IWIF/State of Maryland Claims and Risk Management Newsletter
Summer 2016
Message from Kristin Klein
 
Hello and welcome to summer! We had a great turnout for our 27th annual SERMA Conference last month. We hosted nearly 200 attendees from throughout State government. Many of you told me that this was one of the best conferences we've ever hosted. The speakers and topics this year were particularly engaging and relevant.
 
Congratulations to all our award winners for 2016. We look to you as examples of good safety behaviors and practices and hope that others can benefit from your expertise. Please read more about this year's award winners below.
 
I also want to recognize the multi-agency team on the success of the gas pump topper project. This team has produced the second in a series of gas pump signs that now grace many State-operated gas pumps throughout Maryland. And finally, I am proud to report that IWIF/ Chesapeake has pledged its support to the State on the difficult issue of opioid addiction in Maryland. Read more about both of these important safety initiatives in this issue.

Kristin Klein, Chair, SERMA Committee, [email protected]
SERMA 2016 Conference and Awards recognize best practices in safety
The IWIF State Claims Units and the SERMA Risk

Management Team hosted the 27th annual SERMA Conference and Awards Presentation on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore. The event drew as many as 200 risk managers, human resource personnel and safety professionals.
 
SERMA's purpose is to better manage occupational injuries among State government employees and to promote workplace health and safety. SERMA reported a 4% decrease in injury frequency for the State overall from FY14 to FY15. "We want to commend risk managers, HR personnel, and SERMA and IWIF staff for their continuing efforts in reducing accidents for the State of Maryland," said Howard Thomas, SERMA Supervisor.
 
Read more about the Conference and Awards here.
Photos of award winners are available here.
 
IWIF/Chesapeake Employers Supports State's Efforts to Combat Opioid Overdose, Abuse

In a show of unity, Chesapeake Employers' Insurance and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) have joined forces to combat the drug problem that is plaguing every corner of the State: Opioid addiction.

Chesapeake Employers' will give DHMH a total of $750,000 over the span of three years to strengthen the State's efforts to combat opioid overdose and abuse in Maryland.

"Chesapeake Employers wishes to support DHMH in its opioid abuse prevention efforts by providing a monetary gift to the department for its use in bolstering the State's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and other efforts designed to stop the opioid epidemic in Maryland," said Tom Phelan, the company's President and CEO.

Read more here.

SERMA launches 2nd year gas pump topper safety reminder on the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving    

 

Phase Two of SERMA's safety campaign involving signage for the State of Maryland's gas pumps went into effect in April. The new safety messages focus on the dangers of distracted driving and, more specifically, the dangers of using a hand-held cell phone while driving. The new signs replaced the previous signs atop many State-owned gas pumps across Maryland.

 

Read more about this safety initiative here.
New! Summer Workplace Safety Kit available

Chesapeake Employers has created a new Summer Workplace Safety Kit full of seasonal safety information to help protect outdoor workers. The free kit is now available to State of Maryland agencies.

The kit includes a host of hot weather and outdoor safety information.

 

To view the contents and order copies of our new summer safety kit, click here.
  Claims Adjuster Tip of the Quarter

This tip comes from our IWIF Claims Adjusters dedicated to helping our State agency partners control the costs associated with workplace injuries.

Timely investigation of an accident aids IWIF in processing claims quickly and efficiently. Be sure to:
  1. Examine the accident location;
  2. Discuss the incident with all relevant parties;
  3. Gather all statements from the employee, the supervisor, and any witnesses;
  4. Promptly forward all forms and information to your IWIF Claims Adjuster.

For more information on accident investigation, visit our webinar here.

Our Accident Investigation Forms are available online here.

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