CHWCA Cash for Culture Program Information

Hazard Description: When we think about safety concerns at work, we usually think of physical harm and the dangers that can occur to us physically.  However, no one ever mentions anything about mental health and the dangers that can arise from that.  I feel tackling the dangers of mental health can be just as pivotal as talking the safety concerns that can harm one physically, if not more.  The World Health Organization states in the article “Mental Health at work” that globally, 12 Billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of $1 Trillion US dollars per year in lost productivity.  Another article from the National Library of Medicine titled “Mental well-being at the workplace” states that in the UK, it is estimated that around 30-40% of the sickness absence is attributable to some form of mental illness. So as you can see, mental health if not take seriously can be detrimental to the success of employees and employers.

Safety Idea: The workplace here is great. I love it, but there is always room for improvement.  The late Great Kobe Bryant, even when he was the number one basketball player in the world stated there is always room for improvement. So let’s improve. One thing that made an impact on me was when we had our yearly clean-up day.  It wasn’t the actual cleaning up that sparked something for me.  It was the one hour break we had for an activity.  Let me explain.  During that clean-up day, we were given one hour to either participate in a game activity or go on a walk.  That walk meant a lot to me because I walked the whole way talking to a manager.  It was good to get to know him on a personal level.  I learned about his family and his previous jobs.  I got to know him personally and that was amazing.  It’s great to build a bond at work with our colleagues.  It’ll create a way better morale at work.  Getting to know one another instead of the standard “hello” or “good morning” makes a tremendous difference.  Life is about cultivating great relationships.  Let’s make the work environment like that as well.  So my solution is to have 1-2 hours a week for team-building activity.

Implementation and Outcome: The results is that it will create better relationships at work which will create a better morale at work and thus accomplishing better mental health for everyone.

Hazard Description: Earlier sundown times in the Fall/Winter create potentially unsafe conditions for employees walking to their parking garage. There are several homeless encampments around the buildings and individuals walking the streets who may not be sound of mind.

Safety Idea: Providing staff with a keychain whistle would alert other commuters of an issue and possibly scare off a stalker or predator.

Implementation and Outcome: When the whistle is blown, other commuters would be alerted and able to jump to an employee’s defense. Or the whistle may be blown and scare off a predator who is stalking or intending to attack an employee. Since the streets are darker during Fall/Winter hours, the whistle would help draw attention from commuters where it might have gone unnoticed.

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Hazard Description: From a social support workplace perspective, dealing with people in mental health crisis is anticipated, yet difficult, especially for employees with little experience in defusing problematic behaviors and challenging situations. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis, with or without the presence of mental illness, since it can be triggered by acute distress, frustration, or substance abuse. Mental health crises are often associated with disturbance in thinking, emotions, or behavior, as well as associated with an increased risk of harm to self or others. Hence, intentional efforts in providing trainings to develop employees’ crisis de-escalation competences will help eliminate/ minimize potential harms and crisis situations in the workplace.

Safety Idea: Train staff or train-the-trainer to train staff in Verbal crisis intervention techniques or Non-violent crisis intervention practices.

Implementation and Outcome: Employees will develop competency and confidence in risk assessment and handling mental health crisis situations in a manner that minimizes harm, respects human dignity, and promotes a culture of safety in the workplace.

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Hazard Description: Staff can be negatively impacted by extreme stress and burnout. For example, direct contact with aggressive residents, short timelines, or even a shortage of staff can lead to uneven workloads. This can impact staff in many negative ways, for instance, changes in sleep pattern, over-eating, anxiety, etc. Over time if an employee begins to over eat, this can lead to health conditions and changes in work productivity. It is important that employers teach their employees how to build resilience to prevent early warning signs of burnout.

Safety Idea: Employers should recognize and focus on the importance of mental health. Furthermore, employers should provide employees with mindfulness training, and access to counseling services for those who are struggling. Doing mindful breathing for 5 minutes a day for 30 days can reduce stress and anxiety by 30% (Speca et al., 2000).

Implementation and Outcome: According to Harvard Business Review (2019) Mindfulness is defines as “being responsive to the present, whether involving experiences or events.” Mindfulness has been proven to enable an individual to stay on task, approach problems with an open-mind, and avoidance of taking disagreements personally (Harvard Business review, 2019). Again, as sated by Harvard Business Review (2021) mindfulness can help an individual focus, think, act, and feel more clearly, as well as support long-term well-being, work productivity, and relationships. By building a culture that is okay to talk about your stress, this can foster a supportive culture and team. The domino effect can aid in building workplace resilience, help guide individuals to practice healthier well-being routines and manage stress.

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Hazard Description: The exterior lighting at our maintenance shops is outdated and is not sufficient. Which can lead to an increase in accidents or theft vandalism to the building and work trucks used by our maintenance staff.

Safety Idea: Installing LED lights and motion sensor lights in and around the maintenance shops and parking lot areas to improve the exterior lighting when staff arrive early in the morning or finishing up their work day late in the afternoon when its dark and lightning is scheduled to come on.
Implementation and Outcome: The improved exterior lighting will help minimize the possibilities of an accident and help deter vandalism theft.

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Hazard Description: As a housing inspector, spend a majority of my days working out in the field. When the hot seasons reach temperatures of 90’s to 3-digit degrees, it is mentally/physically exhausting & excruciating to work outside, going up & down stairs, entering hot homes with little to no air conditioning, & doing exterior inspections. Although I do take extra precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, (e.g.: stay hydrated, rest under shaded areas, cool down in the car with the air conditioner), the cooling process still takes some time.

Safety Idea: For those employees who work out in the field, we do not have access to constant air-conditioned work environments. A simple & inexpensive solution would be for employers to provide/make accessible cooling towels & portable neck fans for employees to use. Both contraptions are cost effective, easily accessible, lightweight, & portable so that employees can take them wherever they go without a hassle.

Implementation and Outcome: I purchased both items for myself this past summer & still use them daily. The wet cooling neck towel alleviates the unbearably hot temperature/heat. The neck fan give an immediate cool down as the car air conditioner activates. Hot seasons would be a struggle if 1 did not have my cooling towel & neck fan to shield me from heat exhaustion. I believe that all employees, who work out in the field, would greatly appreciate & benefit if these items were provided/made accessible to them.

Hazard Description: In today’s workplace landscape, organizations have adopted hybrid work models, blending in-office and remote work, to enhance flexibility and productivity. However, this shift has unveiled a significant challenge: the efficient dissemination of critical time-sensitive safety information to employees working in a hybrid environment.
As employees alternate between in-office and remote work settings, the traditional methods of communication, such as face-to-face meetings and office-wide announcements, no longer suffice. This dynamic work environment demands a reliable and streamlined communication strategy that ensures vital information reaches all employees promptly, regardless of their physical location. Finding effective solutions to these challenges is imperative to maintain operational safety, uphold security standards, and sustain a cohesive organizational culture in the hybrid work era.

Safety Idea: In our dynamic hybrid work environment, we have implemented the use of a robust and comprehensive mass notification system called RedFlag that leverages multiple communication channels to ensure efficient, reliable and immediate message delivery to our dedicated staff. This system combines the power of phone voice calls, phone text messages, and Microsoft Teams messaging to reach our team members wherever they are, whether in the office, at home, or on the go. This integrated approach employing our most common communication methods enables us to maintain seamless and real-time communication, fostering safety and keeping our workforce informed, engaged, and well-connected, regardless of their physical location.
We have integrated this notification system with ADP, our HR, payroll, and timecard system. This integration ensures that we consistently maintain the most up-to-date staff contact information and minimizes the risk of outdated information.

Implementation and Outcome: The utilization of our mass notification system, RedFlag, has yielded highly effective and reassuring results for our organization. RedFlag has significantly improved our ability to swiftly disseminate critical information to our staff in a timely and efficient manner. This enhanced communication has bolstered our team’s responsiveness and overall preparedness, allowing us to address emergencies and important announcements promptly. Furthermore, the system’s integration with our HR, payroll, and timecard system has ensured that contact information remains up-to-date, minimizing the risk of communication gaps and ensuring that our messages reach their intended recipients. Overall, RedFlag has strengthened our organization’s resilience, employee engagement, and the overall safety of our workforce, making it an invaluable tool in our communication and emergency response efforts.

Hazard Description: Many agencies offer regular, short safety trainings. However, some staff see safety trainings as extraneous and not relevant to their workday. When risk management and training seems like a chore rather than an option, staff are less likely to be interested in completing and learning from the activities. Furthermore, staff tend to retain and actively apply learned information when they have ownership of their responsibility for safety.

Safety Idea: To encourage staff to take ownership of their responsibility for safety in the workplace, the agency can offer a series of carefully curated safety trainings — the STAR Program, “Staff Trained About Risk” — with a monetary award upon completion.  Staff choose to enroll in the STAR Program, and have a year to complete the trainings. A workbook is provided with links to curated training coursework consisting of videos and documents, along with note-taking pages for staff to complete as evidence of doing the coursework and to remember their learnings. The final program course requires participants to select a safety topic based on their job duties and personal interest, with approval by their manager, to learn about and present to all staff. Employees who successfully complete the training program within 12 months will be recognized at all-staff meetings, earn a $500 achievement award, and receive a certificate of completion. Creating a program that is self-paced with an element of staff choice and a financial incentive is designed to maximize staff interest, participation, and long-term learning effects of being a safety champion.

