MMU looks at ways to cut worker compensation costs

Faced with rising workers' compensation premiums, Marshall Municipal Utilities is looking at ways to reduce its climbing experience modifier.

The modifier, which adjusts an employer's premiums based on the number of claims filed by its employees, was discussed at Wednesday's board meeting.

Ken Gieringer, administrative services director, reported that several recommendations for reducing MMU's modifier were given during a recent meeting with the utilities' insurance carrier. These included conducting documented safety audits, reviewing accident investigation procedures, establishing a safety committee and conducting a job hazard analysis for each position.

Board member Jim Heinzler objected to the last suggestion, saying safety inspections are the job of the insurance company, and MMU would do itself a disservice to expose its own hazards. "You have to be sometimes devious or they're going to load up on you," he said.

Board Vice President Mike Mills, himself an electrical contractor, said he had faith in the ability of regular safety meetings to reduce accidents and injuries and asked if such meetings were currently being held.

Carl Johnson, electric distribution superintendent, said his crews hold "tailgate" meetings to outline potential hazards prior to starting any project.

"We look at what we've got to do and how we're going to do it so everyone knows what's going to transpire," he said.

Monty Chase, underground facilities superintendent, said his department is developing a safety program while Ginny Ismay, environmental services director, said her department actually needs two separate programs. She said in addition to general safety like eye protection awareness and proper lifting instruction, her staff also needs safety courses in the specific handling of the different chemicals used in the water treatment process.

Mills suggested MMU's managers look at commercially available safety training aids as they continue their efforts to develop programs. He said there are products available that provide weekly safety topics in book form.

Heinzler said he didn't oppose the books, but didn't want to see MMU hire a safety consulting firm like was done several years ago. "Our people knew more about safety than they did," he said.

Contact Chris Post at

marshallhealth@socket.net