Stand up and take the credit for dollars saved
Data, data and more data. That's what you need to justify not only wellness programs, but your position.
"The days of people keeping you employed because you are breathing are over," says Chris Kalina, MBA, MS, RN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN, a Munster, IN-based health and safety consultant and former director of global occupational health programs and services at Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. in Chicago. That statement is particularly relevant for occupational health providers and nurses, Kalina says. "You may be seen as something that can easily be eliminated," she says.
Here are three smart moves to make:
• Team up.
Don't make the mistake of working in a silo, warns Kalina. Instead, find ways to partner with human resources and environmental safety and health, such as getting involved in the safety or disability management committee.
"By partnering, you become more valuable, says Kalina. "Together, develop strategies that will either mitigate or eliminate risk." If your team reengineers a manufacturing process associated with 100 lumbar sprains that cost the company $50,000, take partial credit for that cost savings, she says.
• Project forward.
Obtain data from risk management on the cost of a particular claim, such as carpal tunnel syndrome requiring surgery. "Gear safety programs toward reducing the injury rate by a certain percentage, and project the savings forward," says Kalina.
• Find out what costs management is most worried about.
"Talk to supervisors and upper management to see what areas they perceive as high cost," says Kalina. "Their answer might not necessarily be what you expect. Also, go to your insurer to find out what the three highest drivers of cost are."
• Don't wait for someone else to tell you to cut costs.
Be proactive and offer cost-saving solutions before you're asked to. Kalina recommends starting with compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). "You want to ensure that the company is complying with all federal requirements," she says. "If you don't, there is a double cost. You have a financial cost of the penalty, but also the damage to the reputation to the company."
Data, data and more data. That's what you need to justify not only wellness programs, but your position.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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