DRAFT POLICY LETTER

							                                    DRAFT POLICY LETTER


In accordance with Executive Directive CP-1, I would like to take this opportunity to
reaffirm the Department’s policy and longstanding commitment to ensuring safety in the
work environment. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers must always
be foremost in our thoughts as we perform our daily responsibilities. Safety in _(Dept
x)___________ is much more than complying with the law, it is an essential element of
the way we work together to deliver service to our customers. Services that are provided
safely are provided more efficiently, because every accident detracts from the
Department’s ability to provide essential services to the public.

In Fiscal Year 2003, we had xx workers’ compensation claims, which resulted in injuries
to our employees and xxx hours of lost productivity. Working together, I know we can
do better. I have set two goals for this Fiscal Year. First, a X% reduction in the number
of workers’ compensation claims. Achieving this goal will make the workplace safer for
all employees. Second, a XX % reduction in the number of hours of work time lost due
to workers’ compensation claims. These are the more serious injuries and our efforts
must be focused on reducing the potential harm to employees.

To coordinate the Department’s efforts in accordance with the Executive Directive, I
have named XXXX XXXXXXX to be the Department’s Disability Management
Coordinator. This position is critical to our efforts to increase safety in the Department,
comply with complex workers’ compensation law and return employees back to work
consistent with any work restrictions. Your full support and cooperation with XXXXX
XXXXXX will enhance everyone’s safety.

Given the work of our Department, we recognize that accidents do happen, but learning
from these accidents is critical to preventing them in the future. To maximize our
learning and prevention opportunities, I am requiring that accident investigations be
conducted on every injury/workers’ compensation claim. Initial investigations will be
conducted and documented by the supervisor with the assistance of XXXXXXXXXX.

I am confident that workers’ compensation fraud is absolutely minimal in this
Department, but it cannot be tolerated wherever it exists. Nothing is more destructive to
morale than to see a fellow employee fraudulently taking advantage of the benefits
intended for the truly injured and burdening fellow employees with the extra workload.
If you are aware of any fraudulent claims by any employees, please contact XXXXXX
XXXXXX, or contact the City Attorney’s Fraud Hotline at xxx-xxxx.

Working together, I am confident that we can reduce accidents, reduce lost time and
continue to provide exemplary service to the public.




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