In a three-year period the department recorded a total cost savings of $6.3 million
Since being appointed to his role in 2014, Commissioner Joseph Finn of the Boston Fire Department has worked with other leaders including Local 718 President Rich Paris and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh to implement a variety of health and safety initiatives in the Boston Fire Department. Over the course of three years, BFD invested in state-of-the-art safety equipment, incorporated policy changes, and began a partnership with O2X Human Performance.
Within this time period, BFD recorded a total cost savings of $6.3 million including a $4.7 million reduction directly attributed to decreased injury rates, paid time off, monthly sick call, and increased resilience of the department.
The total impact of the changes made by BFD goes well beyond the $4.7 million savings due to a decrease in salary and overtime expenses. Having a healthier, more resilient department leads to cost reduction due to a decrease in surgeries, disability, and the accompanying administrative duties.
Additionally, through his work with Boston city leaders and local union representatives, Commissioner Finn has helped implement new initiatives in the Safety, Health, and Wellness Division including the addition of cutting-edge respiratory and fitness equipment as well as a partnership with O2X Human Performance focused on training and education. These programs signal a department-wide culture change resulting in continual improvement of the health and safety of Boston firefighters.
To date, O2X has hosted 18 workshops for about 900 Boston firefighters, including three academy classes, with plans for continued support through additional workshops, refresher training seminars, and ongoing mobile and digital access to sustainment programs.
The programs and partnerships developed by Commissioner Finn and Boston Fire Department leaders help address job-related risks and enhance the safety and wellness of Boston firefighters. Not only have they had a quantitative economic impact of $6.3 million total cost savings, but they have also helped facilitate a positive, department-wide culture change for firefighters, recruits, leadership, and support personnel in the Boston Fire Department.
For A Full Report On The Boston Fire Department Cost Savings: CLICK HERE
