City Launches Effort to Curb Workplace Injuries

Seeking to reduce the growing burden of workers’ compensation benefits and associated costs on city coffers, the City Council approved a motion Friday aimed at finding ways to reduce job injuries and return employees to work more quickly.

The motion, sponsored by City Councilwoman Laura Chick, calls for a series of measures to help reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims.

The city loses the equivalent of 600 full-time employees a year to work-related injuries and illnesses, Chick said. The total cost to the city has risen to about $116.6 million per year, she said.

The motion, passed 10-0, asks city personnel staff to consider programs to return injured workers to their jobs sooner by having them perform lighter duties, educate employees and managers on safer working habits and holding managers responsible for employee injuries.