Uncovering commonly overlooked RTW options by inspecting the way we view inspections

Sometimes it may seem as if there is a bureau or a department to regulate just about every business these days.  In all fairness, these regulations are for good reason and we're thankful that there's someone there to do it.  With regulation come rules.  With rules come inspections.  The good news is that these inspections can be a fantastic source for productive and meaningful return to work (modified duty) opportunities.

Restaurant Inspections

Hopefully your restaurant is not worthy of Chef Ramsey and his camera crew.  If it is, well, you’re dealing with more than just RTW problems and I’m afraid our blog can only address so many issues in 500 words or less.

Restaurant inspections are conducted by various regulatory bodies at the state level to determine if a restaurant is operating within approved food-safety guidelines, has appropriately trained staff, among other requirements.  Many newspapers, as well as online sources, publish the health inspections of restaurants and other food service locations.  Copies of inspection reports are available by request from the agency responsible for completing the inspection.  The point is, this information is, for the most part, easily accessible and can have an incredibly positive or negative impact on your restaurant’s reputation (and subsequent sales).

Common injuries in the restaurant industry include cuts and lacerations, slips/trips/falls, and lifting injuries to the back.  The resulting work restrictions can include limited use of the involved body part such as:  no use of the right hand, no lifting greater than 10 pounds, must be able to sit most of the shift.  The old adage goes, “If there’s time to lean, there’s time to clean.”  Meaning, if you’ve got time to lean on the counter, you’ve got time to wipe said counter, polish said glasses on the counter, or refill said condiment containers under said counter – it’s like the military – there’s always something that needs to be polished, painted, or wiped down.

Restaurant inspections are based off of the codes in place.  Check with your local health department or state agency to see if they have any check list resources to help ensure your restaurant’s operations meet or exceed the standards.  Not only is it a good business practice, but it’s a great resource for modified duty.  A clipboard allows for ease of use.  Even if it is the injured worker’s dominant hand, they can probably check a box under “yes” or “no” with their non-dominant hand.  Most importantly, the work is meaningful, productive, and serves a legitimate business purpose.  This is the best kind of modified duty you can find!

Other types of inspections

 

Long term care facilities have many requirements to meet when it comes to Medicare compliance.  OSHA has numerous requirements related to various aspects of your business.  These include material safety sheets (are yours updated to meet the Globally Harmonized standards/hazardous communications documentation requirements).  Are your eyewash stations up to par?  (More importantly, does everyone know what the standards for an eyewash station are?)  When was the last time your fire extinguishers were inspected?  Are all of your crew members’ step ladders safe and free of cracks or damage?  Are your company vehicles properly maintained for safe operation?  Ask your Risk Management Consultant to help you identify some issues that OSHA may be concerned with and implement a checklist/maintenance system for compliance.  Use that checklist system as part of your modified duty options.  While it may not yield months of modified duty options, it will help you get an injured worker working and hopefully help prevent future injuries or citations.  The goal of course is to make your workplace safer, not just to avoid the citations.

I’m sure there are various other types of inspections that your business may face – be prepared and help return an injured worker to meaningful, productive modified duty.