Safety grant eases burden of heavy lifting

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • October 1, 2012
  • 351
                        
Summary: Heavy lifting just got a little easier for the Dover Fire Department. The purchase of two new cot-loading systems allows department members to lift up to 700 pounds with the push of a button. A safety grant from the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) has made it possible for the Dover Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services to purchase much-needed equipment that will reduce firefighter injury while increasing the safety of individuals transported in the two medic trucks utilized by the department. A cot-loading system has been installed in each of the medic trucks and according to firefighter Bryan German, one was put to use in a matter of 10 hours. “We answer an average of 7 calls a day in the medics,” said German. “This equipment will get a lot of use.” The loading systems work with the battery powered hydraulic cots already in service at the department. These cots make it possible to lift up to 700 pounds with the touch of a button eliminating the need for strenuous lifting and risk of back injuries for the firefighters. After installation the cost for the new equipment was over $54,000 with $35,000 coming from the BWC grant. “We took a look back 18 years and over the course of that time 80% of our guys sustained a back injury at one point or another,” said Chief Russ Volkert. “Some of those injuries were severe enough the firefighter had to collect disability.” Transporting heavier patients is always a challenge and the new equipment will simplify that. “We have to deal with people in difficult positions and the new equipment won’t help with that but for routine lifts that we face every day is where we will see a big difference,” said Volkert. With an anticipated lifetime of 15 years the cot-loading system becomes more cost-effective over time. Because the fire department is meticulous about maintaining equipment it is likely the systems will last even longer. “In 2004 we replaced our snorkel truck and it was 34 years old,” said Volkert. “100% credit is given to the department members who follow a rigorous maintenance schedule. It is that day-to-day work that it possible for us to keep equipment on good working order. We are always more likely to run into problems with equipment that is used less often than the equipment we use every day.” The City of Dover has been proactive and promotes safety in the work place. Aggressive steps have been taken to emphasize safety with all city employees being required to complete mandatory safety education. ‘It says a lot about an employer when they make safety a priority,” said Volkert. “The point of this new equipment is to make the work safer so we can better serve the public.” The key to keeping workers’ compensation costs down is to prevent an accident from happening in the first place.


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