Write Up:

Safety is MoDOT’s number one priority. Tracking measure ensures all employees safely arrive to work, safely perform their job and return home safe the same day. Preparations necessary to accomplish these goals include preplanning jobs, reviewing Risk-Based Assessments, conducting morning safety briefings and performing active stretching before beginning the workday. This measure focuses on improving three high-risk areas: backing a motorized vehicle, employee slips, trips and falls and employee sprains and strains.

MoDOT had 71 backing incidents in the first three quarters of 2024 resulting in an 11% increase from the same time period in 2023. Vehicle backing incidents can potentially lead to property damage and employee injuries or death. Improvement strategies include proper planning, parking vehicles to avoid future backing, using an employee spotter and conducting a thorough circle check of the area before entering the vehicle. Incorporating Geotab devices in all snow vehicles to assist with data collection is an improvement strategy as well.

There were 66 incidents from slips, trips and falls reported in the first three quarters of 2024, which is a 20% increase from the same reporting period in 2023. Improvement strategies include being aware of surroundings, keeping work areas organized, identifying unforeseen job hazards and wearing the proper Personal Protective Equipment for appropriate conditions.

During the first three quarters of 2024, there were 136 reported incidents of employee sprains and strains. This number represents a 20% increase from the same reporting period in 2023. The majority of change can be attributed to a new, more accurate data reporting system to gather data. The newer system gathers improvement strategies included in the implementation of a statewide stretch and flex program. They include asking an employee for assistance when lifting heavy objects and using proper lifting techniques taught during the employee Gear Up training.

At MoDOT, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Its imperative employees look out for themselves and each other. Employees are encouraged to routinely submit observations, good catches and near misses to help all of MoDOT better understand the risks and where more effort needs placed.

Purpose of the Measure:

This measure tracks the department's most frequent incident types and highlights areas to focus on for improvement.

Measurement and Data Collection:

Data is collected through MoDOT Management System BI- Report for each district and Central Office for the prior four years on the number of backing incidents; slips, trips and falls; and strains and pulls. These are the three most common types of injuries at MoDOT.