In this project, I collaborated with three fellow students to address the high DART rate among UPS employees. The DART rate is a lagging indicator, tracking workplace injuries and illnesses. Our research pinpointed that one significant cause of the high DART rate was the inadequate training of drivers, particularly at the managerial level. Moreover, we identified a strong correlation between the DART rate and managerial performance. Notably in urban areas, managers in the bottom 25% performance bracket exhibit a considerably higher average DART rate(10.6%) than their counterparts in the top 25%(4.9%).
Recognizing this, we advocate for the adoption of a robust safety culture, introducing the AT&F solutions training. This program emphasizes manual handling and corporate driver safety, both critically relevant to the tasks UPS drivers undertake. We assessed the financial viability of our recommendation by calculating the ROI, juxtaposing the cost of training against the anticipated savings in workers’ compensation and enhanced productivity through injury prevention. Impressively, urban areas showcased an ROI of 6.79, suggesting that every dollar allocated to training could yield a return of $6.79.
Utilizing Tableau, we crafted a ‘What-if’ analysis dashboard, offering a glimpse into the potential ramifications of inaction. Our projections indicate that, without intervention, recorded injuries could rise from 60 to 200 within four years. The financial implications are stark: inaction could double the costs compared to proactive measures.
Insight: Our findings resonate with the broader understanding that a well-informed and adequately trained workforce, led by competent managers, is less susceptible to workplace mishaps. This isn’t just a matter of statistics; it’s about the real-world impact on employee morale, trust, and the organization’s reputation.
Business Impact: Beyond the direct costs associated with workplace injuries, such as medical expenses and workers’ compensation, there are indirect costs. These might manifest as lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and potential legal ramifications. Additionally, a persistently high DART rate could tarnish UPS’s reputation, leading to challenges in talent acquisition and retention and possibly even lost business contracts if clients perceive the company as negligent in ensuring employee safety.
Recognizing these implications, we advocate for a reinforced safety culture through the AT&F solutions training. This program emphasizes manual handling and corporate driver safety, pivotal for UPS drivers. Our ROI calculations, spotlighting a return of $1.86 for every dollar in urban areas, underscore the fiscal prudence of such an investment.
Recommendation: To mitigate these risks and transform the organizational safety culture, UPS should:
- Expedite the rollout of the AT&F solutions training, prioritizing urban areas due to their pronounced ROI.
- Establish periodic assessments and refresher courses to ensure the training remains effective and up-to-date.
- Engage with managers, especially those in the bottom 25%, offering them additional support, resources, and training to improve their performance metrics and, consequently, the DART rate.
- Leverage the Tableau ‘What-if’ dashboard not just as a predictive tool, but also as a real-time monitoring mechanism, adjusting strategies based on the dynamic data.
By adopting these measures, UPS stands to not only significantly reduce injuries and associated costs but also bolster its reputation as a responsible and caring employer.
