Meat + Poultry - October 2004 - 50

Injured

Disabling injuries can be devastating to workers and their families.
In addition to the physical pain and suffering caused by an injury,
disabled workers are vulnerable to psychological stress brought on
by financial concerns, frustration and uncertainty about the future.

cific roles of supervisors in modifying disability outcomes. The Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety is taking a closer look at
this issue by studying the effects of supervisor training on disability outcomes.

Research shows that the longer a
worker is out on disability, the less
likely he or she is to return to work.
This stress often impacts the family and loved ones, and the worker
can end up feeling isolated, devalued, and unmotivated to return to
work.
Employers can play a role in minimizing the negative impact of
work-related disabilities. How supervisors respond and follow up with
injured workers can improve disability and return-to-work outcomes.
Several occupational research studies have established a link
between proactive disability management and reduced disability
duration. However, until recently no one had investigated the spe-

Researchers teamed with occupational safety and health specialists to provide on-site injury response training to more than 160
supervisors from nine employers. The training includes an overview of ergonomics principles as well as sessions on communicating with injured workers, understanding the disability process, developing accommodation plans and locating resources to facilitate
return to work.
The initial study results show improvements in supervisor confidence to investigate and modify job factors contributing to injury, to
get medical advice, and to answer employees' questions related to injury and treatment. In addition, injured workers report
more private interactions with supervisors,
New York City
Economic Development
less blame, and better access to medical
Corporation
providers. Preliminary analysis of workers
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
compensation claims data (pre- and postSite C, Hunts Point Food Distribution Center
training) suggests substantial reductions
The Bronx
in disability duration at the sites where suNew York City Economic Development Corporation ("NYCEDC") is seeking proposals for the longpervisor training has been implemented.
term lease and development of an approximately 10.5-acre vacant parcel located along Food
While the final results of the study have
Center Drive in Hunts Point, the Bronx (the "Site"). The Site is located within the Hunts Point Food
not been determined, one thing is clear
Distribution Center and is bounded by Food Center Drive to the west, 400 Food Center Drive to
- supervisors that know how to respond
the north, the Bronx River to the east and 600 Food Center Drive to the south. Containing wholeto injured and disabled workers can play
sale produce and meat markets, as well as a soon-to-be-completed fish market, the Food
a significant role in the disability manageDistribution Center serves more than 15 million customers in the greater New York City area.
ment process. At the most basic level, a
worker who is treated with respect and
NYCEDC is seeking uses for this Site that are consistent with and complementary to the
surrounding market uses, and that would contribute to the overall economy of this area of the
empathy at the first sign of work-related
Bronx. Proposals must be limited to food-related uses, including warehousing, processing,
discomfort, may heal faster and avoid furhandling, storage and wholesale distribution of food, flowers or ornamental plants.
ther injury.
For example, if a line worker approachA question-and-answer session to discuss the Site will be held on October 13 at 9:30 a.m. and a
es a supervisor complaining of wrist dissite visit will be held on October 14; to attend the question-and-answer session and/or the site visit,
comfort, one of two things can occur. The
call (212) 312-3871 on or before October 8, 2004. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to
supervisor can minimize the complaint,
attend both.
and send the worker back to the line - in
which case the worker is at increased risk
Detailed submission guidelines and requirements are outlined in the RFP, available as of
of injury - or the supervisor can modify the
September 14, 2004 from NYCEDC. For more information and to request a copy of the RFP, please
job or reassign the worker until healing has
visit www.nycedc.com/SiteCRFP or call (212) 312-3969. Responses are due no later than
4:00 p.m. on November 18, 2004. Five (5) copies of the proposal, identified as "Hunts Point Site
occurred, avoiding further injury.
C" on the envelope, are to be submitted to Paul J. Tamboia, Agency Chief Contracting Officer,
When an injury requires a worker to
NYCEDC, 110 William Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10038.
take disability leave, it is essential that
For more information, see ad index on Page 63

40

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OCTOBER 2004
http://www.nycedc.com/SiteCRFP http://www.MEATPOULTRY.com
Meat + Poultry - October 2004

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