Implementation and Outcome: This program was developed in 2023 and as such has not been completed by staff yet. However, the research done to create the program has already heightened safety knowledge and risk management interest of the staff who designed it. Though it is an optional program, we expect the majority of employees will choose to complete it and earn the achievement bonus. Financially, $500/employee is a minor operating expense compared to the cost of incurring long term losses related to workers comp incidents. We believe that with the heightened awareness created by the coursework, increased discussion from staff presentations, and a greater sense of individual responsibility for safety, this program will easily provide a significant ROI on the efforts and expense incurred.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: There are no handicap-accessible buttons at the front door for our handicapped tenants to access to enter the building meaning the tenants that are in wheelchairs and walkers.

Idea/Solution: I believe that there should be a handicap button for the tenants to push to be able to open the door for them so that the employees and security don’t have to keep getting up to open the door for them.

Results Benefits: Tenants will have access to enter the building safely without any issues and feel comfortable coming through the doors without always having to have assistance.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Toilet too low in the restrooms to use if handicap stall is not available, especially for anyone with knee/leg injuries.

Idea/Solution: Install handrails in all toilets.  This enables staff who need help due to a low toilet but don’t need to use handicap stall an easier way to sit down/stand up.

Results Benefits: Handicap stall will be available for anyone who needs the extra space, but staff can use all stalls.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Our HA office can get very busy at time whether it be with employees, visitors, clients, and tenants coming and going.  The facility is in the middle of some of the public housing units, so people often come in that live nearby when our lobby is open.  It would be beneficial to have an AED to be used.

Idea/Solution: There are a variety of AEDs, and grant money for AED which often goes unclaimed each year, can be used to purchase AED.

Results Benefits: We would be prepared for the possibility of increasing the probability of a person’s survival if they unfortunately suffer a sudden cardiac arrest while at the HA.

Hazard Description: Inadequate/outdated ventilation system in room areas creates poor air quality for employees and sensitive groups. This was mostly observed in bathroom areas. The buildup of dust, dirt and grime can have a increasing effect on employees’ health and the work environment.

Safety Idea: Provide janitorial or housekeeping staff with upgraded resources to clean vents thoroughly, especially in bathrooms. Tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) like vacuums and face masks to prevent buildup and breathing in the dust or impacted air would help.

Implementation and Outcomes:

Remove the fire hazard from the collection of dust, lint, and other flammable debris;

Create a clean air environment for employees in the office space and bathrooms;

Keep spaces free of dust/lint that improves overall cleanliness for the agency which improves morale!

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Hazards or safety problems can arise at any time.  There should be an open channel to vent these concerns all year around that would allow the person to share the concern without necessarily identifying themselves.

Idea/Solution: Create an online platform or google sheet that allows the employees to share their safety concerns with the agency without identifying themselves.

Results Benefits: This may yield higher participation from employees all year around and allow the agency to take proactive measures to prevent the consequences of any of the safety/hazard concerns.  Especially if it is a hazard or safety concern, they feel uncomfortable with disclosing.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: The problem I am identifying is the potential for carbon Monoxide Poisoning.  Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely, Heating and cooking equipment that can be found in the office and break room kitchen, which burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide.

Idea/Solution: Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location as well as next to any gas appliances.  Also, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in multiple areas of the maintenance garage and shop area and where cars trucks and gas-powered equipment are operated.

Results Benefits: Having carbon monoxide alarms installed will help avoid potential injury or possibly death associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.  The alarm will bring the danger to your attention and give people time to exit the building to a safe location away from the gas and call for help as needed.  Additionally, during or after an earthquake, the alarm could bring attention to a possible gas leak or utility/equipment failure that would otherwise go unnoticed. Until it’s too late.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Cyber security threats have always been a concern to our housing authority. These threats can be in the form of malware, phishing and spear-phishing, ransomware, and many other ways. Recently these threats have been infiltrating housing authorities around the country. Both small and very large housing authorities are impacted by these threats creating havoc to internal and customer operations and jeopardizing the security of client and employee personally identifiable information. Ransomware amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars is being requested while housing authority data is held hostage by the perpetrators. Housing Authorities must be ready to react quickly to such threats no matter how large or small the attacks are. Staff must know how to control the situation and still provide good leadership to their staff and customers. The cyber security risk consultant team must be contacted immediately (on speed dial) to ensure the Housing Authority follows all steps to ensure a quick recovery from this attack. Each Housing Authority must also have a Cyber Incident Response Plan that is detailed, and nimble to address issues quickly and efficiently to protect the Housing Authority.

Idea/Solution: The objectives of the Cyber Incident Response Plan (Plan) are to: Identify the Housing Authority Incident Response Team (IRT) members and their responsibilities; Provide a systematic and efficient means of response and recovery in a time frame that meets or exceeds contractual and regulatory requirements; Minimize disruption to business operations and loss or theft of sensitive information; Minimize negative impact to third parties, including customers and employees; and Minimize any negative impact to the Housing Authority’s financial health and reputation The Plan applies to: Business, customer, or employee information owned or managed by the Housing Authority in electronic or non-electronic form; Infrastructure, systems, and devices necessary for business operations, that are maintained, owned, shared or supported by the Housing Authority; Third party infrastructure (i.e. vendors) upon which the Housing Authority relies to transmit, process, or store information.

Results Benefits: The Plan should have the following sections -When the IRT Should Be Convened and IRT Responsibilities -Incident Manager Responsibilities – Testing the Plan -Detection and Analysis -Identification and Escalation of an Incident -Risk Assessment- Is this a Significant Incident? -External Communications -Handling of Systems Involved in the Incident -Collect and Preserve Information -Containment, Eradication and Recovery -Remediation and Recovery With a detailed plan that is tested and vetted properly, if infiltrated, the Housing Authority is in a good position to recover from the attack quickly and efficiently.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: I travel throughout the county which can take you out in rural area, up mountain terrain, on hazardous roads, and in areas that will have no cell service.  The probability that you will one day encounter road hazards such as flat tire, car accident, get stuck in mud and or snow, is very likely. So, what do you do in the event of a road hazard if your miles or hours way from help.

Idea/Solution: Worker vehicle should be equipped with a Roadside Safety Plan.  This would include a contact list of people you need to call I the event of emergent situation; batter or solar powered road flares; and fix a flat.

Results Benefits: Feeling safe secure and confident in your work vehicle. It would make it easier for employees who encounter roadside situation to have a Roadside Safety Plan and knowing you have a plan of action.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Although Agency vehicles are equipped with GPS to monitor speed limits, some employees do not maintain the speed limit. Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, killing 12,330, or an average of over 33 people per day. The total number of fatal motor-vehicle crashes attributable to speeding was 11,057. Additionally, every time a driver goes over the speed limit, they are essentially wasting gas and money – and creating unnecessary greenhouse gases.

Idea/Solution: Each Agency vehicle should have a bumper sticker that states.” the vehicle’s speed is monitored by GPS. speed limits will be maintained.” This is visual reminder to drivers each time they get into a company vehicle to maintain their speed, Additionally, Bumper stickers are an unspoken form of social interaction that takes place silently between car drivers. The bumper sticker will let other drivers know the car will not speed. This will also help the Agency driver not feel pressure to speed if being tail gated or drive with the flow of traffic. Other drivers are likely to back off from the Agency vehicle knowing they will not speed.

Results Benefits: By maintaining a safe speed driver can better control their vehicles and carefully react to changing road conditions, like traffic or weather impacts. Maintaining speed also provides added protection to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists along the roadway. Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases produce an increase in the average surface temperature of the earth over time (Climate change) reducing speed also reduces greenhouse gases, climate change and saves money for the Agency.

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Hazard Description:   IT and maintenance staff are regularly required to use company vehicles to respond to service requests. During these routes, agency vehicles are exposed to possible accidents, insurance fraud, property theft, and traffic citations or moving violations.

Safety Idea: Protect the agency and the driver in the case of any of these events occurring by installing dash cameras in agency vehicles.

Implementation and Outcomes:

Advanced a safer workplace culture and defensive driving habits using recordings that can showcase accident causes, theft incidents, injury claims, moving violations or traffic patterns.

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Hazard Description: Limited visibility in company vehicles when backing

Safety Idea: Implement pre-trip inspections of the vehicle and take time to defog and adjust mirrors in the morning. This will maximize full visibility behind the vehicles. Install back up cameras on vans and trucks that do not have full visibility when backing up, as well as beeping machines that engage when the vehicles are put in reverse mode.

Implementation and Outcomes:

Add controls and safer practices to increased visibility in taking the time to adjust mirrors which could prevent costly accidents in the future.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: The displacement of excessive cords under the desk area.

Idea/Solution: A tube that can be attached under /aside the desk to properly hold the cords.

Results Benefits: This will allow for all cords to remain organized and reduces the possibility of being stepped on, kicked and damaged.  It also reduces the possibility of electrical fire hazard when paired with a grounded extension cord.

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Hazard Description: Electrical cords that are cluttered or where daisy-chained extensions are present can create an electrical hazard.  Agency staff is not aware of this fire hazard.

Safety Idea: IT staff and be directed to inspect cubicles to clear up clutter and alleviate these hazards. Trained staff in fire prevention should be setting up cubicle and computer equipment. Fire prevention training should also be provided to agency staff.

Implementation and Outcomes: Train staff in fire prevention awareness and safe housekeeping practices.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: In a case of an extreme life or death situation scenario such as an earthquake, blackouts, shooting, and other emergency situations we need a variety of vital and concise information to shelter in place or exit the premises safely and effective and have ways of effective and rapid communication to be able to reach others and to make sure everyone is accounted for.

Idea/Solution: Implementing efficient and secure exits and legible maps to safely evacuate employees and visitors in case of a natural catastrophe, counting on working LED lamps and flashlights. In addition, have communication devices such as walkie talkies to communicate with others in case of cell phones networks or landlines are inoperable.  Create and implement extreme emergency training seminars and triage simulation to mentally and physically train employees and staff to handle and confront emergency situations.

