Stevens Point Police & Fire Department: A 14-Year Program of Workforce Injury Care and Prevention
The City of Stevens Point Police & Fire Department has collaborated on a comprehensive injury care and prevention program from 2010 to the present. The initial program was based primarily around fitness assessments that provided indicators for potential physical issues. Success with fitness testing led to program enhancements, resulting in cost savings of over $2 million for the city.
The current program supports approximately 100 employees, addressing both work-related and non-work-related injuries. Services include early intervention, rehabilitation, ergonomic assessments, job site analysis, strength & conditioning, and wellness initiatives. These services, which total 11 hours weekly, are all delivered onsite at City of Stevens Point.
The proactive and innovative approaches used at SPFD & SPPD highlight the value of investing in a tailored injury care and prevention program that enhances employee health and organizational efficiency. It also speaks to the power of relationships and the importance of having an onsite provider with the necessary expertise and experience to bring it all together.
Key Program Features of the program explained:
Injury Prevention and Care Services:
· Early Intervention & Rehabilitation: Prompt access to musculoskeletal care prevented minor injuries from escalating into OSHA-recordable events.
· Ergonomic and Job Site Analysis: Worksite assessments ensured tasks were designed to optimize safety and minimize injury risks.
Testing and Conditioning Programs:
· Post-Offer Testing: Evaluated the physical capacity of new hires to ensure alignment with job requirements.
· Return-to-Work Testing: Safely facilitated employees’ reintegration after injuries.
· Recruit Conditioning: Prepared recruits to effectively meet their roles' physical demands.
Wellness and Strength Programs
· Ongoing conditioning and wellness initiatives promoted workforce health, reducing the occurrence of chronic injuries.
Results
Reduction in Workers' Compensation Costs
1. Days Lost: The program significantly reduced days lost due to sprain and strain injuries. The chart below highlights a drastic decrease, dropping annual days lost from 115 in 2012 to just 8 in 2023.
2. Medical Costs Incurred: Over 15 years, total medical costs were reduced, and over $2 million were saved. This reduction indicates the effectiveness of the proactive approach in addressing injuries early and improving employee physical readiness.
Conclusion
The City of Stevens Point Police & Fire Department has successfully implemented a cost-effective and impactful workforce injury care and prevention program. Through proactive services and innovative approaches, the department achieved:
· A dramatic reduction in lost workdays and medical costs
· Improved employee readiness and resilience
· Substantial cost savings of over $2 million
This case study highlights the value of investing in a tailored injury care and prevention program, showcasing its ability to enhance both employee health and organizational efficiency.
Let’s work together to protect your team’s health and safety while cutting costs for your agency. Contact us today to start the conversation!