Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare Enrichment Program

The Daytona Beach enrichment program serves individuals with mental illness, developmental and physical disabilities and substance abuse issues with rehabilitation services focusing on vocational and independent living skills. For more than 25 years, it has offered business support services such as light manufacturing and product assembly. Informational gift packages, mail-outs and even golf ball retrievers are just a few items put together by the program's 181 employees.

SMA Behavioral Healthcare was referred to the USF SafetyFlorida consultation program by a Daytona State College safety manager. "We were searching for an external safety audit that would enhance our chances of passing an upcoming audit by the Commission of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and reduce our accident rate, especially because of the vulnerability of our disabled workers," says SMA's Carol Collins, program director. "Having a safe environment ensures that employees can complete their tasks effectively and efficiently, thus helping the company save money and making the work environment safer and more comfortable."

Finger cuts were a common injury for the program's workers. Along with USF SafetyFlorida consultant Jessica Bohan, Collins and her team identified the root cause of those injuries through employee involvement. By asking employees for their feedback on what might be the cuts' source, the team identified a tool that was collecting excess rubber, causing it to jam. Today, employees use a different style of tool, checking it daily and changing the blade once a week, which has resulted in fewer incidents.

Management also emphasized the importance of safety awareness to employees, many of whom have psychiatric and learning disabilities. A combination of instructional formats (verbal instruction, demonstrations, safety videos and pictures) are used frequently and repeatedly to keep safety "fresh of mind." "We are fortunate to have a creative staff who can make adaptations and modifications as needed. Trainings are provided not only at the beginning of employment but continuously through the tenure of employment."

Employee involvement paired with safety awareness corrected unsafe practices. "We discovered that implementing safety awareness in the workplace and adhering to our safety and health strategies not only reduced our injury rates and lowered our costs associated with insurance, but also contributed to our satisfaction knowing that we are providing a top-notch environment in which to work. Earning a SHARP renewal confirms that safety is important here."