COUNTY IS PRAISED FOR PROVIDING A SAFE WORKPLACE

JACKSON - The loss prevention coordinator for the Missouri Association of Counties' workers' compensation insurance pool has praised Cape Girardeau County for its efforts to provide a safe workplace and keep claims low.

"You have an excellent claims experience," Jeff Russell told the County Commission. He said that of the 75 counties in the pool, Cape County ranks sixth in terms of experience modification and number of claims.

Russell Monday was in the county to talk about the workers' comp program with the commission and to look at workplaces around the county to offer ways to reduce risks of injury. In particular, Russell planned to spend time at the county highway department, where the bulk of Cape County's workers' comp claims occur.

"Over 50 percent of your claims come from the road and bridge department; that might be an area to try and reduce it," said Russell. He planned to review procedures and look at equipment and will make recommendations on ways to improve safety.

Russell also provided a list of accidents that have resulted in workers' comp claims since Cape County joined the pool in 1987.

County Clerk Rodney Miller, who also serves on the MAC insurance committee, said the report shows that county employees and officeholders are doing a good job trying to keep premiums as low as possible.

Cape County's annualized premium is $104,000, but Miller said because of the county's experience modification it pays 71 percent of that.

"We are paying attention to safety and trying to develop an organized safety program in the county. But Cape County has always been conscious toward safety and looking for opportunities to share information with workers about safe practices," said Miller.

"When you have everyone doing that, and keeping our claims experience down, it saves the county money and also shows we are looking out for the interests of taxpayers. If you don't pay attention to safety, it is not going to happen automatically."

Cape County has been running between three and eight claims a year, Miller said. So far this year three workers' comp claims have been filed.

Miller said Russell's position was created several months ago so the pool could comply with legislation passed in 1992 requiring companies to provide safety programs and look at ways to reduce claims.

Russell suggested the commission might want to appoint a loss prevention officer and have a committee of employees to help in promoting safety in the workplace.