Part 3 in the Analyzing Workers’ Compensation Claims and Developing Loss Control Strategies Series

Overview and Objective:

This article is the third installment in a series on how to analyze workers’ compensation claims and develop loss control strategies. It identifies the tools necessary to create goals to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries and illnesses and lost time occurrences. Using information gained from the two previous articles, “Accident Analysis: The Details Are In The Data” and “System Safety –Analyzing Risks and Exposures,” readers will be able to take the next step to set appropriate goals addressing the types of injuries and illnesses affecting the organization. State agencies will also gain information about establishing goals to include in the agency’s strategic plan and Executive Agreement.

Goal Defined

The first step toward developing goals is understanding what constitutes a goal. A goal is defined as "the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective. An intention."¹ Simply put, it is the task to be accomplished or the end result desired. A goal should be based in reality, not just something that sounds good.

In his book Safety and Health for Engineers, Roger Brauer discusses a goal accomplishment model that identifies the components necessary to accomplish a goal. The model² looks like this:

This model includes components necessary to successfully accomplish a goal. People participate in activities using equipment and materials in a place or a facility. In those places and facilities, they are exposed to a variety of physical, social and regulatory constraints in the environment. Other restraints include time and cost. Each one of these components can positively or negatively affect the accomplishment of a goal.

Getting Started

Using the information gathered from conducting the accident analysis, decide what areas need to be addressed. Create goals that are realistic, achievable and specific. Each goal created should focus on eliminating or reducing a risk or exposure identified in the system safety process. Avoid general goals that do not outline how the goal will be completed. For example, to endeavor to reduce lost time cases by 5 percent is very general. Instead, note specific activities that will be done to reach the goal.

Determine manageability, measurability and reasonability. That means making sure the goal is focused on something that can be controlled, has the ability to be measured and compared to actual results, and is not extreme or excessive when considering implementation. Also consider reasonability when deciding on the appropriate time frame for completing a goal. Avoid losing track of simple goals by addressing them as quickly as possible. More complex goals should be broken into manageable steps with appropriate time frames assigned to each step.

When considering if a goal can be measured, also determine how the goal will be measured. The success or failure of a goal can be measured in a variety of ways. Did the number of injuries increase or decrease? Did the cost of the injuries increase or decrease? Did the number of lost time cases increase or decrease? Are employees reporting hazards consistently? The answers to those questions can be found by conducting the fiscal year analysis using the tools and resources discussed in the two previous articles in this series.

Look at the information provided in the first article "Accident Analysis: The Details Are In The Data." The most expensive claim types in this example are contact with electrical current, cut, puncture, scrape, and object handled (caught in or between). The most frequent types of injuries are cut, puncture, scrape (hand tools), struck or injured by hand tool/ machine in use, slip, trip and fall, and strain or injury by. Employees working in the maintenance, general services and carpentry shops incurred the largest number of lost time days. All employees were working with powered hand tools.

One goal, for example, would likely be one to address the hazards associated with employees using powered hand tools. The injuries in this category are high in frequency and severity.

The next step should be to prioritize the goals. Once all goals have been developed, prioritize the goals and address the most frequent and most expensive illnesses and injuries first. Also consider addressing the goals that can be easily and quickly corrected early in the process. After the goals have been prioritized, outline how various responsibilities will be defined. Determine who will be responsible for completing different portions of the goals created. Also, remember to set reasonable time frames for goal completion.

It is important to include employees in the process whenever possible. Survey employees to understand what goals need to be developed to improve the safety of the work environment. A survey will help the organization gauge how safe employees believe their work environment to be. Hazardous environments may be corrected using minimal resources. Ask employees to give suggestions for corrective actions. Make sure employees understand all goals. When employees are included in the process, they will likely work harder to reach the goals.

If you do not see success or results immediately, don't panic. It may be necessary to re-evaluate the goal and change the method established to address the problem.

Strategic Planning

In his book, Strategic Planning for the Small Business, author Craig Rice defines a strategic plan as a program or way to manage resources to get results. He suggests four simple questions, termed SWOT, to begin the strategic planning process.

Situation: where are we now?
Weapon resources: what tools do we have now?
Objectives: where do we want to go?
Tactics/ strategy: how do we get there? 3

Referring back to the example, apply the SWOT method to address the number, cost and lost time injuries experienced by employees working in the maintenance, general services and carpentry shops with power tools.

S: There are a number of injuries occurring with hand tools in maintenance, general services and carpentry areas.

W: Orientation training and on-the-job training is provided for these specific jobs. Employees have access to policy and procedures.

O: Reduce the number of and the dollar amounts spent on injuries from hand and power tools. Lower the required premium amount for workers' compensation. Prevent injuries and illnesses occurring in the workplace.

T: Provide frequent training. Review policies to ensure that they reflect any industry changes. Communicate the policies to employees. Conduct job safety analyses for all tasks, especially those experienced during the fiscal year. Ask employees to report any system deficiencies or needed repairs immediately. Institute competency standards for employees using power tools.

Repeat this process for all goals established. Remember, goals must be realistic, achievable, and specific, as well as manageable, measurable, and reasonable.

The final installment in this series will discuss developing strategies to reach the goals identified and implement a plan of action.

¹ The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

² Brauer, Roger L. (1994). Safety and Health for Engineers. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold

³ Rice, Craig S. (1990) Strategic Planning for the Small Business. Holbrook, MA: Bob Adams, Inc.

Resources:

Miller, Robert B., Heiman, Stephen E., with Tuleja, Tad. (1986). Strategic Selling. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc.