UVM Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center has been honored for its employee risk management and safety programs, recently receiving the Risk Control Excellence Award from PMA Companies (PMA).

The award recognizes exemplary risk management and employee training and support programs focused on reducing on-the-job injuries. To be eligible for the award, organizations must meet strict criteria regarding annual rates for time lost as a result of injuries and are evaluated by PMA Risk Control for employee safety, training, education and risk management programs.

The hospital received a Risk Control award from PMA in 2023 after finishing the year with zero time lost to on-the-job injuries. Alice Hyde previously received risk control awards from PMA in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

“Alice Hyde’s focus on employees is evident in all aspects of their safety program,” said Monica Manske, Senior Strategic Consultant, Risk Control, PMA Companies.

Hospital leaders said the recognition highlights the innovative work of Alice Hyde’s Occupational Health & Wellness Department (OHW). The department, led by Regional Director Greg Freeman and Program Manager Stephanie Barse, has developed and implemented numerous risk management, injury reporting and follow-up programs. The department also includes Clinical Coordinator Angela Snyder, RN, Medical Assistant Rebecca Riggs and clinicians Lori Robinson, NP, and Stacy McKenzie, FNP.

In particular, the department’s Transition-to-Work, which offers injured employees the ability to continue working in alternative capacities that are appropriate based on the nature of their injury, has earned OHW praise.

“The partnership between Greg, Stephanie our Occupational Health and Wellness team and department managers is what has made Alice Hyde’s Transition-to-Work possible,” said Emily Campbell, Alice Hyde’s Associate Vice President of People. “This work is a testament to their dedication to doing what is best for our employees.”

Freeman said the department’s approach to re-imagining workplace safety and risk management is wide-ranging, and thanked leaders and clinical teams across the hospital for their support and contributions to the department’s efforts.

“The questions we try to answer every day are: ‘How do we give people the tools they need to remain safe?’ and ‘How can we best support folks if they do get injured on the job?’,” said Freeman. “Nobody comes to work planning to get hurt. Our goal is to identify root cases and eliminate them – while also supporting our people when injuries do occur.”