Integrating safety within other systems helps a lean agency become even more efficient. Jim attributes Forestry s success in reducing time loss injuries to their injured worker return to work program. Deb Bogart, Safety Coordinator, assists supervisors in quickly identifying jobs for injured workers. Employee and supervisor involvement is another factor in reducing their injuries. Supervisors and employees are then empowered to follow creative paths to meet the same objectives and goal.
Forestry moves toward injury reduction creatively with programs tailored for their special needs.
Their most effective initiative was a pilot behavior-based safety program at a high incident site. In addition, Forestry is using new physical fitness tests and standards for its wildland firefighting workforce. The outcome of this fitness program is an able-bodied workforce capable of safely meeting the rigors these jobs require. Since 1987 the Top Twelve have been ranked in order of injury costs. This year they are in alphabetical order.