NAGE supports commitment to a safer, healthier work environment.   Nationally in 2007 the VA had 25,000 injuries reported in ASISTS.  Of these claims 23% were slips, trips, and falls; 16% not elsewhere classified; 14% were struck by and against; 11% were related to lifting/repositioning  patients; 6% material handling; 5% assaults; 5% environmental/toxic exposure;  4% hollow bore needle sticks, sharps exposure, body fluids/splash, non-patient care; 3% cumulative trauma, and 1% suture needle sticks. 

 

VA Central office has committed to reduce the numbers of people requiring workers compensation by reviewing all incidents and taking action to prevent further/similar injuries.  They have also committed to returning eligible people to work/occupations which are available for their limitations, as well as a commitment to an active available wellness program.

 

NAGE is active on the Accident Review Boards at Perry Point and Baltimore (these cover all the VAMHCS employees OWCP claims).  The goal of the accident review board is to review ASISTS claims to find root causes and prevent future incidents/accidents.  NAGE is committed to making sure the Safety Culture mandated by VA Central office is not interpreted by management as a Culture of Blame

 

NAGE local and national contracts promote the wellness programs.  NAGE meets with representatives of VA central office management to keep them abreast of how the Wellness programs are or are not being implemented locally.  NAGE encourages bargaining unit members to utilize programs which the VA endorses to achieve/maintain wellness.  These include smoking cessation, weight control, exercise, spiritual wellness and emotional wellness/stress management. 

 

NAGE understands that preventing injury and promoting wellness are essential to the aging VAMHCS/VA workforce and holds nursing leaders accountable for facilitating both a physically and emotionally healthy work environment.

 

Become active in NAGE R3-19 to ensure a healthy happy work environment!!!