Pico Rivera : City to Buy Braces to Help Prevent Injuries to Workers

City Council members have voted unanimously to purchase 110 back supports to try to reduce the number of back injuries suffered by Pico Rivera employees. The supports are intended to protect workers whose jobs include lifting, such as those in the Public Works and Recreation departments.

In the last five years, city workers have reported 42 back-related injuries. About 95% of the employees with back injuries are in the Public Works and Recreation departments. Last year, the city’s average worker’s compensation claim drained the city budget by $3,374. The supports will cost a total of $4,700. If the supports prevent two injuries, they would more than justify their expense, City Manager Dennis Courtemarche said at Monday’s council meeting.

The ProFlex supports resemble a cummerbund with suspenders. Employees wear the garments loosely until they have to lift something. Then they can tighten the support vest with an elastic strap that is held in place with Velcro fasteners. Employees who tested the vest said it was light, comfortable and effective, Courtemarche said.