Case Studies
Client number one has been working in the manual handling area with their work force since 2002 at which time they had a workers compensation direct cost of in excess of $350,000. At the end of the 2009 financial year that cost had fallen to $5,000 with a reduction in their premium of some 37%. BAC continues to work with this client today but solely in the area of prevention when it comes to musculo-skeletal issues with health and wellbeing now being a strong focus.
Client number two has 17 sites scattered throughout WA. BAC implemented a manual handling program on 7 of these sites over a three year period from 2006 to 2009. One of the principle measuring lag indicator statistics was total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR). After two years it was evident that this statistic on the sites where the program was active was some 9 points or 27% lower overall compared to those sites where the program was not active. In addition the overall number of soft tissues incidents/ injuries on the 7 sites was on average down 60% compared to the non program sites. This client is now about to sign off on a national program as a consequence of this program and the results attained.
Client number three is currently running a national program, which commenced in the first State in August 2008 with all of the country becoming active by March 2009. Prior to commencing this company had an LTI rate of 3.7 per month. A review of this rate nationally in early October has seen it drop to 2.6 per month and in some cases, it has reduced to 1.3 per month. Overall, the company’s reporting of soft tissue incidents and injuries have reduced by 47%. This program was scheduled to run for 3 years, which has been extended to 5 and now BAC has been asked to produce suitable on line induction programs, have input into the premedical/functional assessment process and develop musculo-skeletal risk registries as part of their standard operating procedures.
Client number four has just completed a pilot program in Western Australia involving a heavy engineering company that has proved very successful over a period of four and a half months. In the 12 months immediately prior to the commencement of the program the total number of injuries recorded was 23 (2 per month) of which 10 were rated as soft tissue and of which 2 were classified as Medical Treated Injuries. With the consistent focus of the program and application of 4 core interventions over the period of four and a half months the number of injuries recorded by this group was reduced to a total of two. This project model is now being considered for implementation across seven sites in Western Australia, a decision due in early January 2010.