Strong safety records earn local businesses rewards

$133,256 in dividends paid

Local businesses that maintained good records for work-related accidents and for getting injured workers back on the job are being rewarded with thousands of dollars in dividends.
A variety of local businesses in the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association Workers' Comp Safety Group will receive $133,256 in dividends based on $3.4 million in annual worker's compensation policy premiums paid from July 1, 2001, to July 1, 2002.
"The large amount of dividends paid to Glenwood Springs chamber members is indicative of the commitment these companies have to providing safe workplaces and quality safety programs," noted Carol Valdez, marketing representative for nonprofit workers' compensation insurer Pinnacol Assurance.
"The strength of the program is the commitment Glenwood Springs chamber members are making to keep their employees safe.
"Chamber members insured by Pinnacol Assurance through the Workers' Compensation Safety Group can qualify for a dividend by implementing a safety program, attending one safety seminar per year, maintaining a good loss ratio and being a chamber member in good standing," Valdez said.
More than $400,000 in workers comp dividends were earned by Glenwood chamber members in the past three years.
The chamber has been enrolled in the program since 1994. Benefits for members include savings up to 4 percent on qualified policies, industry specific safety and loss control plans and peer-to-peer counseling.
The chamber also offers a series of educational seminars and provides custom safety manuals for its safety group members.
"Pinnacol Assurance works closely with the Glenwood Springs chamber to provide safety programs, loss control plans, return-to-work assistance and educational seminars for members of the Workers' Comp Safety Group," Valdez said.