ATMI Precast Reduces Claim Costs Through Safety
As one of the leading independent precast concrete manufacturers in the Midwest, ATMI Precast employs approximately 200 plant employees. Back in 2013 we were facing some workers’ compensation obstacles we wanted to overcome. The goal was to create a culture of safety to minimize risk in the workplace that would ultimately improve internal claims management practices. To do this, we turned to our business partner, Assurance, for guidance and together, we formulated a strategy that would meet all of our objectives.
“We recognized we needed to implement new protocols and initiatives in order to manage our rising workers’ compensation challenges,” said Mike Pelz, Vice President Operations, ATMI Operations.
To start, ATMI created a Safety Director position to review and develop an annual employee safety training schedule. We also aligned with a new insurance carrier that would better meet our needs, including ongoing claim reviews and ad hoc follow-ups.
ATMI Precast's Keys to Success
The key to our success was total buy-in from the top down to create a culture of safety. Taking immediate action was also important. We implemented a safety training process with new hire orientation videos that uses our own employees.
ATMI Precast implemented additional safety practices including:
» Daily inspection forms and equipment checks for all foremen
» Monthly facility safety inspections with a focus on OSHA compliance
» New accident investigation guidelines and amended job descriptions
» New surveillance system to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure employee safety
» Significant improvements to their facility to increase efficiency
To improve employee involvement in the new safety program, the Safety, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership (S.E.A.L.) Team was created. Members of the S.E.A.L. Team must submit safety suggestions, demonstrate safe behavior, report unsafe acts/conditions, inspect equipment and tools, follow best housekeeping practices and demonstrate leadership. Additionally, to promote an ongoing safety culture, if certain employee safety parameters are achieved, a company-wide celebration lunch is provided.
ATMI Precast Results
ATMI Precast exceeded industry standards through our focus on safety, claims and risk management. Between 2013-2018, we successfully improved our loss ratio by 93%. From 2017 to 2018, our Experience Modification Rating (a number that influences a company’s workers’ compensation costs) was improved by 37 Points. ATMI Precast also decreased average claim costs by 79% in the last year and enjoyed a $300,000 premium reduction in 2018.
As a result, ATMI Precast was awarded the 2019 Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Health (MRMH) Award by Assurance.
“This award represents our dedicated efforts to our employee’s safety, as well as accomplishing lower claim costs,” Pelz said.