Results Benefits: Counting on reliable and concise information posted on the premises and information taught by professionals in emergency conduction seminars and workshops will save lives as well as keeping others safe by therefore ensuring that safety of employees and visitors and minimizing casualties and or injuries.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Safety training-both evacuation and active shooter have been minimal.  IF a situation were to arise, most staff would be unable to respond correctly since there has been no training.  Evacuation area on map is too close to building.

Idea/Solution: 1. Create a safety team that prepares staff for a possible evacuation in all offices. Appoint floor monitors to clear floor/floors and coordinate with local authorities for drills. 2. Select better meeting place away from building. 3. Reach out to US Marshals for better active shooter training that explains how to react.

Results Benefits: Staff will be more prepared in an emergency, will meet in a safe place away from the building and will have a better idea of what an active shooter situation will be like and how to react.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: In the event of an emergency or earthquake, always carry your cell phone with you.

Idea/Solution: The idea is that you always carry your cell phone with you.  Sometimes we don’t think of carrying our phone with us when we go to other departments. Common area, restroom, kitchen, or copy room.  When we are away from our cubicles, In the event of an emergency, having your cell phone can assist with location.

Results Benefits: If there is an earthquake or emergency and you are trapped in any other area outside your cubicle, having your cell phone can serve of a form of communication and location device.

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Hazard Description: Too many safety procedures and protocols to keep track of at the agency.

Safety Idea: Create one comprehensive document or repository that is succinct, easy to locate or access, and placed on each floor of the administrative offices, HCV buildings, and at each public housing office site. A sample of an emergency booklet at a big box retailer was provided. The booklet uses colorful tabs with each procedure and is easy to follow.

Implementation and Outcomes: An agency can create a similar comprehensive booklet that is easy to locate and easy to follow by all staff.

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Hazard Description: During our active shooter training, I realized I did not know the extension number to reach the front door security guard. If there was an issue or emergency, there would be no way to alert the security guard unless in person. After obtaining the phone number and extension of the security guard, I realized this would be hard to remember in an emergency situation.

Safety Idea: Use of speed dial feature on my desk phone or mobile phone.

Implementation and Outcomes: I feel it’s something simple and easy that everyone could remember would allow us to reach the front desk lobby security quicker than if we needed to search for the extension number or have to go physically down to inform him (if that is even an option).

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Hazard Description:  Poor housekeeping in general office areas and exit routes are not clear of large items. This presents a hazard for safe walkways and exit routes in the event of an emergency.

Safety Idea: Keep exit routes and all general office areas clear of clutter and big items to ensure safe passage and exit. This idea is not just for employees, but for others that might be in your office, such as visitors or first responders (police and fire).

Implementation and Outcomes: Conduct hazard inspections and implement training for staff on good housekeeping practices. Do this twice a year.

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Hazard Description: In the event of an emergency situation requiring all employees and visitors to exit the building, and an elevator is not accessible, a means of assisting a person who cannot manage stairs is needed.

Safety Idea:  Provide a foldable stair lift chair to get the employee or guest down the stairs and out of the building. A sample of a foldable lift chair is provided in the submission and costs are approximately $600. This lift chair which can be attached to the wall in the stairwell on the first floor or stored in the stairwell. In case of emergency anyone will have access to this stair lift chair.

Implementation and Outcomes: Use grant funds or other funds to purchase a lift chair for the stairwell.

Hazard Description: When there is not enough messaging that promotes positive reinforcement and safety in the workplace, this can create stress and complacency with employees. Slips, trips, and fall injuries are rising from a lack of organization.

Safety Idea: Employees and organization can show gratitude. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in helping employees feel valued and appreciated.  Develop a wellness program that promotes the following:

• Model positive behavior;
• Use positive communication;
• Foster healthy relationships;
• Encourage teamwork and collaboration;
• Promote a healthy work-life balance;
• Provide employee recognition.

Implementation and Outcomes: 

Employees will care more about their workspace resulting in less turnover, healthier work environment, reduced health issues and stress. Employees will be more focused on the task/job at hand to avoid work injuries toward themselves and toward others. Employees will be more focused on putting stuff away to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Prevention of Carpal Tunnel due to excessive typing or repetitive functions

Idea/Solution: Work with Carpal Tunnel Therapeutic Exercises – make a lamented reminder and example so employees    can have at workstation 1 • Wrist rotations by moving hands up, down, left and right. •Finger Stretch. stretch fingers wide and relax them ‘Thumb Stretch.  using opposite hand. push your thumb backward until you feel a gentle stretch, repeat a few times. ‘ Fist to Stop Sign. make a fist, slide your fingers up until they point toward the ceiling, like you’re telling someone to stop. repeat 5-10 times.

Results Benefits: Missed time at work due to Workers Comp Claims will be minimized or nonexistent for Carpal Tunnel

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Term room crowded by carts which block file cabinets.  File area (multiple files) are hard to file due to the crowded space and hard to file partly due to flimsy files.  This created stress on the upper shoulders, wrist, and hands.

Idea/Solution: Convert the Public Housing room in a file term room with cabinets that roll back and forth the same as the blue files used by the Section 8 department for terms and port outs.  By removing some file cabinets in the current term room would create more space for the rolling card used by the technicians. Replace the beige files (moving forward) with a much sturdier file.

Results Benefits: The results would be to prevent arms/wrist and shoulder injury and overcrowded spaces.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Improper posture while sitting at desk or computer.

Idea/Solution: Head level in line with Body (sit up straight) Arms relaxed and straight with elbows @ 90 to 120. Thighs and hips level with the floor. Feet planted firmly on the ground.

Results Benefits: Make sure computer screen are at the appropriate level for the individual. If you use phone a lot, use a headset to avoid cradling the phone with your neck/ shoulder. Ergonomic chair if needed or adjust your chair to correct height, request, and ergonomic keyboard to assist with relaxed typing. Get a footrest if your legs are not level when in chair or feet on the ground.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Sprain and strains in the workplace

Idea/Solution: Educate employees on proper lifting techniques and equipment. Support employees to engage in regular exercise and stretching. Ensure employees maintain good hydration and diet. Provide flexible and comfortable workstations and proper footwear Allow regular breaks and task rotation.

Results Benefits: Healthier and happier employees.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Have you ever tried to help a client on the phone while looking up their information and trying to hold the phone with one shoulder? Overtime, this will cause strain on the neck and twist/turn injuries form answering phones.

Idea/Solution: Staff should have access to wireless headsets.  Its super easy to set up just connect the cord form the recharging base to the office phone.  With today technologies, wireless headsets for office phone range anywhere from $50 to $250 each.

Results Benefits: Using wireless headsets allows staff to maintain proper posture and fee hands to handle tasks while assisting clients on the phone.  Having proper posture helps prevent neck and should er injuries.  It is a minor investment that can make a big impact.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Office Professional who spend a vast majority of time seated at a workstation are at risk of injuries such as eye strain, poor circulation, improper posture fatigue and discomfort.  These hazards can be difficult to detect if employees have not competed ergonomic training or their workstation was never set up properly by their employer.

Idea/Solution: To eliminate the risk of injuries employers should offer annual training. On ergonomic or conduct routine evaluations of employee’s workstations on a quarterly basis.  Furthermore, employees should take advantage of their allotted microbreaks.  Many employees only break at lunch and not take full advantage of their 10 to 15 minutes break by stepping away from their workstation, stretching and getting fresh air.

Results Benefits: Training or workstation evaluations on ergonomics would setup employees for office success by eliminating injuries such as eye strain, poor circulation, improper posture fatigue and discomfort.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: With jobs becoming more digitalized, workplace injuries associated w/prolong sitting are becoming more frequent.  With the help of ergonomic office furniture, there are a few more things that can help to reduce the unnecessary injuries and pain.

Idea/Solution: Provide five simple ideas on how to reduce strain on the body by 1) Adjusting the right height on chairs and desk. 2) Optimize the keyboard and mouse location relative to the body and screen. 3) Reduce the monitor & screen glare by providing covers or eye wears (computer glasses). 4) Provide footrest to reduce the strain on the body.

Results Benefits: By providing and implementing some of the points above, one can see the improvement – 1) adjusting the chair can maintain proper alignment of your lower body, thus reducing the unnecessary pressure to the lower back. 2)by centering and adjusting the angle of the keyboard and mouse (ergonomic position), the user will reduce pressure to the shoulders and wrist by maintaining natural position. 3)by using anti-glare screen cover or blue light blocking glasses (computer glasses), it reduces the blue light exposure causing less eye strain and improve the quality of sleep – which is vital to workplace safety. 4)footrest helps to reduce back strain and allows the user to change position by shifting their weights. help reduce back strain and allow a worker to change positions by shifting weight. It helps with posture alignment, reduce fatigue, and ease pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and thighs.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: The problem is the how employee sit on workplace and use computer.

Idea/Solution: Arrange your workspace with ergonomics in mind, ensuring the correct height for your chair and desk, appropriate placement of the monitor, and proper positioning of the keyboard to minimize strain and discomfort.

Results Benefits: As a result, employees can maintain a more comfortable working posture, leading to increased overall performance, as they experience no discomfort by the end of the day.

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Hazard Description: Working long periods of time at our computers may cause headaches and body aches from not moving around.

Safety Idea: Reminders can be sent to computers that show a stretch and a 30 second countdown throughout the day to remind people to rest their eyes and stretch their bodies.

Implementation and Outcome: People will have more energy, less migraines, and able to assist clients better.

