommendations

Safety Workshops These workshops would be implemented in order to

avoid having incidents involving back injuries. These workshops can be utilized to teach employees

proper lifting techniques, such as lifting with their legs opposed to using their back.

A good forum for machinery operation training. These workshops can be administered at little to no

cost and are a practical way to educate employees.

Recommendations

Hydraulic Lift One of the best options available to help employees to

lift heavy items as it can lift up to 800 lbs. Increases Productivity. Cost effective Minimal training. Hydraulic lifts range from $700 to $1,000.

Recommendations

Hydraulic Lift

Recommendations

Pneumatic Lift Can potentially reduce back injuries significantly. Capability of lifting as much as 4000 lbs with as little

as 80 psi. The approximate cost of this equipment ranges from

$3,900 to $4,300.

Recommendations

Pneumatic Lift

Recommendations

Fork Lift

Great option for carrying heavy items with minimal effort.

Increases productivity. These vehicle can carry up to 3 tons. Cost effective as these vehicles run on diesel fuel. Training and/or certification for operation is needed. The prices for a fork lift range from $8,000 to $13,000

dollars.

Recommendations

Fork Lift

Cost Analysis

Hydraulic Lift Equivalent to the work of 20 employees

Savings of $72,200 dollars. Can save up to $3.451 million dollars per year

Pneumatic Lift Equivalent to the work of 100 employees

Savings of $361,800 dollars. Can save up to $3.458 million dollars per year

Fork Lift Equivalent to the work of 150 employees

Savings of $536,000 dollars Can save up to $3.416 million dollars per year*Figures based on savings from potential workplace injury claims.

Cost Analysis

WE AT GROUP 04 SAFETY FIRM APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THIS PROPOSAL AND ARE

CONFIDENT THAT UPON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “ WORKPLACE

SAFETY PROGRAM WHICH WE HAVE PREPARED SPECIFICALLY TO SUIT YOUR

NEEDS AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE AND ENGINEERING UPDATES, QUEZADA

IMPORTS WILL FIND ITSELF TO ONCE AGAIN BE A THRIVING AND PRODUCTIVE

COMPANY.

Conclusion

References

Primary research- Personal Interview with Union Pacific Railroad Yard Employee Mario Flores by Monique Navarro, November 18, 2013 at 1 p.m. Location Alpine Yard.

Helsinki. (2013). International Social Security Association. In International Symposium on Culture of Prevention – Future Approaches. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from http://www.issa.int/News-Events/Events/International-Symposium-on-Culture-of-Prevention-Future-Approaches.

Ege, S. (November 1, 2009). Occupational Health and Safety. In The Benefits of Stretching. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from http://ohsonline.com/articles/2009/11/01/the-benefits-of-stretching.aspx.

Nunley, K. (n.d). Chron. In Advantages & Disadvantages of a Weightlifting Belt. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from http://livehealthy.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-weightlifting-belt-1472.html.

Mayo Clinic. (May 16, 2013). Mayo Clinic. In Proper lifting techniques. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/LB00004_D.

OSHA. (1999). United States Department of Labor. In Back Disorders and Injuries. Retrieved November 21, 2013, from https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vii/otm_vii_1.html.