Governor Dayton’s Workplace Safety

Initiative for State Government

 The Issue
Rate of injuries not declining

42 % decline
1995-2003
rate unchanged

Source: Workers’ Compensation Program Annual Report

 The Issue
Cost of injuries increasing rapidly

Source: Workers’ Compensation Program Annual Report

The Issue

1,904
injuries
to our
coworkers
 Fortunately…

These issues are

manageable!
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Case Study 3
What are the common factors?

Safety is a clear value

Safety is actively managed
Responsibility and accountability from all
 Governor Dayton’s Commitment

• State Government will conduct its work in a manner

that actively promotes the safety and health of all.
• All employees will be personally responsible and
accountable for workplace safety.
• All employees will take steps to ensure a safe work
environment and reduce losses associated with
accident and injuries.
 Agency Leadership Commitment

• Reduce workplace injuries by 25% over 3 years.

• Establish annual safety and loss control goals.
• Review quarterly data to assess progress.
• Communicate safety commitment.
• Integrate safety and loss control into daily
operations.
• Provide necessary resources.
 The Goal
Renewed and sustained injury reduction
 The Goal
Cost Avoidance
 Next Steps for Agencies

• Communicate commitment and initiative

• Evaluate current safety management system
• Understand how and why injuries are
occurring within agency
• Develop goals and objectives to address
injuries and safety management deficiencies
 Resources
• MnSAFE Website - mn.gov/mnsafe
• Agency Safety Personnel
• Admin’s Risk Management Division
• DOLI’s MN OSHA Consultation
• MN Safety Council
Questions?
Todd Christenson, 651-201-3005
todd.christenson@state.mn.us