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Hazard Description: Remote working and ergonomics. As some employees periodically work remotely, they may not have the proper ergonomics set up to avoid injury outside of the office workplace.

Safety Idea:  Create questionnaire on work conditions remotely including lighting and workstation set up. The items to assess would be posture, level of monitor according to recommended height to avoid neck strain, mouse positioning for wrist and shoulder comfort, height of desk and chair and types. After the employee returns their answers, a supply request could provide any essential items to improve the employee’s comfort.

Implementation and Outcome: avoidance of injury and any future worker’s compensation claims or employee time off for doctors’ appointments. Employees will fell more comfort thereby increasing productivity of work function.

***

Hazard Description:

With jobs becoming more digitalized, workplace injuries associated with prolong sitting are becoming more frequent. With the help of ergonomic office furniture, there are a few more things that can help reduce the unnecessary injuries and pain.

Safety Idea:

Provide five [sic] simple ideas on how to reduce the strain on the body by:

Adjusting the right height on chairs and desk

Optimize the keyboard and mouse location relative to the body and screen

Reduce the monitor and screen glare by providing covers or eyewear (computer glasses)

Provide foot rest to reduce the strain on the body

Implementation and Outcome:

By providing and implementing some of the points above, one can see the improvement

adjusting the chair can maintain proper alignment of your lower body, thus reducing the:

unnecessary pressure to the lower back

by centering and adjusting the angle of the keyboard and mouse (ergonomic position), The user will reduce  pressure to the shoulders and wrist by maintaining neutral posture

by using antiglare screen cover or blue light blocking glasses (computer glasses), it reduces the blue light exposure causing less eyestrain and improve the quality of sleep – which is vital to workplace safety

foot rest helps to reduce back strain and allows the user to change position by shifting their weight  help reduce back strain and allow a worker to change positions by shifting weight. It helps with posture alignment, reduce fatigue, and ease pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and thighs.

***

Hazard Description: Most of the agency was sent home to telework during the unknown days of COVID-19. In doing so, I noticed that I have endured so many health issues since working from home. Also in the office some of the same issues occur at my workstation. The agency has not provided the correct workstation for home or office so employees don’t lose their health trying to work in unfit workstations. Some of the health issues are aches and pains in legs, hips and back wrist pain and knee strains that affect the usage of your knees.

Safety Idea: I believe that COVID-19 has taught us to change up things a bit in the event something like this happens again. In preparing, our agency should invest in making every workstation in office or at home ergonomic for all staff by providing safety videos on how an ergonomic station looks at home or work. 2. Provide necessary work equipment such as correct chairs that support your posture including your back, keyboards that provide flexibility and strength in your fingers, wrists and arms or sit and stand desk.

Implementation and Outcome: By providing some of the items listed above would improve our health overall and lessen some of the health issues by sitting and standing at times to release stiffness and stretch, build and strengthen posture for less back issues and safety videos will increase education on how to continue to work using the correct workstation and prevent some of the health issues listed nor create more health concerns.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Eye Strain, loss of focus, productivity

Idea/Solution: Take regular breaks. Look away from your computer screen regularly to avoid eye strain. Taking regular breaks allows your body an opportunity to rest from the tasks you are doing.

Results Benefits: When you return, you will be more focused and have a higher level of concentration,

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: One of the problems that is associated with using a computer all day is the strain it can cause on eyesight.

Idea/Solution: There is a film that can be purchased which goes on the monitors. This film is like blue screen protection that can be purchased for eyeglasses. If the agency can buy these in bulk and offer them to employees who are regularly situation at a desktop or laptop, they could potentially save hours of strain onto their employee’s eyesight.

Results Benefits: Eyesight is an important human functionality that is invaluable. Anything that can be done to limit the strain on our eyes is priceless.

***

Hazard Description: Employees whose work is primarily completed on a computer often experience eyestrain and retinal damage. Staring at a computer screen can cause the eyes to become tired, dry, or strained. When not staring at a screen, humans normally blink approximately 15 to 20 times a minute, which spreads tears evenly over the eyes (www.webmd.com/eye-health/prevent-digital-eyestrain).  Unfortunately, we blink half as often while using digital screens. Fewer blinks combined with the screens glare, flickering, and contrast of text against a bright background cannot only strain the eyes but also cause retinal damage (www.cleavelandeyeclinic.com/2021/07/16).

Safety Idea: According to the Cleveland Eye Clinic, the easiest way to protect the patient from the effects of digital screens is the so-called 20/20/20 rule. For each 20 minutes spent staring at a screen, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. The change in focal distance and light intensity provides the eyes with a break. WebMD recommends an additional break of 15 minutes for every two hours of screen time. Other protective measures include using a matte screen filter, adjusting the screen’s distance from the eyes, working in a well-lit room, making the text larger, adjusting the color of the screen to give off less blue light, and increase the contrast of the screen.

Implementation and Outcome: From 2016 to 2019, my workday required approximately 4 hours of screen time. Then in 2020, my workday required 9 hours of screen time. After the change, not only did my eyes feel strained with the increase in screen time, but my eye doctor also commented on the change in my prescription in 2021, approximately one year with the increased daily screen time. Before 2021 my vision prescription was relatively stable, with only minor changes. While this example is only anecdotal and the increase screen time may not cause change in vision prescription, it is noteworthy that after using the 20/20/20 rule in 2022 and taking a longer break after a few hours of working on a screen, my eyes feel less strained at the end of the day.

***

Hazard Description: Most of the lighting in our offices are not updated with more efficient and warmer lighting. Our current lighting is harsh fluorescent lighting, and this has been proven to cause eye strain and headaches. Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and blurred vision. The longer you’re exposed to the light, the more likely you’ll experience the problem. Symptoms of eyestrain include sore, burning, watery or dry eyes. Double vision and increase sensitivity to light can also occur. Headaches are common, especially if the fluorescent lights flicker. If you suffer from migraines, exposure to the lights may cause more frequent episodes.

Overhead fluorescent lights aren’t the only hazard. Most of the lighting in our offices are not updated with more efficient and warmer lighting.

Safety Idea: After some research, one of the top five ways to improve the workplace environment is to improve the lighting. In general, warmer yellow or orange lights tend to be better for relaxing. Cool blue and white lights are good for working, waking up, and concentrating.  An improvement could include letting in more natural light during different times of the day. This is proven to elevate moods and to increase productivity. And upgrade to our office lighting can increase the productivity and moods of our staff. Exposure to natural elements such as greenery and sunlight has proven to improve employee mood and mental health. If getting natural light is too challenging, try to bring in lamps to provide plenty of light to keep your mood and energy levels high.

Implementation and Outcome: Improving our work environment is important because it allows us to feel more efficient, productive and motivated. Improving our surroundings and developing a positive atmosphere can make us feel more enthusiastic about attending work and completing projects. Improving the work environment also helps employees feel more empowered and focused, which may boost morale of everyone in the office.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Possibility of falling off the 2nd story floor/roof while doing repairs or cleaning solar panels.

Idea/Solution: Make sure employees are using appropriate equipment for 2nd story job such as a harness.

Results Benefits: Less likely to fall off roof or 2nd story, which would cause major injuries that could easily be prevented.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: 1. Fall Protection (general requirements with ladders) 2. Personal Protection (respiratory, and eye and face protection)

Idea/Solution: 1. When operating with a ladder, always make sure there are two people. One climbing up or down the ladder and the other holding the ladder at the bottom. 2.Wear a mask, gloves, goggles to continue to protect yourself from all germs that may be picked up on hands or breathed in wherever you are or doing at work. Wash your hands frequently. Every individual can play a part in their own workplace’s safety and wellness.

Results Benefits: 1.  Less falls, less injuries with workers comp. The position will not suffer if no one hurts themselves on the job. 2.  This will result in less people being sick. Or spreading sickness in the workplace.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Available Safety Alert System when community representatives and maintenance technicians are conducting site visits. Voyent Alert is an available two-way communication in which staff can send an emergency assistance request. Within the application software, the end receiver user can see real time location of the staff member who is requesting emergency help.

Idea/Solution: Voyent Alert is also available to provide mass communication for emergency, evacuations, employee safety, tenant relations / retention, building maintenance, and updates for Social events and Board Meetings.

Results Benefits: The communication within the organization along with the resident clientele will greatly improve safety and general communication internally and externally for the agency.

Hazard Description: Employees are using the oven or stove top at the workplace and on a few occasions, have left the burner on. This can cause a fire or burn injury exposure.

Safety Idea: Investing in devices or appliances with more robust safety shut off capabilities or smart technology that can generate alarms or send alerts to your phone.

Implementation and Outcome: While most appliances already have emergency shut off features, this will have the added benefit of preventing emergencies or injuries altogether and avoiding workplace disruptions such a smoke or odor.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Workplace violence and accidents, especially in a public facing agency, can cause traumatic injury.

Idea/Solution: Severe bleeding from an injury can potentially be mitigated by individuals with a small amount of preparation. A “Stop the Bleed” course offered to employees would help them be prepared for the situation. Bleeding control kits can be added to first aid stations in the event lifesaving intervention is required.

Results Benefits: Lives could potentially be saved in the event of a traumatic injury occurs in the workplace. Employees will feel safer knowing they are more prepared.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Damaging your hearing due to not using hearing protection when using a cordless impact driver.

Idea/Solution: Some cordless impact drill/drivers can have noise level of around 95 to 105 dB under load.  Recommended exposure limit is only 85 dB (Source: DrillAdvice.com) Encourage the employee to wear hearing protection when using an impact driver especially in confined areas.  Encourage the employee to keep one time use or reusable rear plugs in their tool bag/bucket.

