Part 4 in the Analyzing Workers’ Compensation Claims and Developing Loss Control Strategies Series

Overview and Objective:

This article is the final installment in a series of articles concerning the analysis of workers’ compensation claims and developing agency loss control strategies. It identifies the tools necessary to create and implement strategies and achieve goals. Using the three previous articles, “Accident Analysis: The Details Are In The Data,” “System Safety- Analyzing Risks and Exposures” and “Developing Goals and Strategic Plans to Address Injuries and Illnesses,” readers will be able to take the next step to develop and implement strategies and formulate an action plan addressing set goals.

Strategies

Often there is confusion and misunderstanding about the difference between goals and strategies. Goals are defined as "the end result desired."¹ Strategies, on the other hand, are the methods or tasks used to achieve the goal. Each goal should have a list of strategies that indicate the kind of task necessary to accomplish that particular goal.

Getting Started

Using the information provided in "Developing Goals and Strategic Plans to Address Injuries and Illnesses," one goal should address the hazards associated with employee use of powered hand tools. The article further detailed the strategic planning process termed
SWOT:
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?

We will use this example to demonstrate how strategies are set.

For Tactics (T), the strategies were:

"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."

Goal:

Reduce the frequency and severity of injuries related to powered hand tools in the Facilities Maintenance Department.

Strategies:

1. Develop and implement a monthly training calendar for Facilities Maintenance related to powered hand tools.


2. Work with employees to develop, update and revise policies and procedures that address powered hand tools.


3. Develop an inspection program for powered hand tools.


4. Work with Human Resources and Facilities Maintenance to implement a Return-to-Work Program.

Strategies are who, what, when, where and how the goals are going to be achieved. When developing strategies, think of the goal globally and then break it into different parts. What are you trying to accomplish? Who will be responsible for each step? How will each step be executed? When will each step be attained? Each strategy should address these questions. Example:

Goal:

Reduce the frequency and severity of injuries related to power hand tools in the Facilities Maintenance Department.

Strategy:

1. Develop and implement a monthly training calendar for Facilities related to powered hand tools.




1. Develop specific training related to:




1. Drill safety and use


2. Skill saw safety and use


3. Circular saw safety and use


4. Chainsaw safety and use.




2. Managers, Supervisors and employees are involved in the development of the training. Safety Officer, Professional Development, Managers and Supervisors are responsible for implementation of training. Safety Officer, Professional Development and Human Resources are responsible for maintaining and tracking training records.


3. Powered hand tool training will be conducted at new hire orientation for all employees hired in specified job classifications. Annual competencies will be conducted for employees in specified job classifications.


4. Training on assigned topics will be conducted bi-monthly. Additional training will be offered as needed.

1. What is the objective of the strategy? Is it being accomplished?


2. Measure performance and make comparisons


3. Take corrective actions.

This series of articles has outlined a step-by-step process of analyzing workers' compensation data, system safety, setting goals and strategies and implementing a plan for success. These tools are one of the foundations of Executive Order 52 (99), Workplace Safety and Health.

EO 52(99) requires agencies to:

1. "Evaluate the work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in FY 1998 and each subsequent fiscal year in order to determine how to prevent or reduce work-related injuries and illnesses;


2. Establish goals to reduce serious occupational injuries and illnesses and to enhance workplace safety;


3. Involve agency employees in identifying workplace hazards and establishing goals to eliminate or reduce them;


4. Develop, maintain, and monitor strategies to minimize the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses."²

¹The Department of Human Resource Management, Office of Workers' Compensation. (2004). Developing Goals and Strategic Plans to Address Injuries and Illnesses.

²Virginia Department of Planning and Budget. (1999, October). Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Governor Executive Order 52, Workplace Safety and Health. Retrieved May 17, 2004, from Virginia Department of Planning & Budget, Executive Orders online via: http://www.dpb.state.va.us/EO/EO.cfm

Resources:

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

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