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injuries, each takedown maneuver was assessed and then
matched with new Safety Protocols. Basic examples of some of
the Safety Protocols implemented include tactical athletic
warm-ups, flexibility training and joint alignment training.
All Safety Protocols were strategically woven into the class
curriculum so as not to lengthen the total time of the class.
The new Safety Protocols were originally implemented by the
Wellness Program Manager, who then equipped and
empowered all Training Instructors to implement them. Key
research and resources used to design the Safety Protocols
originated from the National Strength and Conditioning
Association (NSCA) and Gray Cook’s Functional Movement
Screening (FMS).
■ Step 4: Implementation
- Education: The Wellness Program Manager met with Training
Instructors to share the new “SCSO Safety Protocols for Injury
Risk Reduction” and review information about kinetic chain
alignment, safe versus unsafe movement patterns and basic
kinesiology.
- Teamwork: Together, the Wellness Program Manager and the
Training Instructors implemented the new Safety Protocols
in each and every Defensive Tactics class (also known as Arrest
and Control Technique class at SCSO).
- Follow-Through: Fitness and nutrition tips were also shared
throughout each class, and all employees were welcomed
to schedule free onsite personal training consults with the
Wellness Program Manager after class for further, customized
exercise training instruction.
■ Step 5: Measurable Results and Sustainable Successss
- Records: Aggregate data was collected to track injury
occurrences, severity and cost. All personal employee
information was, of course, kept confidential per HIPPA.
- Results: The $250,000 reduction of injury costs was calculated
based on Worker’s Compensation claims, and does not
include costs saved in absenteeism and presenteeism (i.e. the
practice of coming to work despite illness, injury, anxiety,
etc. often resulting in reduced productivity). Over 500
Deputies and Detention Deputies completed the class, and
only 10 minor injuries occurred which resulted in less than
$50,000 of medical care. That is a very significant reduction
occurrence and cost compared to the year before, in which 40
injuries occurred (which quickly racked up approximately
$300,000 of medical care costs).
- Sustainable Success Plan: Data collected was used to further
optimize the “SCSO Safety Protocols for Injury Risk
Reduction”. Training Instructors were also encouraged to
further their education in kinesiology and basic movement
pattern analysis by taking the Functional Movement Screening
certification.
■ Operation Thrive
SCSO Operation Thrive is the agency’s signature 8-week annual
Wellness Challenge. It supports employees to do their best and feel their
best by helping them optimize their health. It equips and empowers em-
ployees to make sustainable health improvements by providing guidance,
tools and resources that make healthy habits practical, affordable and fun.
It also intrinsically rewards participants for exercising, improving their
nutrition, getting adequate rest, monitoring their blood pressure and
losing weight. Wellness Program Manager Nice leveraged science-based
research, published by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) , to
design and customize Operation Thrive. The following progression was
implemented according to WELCOA’s 7 benchmarks to success.
■ Step 1: Senior Level Support
- Core Values: SCSO firmly believes that employees are its most
valuable resource. Therefore, SCSO Operation Thrive was
designed to demonstrate the agency’s appreciation and support
for employee wellness and wellbeing.
- Communication: Senior Command Staff was included in the
planning and launch of this program, and have been proud
supporters.
■ Step 2: Program Design
- WELCOA Benchmarks 3, 4 and 5 involve collecting data,
creating an operating plan and choosing appropriate health
interventions. These steps were accomplished using a data-
based Needs Analysis Study, which included employee
preferences and interviews. The result was the design of a very
dynamic program that is inclusive for all employees, all
positions and all fitness ability levels. All employees are
welcomed to participate and earn both individual and team-
based awards. Points are accumulated for improvements in
three health categories: (1) “Healthy Habits” of exercise,
reduced sugar consumption, blood pressure readings and
adequate sleep (2) “Weight Loss” and (3) “Waistline
Reduction.” Employee support is provided onsite, offsite,
online, hardcopy, and mobile devices.
■ Step 3: Fueling Success
- WELCOA Benchmark 2 is to “Create a Cohesive Wellness
Staying on the Yellow Brick Road continued from page 22
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