Results Benefits: As a former maintenance technician, the cordless impact driver was one of my favorite tools. An impact driver is usually lighter weight and provides easier driving of screws than a traditional drill. But I noticed when using the impact driver in confined spaces (especially in a vacant unit) the sound level was very high.  I got into the habit of having ear protection in a small case inside my tool bucket to use when I needed it.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: As a housing inspector, spend most of my days working out in the field. When the hot seasons reach temperatures of 90’s to 3-digit degrees, it is mentally/physical ly exhausting & excruciating to work outside, going up & down stairs, entering hot homes with little to no air conditioning, & doing exterior inspections. Although I do take extra precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, (e.g.: stay hydrated, rest under shaded areas, cool down in the car with the air conditioner), the cooling process still takes some time.

Idea/Solution: For those employees who work out in the field, we do not have access to constant air-conditioned work environments. A simple & inexpensive solution would be for employers to provide/make accessible cooling towels & portable neck fans for employees to use. Both contraptions are cost effective, easily accessible, lightweight, & portable so that employees can take them wherever they go without a hassle.

Results Benefits: I purchased both items for myself this past summer & still use them daily. The wet cooling neck towel alleviates the unbearably hot temperature/heat. The neck fan gives an immediate coo! down as the car air conditioner activates. Hot seasons would be a struggle if 1 did not have my cooling towel & neck fan to shield me from heat exhaustion. I believe that all employees, who work out in the field, would greatly appreciate & benefit if these items were provided/made accessible to them.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Unhappy applicants’ tenants and clients needing a cup of water due them being thirsty when visiting the office.

Idea/Solution: Installing a water fountain in the office lobby to allow them to be able to drink water.

Results Benefits: Happy applicants’ tenants and clients with easy access to water when feeling need to stay hydrated.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Used feminine products are left out in the open in the bathroom stall floor and floating in the toilet because they were disposable incorrectly. This makes the bathroom unsafe, unclean, toilets are clogged and attracted pest.

Idea/Solution: Provide individual sanitary disposable bags and have a waste container in each bathroom stall for employees to discard used feminine products in a safe correct way.

Results Benefits: Individual sanitary disposable bags and waste container prevent other employees from being contact with the contents of used feminine products instead of being left out in the open.  Prevent toilet from clogging and do not attract pest.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Flu and cold season is coming without being careful one may infect more people than necessary.  Door handles especially is where there is a lot of foot traffic which increases the chance of transmission of germs and disease.

Idea/Solution: Installing hand free door pull or forearm wrist door opener where there is a lot of traffic (bathroom, entrance to building, stairs, etc.)   will reduce the number of instances where the person touches the handles, thus reducing the chance of hand to surface contact.

Results Benefits: One of the main benefits would be hygiene and reducing the risk of disease transmission.  By hand free installation on doors, you can avoid direct contact with the door handle, which can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.  This is especially important in high traffic areas.  Also, it is more convenient as you can open the door with occupied full or dirty hands.  Lastly it improves accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

***

Hazard Description: Company fleet vehicles are used by various employees from different departments and not sanitized regularly.  With the COVID-19 virus, fleet vehicles could be a hotspot for passing the virus from one employee to another possibly compromising service to the public if a department is shorthanded due to staff being out sick.

Safety Idea: Agency can supply sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer in all fleet vehicles. Staff can be instructed to wipe down the door handles, steering wheel, and gear knob before driving out of the parking lot. Staff can also be instructed to use hand sanitizer when returning to the fleet vehicle after entering a resident’s unit to help minimize the chances of getting or spreading Covid-19.

Implementation and Outcome: significant decrease in the number of employees who have missed work due to contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Hazard Description: Inconsistent tracking and completion of the monthly site inspection form. This form is currently used manually and need to be scanned and emailed as an attachment.

Safety Idea: Convert the physical form that is completed manually to an online form in Google forms or MS Office Forms. This would enable an online submission that goes directly to HR or the head of safety. Electronic workflow alerts can be used for a monthly reminder to automatically go out to remind each person responsible for completing the form.

Implementation and Outcome: The online form can keep monthly track of all sites/locations and can alert HR which sites have not completed the monthly form to send out reminders.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Lifting heavy boxes when not prepared or ready and not expecting the weight of items.

Idea/Solution: Make sure that heavy boxes or items are at the bottom of the stack and have labels that are clear and vivid that say Heavy on them so that we reduce the potential of a back injury.

Results Benefits: Anybody that is lifting would be aware that what they are lifting is a heavy item or items.

***

Hazard Description: We receive our deliveries and mail to the second floor mail room. When we have large or heavy deliveries there is not always a cart available to transport them to our floor.

Safety Idea: I recommend adding one or two additional carts in the mail room.

Implementation and Outcome: The additional carts would increase safety rather than people carrying heavy boxes that could result in injury.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Health and mental state of employees during difficult times such as COVID, personal issues while employed.

Idea/Solution: Regroup provide counseling or meetings within departments to work as a team and possibly discuss options on how to improve the dept. or assist each other, working as a “team.”

Results Benefits: Learn how to manage difficult times, situations on life’s terms. Results: becoming a healthier, stronger, dependable staff

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Work related stress/Anxiety.

Idea/Solution: Agency designs and implement a wellness program.  This could have focus on the physical health of the employees, smoking cessation, weight loss incentives, team building activities focused on improving mental health of employees.

Results Benefits: Reduced rates of days off related to stress and mental health struggles, lower instances of medical claims if the agency is healthier.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Staff can be negatively impacted by extreme stress and burnout. For example, direct contact with aggressive residents, short timelines, or even a shortage of staff can lead to uneven workloads. This can impact staff in many negative ways, for instance, changes in sleep pattern, over-eating, anxiety, etc. Over time if an employee begins to overeat, this can lead to health conditions and changes in work productivity. It is important that employers teach their employees how to build resilience to prevent early warning signs of burnout.

Idea/Solution: Employers should recognize and focus on the importance of mental health. Furthermore, employers should provide employees with mindfulness training, and access to counseling services for those who are struggling. Doing mindful breathing for 5 minutes a day for 30 days can reduce stress and anxiety by 30% (Speca et al., 2000).

Results Benefits: According to Harvard Business Review (2019) Mindfulness is defines as “being responsive to the present, whether involving experiences or events.” Mindfulness has been proven to enable an individual to stay on task, approach problems with an open-mind, and avoidance of taking disagreements personally (Harvard Business review, 2019). Again, as sated by Harvard Business Review (2021) mindfulness can help an individual focus, think, act, and feel more clearly, as well as support long-term well-being, work productivity, and relationships. By building a culture that is okay to talk about your stress, this can foster a supportive culture and team. The domino effect can aid in building workplace resilience, help guide individuals to practice healthier well-being routines and manage stress.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: When we think about safety concerns at work, we usually think of physical harm and the dangers that can occur to us physically.  However, no one ever mentions anything about mental health and the dangers that can arise from that.  I feel tackling the dangers of mental health can be just as pivotal as talking the safety concerns that can harm one physically, if not more.  The World Health Organizations states in the article “Mental Health at work” that globally, 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of 1 trillion dollars per year in lost productivity.   Another article from the National Library of Medicine titled Mental Well Being the workplace sates that in the UK, it is estimated that around 30-40% of the sickness absence is attributed to some form of mental illness. So, as you can see, Mental Health if not take seriously can be detrimental to the success of employees and employers.

Idea/Solution: The workplace here at is great. I love it, but there is always room for improvement.  The late Great Kobe Bryant, even when he was the number one basketball player in the world stated there is always room for improvement. So, let’s improve. One thing that made an impact on me was when we had our yearly clen up day.  It wasn’t the actual cleaning up that sparked something for me.  It was the one hour break we had for an activity.  Let me explain.  During that cleanup day we were given one hour to either participate in a game activity or do a walk around the Sacramento Capitol.  That walk meant a lot to me because I walked the whole way talking to a manager at SHRA.  It was good to get to know him on a personal level.  I learned about his family and his previous jobs.  I got to know him personally and that was amazing.  It’s great to build a bond at work with our colleagues.  It’ll create a way better morale at work.   Getting to know one another instead of the standard hello or good morning makes a tremendous difference.  Like is about cultivating great relationships.  Let’s make the work environment like that as well.  So, my solution is to have 1-2 hours a week for team building activity.

Results Benefits: The results are that it will create better relationships at work which will create a better morale at work and thus accomplishing better mental health for everyone.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: The ongoing opioid crisis severely impacts the communities we serve.

Idea/Solution: Narcan is readily available and safe to use on individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. I suggest doses be added to first aid stations, and employees that interact with the public be trained on recognizing the signs of opioid overdose.

Results Benefits: Members of the public and employees that suffer an opioid overdose could have lifesaving intervention available on site. Employees gain a better understanding of the crisis faced by some community members and are more confident knowing what intervention is available.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Not be visible in the middle of the night when answering an emergency call.

Idea/Solution: Provide Reflective Orange vest to the workers.

Results Benefits: We are visible to other drivers and the tenants who observe us will have confidence when they see that we are maintenance.

***

Hazard Description: Losing track of a supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a maintenance van.

Safety Idea: Designate a safety station location in the maintenance van. The safety station is where eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and other safety items reside. The employee chooses a specific designated location within their van. This solution will reduce the amount of time looking for PPE in the van if the employee returns the PPE to their safety station.

Implementation and Outcome: As a former maintenance technician, I found that when I placed items in the same spot in the van it was much easier to find what I needed. If the employee can get into the habit of placing PPE in their vehicle safety station, they will be more likely to be able to find it and ultimately use it.

