b'CASE STUDY USING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO EDUCATE Republic Services is an industry leader in U.S. recycling andBased on performance science and rehabilitative medicine, non-hazardous solid waste disposal. Republic Servicesthe company uses Instinctive Movement Systems designed to offers domestic non-hazardous solid waste and recyclingprevent injuries from occurring on the job. While many assume services for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residentialthat injuries occur because of lack of flexibility, its more likely customers. They make nearly five million pickups per day forthat they are the result from a lack of neuro-muscular balance. their 14 million customers around the country and operate 349Employees are trained to rethink movement patterns in ways collection operations; 207 transfer stations; 190 active landfills;that break bad habits and reduce injuries. 91 recycling centers; seven treatment, recovery, and disposalEmployees can receive the training face-to-face or through facilities; 11 saltwater disposal wells; and 75 landfill gas anda series of short, segmented videos housed on the Republic renewable energy projects across 41 states and Puerto Rico. Services web portal. Giving training options makes the program While the solid waste industry continues to move towardmore efficient while it prepares the staff for the tasks ahead. more automation, physical exertions are still required ofThese safety videos demonstrate the proper ways to complete their drivers, operators, and technicians. Thats why Republicstretches and suggest routines designed to help with a variety Services has built a safety culture that changed movementof functions and activities. The program also offers alternative patterns to change movement behaviors for over 36,000options and adaptations based on the needs of the workforce. employees. Over the past 10 years, that culture has resultedRepublic Services Movement Program demonstrates that its in safety performance that has been 40% better than thepossible to create behavioral changes in ways that work toward industry average, based on Occupational Safety and Healtha corporate goal of reducing injuries. Theyve empowered their Administration data. employees to re-train themselves to move in better ways on the Keeping a large and diverse workforce ready to work is ajob and in their day-to-day lives.complicated endeavor with many moving parts. Republic Services and Dr. Tom Renner, owner of Corporate Injury Management Associates, have worked together to develop a preventive care system that focuses on movement training. FIVE'