Contact
Bob Stratman MS, PHR
Wellness/Workers' Compensation Manager
433 S. Allison Parkway
Lakewood,
CO
80226
Ph: 303-539-9535
Fx: 303-984-5921
Emergency: 911
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
West Metro believes it is cost effective to maintain a comprehensive wellness program. Without such a program, the consequences to our workforce and community would be immediate. The District would see dramatic increases in workers’ compensation premiums, lost work time due to work related injuries, decreased fitness levels and illness, dramatic increases in overtime costs, dramatic increases in third party medical billing and management of injury rehabilitation, and increased exposure to liability and litigation from public on safety and performance related issues. The end result would mean diminished service to the citizens, operational issues for West Metro, and additional financial hardship to the taxpayers.
Standard Bi-Annual Fitness Assessment Summary Table
A recent study published in Firehouse Magazine reported 78% of firefighters “nationally” fell below minimum aerobic capacity standards. West Metro exceeds this national norm and 2010 none of our firefighters fell below the minimum aerobic capacity standard.
12 Year Summary of Treadmill Test Aerobic Capacity Evaluation Results
- In 1999, 72 of the 251 West Metro firefighters tested fell below the minimum aerobic standard of 12 METS.
- In 1999, only 4 of the 251 firefighters tested were over age 50.
- In 2010, 0 West Metro firefighters have fallen below the minimum aerobic standard of 12 METS.
- In 2010, 68 of the 330 firefighters tested were over age 50.
12 Year Summary of PAT Applicant/Line Firefighter Job Essentials Functional Test
- In 1999, 23 of the 251 West Metro firefighters tested failed and did not meet the minimum requirement.
- 35% of West Metro firefighters fell below the hiring standard placed upon applicants in 1999.
- In 1999, only 4 of the 251 firefighters tested were over age 50.
- In 2010, 0 West Metro firefighters failed and did not meet the minimum requirement.
- 1% of West Metro firefighters fell below the hiring standard placed upon applicants.
- In 2010, 68 of the 330 firefighters tested were over age 50.
Compensable Claims and Loss Ratio Statistics 2003-2007
Workers’ compensation program between 2003 and 2007 illustrates reported compensable workers' compensation claims and loss ratio.
YEAR COMPENSABLE CLAIMS LOSS RATIO
2003 166 CLAIMS 70%
2004 79 CLAIMS 23.58%
2005 43 CLAIMS 17.07%
2006 33 CLAIMS 13.78%
2007 35 CLAIMS 13%
This dramatic reduction in claims and loss ratio resulted in well over a million dollars in hard costs saved to the taxpayers of West Metro Fire Protection District. The savings are a direct result of the implementation of the comprehensive Wellness Program that hit full steam in 2003.
