The key to the HITEC worker-led participatory program is for the DOC administration and the unions to encourage the development and execution of interventions by design team members.
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Below are intervention examples from the Cheshire Correctional Institution Design Team (DT), Manson Youth Institution (MYI) DT, 391 Ambassadors DT, and the Supervisors DT. The Design Teams became increasingly motivated, gave more of their volunteer time, and accomplished many goals to improve the workplace. While membership has changed post-pandemic, each team is still motivated to move forward in the HITEC program.
What are interventions?
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Interventions are the collectively agreed-upon solutions to a problem between front-line staff and the administration. The staff takes action to improve a situation. An intervention may take multiple steps to achieve its objective.
Examples of Design Team Intervention Activities
Officers Needed Shelter Outside
The MYI DT saw a need to provide shelter to officers on duty outside in the compound. Two wooden sheds were designed and delivered under the direction of the team. Large windows on all sides provide good visibility for the officers, and the wood-paneled heated sheds include a computer workstation and a telephone. The shelters protect the staff from elements closer to the post and allow for faster response time. The MYI DT coordinated the addition of heat/AC, internet, and a telephone connection within the structures.
Better Report Writing Stations
The MYI DT identified insufficient report-writing stations for officers. The officers were left to write reports in a crowded space without technology. With approval from the Warden, they decided to purchase computers and desks and set up four new workstations to include telephones and a printer. Resources are posted and supplies are organized to help assist with writing reports.
Improve Inconsistency in Report Writing
Due to the legal nature of writing incident reports, a computer-based report form was designed to improve the overall quality by taking it from a handwritten report to a digital report. Training classes were initiated by the Supervisors DT on report writing using the digital form.
Occupational Wellness Training by 391 Ambassadors
Occupational Wellness Trainings were conducted across various shifts at MWCI and WCCI. Over 100 workers participated from different role classifications. The training was conducted by members of the 391 Ambassadors DT and it included evidence-based information and Interactive activities.
Post-Incident Decompres-sion Space
Adding a space to rest and decompress after an incident was identified as a need to allow an officer time to readjust before returning to their post. A quiet secure location was established at MYI, and the design team workers were given a budget to create a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Mentoring Program
Training materials were developed by the UConn HITEC study team and CO's from three officers' unions for a model health mentoring program. New officers were paired with trained experienced personnel through their first year of employment.
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Musculoskeletal Concerns
Ergonomic mats were placed at standing posts around the facility.
Health Wellness Fairs for Workers and Families
Several Design Teams are committed to creating stress-reduction interventions, and adding support systems for workers and their families is vital. Health fairs were organized to share tips and resources to support the mental health of staff to educate officers and their families on the unique stresses of correctional work. Vendors showcase their health-related services at Wellness Fairs.
Poor Sleep as a Health and Safety Concern in Corrections
The Supervisors Design Team used the IDEAS tool to identify the root causes of poor sleep. They created a Healthy Sleep Intervention that included healthy sleep training and a smartphone-based sleep-tracking app named CorrectSleep. The healthy sleep training included sleep hygiene concepts and simple guided meditation to improve sleep among shift workers with long or irregular work hours. The CorrectSleep app was designed to send two daily questions about sleep hours and quality. It also provided daily feedback on users’ sleep debt and weekly feedback comparing users’ sleep hours compared to other supervisors in the user group.
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Nutrition and Physical Health Programs
Across multiple Design Teams and facilities are programs to improve health and reduce stress. Programs include:
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Weight No More: Provided staff with individual weight loss plans and nutrition guidance.
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Eating for Action: Developed nutrition education for staff, and over 60 participated in a pedometer challenge.
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Step Into the Future: Largest pedometer challenge brought increased health awareness, exercise and weight loss.
Healthy Snack Area
Career Support
Working with Quality of Work Life (QWL), MYI DT established a designated area to sell healthy snacks at the facility.
391 Ambassadors DT developed the Family Support Program delivered at the training academy and initiated the Facility Training Officer Program.
Indoor Air Quality
Cheshire Design Team employees noticed that regular upkeep and maintenance of the facility was not performed. Reports of accumulation of dust, inadequate cleaning of HVAC system filters, mold accumulation in various locations, and irregular temperature patterns were identified throughout the facility. After extensive investigation of various ways to solve the complexity of the problem, it invoked several solutions and HVAC training.
Featured Design Team Intervention
Sleep Quality as a Health and Safety Concern in Corrections
This article is a reprint from the CPH-NEW website.
DESIGN TEAM: Supervisors
HITEC ADVISOR: Alicia Dugan, PhD UConn
For a closer look at the research, read the published article on the Sleep Intervention
Work Characteristics as Predictors of Correctional Supervisors' Health Outcomes
Buden JC, Dugan AG, Namazi S, Huedo-Medina TB, Cherniack MG, Faghri PD.
J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Sep;58(9):e325-34. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000843. PMID: 27483335; PMCID: PMC5016227.