Hazard Description: Reporting safety hazards should not make a person feel like they are tattling or causing a ruckus especially if they report problems multiple times. All employees and tenants should feel like they can report any and all safety concerns as soon as they see them and as often as is necessary. Fear of being seen as a whistleblower by peers or supervisors or as a nagging tenant are real and may reduce reporting. Reporting safety concerns should also be safe and easy so that there are minimal to no barriers that may cause a person to second-guess whether or not they should report a problem.

Safety Idea: Agencies should have a program in place that allows employees and tenants to anonymously report safety hazards so that they feel that they can be heard without a consequence.   An agency should have an area on their website that is conspicuous and simple so the tenants or anyone in the public can anonymously report a hazard or concern. There should be a place where employees can report anonymously on areas that the public would obviously not have access to such as offices and maintenance shops. These reports should then be immediately sent to a safety officer’s or supervisor’s email and/or phone.  Agencies could also have a tip line that people can call in and leave a message specifically for safety concerns that gets transferred to an emergency line that sends a message to a safety officer or supervisor’s email and/or phone.

Implementation and Outcome: Safety hazard reporting should be secure, simple, and protect the caller. Having a conspicuous and anonymous safety reporting system in place will encourage, simplify, and expedite safety hazard reporting and correction as employees and tenants feel they don’t have to expose themselves to questioning, stigmas, and retaliations.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Employees feeling overworked constantly rushing from job to job until they accidentally lose focus and get injured on the job resulting in minor injuries and loss of productivity.

Idea/Solution: Every Monday at the start of the week hold a small, short safety meeting.  The safety meeting could be on any safety topic from safe driving, proper lifting procedures, ladder safety, or pinch point and pressing point hazards.

Results Benefits: By starting the week with a safety meeting this can put the employees in a safety mindset and sends the message that the organization cares about the safety of the workers.  It starts the week prioritizing safety resulting in a reduction of injures and encourages employees to act in safety orientation manner.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: We all work in different locations and have different problems that present themselves daily. One site/job may never have the problem or hazard another site/ job does. So, we all have different challenges we each face day to day to keep safe at work and return home unharmed. So, one blanket plan will not always work for everyone.

Idea/Solution: A solution to these ever-changing safety problems or hazards that present themselves would be to implement a monthly or quarterly brainstorm session of everyone in each respective community or office to help solve any issues that may have risen in the workplace. Discuss these issues, assist each other with new ideas and procedures to ultimately avoid and mitigate these safety issues and hazards completely for each individual region or office.

Results Benefits: Results would be that each area or region of employees would have better tools/ideas to deal with the hazards and problem that persist in their respective area of work. A more specific plan for what to be done in your job location would be developed, and ultimately making employees more confident and less likely to make costly mistakes in the workplace, wherever it may be.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: The exterior lighting at our maintenance shops is outdated and is not sufficient. Which can lead to an increase in accidents or theft vandalism to the building and work trucks used by our maintenance staff.

Idea/Solution: Installing LED lights and motion sensor lights in and around the maintenance shops and parking lot areas to improve the exterior lighting when staff arrive early in the morning or finishing up their workday late in the afternoon when its dark and lightning is scheduled to come on.

Results Benefits: The improved exterior lighting will help minimize the possibilities of an accident and help deter vandalism theft.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Dealing with difficult tenants, vacant units, safety issues in office or out in the field.

Idea/Solution: Staff should be well informed on safety procedures, on how to prevent difficult situations as they arise within the office or out in the field, especially when examining vacant units when viewing vandalism, or when there is potential for conflict or squatters remaining in the vacant unit, during evictions or warning notices. There should always be Employees addressing these issues in pairs as they occur whenever there is an unknown situation.  Along with law enforcement if the matter escalates.

Results Benefits: Evaluation, Knowledge, Teamwork. Resolution within the Agency.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: After working remotely, the past 2 years, I’m currently working at an office space in Downtown Sacramento where the unhouse population has increased significantly.  I walk a total of 16 block to and from the parking garage and 30 minutes during my lunch break (not always the same route).  I’ve encountered feces in the middle of the sidewalk on several of these occasions (not sure if it were animal or human), and at times you can see that someone has already stepped in the feces.

Idea/Solution: While we stress the importance of in office workplace safety hazards, hazards while driving, being aware of your surroundings while walking at night or to stay hydrate on hot days, we must also be aware of where we are walking as it too is hazard.  Solution is to treat your walks like driving; eyes up quickly scan your surroundings, gaze a few steps ahead and check the left and right of the sidewalk. Also, change your shoes before getting into your car or before you walk into your home.

Results Benefits: We can’t eliminate all germs, but we can reduce the exposure to harmful germs and grime you’ve encountered in the world.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Currently, the agency does not have the metal detector to screen for weapons in the lobby. This could be a big problem if someone has the intension to bringing weapons to injure somebody in the lobby area or inside of the booth.

Idea/Solution: To promote safety for the employees as well as for the clients who visit the agency, I strongly believe that the agency should establish a metal/weapon screening procedure at the entrance of the lobby at the office at 630 I Street. I suggest building the metal detector right at the door entrance that leads to the lobby and to have the security guard stands by there to watch over the metal detector for any suspicious activities. This can turn an unforeseeable circumstance into a preventable action.

Results Benefits: I am hoping that we will have the metal/weapon screening procedure put in place to ensure the safety of the employees, especially those who are in direct contact with the clients, such as receptionists, caseworkers of the day, lead of the day. This will put the mind at ease and away from the life-threatening situation when the employees are dealing with upset clients/confrontational clients.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Earlier sundown times in the Fall/Winter create potentially unsafe conditions for employees walking to their parking garage. There are several homeless encampments around the buildings and individuals walking the streets who may not be sound of mind.

Idea/Solution: Providing staff with a keychain whistle would alert other commuters of an issue and possibly scare off a stalker or predator.

Results Benefits: When the whistle is blown, other commuters would be alerted and able to jump to an employee’s defense. Or the whistle may be blown and scare off a predator who is stalking or intending to attack an employee. Since the streets are darker during Fall/Winter hours, the whistle would help draw attention from commuters where it might have gone unnoticed.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Lack of visibility for security guard at 801 12th St.  Recently there was a person hiding in shrubs at the corner of building.  Security was unable to see this person.

Idea/Solution: I think the cameras on the building should be expanded and made more visible. Security guard does not have a view of building along 11th St nor along alley by garage entrance.

Results Benefits: Having more cameras will allow security to see issues outside building at better angle and more views also having visible camera especially along the alley may help deter crime/vandalism and cars parked in this area, which are mostly agency employees.

***

Hazard Description: Violence at the workplace.

Safety Idea: A security guard is needed from start of business day to close of business day (7 AM to 6 PM) for everyone’s safety.  In addition, more interviewing rooms are needed to accommodate more clients which will prevent them from coming to the office.

Implementation and Outcome: Hire security to cover business hours and make room for more interviewing rooms.

***

Hazard Description: The back door is being left open at our office space which create a safety risk and property theft exposure. Staff is observed using a chair to hold open the back door that leads to a patio. Some of us work late and you can see inside once it gets dark. We also had someone break a window trying to steal a laptop that was visible from outside.

Safety Idea: Install a buzzer that goes off after the door is left open for more than one minute (example)

Tinting the windows or install the same blinds that are in the lobby will help anyone from seeing anyone or anything from outside.

Fix the door to allow easy, safe in and out access. Set an alarm on it, so if someone forgets to lock it triggers an alarm or reminder.

***

Hazard Description: At the central office, we enter through an alley into the back door. There are several people that come in early or leave late. The lack of adequate lighting can pose as a safety issue. We have several non-employees that frequent our dumpster area that is right next to the entrance.

Safety Idea: I would suggest putting spotlights on the building next to the back door entrance. When we turned the corner to walk into the entryway of the back door, it is only lit up by the door. Extra bright lighting could steer those that hid in the dumpster area or are asleep by the bushes. Motion detector lights would be a great solution as well.

Implementation and Outcome: Extra lighting would provide a sense of safety knowing that you can see what you were walking into. The lighting will also light up the Ali area to assist in deterring crimes that may occur.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: As technological advancement increases with small, portable tech devices becoming more prevalent in our lives and daily use, so too has the opportunity for distraction in the workplace increased.

Idea/Solution: Do not wear earbuds or headphones at work.

Results Benefits: Not only does this reduce the necessity for repetition in the transmission of verbal information regardless of circumstance, but it is also more important to keep one’s vital sense of hearing unimpaired in case of potential accident or dangerous situation.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: People walk around with their phones not paying attention to where they are going.  You see them walking in the hall bumping into people turning corners, coming out of doorway walking right into another person.

Idea/Solution: Put posters to make people aware of the problem, selecting a week for cell phone awareness.  I believe talking about the problem and bringing awareness will make people think about it.  Make walking in public hall of the office a cell free walkway.  Challenging yourself and other to pay attention and making their office and agency a safer place so often, I see people walking down the sidewalk side by side engrossed in their phones not paying attention slumping off the cub waling into traffic.

Results Benefits: Talking about the problem in staff meeting brings awareness without pointing anyone out.  People will talk about the mishap the encounter by being on their phone, texting watching video.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Men and Women restrooms need better brighter lighting to be able to view water spills more clearly. 2. Lobby restrooms need carpet in front of sink to avoid water spills. 3. Door badge sensors. People with no badge have no way to exit in emergency (Active shooter). 4. Training on using fire extinguishers. Most persons in the agency haven’t had training.  5. Fire resistant trash cans.

