Author Archives: Lucas Kidwell

Introducing the KEMI Help Center via KEMI.com

KEMI recently launched a user-friendly information center for employers, agents, claimants, and providers.

The KEMI Help Center was created so that users can easily search self-help resources by keyword or phrase for quick answers to worker’s compensation questions about:

• Kentucky requirements for worker’s comp insurance.
• Applying for coverage.
• The audit process and how it works.
• Steps to follow if there is a claim.
• Agency appointments to represent KEMI.
• Medical bill information.
• Employer access to free safety resources.
• And much more!

The KEMI Help Center is accessible on KEMI.com via “Frequently Asked Questions” links from the main menu or by clicking on help.kemi.com. Log on today and explore a wealth of information.

Industrial Field Maintenance (IFM), a family-owned steel and construction service company located in Ewing, Kentucky, operates two steel fabrication shops that provide services in piping fabrication and installation, mechanical equipment repair, and boiler repair.

Safety Manager Garrett Rumford explains how the company’s dedication to high safety standards, which produces quality results, puts IFM at the top of their field in plant maintenance services.

How does safety factor into your organization’s culture?
Safety is not just our top priority – it is a core value ingrained in our culture. As a veteran of the trades, our vice president sets the tone for safety in our organization. Through his experience, in both the field and as an owner, he believes that no job is worth doing if it’s not done safely. Because of this philosophy, all IFM employees, regardless of position, know that safety must come first.

Are there workplace safety concerns unique to your industry?
As a maintenance contractor and custom fabricator, our company encounters a variety of hazards with all jobs depending on the project scope and location. We frequently perform work in power generation facilities, chemical plants, steel mills, and paper mills. Each industry comes with its own specific hazards that include, but are not limited to, cranes and rigging, hot work, work from heights, lockout/tagout (LOTO), respiratory hazards, equipment operation, and many more. Because of these hazards, our team works to ensure all employees are properly trained in hazard recognition and prevention strategies specific to each industry.

While we work in several locations where IFM has a consistent presence, we often encounter scenarios where we are working at a site for the first time. In these instances, it is imperative that our team maintains thorough communication, both internally and with the client. Every project for us is an opportunity to be a valued partner to our customers, and one of the best ways to accomplish that is to focus on safety up front and then follow through with that initiative until project completion.

What practices have been added to IFM’s program that have helped improve your safety record?
IFM has sustained an exemplary safety record since our company’s start-up in 2016. Even with the absence of injuries, we understand that we still have opportunities for enhancing workplace safety. Over the past year, we have implemented several initiatives to help drive continued improvement that include:

• Implementation of Safety Flash Alerts.
• Biweekly Safety Meetings.
• Weekly Training/Toolbox Discussions.
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Accreditation.
• Learning Management System (LMS) Implementation.
• Cross-training.
• Continuing Education for IFM Safety Department.

What impacts or benefits have you seen resulting from a strong safety program?
The data alone helps paint a picture of the results of a strong safety program, but we have been driving the focus toward leading indicators rather than the lagging indicators, such as total recordable incident rate (TRIR); days away, restricted, or transferred (DART); and incident rates.

Overall participation has increased significantly this year as frontline supervisors have taken a more direct approach in leading safety discussions and reporting. The more our program improves, the more we find that our leadership team is being proactive when it comes to safety by focusing heavily on the safety portion of prejob planning and taking ownership of the safety on their jobsites rather than looking at safety as a separate function.

How has KEMI assisted in enhancing workplace safety and reducing claims?
KEMI has been an exceptional partner for workplace health and safety training. During the past two years, KEMI provided several training courses for IFM employees that included Powered Industrial Truck Operator, Aerial Work Platform Operator, and First Aid/CPR/AED/BBP trainings, to name a few. IFM also frequently utilizes the safety resources available for free through KEMI’s website at worksafeky.com and is a subscriber to the KEMI electronic newsletter. These resources and training courses have allowed IFM to continue to drive a culture of “safety first” in our organization.

