Nominations Sought for 2007 Safety and Health Awards

May 19, 2008

Do you know of a business or organization that has made a commitment to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses by implementing a worksite health and safety program?

For nearly 20 years, the Workers’ Compensation Commission has presented awards for excellence and innovation in the area of safety and health. Previous award winners represented healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and state or local government throughout Connecticut. Programs identified for recognition included ergonomics, safety and health committee work, wellness, return to work, and on-site primary care. Working together, employers and employees have been rewarded by decreased workers’ compensation costs, increased productivity and improved morale.

Our purpose in offering these awards is twofold:

1. To acknowledge the companies and their employees who have made a commitment to lower their incidence of occupational injury and illness.
2. To spotlight their accomplishments, with the hope that others will be encouraged to follow their example.

We applaud the efforts of our past winners and invite you to participate in the nominating process for our Safety & Health Awards for 2007. Following is a list and brief description of the award categories as well as examples of achievements we will be considering. Do not feel limited by the descriptions listed; they are just examples. Any progressive, creative, and above all, successful program will be considered.

There will be five (5) awards presented for each of the following three categories:

• Large with over 500 employees
• Medium with 200 to 500 employees
• Small with fewer than 200 employees

The Safety Award

This award is for the business or organization that has made a significant contribution in the field of occupational safety in Connecticut.

Criteria:

1. An established and effective safety and health committee in place.

- Copies of safety committee meeting minutes from the 2007 calendar year must be submitted.

2. At least a 10% reduction in cases with days away from work, which must be below Connecticut's industry incidence rate.

- Submit OSHA 300 log and 300A summary form from 2007 and 2008. Please include your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code and Industry.

3. No safety citations (serious or willful) issued by OSHA in the previous year.
4. Programs that promote safety in the workplace.

- Include copies of all safety and health programs and/or a safety manual.

The Safety and Health Award

This award is for the business or organization that has made a significant contribution in the field of occupational safety and health in Connecticut.

Criteria:

1. All of the above criteria for the safety award.
2. Worksite wellness programs which deal with at least five (5) health-related topics that may include, but should not be limited to: blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, human services counseling, ergonomic evaluation, weight loss programs, or flu vaccinations.

When nominating an organization for an award, include all of the above plus supporting documents and a list of the accomplishments. Please include the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person at the organization being nominated. (This includes nominating yourself, a client, a private industry or business, a state or local government agency or a safety and health organization.)

PLEASE SEND NOMINATIONS—BY AUGUST 1, 2008—TO:

David Cohen

Workers’ Compensation Commission

21 Oak Street - 4th floor

Hartford, CT 06106

If you have any questions or need clarification on any of the above award requirements, please call David Cohen at (860) 493-1591.

Thank you for your help in this endeavor, and remember, everyone who participates in a health and/or safety program is a winner.

State of Connecticut

Workers’ Compensation Commission

Page last revised: June 27, 2008

Page URL: http://wcc.state.ct.us/news/new-401.htm

Workers’ Compensation Commission Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Website Accessibility