The school district saved $232,000 last year thanks to a worker
safety program put into place in 2004.
Gilroy – The school district saved $232,000 last year thanks to a worker safety program put into place in 2004.
The Gilroy Unified School District improved its worker safety record for the third consecutive year. The three-year decrease in recordable accidents – from 80 in 2003-’04 to 39 in 2006-’07 – translated into a savings of more than $700,000 for the district’s general fund, which can be used for staff salary and student programs.
“Four years ago, this district had a horrendous record in worker’s compensation,” assistant superintendent of business services Steve Brinkman said. “And I can say that’s improved tremendously over the last four years.”
The keys to the district’s reductions in recordable accidents were promoting awareness of circumstances that could cause accidents and implementing a first aid plan, Brinkman said. The promotion of safety in the workplace includes disciplining people who commit unsafe acts, celebrating good records of safety and encouraging staff to not take unnecessary risks, such as standing on tables or carrying heavy loads.
“Worker’s compensation is about culture,” Brinkman said. “We needed a change in culture and I think we’ve gone a long way toward doing that.”
The first aid plan allows staff to get immediate assistance for minor cuts or injuries from local health clinics. There were 12 incidents in 2007 that would have resulted in a filed claims if the district did not have a first aid plan, as was the case in 2004, Brinkman said. These would have counted as recordable accidents and increased the district’s insurance premium, he added.
The district hired a safety officer to implement their plan, which they called a 15-point program. The position is now vacant and the district is accepting applications.
Through these changes, the district has reduced its recordable accidents by 50 percent and its insurance company has rewarded it by lowering the annual premium from $1.87 million in 2005 to $1.44 million in 2007, according to district data. This is a savings of $470,000, not taking into account inflation.
With the money saved so far, the district could hire additional teachers, give raises and expand programs for students, Brinkman said.
The most common injuries in the district last year were falls and sprains or strains, which together comprised 60 percent of all injuries. Certificated staff, or teachers, had the most injuries, with 16 out of 39 injuries, or 41 percent. Certificated staff also comprise the largest employee group, with about 550 people.
Trustees were pleased with the progress, reported at a Sept. 6 board meeting.
“This is very encouraging news,” trustee Rhoda Bress said. “It just translates into better safety for our employees, money in the bank for us, and money we can use elsewhere.”
