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Program Description
In July 2015, ATI Worksite Solutions (AWS) implemented an Early Intervention Program at an international automobile manufacturing plant. The program started with two Certified Early Intervention Specialists (CEIS) on-site. After the plant saw successful outcomes, four more CEISs were added and AWS gained occupancy of the on-site medical clinic.
ATI Worksite Solutions’ program strives to make a dramatic impact on the working environment and culture of the plant on a daily basis. Through early interaction with new hire associates about work conditioning, AWS gives associates the resources they need for safe and optimal performance. With the use of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), CEISs are able to identify associates who may be at a greater risk of injury and give tailored progressive exercises to help reduce their risk. Continuous educational encounters on the production floor provide ongoing support through job coaching, stretching/strengthening recommendation, and general wellness information. Early detection, evaluation, and conservative treatment of possible injuries helps reduce risk and increase injury resolution through first aid. With the occupancy of the on-site clinic, AWS now has multidisciplinary collaboration between ATCs, RNs, X-ray Technicians, MAs, an NP, and an MD. The AWS team is able to provide well-rounded healthcare to all associates.
Facility Demographics
2 primary shifts (1st and 2nd); one department has a 3rd shiftNon-union2,389 associatesManufacturing
History On-Site
Prior to AWS there was very limited individualized injury prevention. The plant did utilize the “Move Smart” program where new hire associates were educated in a group setting regarding general ergonomics of the job. Before AWS occupied the on-site medical clinic, it was staffed by another company. Injuries were seen and treated after the fact and there was no collaboration between the other company’s staff and the AWS CEISs. Associates were often sent from the production floor to the clinic for any complaint of aches and pains. Now, associates can be evaluated and treated line-side and there is multidisciplinary collaboration. The ultimate goal is prevention.
AWS Objectives
The main goals of AWS are to:
Reduce injuries within the first six months of hire through early detection of risk in work conditioning and with FMSsComplete Functional Task Analyses (FTAs) for the entire plantIncrease educational encounters on production floor through increased CEIS time spent on production floor vs. CEIS time spent in on-site clinic
Results Achieved
Over the last year that AWS has been at the plant, workers’ compensation claims, cost, DART rate, and overall injury rates have been reduced. In addition, there has been a significant reduction in recordable injuries.
Injury Trends
Apr 2014 – Mar 2015: 1,166 injuriesApr 2015 – Mar 2016: 934 (19.9% reduction)
Apr 2016 – Sep 2016: 378 (59.5% reduction)
On track to see a 30-40% reduction in injuries compared to last year.
Cost Savings Decrease in workers’ compensation expenditure:
October 2015: $356,130October 2016: $292,132
Reduced Claims Decrease in workers’ compensation claims:
October 2015: 135October 2016: 81