Innovation Idea Details

Organization:
Vantage Living

Innovation Idea:
Three-Steps:
# 1 Renovate an underused amenity room into a workout room at site for employee use at no charge that is available 24/7.
# 2 Implement “Stretch Zone” stations throughout the building in all departments.
# 3 Safety Huddles for each department at the beginning of each shift.

What workplace hazard does this idea address?
Return/Recover

If other, please specify:

How does your idea improve workplace health and safety?
Our goal is to have staff participation in their physical safety become our # 1 priority by making it a focus on every shift and at every meeting. “Safety Huddles” will focus each individual on the importance of team in work. We believe that employees family lives will improve due to decreased stress levels. As well, by allowing family members to use our gym at no cost our staff’s family physical and emotional health can improve and family togetherness through exercising together is made possible. Vantage Living intends to reduce staff injuries and improve staff physical and mental wellbeing.

How did you implement this idea?
Stretching and exercise are both key factors in reducing injury. Offering no-charge easy workplace access to exercise and stretch before, during and after work will significantly improve the overall fitness and flexibility of our staff. We know that warming up muscles before physical work begins decreases muscle strain from occurring. By having “Stretch Zones” that are easy to locate where staff can participate in short and effective stretching exercises, staff will be better prepared to handle the muscle strain that comes with working with resident’s in a LTC setting.

What has been the impact on workplace health and safety?
This is a culture shift for Vantage Living. Reports show that within long-term care HCA’s are at the highest risk for injuries at work. We want to foster a culture where safety and the staff’s physical and emotional health is the most important focus every day and on every shift. Our goal is to improve the physical wellbeing of the staff and more importantly their mental wellbeing and thereby reduce workplace injury and illness and significantly increase resiliency. We expect to improve communication through Safety Huddles and awareness of resident’s that pose a higher risk for aggression.

Cost & Resources

What was the initial set up cost?
Mid-High

What are the on-going costs?
Minimal

Other staffing resources required:
Gym Equipment

Supporting Files & Links