PDRMA’s Injury Prevention Program (PIPP) is a cornerstone of safety culture, yet it’s often easy to forget training and slip back into old habits in the hecticness of the workday. PDRMA Risk Management Consultant Tim Jaskiewicz sees it first-hand. “I’m in the field frequently, observing both supervisors and staff,” Jaskiewicz notes, “and I see everyone let their guard down.”

Jaskiewicz offers an overview of the most common PIPP missteps he sees. As you work your way through fall and head into winter, renew your commitment to PIPP principles and the pursuit of safety throughout your agency. 

Incorrect lifting and bending. “I see field staff bending at the hips rather than with their legs to squat to lift things,” Jaskiewicz observes. He knows they’re aware of the proper way to do their job tasks, but being in a hurry and/or not keeping safety foremost in their minds means old habits creep in. That’s when supervisors can step in with reminders about safety to their teams.
 
Repetitive use of motions or tools. “You want to prevent overuse injuries by rotating staff through jobs during the day or alternating their tasks throughout the week,” he suggests. One option is to give staff two jobs to alternate between during the day, so joints and muscles can have breaks to relieve contact stress.

Stretching before working. Muscles not yet used are cold and stiff, so stretching before beginning a shift can help prevent injury. “I also recommend taking breaks to do reversal-of-posture exercises, especially when moving between jobs,” explains Jaskiewicz. You can download reversal-of-posture exercises and stretching guides, in English and Spanish, from the PDRMA website. We can also provide on-site ergonomic coaching from Athletico. For more information, read Athletico Rehabilitation On-site Ergonomics Coaching and Follow Up or talk to your Risk Management Consultant.
 
3 Points of Contact. We can’t really stress 3 Points of Contact enough, especially when going upand down ladders and stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles. “It’s definitely key to preventing slips, trips and falls,” he notes, “but I still see staff that doesn’t know what 3 Points is or forgets to maintain those 3 Points of Contact.” The most frequent occurrences are with lifeguards getting off their chairs and maintenance workers getting off riding mowers.

Jaskiewicz offers some additional advice based on his field observations:  

• Conduct a 30-second Site Safety Walk Through before starting any task. "This gives the employee an opportunity to focus on removing any hazards that can cause injury to themselves or patrons and reduces the likelihood of property damage."
• Wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the job. "As consultants, we see staff wearing PPE most of the time. However, sometimes they’re not wearing the correct PPE for the job. It’s critical to wear the right equipment — like properly rated safety glasses — for the right job."
• Use/choose proper equipment that best fits a task. "There may be two different types of tools to pull a cup out of a golf hole. Using a longer tool allows you not to bend down as far and is better for your back."
• Consider a back safety class. “The end of the year is a good time to schedule an on-site back safety class or refresher training at your agency.” Contact your PDRMA Risk Management Consultant to discuss options prior to year-end.

Focusing on PIPP creates a safety culture that lasts throughout the day by helping employees identify injury risk, perform work safely, communicate injury-prevention expectations and remain committed to injury prevention for themselves, their coworkers and agency patrons.