Putting ‘Safety First’ no cliché for OMNI
Introduced in 2006, ‘Safety First’, OMNI’s new health and safety manual, could very well be collecting dust in managers’ offices by now.

But throughout 2006, OMNI’s home office, supported by managers and employees in the individual homes, embraced ‘Safety First’ as a philosophy not just a binder of rules and regulations.

The long-term care provider launched a multi-faceted training approach aimed at reducing the number of on-the-job injuries and subsequent Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims and creating safer living environments for its residents.

OMNI participated in the Safety Group training program sponsored by a number of different organizations including Dunk & Associates, which works closely with the WSIB.

Two people from each home, the administrator and a second manager, took part in the Safety Group training program, along with human resources manager April Dowdall, who represented home office. There were four training sessions throughout 2006, which involved education in five different safety elements. The training hit home as a result of the dedication by the Safety Group participants. While management attended the training sessions the work did not end there. Increased documentation, training and leadership at the home level were the driving forces behind OMNI’s success, April told the OMNIway.

The commitment to take health and safety seriously became evident as the year progressed.

Take for instance, Woodland Villa, OMNI’s Long Sault long-term care home, which in December 2005 had 14 employees on modified duties. It was a record high that wreaked havoc on the home’s nursing budget, the nursing administrative services manager reported at the time.

“Our numbers were through the roof,” says Kim. “We weren’t entirely sure what to do.” But through a number of initiatives, including training sessions by the WSIB, Woodland had just five workers on modified duties in December 2006.

A highlight of OMNI’s year was a remarkable decrease in work-related injuries. OMNI closed out 2005 facing $650,000 in surcharges through the NEER ratings and this year is looking at a $50,000 rebate. Not only will OMNI not have to put more money into surcharges but there will be more dollars to serve residents, the company’s CEO noted.

As part of the Safety First Manual, homes introduced safety resource centres – central stations in each home where all the safety information is located -- and their creation is now a best practice.

As well, OMNI offered training in infectious disease as it pertains to personal protective equipment, a timely and proactive move given the expected influenza pandemic.

“People are working more conscientiously and there are fewer injuries,” says April, essentially making OMNI’s 16 long-term care homes safer places in which to live and work.

As the ultimate compliment, Dunk & Associates asked OMNI to sit on its board of governance committee. While safety training continues within OMNI this year, the long-term care provider also anticipates sharing its learning experiences with other firms.