Spring 2021
Save the Dates for the 2021 Virtual SERMA Conference!

The SERMA Conference will take place virtually over two half days in May this year. The virtual conference is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26, and Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The conference planning team is working with an outside vendor to host the meeting on the virtual meeting platform Zoom. Speakers and topics are still being planned and will include educational sessions, interactive activities, and awards.

A special video presentation is being planned to thank those essential State employees who have continued to work throughout the past year during the COVID pandemic for their heroic efforts to keep Maryland open and operating.

This year’s conference will also host the SERMA Safety Awards, for which nominations are now being accepted. The deadline to submit your nominations is April 2. Information about the SERMA Awards, nomination instructions, and a fillable form can all be found here.

More information on the conference will be posted to the IWIF News, Events and Training page as it becomes available. 
Call for Nominations for SERMA Awards! Deadline is April 2

Nominations for the 2021 SERMA Awards are now being accepted. The deadline to submit nominations and all supporting documentation is Friday, April 2, 2021.

The SERMA Awards recognize State agency employees and groups for working safely, promoting safety, and encouraging safe work practices at all levels of employment. 
The 2021 awards will be given for work performed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020.

Nominations for these awards should include a summary and supporting documents to fully explain the nomination. The summary is limited to 2-3 pages, typed. Supporting documents may include charts, graphs, photos, emails, and letters.
Nominations are reviewed and recipients are selected by members of the SERMA Committee. This year’s awards will be announced at the virtual SERMA Conference on Thursday, May 27, 2021. 

Nominations should be sent to the SERMA Awards Selection Committee, Attn.: Alicia Carlson, 8722 Loch Raven Blvd., Towson, MD 21286 or emailed to SERMA@iwif.com. See below for additional information:
Be a Part of Our Special “Thank You Essential Workers" Video!

A special video presentation is being planned to thank those essential State employees who have continued to work during the COVID pandemic. We would like to thank them for their heroic efforts in keeping Maryland open and operating throughout the past year.

The SERMA Conference planning committee would like for as many State agencies to participate in this “thank you” video as possible. We are asking agency risk managers, safety supervisors and others to send in their “thank you” messages. These can be in the form of a short video clip, a still photo, or a Power Point slide. No clip art please.

Contributions from all levels of employment are welcome – from line employees all the way up to department secretaries. We encourage you to reach out to your State agency communications team for help in preparing your short video. Feel free to film your short video with a smartphone, tablet or traditional video camera. We will attempt to include as many thank you’s as possible. The special presentation will be shown during the virtual SERMA Conference on May 26-27 and will not be shared with the public.

If you’d like to be a part of this special message, please complete our Image Release and Waiver form and send your short video, photo, or slide in by Monday, April 26 to MDSERMA@gmail.com. If you have trouble sending your short :30- to :45-second video, please contact Kristin Klein at kklein@ceiwc.com for additional instructions on uploading and sending your video.
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Launches WC Connect, an Online Resource for Injured Workers and Their Families

Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company announces the launch of WC Connect.
WC Connect aims to put injured workers and their family members in touch with individuals and organizations offering support and mentoring from those who have previously experienced – and survived – such injuries as severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and spinal cord injuries.

WC Connect is the vision of Chesapeake Employers CEO Tom Phelan, who was inspired to create a support network through which those with severe occupational injuries could connect with other survivors who have experienced the trauma of a serious workplace injury. Additional resources also offer inspirational motivation and educational financial support for children.

“We recognize that seriously injured workers and their families oftentimes need and benefit from receiving support provided by families who have experienced the same kind of life-altering event,” explained Tom. “Chesapeake Employers is passionate about helping our injured workers and their families recover from a serious injury. Support groups can help answer difficult questions, share valuable perspectives, and foster positivity.”
CDC Offers COVID Vaccine Toolkit for Employers of Essential Workers; Updates Illness Prevention Guidelines

As some State agencies have begun to vaccinate their employees, especially their essential workers, the CDC has designed a COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit for Essential Workers to help employers build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.

The toolkit helps employers educate their employees about COVID-19 vaccines, raises awareness about the benefits of vaccination, and addresses common questions and concerns. The CDC will continue to add more materials to this toolkit, so please check back frequently for updates. 

Additionally, the CDC has updated its COVID-19 prevention guidelines; click here to learn more.
IWIF/Chesapeake Employers Insurance | 8722 Loch Raven Blvd., Towson, MD 21286