Idea/Solution: Better lighting to be able to view water spills to avoid a slip and falls. 2. Placing a carpet will prevent slip and falls when clients make water spills in floor. 3. Emergency exit route for public in meeting areas (Lobby cubical 5 and Joshua Tree) of which are badge only. 4. Training for staff will help reduce the risk of a larger fire. Annual trainings will be helpful. 5: Having fire resistant trash cans will be prevent an arson in agency grounds.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Slippery floors from handwashing at the sink. This can be a slip and fall hazard that could potentially cause injury.

Idea/Solution: A very simple and cost-effective way to solve this potential issue is to install non-skid floor mats in front of each sink area in the bathrooms.

Results Benefits: The non-skid mats would allow the water that can be splashed down to go through the mat, while the rubberized mat will keep workers safe, and prevent slips and falls.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: The mats in the kitchen leading from the outside door to the public housing area are older and not absorbing liquid as intended, resulting in slippery mats during the rainy season or if the kitchen has been cleaned.

Idea/Solution: Replacing those mats with newer matts or with nonslip matts, ones that are better equipped to handle wetter weather and spills.

Results Benefits: New mats would lead to less possibility of falls and potential workplace injuries.

***
Hazard Description: Wet floors in front of the sinks in the bathrooms. This causes slippery floors which could lead to slips and fall injuries.

Safety Idea: An easy and cost-effective solution is to get non-skid floor mats to put in front of the sink areas.

Implementation and Outcome: By placing the non-skid floor mats in front of the sink areas, this will help prevent slips and fall incidents and injuries.

Hazard Description: Employees do not have a designated smoking area. Cigarettes are accumulated on the edge of our housing office main parking lots. With the dry debris, this causes a fire hazard.

Safety Idea: Smoking employees deserve a weather protected designated smoking area where cigarettes can be properly disposed in an ashtray or receptable and is cleaned by janitorial services.

Maybe the area can be a couple of parking spaces behind the housing building that has weatherproof cover and disposal, seating etc.

Implementation and Outcome: Increased employee morale for those who desire a smoking break with colleagues.

Increase the beautification of the working site for all employees.

Increase the health benefits of non-smokers or pregnant or sensitive groups.

Ultimately decrease the fire hazard it creates for all employees.

Hazard Description: Stress is the biggest issue right now for most of the people at work. It could be because of workplace or family issues that will result in different diseases like diabetes, psychological issues and cardiac arrest.

Safety Idea: There must be an employee open communication or therapy session with some experts outside the organizations to discuss issues they have without any hesitation. This outlet will also help the organization to resolve the issues and make employees more productive.

Another idea to keep the stress level low there must be one day a month where employees can meet and have fun so they can work in a friendly environment the rest of the days.

Implementation and Outcome:

As the result of this employees will be more healthy and more productive for the organization.

The friendly environment helps coworkers work as a team.

Hazard Description: Stress in the workplace

Safety Idea: Implement mini breaks to stand up and walk away for a moment. Ideas may include: Go get a cup of coffee; take a walk outside; ask for help from coworkers.

Implementation and Outcome: Changing your environment can help calm you down. Getting away from the stressful situation allows you to re-gather your thoughts. Getting fresh air actually changes hormonal responses.

Hazard Description: Unmarked, low hanging, structurally exposed steel “I-beams“ running at oblique angles relative to the floor beneath can present a hazard to one’s head and upper torso; not only as a result of the diminishing clearance beneath the beam as one nears an exterior wall, but also as a result of the often indistinct, red color of the beam which can blend in with the surrounding iron work making it difficult to discern the hazardous section.

Safety Idea: Specifically, I proposed to mark such beams in our second floor workshop storage area with a high contrast, high visibility paint using stencils to present the words “caution“ and/or “low clearance “ as available space permits. The beams I propose to mark are those in our common storage area that present a clearance, diminishing or otherwise of seven feet (7’) or less in order to make these hazardous parts of the structure distinct from their surroundings and easily visible to those employees tasked with working in the area.

Implementation and Outcome:  Individual awareness will always be a factor, however providing the eye with high contrast, highly visible cues to hazards in the immediate area should provide an aid to the effectiveness of one’s personal awareness.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Staff are not trained to identify and respond to common sudden illnesses such as seizures, stroke, allergic reactions poisoning a diabetic emergency.  With a half million cardiac arrests each year, cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest the longer the brain damage.

Idea/Solution: Offer free first aid CPR training classes to staff and get them certified.  Offer annual training classes for new employees and to recertify employees as needed.  In addition, offer or provide CPR masks for certified individual and have CPR masks with pump available her in the office as part of our first aid kit.

Results Benefits: Emergencies can occur anywhere when least expected and with staff being here at the office much of the day/week, it’s important for staff to be First Aid and CPR certified. CPR saves lives.

***

Hazard Description: Mental health training

Safety Idea: I believe for those of us that work with or around mental health client and tenants we should be offered some kind of training to give us a better understanding of how to assess certain situations.

Implementation and Outcome: With this training I believe it will give us a better understanding of how to deescalate a potential threatening situation.

***

Hazard Description: We do not have trainings on life-threatening events from experienced persons.

Safety Idea: Have someone certified come into the office and offer trainings on:

CPR – Active shooter – Earthquake prepare

Implementation and Outcome: If we have training on the above items, it could assist all of us in the event of any of the above occurs. We would also feel safer knowing we all know what to do in those instances.

***

Hazard Description: Due to the fact that we work with such a delicate and crucial part of a person’s hierarchy of needs, we encounter moments of high stress, fear and desperation. Staff members are also in a position of high stress due to the workload and working in an environment where we don’t know what emotions we’re going to be interacting with that day. At times clients come into our office upset at whatever is happening with their case and the situation escalates where both they and the employees they’re speaking to a raising their voices and actual communication is the last thing on their minds. I feel that this is a hazard and harms everyone involved, including the agency and other workers who are not directly involved. These types of interactions also have an outside of the office such as when there is disruptive activity between tenants and staff must get involved.

Safety Idea: I believe that requiring all employees who work directly with clients must undergo some sort of de-escalation training to work more effectively with clients. This would hopefully teach employees how to create professional boundaries in the workplace, give them the tools they need to choose how they conduct themselves and difficult situations and have an overall healthier experience at work.

Implementation and Outcome: With this type of training, I can see employees having a clearer understanding of what their role is in this agency while having difficult conversations. I can see there being less verbal altercations in the waiting room, a more professional conduct of personnel when law-enforcement is called on and fewer reminders needed on how to conduct oneself with conflict arises.

Hazard Description: For many years now on a monthly basis there has been a car accident in the inter-section in front of our building. These accidents have been very serious, and sometimes end up on the curb.

Within the last 2 months we had a car jump the curb and drive directly into the building. The car luckily missed employees, but it did end up 30 feet inside the building. This is extremely life threatening to our employees.

Safety Idea To prevent a car from jumping the curb and injuring our employees or driving into our building my proposal is to install protection barriers with fixed bollards. This will protect lives and Agency property. This is a very cheap way of protecting lives and assets.

***

Hazard Description:  My office has a large window in which I can see the entire back parking lot. It can get busy at times with cars going in and out with not much room to spare. I have seen quite a few near misses on vehicles hitting each other. This is often caused by vehicles being parked in random spots that are not marked parking spots. I know how it is, you’re in a hurry and think, “I’m just going to stop here and run in for just a second! “For example, next to the maintenance building or just stopped in the middle of the driveway. This makes it so that if someone is backing out to leave the area, they would easily back into the other vehicle.

Safety Idea: I believe that the probability of a fender bender happening in our back parking lot would be decreased if the vehicles were only parked in marked parking spots. Repainting the lines to mark the spots would help since you can barely see them currently. One could even paint a no parking sign in red on the cement where people often leave their vehicles.

Implementation and Outcome: I think they would be less chance of vehicle accidents which are costly and inconvenient.

***

Hazard Description: Employees who are entering the shop area are not aware when the maintenance team are leaving the area with vehicles backing out, and forklift work being done.

Safety Idea: My idea is to have a flashing yellow light outside of the shop to let employees know that a vehicle is backing out of the shop or that the forklift is being used.

Implementation and Outcome: The results would be that people who are in the area would be warned that there are people working with the forklift or vehicles backing out, therefore preventing a possible accident.

Hazard Description:

Here are two scenarios:

This scenario came from experience. You are driving an agency vehicle and it begins to rain. You go to turn on the wiper blades and it turns out the rubber gasket is loose and water is not being wiped away. Not being able to see the road will cause you to crash or hit something on the road.

Once again, you find yourself driving in the rain. Only this time your tires are low on tread. You are one puddle or bump away from hydroplaning and losing control of the vehicle. Tire tread allows your vehicle to grip the road for better traction and it helps with braking. On wet surfaces, having more tread is less likely to cause you to lose control while driving.

Safety Idea:

Regularly performing a vehicle inspection will help prevent these hazards from occurring. It only takes a few minutes for someone to check the wiper blades and tires. Some tire shops provide free tire rotation. In the process they will inspect the vehicle to make sure it is safe to drive. This includes checking the wiper blades, tire tread  and tire health (check for dry rot or cracks).

Replace wiper blades if they are no longer able to adequately remove water from the windshield causing poor visibility.

To meet legal safety standards in the US, a tires tread needs to be at least 2/32” deep. If the tires do not meet the standard, you should replace the tires.

Implementation and Outcome:

Having better visibility when driving in wet weather is less likely to cause you to have an accident since you will now be able to see what’s ahead of you. Also remember to turn on the air if your windows are fogging due to cold/wet weather.