What notable safety milestones or recognition has your organization achieved during the past several years?
IFM views each day without an injury as a milestone to be proud of, but some additional milestones worth noting are:

• Proud recipients of the KEMI Destiny Award for three consecutive years.
• Currently at more than 600,000 man hours without a recordable injury.
• Year-over-year improvement in Experience Modification Rating.
• NCCER Accredited Assessment Center (AAC) Accreditation.
• HSI Certified for CPR/AED/First Aid Instruction.
• Leadership Training – two (OSHA 500), one (OSHA 510).

IFM fully embraces KEMI’s motto, “Control your own destiny.” We try to exemplify this through total organizational commitment to safety, our obligation to our workforce, and our partnership with KEMI and our clients.

HJI Supply Chain Solutions, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has provided logistics services to leading corporations for nearly three decades. Cofounded by Alice and Wade Houston, HJI employs 375 people in an industry that can involve high-risk work situations, which is why HJI keeps workplace safety at the forefront of daily operations.

According to VP, People Operations Rahima Avdic, safety is an ongoing process, and it requires commitment at all levels of the organization. Mr. Avdic explains why, “We regularly assess our safety program’s effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary to continuously improve our warehouse’s safety record.”

What role does safety play in your organization’s culture?

At HJI Supply Chain Solutions, our core commitment is prioritizing safety above all else. We firmly believe that ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, is the foundation upon which our success as a company is built.

Our unwavering dedication to safety serves as the cornerstone of our culture and operations, thereby fostering an environment in which everyone can thrive and feel secure. By putting people first, we not only protect lives but also safeguard the future of our organization to ensure we can continue delivering exceptional products and services to our valued customers while upholding the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

What are some of the workplace safety concerns unique to your industry?

Warehouse operations often involve the use of heavy machinery, forklifts, pallet jacks, etc. Safety risks arise from improper use, operator error, lack of training, and equipment maintenance issues.

Warehouses frequently have high racks and tight aisles, so it is critical that we have proper guardrails, fall protection systems, and employee training in place.

Employees may be required to stack and pack items, which can lead to injuries from improper lifting techniques, repetitive motion, and awkward postures. Training in ergonomic practices can help mitigate these risks.

Forklift accidents are always a concern. This includes collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles and damage to inventory. Strict training and safety protocols for forklift operators are crucial.

Warehouses can have slippery floors due to spills, debris, or condensation. We make every effort to mitigate slips, trips, and falls with adequate housekeeping, nonslip flooring, and employee training to reduce the occurrence of these hazards.

Lifting and carrying heavy items manually can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Proper training and the use of equipment, like dollies and hand trucks, can help reduce risk.

What practices have you added to your program that have helped improve your safety record?

Improving safety at HJI is paramount for the well-being of employees and the overall efficiency of operations. Most of the following practices and strategies have already been added to our facilities to enhance our safety program and record, while several are under consideration:

• Comprehensive and ongoing safety training for all employees, including new hires and temporary workers.
• Safety leadership for fostering a culture of safety by appointing assistant general managers to safety managers who can champion safety initiatives and serve as role models for others.
• Safety meetings that include representatives from different departments to discuss and address safety concerns regularly.
• Regular equipment maintenance checklist to reduce the risk of accidents caused by equipment failure.
• Proper guidelines and procedures for the safe handling, stacking, and storage of materials to prevent falls, collapses, and injuries.
• Clear traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways for traffic management and enforceable rules for the safe movement of equipment and pedestrians within all warehouses.
• Housekeeping to maintain a clean and organized warehouse environment to reduce tripping hazards and the risk of fires or accidents caused by clutter.
• Routine safety inspections and audits to identify potential issues and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Incident reporting and investigation system for reporting and thoroughly investigating accidents or near-miss incidents to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.

What impacts or benefits have you seen resulting from a strong safety program?

Some of the key impacts and benefits we have accomplished for both employees and the organization as a whole are:

• Reduced workplace accidents and injuries.
• Increased employee morale.
• Lower workers’ compensation costs.
• Increased efficiency.
• Reduced downtime.
• Cost savings.
• Improved employee engagement.
• Environmental benefits.
• Customer trust.

How has KEMI assisted in enhancing workplace safety and reducing claims?

KEMI has been fully engaged with us and has provided excellent communication, data analysis, guidance, and training.

What notable safety milestones or recognition has your organization achieved during the past several years?

Our achievements include safety culture excellence, reduced recordable incidents/accidents, safety benchmarking, and continuous improvement, which are all symbolized by earning our first KEMI Destiny Award in 2023.

Graf Brothers Flooring is the world’s largest manufacturer of rift and quarter sawn white oak products. Headquartered on an 80-acre site in South Shore, Kentucky, this location is one of the most comprehensive hardwood production facilities in the world.

The operation includes a log yard of over 12 acres, two sawmills, state-of-the-art band milling equipment, 18 kilns, two cutting-edge computer-driven rip lines, various warehouses, and comprehensive industry-leading equipment to produce solid and engineered flooring.

Graf Brothers is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in both lumber and flooring production. Human Resources/Safety Coordinator Brittany Mader describes workplace safety concerns unique to this industry and addresses how universal attention to safety has led to Graf Brothers Flooring earning the KEMI Destiny Award for seven consecutive years.

What role does safety play in your organization’s culture?

The seriousness of workplace safety can be overwhelming to the average worker, but Graf Brothers Flooring simplifies safety strategy by using a top-down approach to help set the tone and path for safety policies. From leadership to management to employee, our consistent commitment to safety is not only written in policy, but it is a visual example that is present in all areas of the business, every single day for 304 employees.

Sawmill equipment can be hazardous, particularly improper use of machines or guards. Lifting and pulling can also be risky. That’s why communication, training, leadership, reporting hazards, and employee involvement are essential components of the culture of Graf Brothers Flooring.

What practices have you added to your program that helped improve your safety record?

One of the major things that has improved day-to-day safety is the implementation of new technology application systems that involve scanning items from a distance rather than being close to objects. This avoids direct contact with objects that could ultimately cause an accident or injury. We have also added several automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during the past few years and utilized KEMI’s safety team to conduct training for these devices for all operations teams, crew leaders, and office personnel.

What impacts or benefits have you seen resulting from a strong safety program?

Scheduled training involving every department has been greatly beneficial to our overall safety program. Employees who feel safe at work are more likely to be productive because they know that their well-being is important. With this, safe employees are less likely to become injured on the job.

How has KEMI assisted in enhancing workplace safety and reducing claims?

We can’t say enough about Kim Justice and Zach Boggs. Their wealth of knowledge is a huge asset. When it comes to our policy and claims, Kim stays on top of our claims and knows when to step in before we even ask for assistance. Her dedication and years of knowledge allow her the ability to provide support and expert guidance in any situation we face. Regarding our safety policy and training, Zach is an extension of our team. He provides on-site safety training, walkthroughs, advice, and resources. They both have assisted with policy renewal, inspections, education, and upgrades.

What notable safety milestones or recognition has your organization achieved during the past several years?

Our six KEMI Destiny awards are proudly displayed at the entrance of our office, and we are thrilled to add our seventh! Another safety milestone is having our owners, office staff, and crew leaders all trained in CPR & AED, which further illustrates our commitment to safety for our employees and their families.

Big Rivers Electric Corporation, a cooperative for power generation, transmission, and distribution, provides wholesale electric power and services to three distribution cooperative members across 22 counties in western Kentucky.

Headquartered in Owensboro, Kentucky, with stations in Robards and Centertown, Kentucky, and a substation in Henderson, Kentucky, Big Rivers is responsible for keeping 273 employees safe in an industry where contact with high electrical voltage is an everyday possibility.

Corporate Safety Manager Aaron Barkley outlines safety measures that have been implemented throughout all levels of the organization to bolster their ongoing safety program. A comprehensive commitment to workplace safety has earned Big Rivers Electric the distinction of receiving the KEMI Destiny Award for the eighth consecutive year.

What role does safety play in your organization’s culture?

Big Rivers maintains a proactive approach to safety by putting people first. Our employees and contractors are our greatest assets, and we treat them as such. We have personal safety awards for all employees based on completion of training, attendance of safety meetings, and displaying safety leadership.

We also have department, plant, and company awards when we reach safety milestones. These awards help unify our employees with a focus on safety, which fosters relationships and ensures employees are getting to know each other on a more personal level. This intentional and personal touch toward safety breeds a culture of caring for one other’s safety, which leads to an interdependent safety culture.

What are some of the workplace safety challenges Big Rivers employees encounter?

High electrical voltage poses a danger that many other businesses and organizations don’t face. Heavy mobile equipment from the public is also unique to our operation. Many industries are contained within their “plant” or worksite, however, a number of our employees interact with the public regularly while working with power lines and distribution lines.

Lockout tagout for deenergizing and securing equipment is not a concept confined to our industry, however, the way it must be performed under the power generation standard is unique. This is a focus area that requires multiple training courses each year and is pivotal to our success.

What practices have you added to your program that helped improve your safety record?

We are especially focused on new hire training and qualifications. We also have a “good catch” program that encourages anyone to find something, fix something, or report something so it can be appropriately addressed. This proactive program helps improve our safety records by removing hazards from the workplace. Additionally, we have safety committees that meet monthly to review any issues identified and to discuss fixes for those issues.

During the past year, we began implementing a comprehensive safety management system that will continue to take our safety program to the next level. We have taken steps to make advancements in our communication to enhance learning from one location to all other locations. From the top of our organization, safety meetings are held monthly to discuss ways we can improve, and that concept trickles throughout the organization.

Our CEO and COO are actively engaged with everyone at all levels. This is evident from the quarterly all-hands meetings conducted at each facility, the monthly safety meetings, and the monthly safety and business updates. Engagement, learning, and advancement are foremost in our organization, and this sets us apart from other industries. In addition, we offer shared services to other organization co-ops, which aids in communication, learning, and further advancements in safety.

What impacts or benefits have you seen resulting from a strong safety program?

We have experienced more buy-in and ownership from our employees. Any problems can be resolved faster because we have the processes set up within our safety program to generate the necessary feedback to move forward. As a lagging indicator, our injuries decrease. This is a primary goal and our No. 1 core value at Big Rivers.

How has KEMI assisted in enhancing workplace safety and reducing claims?

KEMI keeps us informed when situations are reported to them. When we have not been made aware of these situations, timely notification from KEMI has allowed us to review and consider potential solutions to appropriately address the circumstances surrounding these situations.

What notable safety milestones or recognition has your organization achieved during the past several years?

Wilson Station in Centertown received a Governor Safety Award in 2021 and 2022. Our headquarters in Owensboro also received a Governor Safety Award in 2021 and 2023, and our Energy Transmission & Substation in Henderson received a Governor Safety Award in 2021.

Everyone at Big Rivers Electric Corporation is proud to add our eighth KEMI Destiny Award to our collection this year and to be recognized for our team effort that supports workplace safety.

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) earned the KEMI Destiny Award for workplace safety for the fifth consecutive year. EKU accomplished this outstanding achievement through methodically implementing and managing a robust safety program that permeates all facets of the university.

EKU, a regional, coeducational public institution of higher education with the main campus located in Richmond, Kentucky, employs approximately 4,100 people. Associate Vice President for Facilities Management & Safety Bryan Makinen explains how collaboration among multiple areas of responsibility helps create a campus culture of safety for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

What role does safety play at Eastern Kentucky University?

Safety is the central theme that informs all decisions made at the university, from operations, to new builds, to renovations. We embrace a holistic approach of workplace safety in all we do.

Eastern Kentucky University has a Division of Facilities Management & Safety that consists of the EKU Police Department, 911 Telecommunications Center, Emergency Management, Fire & Life Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Parking & Transportation Services, Risk Management & Insurance, Facilities Management, and Capitol Construction. This division also includes oversight of the Aramark Custodial Services and Grounds Maintenance program.

Combining these areas provides an environment wherein synergisms occur to focus on worker and public safety. Our goal is to create a campus culture and foster a campus atmosphere that provides all individuals the safety they deserve. We do this with methodical planning, training, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and enforcement before incidents occur – not in reaction to them.

What are some of the workplace safety concerns unique to a university campus?

Slips, trips, and falls are universal concerns, and they are high on the list at a college campus. Our broad-spectrum risks, such as facilities operation, farm operation, chemical laboratories, aviation program, and police operation, present safety situations that other types of organizations and businesses may not experience.

Training a variety of professionals relative to safety, including facilities management, faculty, staff, student workers, and more, requires our trainers to stretch their training and instruction abilities to cater to a multitude of experiences, backgrounds, physical abilities, trade-specific tasks, and educational levels.

What impacts or benefits have resulted from a strong safety program?

The years dedicated to workplace safety have paid off by significantly lowering our workers’ compensation mod factor, and we are holding steady. The financial impact of this is astounding. We have reduced our annual workers’ compensation premium by 80%! Additionally, our OSHA recordable injuries have been substantially lowered.

We appreciate KEMI’s assistance with accident and incident trending reports. This crucial information gives us the ability to channel efforts so we can focus resources on areas of concern. The quarterly in-person claims review process has also been invaluable in helping us control costs and effectively manage difficult or complex claims.

Experiencing the partnership between the teams from KEMI, our insurance agency, and EKU is amazing.

Receiving our fifth KEMI Destiny Award is a testament to our focused efforts for improving the culture of safety.

Marsha Rogers, administrative assistant and workers’ compensation coordinator with the Anderson County Board of Education, highlights the importance of building a comfortable working relationship with KEMI as the district’s workers’ comp carrier. Rogers also explains how KEMI’s implementation of Medcor has reduced the need to search for details on a first report of injury (FROI), which helps streamline incident reporting and quickly connects claimants with KEMI.

A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance Authority (KEMI) (Lexington, KY).

The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect KEMI’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.

KEMI President & CEO Jon Stewart remarked about the rating, “This is KEMI’s 23^rd consecutive year for receiving an A.M. Best rating of Excellent, and it demonstrates our commitment to sound business practices and financial accountability so we may continue serving policyholders and their employees as we work together to protect and care for Kentucky’s workforce.”

Media Contact:
Ryan Worthen
KEMI Communications
rworthen@kemi.com
859-425-7800

Posted November 22, 2023

Cindy S., a former employee of Kentucky public schools, loves to make a difference in the lives of others.

Cindy enjoyed driving a school bus and working as a paraeducator for students with special needs. She also worked a third job at a lakeside restaurant to help make ends meet for her family.

On Oct. 26, 2016, Cindy slipped on a puddle of water and fell on the school cafeteria floor. She was in pain, and school officials encouraged her to go to the closest emergency department to be checked. X-rays revealed a fracture on her lower back. Cindy was scheduled for a follow-up visit with a neurosurgeon, given pain medication, and sent home.

Cindy could not afford to miss work, so she continued driving the school bus. She opted to grit through the pain rather than take medication that could have impaired her ability to drive, and she was not willing to jeopardize the welfare of her student passengers and others. She also continued reporting for her paraeducator job.

In December 2016, Cindy’s condition worsened. She had intense pain in her legs and was unable to move. She was taken to the emergency department and was diagnosed with a ruptured disc in her spine.

