Connecting industry to solutions was the focus for one mathematical team as they examined Mosaic’s “Measurement of Wellness and Off the Job Injuries” case study.

June 20 marked the end of a five-day Industrial Problem Solving Workshop (IPSW) with the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS), hosted at the University of Regina. During the IPSW, Mosaic’s “Measurement of Wellness and Off the Job Injuries” case was one of five industrial problems examined in-depth by a team of mathematical science students and mentors from across Canada and even as far as Australia. The observations and conclusions presented in Mosaic’s case were quite exciting.

“What stood out loud and clear for Safe Saskatchewan was the observation that there is a problem with off-the-job injuries and while industry around the world is aware of it, no one seems to be taking action,” commented Gord Moker, CEO of Safe Saskatchewan. Over the five days of examination this one group came up with a more effective way to gather data on which off-the-job injury prevention activities can be based. “It was confirmed that Mosaic is at the forefront of properly acquiring this necessary data,” said Moker. “In fact, we were informed this is something that has never been done anywhere in the world,” he added.

In the experiment it was suggested that Mosaic’s off-the-job injury prevention activities should be compared to a control group not currently involved in off-the-job injury prevention, to determine Mosaic’s success factors. The presentation went over a math model selected for a future study and a sample survey that would determine the detail around the cause for the off-the-job injury. The final presentation also acknowledged an information gap. “To take this practical application to the next level,” explained Moker, “Mosaic will need more data and a control group to make the experiment valid.”

Safe Saskatchewan is dedicated to preventing all unintentional injuries and “encouraging and helping along activities such as the PIMS study are a natural fit with our overall mission,” concluded Moker.

Watch safesask.com for breaking news on this story and new developments.

Safe Saskatchewan Online Survey Highlights

Safe Saskatchewan conducted an online survey from January 9 to March 31, 2008. The 10 question survey was designed to build awareness, provide some education, while also gathering basic data about people’s knowledge and interest in unintentional injures.

The survey was distributed by email. Safe Saskatchewan suggested that organizations promote the survey by publishing the survey link to their website. A printable PDF poster was also circulated for people to hang in a visible workplace area.

The survey received a total of 485 responses and 99 per cent of people who went to the site completed the survey. The average score for the survey was 62 per cent. Although last year’s average was 72 per cent, some questions were changed to make the 2008 survey more challenging.

Some of the highlights include:

• Only 10 per cent of all male respondents and 16 per cent of all female respondents correctly identified the economic impact unintentional injuries have on our economy;

• 76 per cent of respondents said they had either one or less than one, unintentional injury in their family this past year;

• Respondents are aware that the majority of seniors’ falls occur in or around the senior’s home; and

• Respondents understand that half of all machinery-related injuries on the farm happen during the harvest season.

Occupational Breakdown (click on the image for a larger version)

What does this mean?
As a quick snapshot, this survey demonstrates that Safe Saskatchewan's key objectives remain very important.

Awareness
Awareness of the impact of unintentional injuries, whether it’s measured in total economic cost or individual expense, is underestimated by most people. Safe Saskatchewan needs to continue to raise awareness and prepare people with the knowledge they require to make better choices.

Survey Questions and Scores (click on the image for a larger version)

To download the complete pdf, click here.
 

On February 4th, Safe Saskatchewan's Gord Moker and Mosaic Potash's Bruce Fraser kicked off the Saskatchewan Safety Council's 35th Annual Industrial Safety Seminar with the Business Case on Injury Prevention. The 750 registered delegates were given the opportunity to learn about Saskatchewan's staggering off-the-job injury statistics. Delegates also heard what they could do to help reduce the impact of unintentional injuries on their companies. To see the details of the most recent Business Case presentation, click here.

The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Conference was held in Toronto from November 11-13, 2007. Injury prevention leaders from across Canada came together and brought their own collaborative strategies to share. Safe Saskatchewan's Gord Moker also presented at the Round Table Discussions where he discussed Safe Saskatchewan's Vision and strategic direction.

To see the national and comprehensive provincial strategies that were presented, including Safe Saskatchewan's, click here.

Last year the first Safe Saskatchewan online survey was a big hit. Attracting over 1,000 respondents and gaining support from Saskatchewan organizations who listed the survey link from their Web site, all sectors showed interest from business and manufacturing, to healthcare providers and those already working in the field of injury prevention.

The Safe Saskatchewan survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation!