PRESS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release                                         

October 6, 2010

 

Contact: (415) 554-6931

PUBLIC WORKS STRENGTHENS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS

Department’s Efforts Translate into Taxpayer Savings

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Department of Public Works’ (DPW) aggressive health and safety programs are paying off. Since 2006, worker’s compensation claims in DPW Operations have dropped by 44 percent and lost work days have been reduced by nearly 60 percent saving San Francisco taxpayer dollars and preserving critical public works services.

 

The Department made the announcement on the occasion of its fourth annual Employee Health Fair today, where medical screenings and healthy living information will be offered to its 700 Operations employees. The health fair will be held at DPW’s Operations Yard on Cesar Chavez Street today beginning at 10:00 a.m. and coincides with the release of seasonal flu vaccines.

 

“Helping to keep our employees healthy and safe is our highest priority at the Department of Public Works. The work we perform is physically demanding and our staff is out on the streets at all times of the day and night. We have an obligation to get them the information and resources they need to stay healthy,” said Ed Reiskin, DPW Director.

In an ongoing effort to improve the health and safety of its employees, the department has focused on overall employee wellness.  As many companies have seen, wellness pays off not only with the rising cost of healthcare but also with increased morale. This is especially important as DPW has reduced its budget but is continuing to provide essential City Services.

 

The department estimates that its health and safety improvements have resulted in six Full Time Equivalent positions saved just this fiscal year by reducing Lost Work Days due to injuries and implementing improved return to work strategies. 

 

DPW began a number of health and safety improvements, including a pre-shift stretching program, smoking cessation classes, changing the food choices in the vending machines to healthier alternatives and completely eliminating candy and soda from vending machines; and installing a secure bike parking station so that employees can ride their bike to work. 

 

Mohammed Nuru, Deputy Director for Operations began the Annual Health Fair four years ago to encourage employees to improve their health. The added benefit has been reduced injuries and lower workers’ compensation costs while keeping the workforce safe and healthy. The annual event provides onsite education, resources and medical screenings. More than 400 employees attend the Health Fair each year. 

 

 “What we are seeing as a result of these events is that employees are becoming motivated to change their lifestyle and improve their personal health,” said Mohammed Nuru, Deputy Director of Operations at DPW. “Our employees are learning that they can make small changes to their daily routine and see big results to their quality of life.”  

In addition to medical screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes; flu shots; and eye exams, the Fair includes customized activities for field staff, such as Yoga with Your Boots On.

“The DPW Wellness program was most beneficial for me by identifying elevated blood pressure which occurred suddenly. It was identified at the 2009 Health Fair provided for all DPW employees. Through the department’s continued education, my physician’s advice to see a nutritionist, and daily exercise, I have lost 45 pounds since December 2009 and my blood pressure has remained at the appropriate level for my age group,” said Darryl Dilworth, DPW’s Mechanical Sweeping Program supervisor.

 

Sponsors and participants include California Pacific Medical Center, the Department of Public Health, Jamba Juice, Recology,  UCSF / SFGH Eye Van, Farm Fresh to You, Walgreens, American Cancer Society, Yoga with Your Boots On, American Lung Association, Redback Boots, Colonial Life, LiveFit Wellness Center, Local 261, Employee Assistance Program, Queenvold's, SF Wholesale Produce, Sports Basement, Cloud Nine, and San Francisco Environment.

 

DPW received the 2008 and 2009 California Fit Business Award, a coordinated effort between the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness and the Network for a Healthy California that recognizes outstanding efforts of employers to promote healthy eating and physical activity among employees at their workplaces. A 2010 application has been submitted.

 

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services.

 

 

*Photo Opportunity:         

2323 Cesar Chavez Street

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 

Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.