News Release from: Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
TUALATIN VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE RECOGNIZED AS A 2012 HEALTHIEST EMPLOYER
Posted: October 18th, 2012 3:27 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-10/1214/58656/Running.jpg (TVF&R recruit firefighters work out during their academy)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-10/1214/58656/TVFR.JPG (TVF&R is recognized at the Portland Business Journal's 2012 Healthiest Employers in Oregon awards banquet.)
On October 10th, TVF&R was awarded 5th place in the Portland Business Journal's "Healthiest Employers in Oregon" program (100-499 employee category). The Healthiest Employers Program is designed to honor companies who are demonstrating innovation and leadership in their wellness program.
TVF&R Board President Bob Wyffels states, "We are honored to be recognized for the commitment made by our union and District leadership to prioritize health and fitness." He added, "This commitment reinforces our culture of safety and performance, which is at the heart of TVF&R's core principles." This principle commands that everyone who comes to work goes home from work, and everyone is expected to perform their duties at the highest level without compromising safety.
The job of a firefighter requires extreme physical exertion and can result in adverse physiological and psychological outcomes, which over time have the potential to impact the overall wellness. TVF&R's wellness program is a comprehensive, data-driven approach that helps enable its employees to meet the medical, physical, and mental demands of the job. Towards that goal, the District provides preventative health screenings, fitness assessments, blood-borne pathogen training, vaccinations, behavioral health counseling, ergonomic assessments, injury management, and respiratory protection.
Not only is the program helping improve overall employee health, but in some cases, it has truly been a life-saver. Over the years the program has detected cancer, heart disease, and other debilitating conditions known to afflict firefighters. It is no secret that early detection and access to interventions go hand-in-hand with ensuring a long and productive career and healthy life.
Added Wyffels, "Every business today faces rising healthcare costs. The District's wellness program is a strategic investment designed to not only ensure a highly productive workforce, but help minimize future healthcare costs."
This is not the first time that TVF&R has been recognized for its health and safety initiatives. In 2009, the District received the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Billy Goldfeder Fire Service Organizational Safety Award.
For more information on TVF&'s wellness program, visit tvfr.com.
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