Safety Culture Pays Off in Multiple Ways

Building a culture of safety starts with a sincere commitment from county leaders who encourage and support safe behaviors and implement practices and policies to help reduce the risk of injuries. The most obvious benefit of a strong safety culture is the reduction in the likelihood and seriousness of accidents. If employee accident rates are down, so is turnover and absenteeism. Also, employees who feel there is a commitment to their safety exhibit greater commitments to the organization and enhanced productivity. Cultivating a strong safety culture also helps the county project a positive image to its employees, constituents, current and potential industries, and others who are interested its operations.

 

 

For counties participating in the ACCG Workers’ Compensation Fund (ACCG-GSIWCF) and/or the ACCG Property & Liability Fund (ACCG-IRMA), there are additional financial incentives as well. Members can earn significant discounts on their renewal contributions if they participate in the Safety Discount Program. They can save 7.5% and 5% respectively on their renewal contributions when they meet the requirements of the program.

 

The requirements to be met in 2021 for the 2022 renewals are outlined in the 2022 Safety Discount Program Workbook. Workbooks have been mailed out to the member county insurance contacts and safety coordinators, but they are also online. Click one of the links below to access the new 2022 Safety Discount Program information:

 

 

 

Another financial incentive exists as well. Members who earn the Workers’ Compensation Safety Discount in 2022 are also eligible to apply for and receive a portion of the $500,000 in Safety Grants in 2022. This will be the third year for the Safety Grants, which can be used to purchase safety equipment or services for county employees. (Look for more info on the 2021 Safety Grants in the April issue of the CountyLine!)

 

 

Members of the ACCG Insurance Programs have access to many loss control resources through Local Government Risk Management Services (LGRMS) at no additional charge. This includes loss control experts who can work with county leaders and staff to create a strong safety culture and an effective safety program, which will help protect the health and welfare of the county employees, volunteers, citizens, and others that interact with the county government. Contact LGRMS if needed by calling 678-686-6279 or 800-650-3120 or visiting www.lgrms.com.

 

For general questions about the Safety Discount Program, contact Penny Henderson at 404-589-7834 or phenderson@accg.org.