The Client and Its Challenge

This regional bank faced a high frequency and severity of workers’ compensation injuries and thus an increase in costs. Further study of the issue revealed that claims from cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) to upper extremities, i.e., hands, wrists, and arms, were the most costly type of workers’ compensation losses.

The Risk Consulting Solution
Marsh was retained to review the client’s ergonomic exposures and develop a multi-phased solution:

Workstation Assessments: Ergonomic workstation assessments were conducted at several locations and included individual adjustments of chairs, screens, work surface heights, and layout of equipment. Employees participated in the process by performing their own adjustments based on ergonomics training.

Training Programs: Several programs were conducted in train-the-trainer and lunch-and-learn formats. Participants learned about basic causes of CTDs, ergonomic considerations for offices and computer workstations, and stretching exercises.

Ergonomics Training Manual: A training manual was developed and distributed to the business divisions to provide a cost-effective method of providing ongoing ergonomics training to new and existing staff members. This training manual addressed basic environmental issues, furniture and accessories, as well as administrative considerations. The manual included examples of stretching exercises and proper workstation layout considerations.

Continuous Improvement Process Teams: Marsh provided training for the client’s internal teams on the Continuous Improvement Process, team-based problem solving, and ergonomics principles.

Medical Management: Marsh also reviewed and revised the client’s medical management system and recommended changes to ensure that injured employees received timely and appropriate medical care. As part of this process, Marsh consultants helped the client interview and select medical providers.

Results
The client reduced workers’ compensation costs by $2.65 million over three years and lowered the lost workday rate from 13.41 to .03.