Volume 1, Number 2 - October/November 1997

Many corporations pride themselves on low on-the-job injury rates. However, what often goes unrecognized is the cost of off-the-job injuries. Motor vehicle crashes cost American business $55 billion every year. Texas Instruments (TI) understands this cost and is working to reduce it.

An analysis of health data and attendance records at TI corporate headquarters in Dallas revealed that workers were almost twice as likely to be injured away from the workplace as on the job. An employee survey disclosed that motor vehicle crashes were a leading cause of off-the-job injuries resulting in lost work days. TI turned to the Greater Dallas Injury Prevention Center (GDIPC) for assistance in improving off-the-job safety for its employees, their families, and their communities; TI soon became the first GDIPC corporate sponsor.

The key to corporate involvement in traffic safety, according to Greg Durham, TI Safety Specialist, is demonstrating that it is worth the time and effort. He suggests that "Safe Communities coalitions need to understand that what is important to business is the bottom line. Will they be able to see a return on their investment? Coalitions need to help corporations show measurable results in terms of increased productivity and decreased medical costs."

TI hopes to be able to demonstrate within the next two years that participation in Safe Communities coalitions reduces off-the-job injuries (and medical costs) to its employees. But TI is not waiting until then to take further action: In partnership with the GDIPC, TI is initiating Safe Communities coalitions in two additional communities in which TI facilities are located. We hope to bring you reports on these programs in the future.

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