Cindy had surgery and was transferred to a rehab facility. She was released to go home in a wheelchair a few days before New Year’s Day 2017. Once home, Cindy developed a staph infection in the incision and had to undergo yet another surgery. Several weeks later she had a severe adverse reaction to an antibiotic and broke out in a rash. She was hospitalized again and received treatment.

Two years later, Cindy had a second ruptured disc that required another surgery. She also developed foot drop from additional nerve damage.

Today, Cindy is fully disabled and copes daily with chronic pain, limited mobility, and depression.

Asked what sustains her, Cindy said, “I’m a deeply religious person. My faith in God keeps me going. It’s a miracle that I can walk at all, and I credit the neurosurgeon who saw to it that I was a priority when an operating room opened at the crowded hospital.

“I have a wonderful husband who has been with me and prayed over the situation. He sticks with me through my pity parties and uncontrollable crying. My son tells the funniest stories. He makes me laugh, and I love that about him. And I have a loving family and caring friends who support me. I also have three dogs that give me purpose and a reason to get out of bed every morning.

“I wanted to return to work so badly, and occasionally I get to see children I had the privilege of working with and how they’ve blossomed into happy and outgoing young people. That really puts a lift in my day.

“And I’ve had the support of caring people. Julie from KEMI was there every step of the way trying to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. She has been one of the bright lights who said, ‘I got you, Cindy, I’ll take care of it.’ When I’ve needed anything, it’s nice to have someone to advocate for you who cares about the human aspect and wants to make your day better.

“Through it all, the Lord has been good to me. Maybe my story can encourage others who have been seriously injured to count blessings and look forward to what they have and not what they’ve lost. If sharing my experience can help even one person, I am truly blessed.”

Cindy’s story is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of immense adversity. She is an inspiration to the KEMI team and to others who have been seriously injured.

Opened in 1936, Keeneland is the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house, conducting five horse sales annually. Situated in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region in Lexington, Keeneland also hosts world-class racing twice annually during its boutique spring and fall meetings. Owners, trainers, riders, and fans from all over the world travel to Keeneland each year for an experience like none other.

Assistant Director of Human Resources Tiffany McDonald describes how developing a safety program to address circumstances unique to the horse industry helps achieve workplace safety goals for 286 full- and part-time employees plus 1,754 seasonal workers.

What role does safety play in Keeneland’s culture?
In fulfillment of Keeneland’s founding mission, the safety and welfare of horse and rider remain priority No. 1. Keeneland continues to support and invest in programs and initiatives that protect our equine and human athletes. All Keeneland employees take responsibility for doing their part to create the safest environment possible for the horse and for one another.

Employees work with multiple tools and equipment, and protecting team members from injury is of utmost importance. From patrolling the grounds 24/7, responding to calls for service, continuing to invest significantly in state-of-the-art technology and expertise to provide safe and consistent racing surfaces, and so much more, Keeneland ensures that we have a safe campus year-round!

What practices have you added to your program that helped improve your safety record?
We look at everything in an action/reaction frame of mind. We always consider what implications the task or event would have on individuals or patrons. We have implemented enhanced medical response protocols that provide on-site Level I trauma care, as well as proactive patrol and assignments on race days, during morning training hours for racehorses, and after hours.

Departmental meetings are held frequently throughout the year, and documentation of incidents is shared with applicable parties. After-action briefings and refresher trainings are conducted to address safety-related incidents and to better prepare employees to prevent future incidents.

What impacts or benefits have you seen resulting from a strong safety program?
Multiple departments have made communication a high priority. This enables departments to operate more efficiently and support one another in their respective tasks during stressful situations. Due to that, we have seen an injury record close to zero.

How has KEMI assisted in enhancing workplace safety and reducing claims?
Excellent communication and training platforms have helped Keeneland foster a workplace culture of safety for all staff members, and we look forward to continued development.

Keeneland is a special place to work with a unique schedule and set of demands. Earning the 2023 KEMI Destiny Award underscores how deeply our team is invested in our safety program so that Keeneland can provide the best experience possible for our horsemen and our guests.