When getting new tires, your tires need to shave off the residual material from the manufacturing process, which doesn’t take long under normal driving conditions. Now that you have more tread, your traction is now much higher and your braking distance is decreased. Whether driving in dry conditions or wet, you are less likely to have or caused an accident.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Heart Disease and Obesity from being overweight. Arthritis from loss of flexibility from sitting too long. Brain Fog from lack of oxygen.

Idea/Solution: Everybody could benefit from regular exercise, stretching, movement and fitness. I feel exercise relieves stress, reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and manages diabetes. Therefore, having our employer provide gym memberships would benefit all. It would reduce sick days taken, help with productivity and overall health. Mental health has been shown to improve with regular exercise as well. With provided gym memberships, there are no excuses to avoid taking care of our bodies.

Results Benefits: With a gym membership, it is guaranteed that mental alertness would reduce brain fog and errors at work. Office and team morale would be boosted from the endorphins that are released. There would be fewer sick days taken by staff who cannot sit or walk for extended periods of time due to arthritis issues, weight issues, or health issues from diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The stress from work causes increase in cortisol levels and regular exercise could combat those effects of stress. Gym membership provided by the employer would show all staff that they are valued, and their employer Is concerned for their health.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Safety is a topic that should not only be a required practice, but it should also be encourage and rewarded.

Idea/Solution: I propose a companywide safety wellness day.  This would be a day where the company does some type of outing together that involved some type of low-level exercise or stress relief outing.  Participation in any activity would be optional but meant to pull people in by making it fun.

Results Benefits: I believe that this would encourage safety mindedness and provide a day of stress relief for employees as well as bringing employees together in camaraderie towards a common companywide goal.  It will strengthen a company’s safety vision and get everyone on the same page.  It’s important o lead with encouragement and camaraderie.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Pets such as dogs, can be a wonderful addition to the workplace.  They can boost morale, reduce stress, and provide companionship to employees. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of having pets in the workplace.  The most common pet to accompany an employee at the workplace is dogs.

Idea/Solution: In the housing industry, owners develop pet policies for the safety of the community.  Pet policies often include licensing, veterinary visits, up to date vaccines, and requirement to alter the animal’s reproductive anatomy (i.e., neuter or spade). It makes sense to create a parallel set of policies for the workplace.

Results Benefits: Pets can be a great addition to the workplace, but it is important to be aware of the potential hazards, by taking steps to mitigate the risks employers can help to create a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.

Hazard Description: An angry person that wants to enter a workplace to cause harm.

Safety Idea: A detecting device that can be installed on every entry door that can sense an angry person with any form of weapon a few steps away from any entrance door and automatically locks all entry doors to the building before he or she can enter the building. It also sets off an alarm to notify the employees inside the building to stay indoors

Implementation and Outcome: The detecting device would keep the employees and anyone else inside the building safe and free from harm. The alarm would scare the angry person away.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Agency saw the need to develop and implement an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and establish an Emergency Response Team (ERT).

Idea/Solution: Since agency has multiple workshops and offices, the agency needed to organize and coordinate information when in an emergency.  The development and implementation of the EAP and the establishment of the Emergency Response Team was the first steps in establishing various protocols and procedures when in specific emergencies arise like a fire, earthquake, or active shooter.  The agency provided training to all Managers/supervisors and members of the ERT on the EAP and the roles of the ERT.

Results Benefits: After the development and implementation of the EAP, the agency was able to Drill/Train on a Fire scenario evacuation.  All employees participated and the ERT ran through the scenario responsibilities.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: In today’s workplace landscape, organizations have adopted hybrid work models, blending in-office and remote work, to enhance flexibility and productivity. However, this shift has unveiled a significant challenge: the efficient dissemination of critical time-sensitive safety information to employees working in a hybrid environment.

As employees alternate between in-office and remote work settings, the traditional methods of communication, such as face-to-face meetings and office-wide announcements, no longer suffice. This dynamic work environment demands a reliable and streamlined communication strategy that ensures vital information reaches all employees promptly, regardless of their physical location. Finding effective solutions to these challenges is imperative to maintain operational safety, uphold security standards, and sustain a cohesive organizational culture in the hybrid work era.

Idea/Solution: In our dynamic hybrid work environment, we have implemented the use of a robust and comprehensive mass notification system called RedFlag that leverages multiple communication channels to ensure efficient, reliable, and immediate message delivery to our dedicated staff. This system combines the power of phone voice calls, phone text messages, and Microsoft Teams messaging to reach our team members wherever they are, whether in the office, at home, or on the go. This integrated approach employing our most common communication methods enables us to maintain seamless and real-time communication, fostering safety and keeping our workforce informed, engaged, and well-connected, regardless of their physical location.

We have integrated this notification system with ADP, our HR, payroll, and timecard system. This integration ensures that we consistently maintain the most up-to-date staff contact information and minimizes the risk of outdated information.

Results Benefits:

The utilization of our mass notification system, RedFlag, has yielded highly effective and reassuring results for our organization. RedFlag has significantly improved our ability to swiftly disseminate critical information to our staff in a timely and efficient manner. This enhanced communication has bolstered our team’s responsiveness and overall preparedness, allowing us to address emergencies and important announcements promptly. Furthermore, the system’s integration with our HR, payroll, and timecard system has ensured that contact information remains up to date, minimizing the risk of communication gaps and ensuring that our messages reach their intended recipients. Overall, RedFlag has strengthened our organization’s resilience, employee engagement, and the overall safety of our workforce, making it an invaluable tool in our communication and emergency response efforts.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Employees who work more than 8 hours a day are at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc. Employees who work long hours and perform repetitive motions, such as typing or lifting heavy objects, are at a greater risk of developing MSDs. Without an ergonomic program, workplaces may not have the proper equipment, tools, or training to prevent MSDs and keep employees safe.

Idea/Solution: In September 2023, a Human Resources Manager introduced a Proactive Ergonomic Program in the workplace. This decision has many benefits, including reducing the risk of employees developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This program will provide employees with the proper tools, equipment, and training to prevent MSDs. By identifying ergonomic hazards and implementing solutions early on, the program can help prevent injuries and illnesses. Additionally, it can improve employee comfort, productivity, and morale. The Proactive Ergonomic Program is an investment in the health and safety of employees and can ultimately lead to a more efficient and successful workplace.

In addition to this equipment, HR proposed to use Cares Act funds to purchase ergonomic approved office chairs for staff to bring home. Knowing that telecommuting was going to go long term and hearing that staff were using dining room and folding chairs, we thought this was in the Housing Authorities best interest to provide proper seating. When staff checked out the chairs from our main office, they were also provided with a link to a short video on how to properly adjust the chair.

When an employee is new to telecommuting, they are required to complete a telecommuting request form. Once approved, they are required to complete an employee Home Ergonomic Self‐Evaluation and turn into HR. HR then reviews to determine if any additional direction or equipment is needed for the employee.

Results Benefits: Since we initiated a survey to understand the workspace conditions of all employees and subsequently contacted our contracted vendor to schedule evaluations for those employees who have not been evaluated since the pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in morale among our workforces. This indicates that our employees feel heard and valued.

By proactively conducting ergonomic evaluations, our organization has taken a significant step toward promoting a safe and healthy workplace. This will not only help prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among employees but also improve productivity and job satisfaction. Furthermore, it’s encouraging to hear that the feedback has been positive, and employees are already experiencing the benefits of the program.

Going forward, we will keep an eye on the program’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that our organization provides the best possible support to our employees. Overall, we are committed to promoting the health and safety of our workforce, which is a testament to our dedication to our employees’ well-being.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Many agencies offer regular, short safety trainings. However, some staff see safety trainings as extraneous and not relevant to their workday. When risk management and training seem like a chore rather than an option, staff are less likely to be interested in completing and learning from the activities. Furthermore, staff tend to retain and actively apply learned information when they have ownership of their responsibility for safety.

Idea/Solution: To encourage staff to take ownership of their responsibility for safety in the workplace, the agency can offer a series of carefully curated safety trainings — the STAR Program, “Staff Trained About Risk” — with a monetary award upon completion.  Staff choose to enroll in the STAR Program and have a year to complete the trainings. A workbook is provided with links to curated training coursework consisting of videos and documents, along with note-taking pages for staff to complete as evidence of doing the coursework and to remember their learnings. The final program course requires participants to select a safety topic based on their job duties and personal interest, with approval by their manager, to learn about and present to all staff. Employees who successfully complete the training program within 12 months will be recognized at all-staff meetings, earn a $500 achievement award, and receive a certificate of completion. Creating a program that is self-paced with an element of staff choice and a financial incentive is designed to maximize staff interest, participation, and long-term learning effects of being a safety champion.

Results Benefits: This program was developed in 2023 and as such has not been completed by staff yet. However, the research done to create the program has already heightened safety knowledge and risk management interest of the staff who designed it. Though it is an optional program, we expect most employees will choose to complete it and earn the achievement bonus. Financially, $500/employee is a minor operating expense compared to the cost of incurring long term losses related to workers comp incidents. We believe that with the heightened awareness created by the coursework, increased discussion from staff presentations, and a greater sense of individual responsibility for safety, this program will easily provide a significant ROI on the efforts and expense incurred.

**2023 Submission**

Hazard Description: Winter and cold weather conditions increase possible accidents working outside.

Idea/Solution: Agency provided detail training on the symptoms of cold weather ailments as well as safe driving tips during winter conditions.  Management is ensuring that all agency vehicles have the proper emergency kits.  Also, the Agency implemented a general protocol of communication with another employee to let them know when and where you are going as well as when you arrive.

Results Benefits: While our winter condition is just beginning, we expect to see less injuries/ailment caused by the cold weather and better Communication when employees are driving agency vehicle during winter weather.