Author Archives: Lucas Kidwell

Heather Collins, head custodian at Garth Elementary within the Scott County Schools system, saved a life on Friday, Jan. 13, by performing the Heimlich maneuver on a child who was choking. See the full WKYT story here. The lifesaving action by Collins highlights the importance of safety training and readiness.

Scott County Schools, a Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) policyholder since 2012, maintains a steadfast commitment to workplace safety. That commitment is reflected in an excellent safety record for the school system. “They have always trained more people than is required, and this story bringing recognition to Ms. Collins for her quick action is great news,” said Jeff Floyd, Safety & Loss Control manager for KEMI.

KEMI’s safety team recently conducted a training class for school system employees at the Scott County Board of Education office. “We’re committed to promoting safe workplaces,” continued Floyd, “which is why we provide training and resources to all KEMI policyholders at no additional cost.” KEMI Policyholders are encouraged to contact safety@kemi.com to schedule safety training classes and to access safety resources at worksafeky.com.

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 is pleased to once again earn an “Excellent” rating for our financial strength and stability,” said Jon Stewart, KEMI president & CEO. “Our team is dedicated to meeting the needs of Kentucky businesses and injured workers, and this rating from A.M. Best demonstrates that commitment.”

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

Posted November 22, 2022

KEMI Announces Destiny Award Winners for 2022

At a time in which most businesses are struggling to hire and retain employees, keeping available workers healthy and on the job is imperative. Yet, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cited 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2020, within the private industry alone. Many of these injuries, and the personal and professional difficulties that they caused, could have been prevented.  

That’s why Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI), the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, recognizes employers for their commitment to workplace safety annually.

This year, KEMI will present 28 Kentucky organizations with the 2022 KEMI Destiny Award.

The Destiny Awards are presented to policyholders that best exemplify KEMI’s motto, “Control your own destiny.” The awards symbolize what can be accomplished when organizations work together to improve workplace safety.

Policyholders that earn the KEMI Destiny Award effectively demonstrate their ability to manage a formal safety program, provide on-site training and regular safety meetings for employees, and display an ongoing commitment to safety from all levels throughout their organizations.

The following businesses were selected as winners after meeting a stringent set of criteria set forth by KEMI:

• Adair County Board of Education
• Asbury University
• Asbury Theological Seminary
• Barren County Board of Education
• Bell County Board of Education
• Big Rivers Electric Corporation
• Brandenburg Telephone Company
• Corbin Independent Schools
• Eastern Kentucky University
• Edmonson County Board of Education
• Elizabethtown Board of Education
• Frankfort Plant Board
• Glenwood Electric
• Hancock County Board of Education
• Hibbs Electromechanical
• Hilton Kennedy Company Louisville
• Hinkle Holding Company
• Independence Fire District
• Industrial Field Maintenance
• KI USA Corporation
• Merkle Lawn Care Company
• Metcalfe County Board of Education
• Northern Kentucky Water District
• Ray St Clair Roofing
• Storm Security
• The Corken Steel Products Company
• Union County Board of Education
• Warren County Board of Education

“Destiny Award winners are part of an elite group of organizations that have emphasized safety each day and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of Kentucky’s workforce,” remarked Jon Stewart, president and CEO of KEMI. “Some have received the Destiny Award multiple years, and we appreciate the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with them and all policyholders to elevate safety programs throughout the commonwealth.”

KEMI offers the public free safety resources through worksafeky.com, a website anyone can access. It has and array of safety articles, best practices and helpful links.

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

Posted October 24, 2022

The dividend follows an $8.2 million dividend paid in August 2021

Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI), Kentucky’s leading workers’ compensation insurance provider, is issuing a dividend of $8.3 million to eligible policyholders. The dividend is a result of proactive management of claims by KEMI and its policyholders.

“KEMI is one of the few insurance companies in Kentucky that pays dividends to clients,” said Jon Stewart, president and chief executive officer of KEMI. “Our steadfast commitment to responsible financial management is critical for positioning KEMI to give back to our policyholders.”

More than 14,000 policyholders will receive a 10% dividend payment from KEMI. To qualify, policyholders must:

• Have a current active policy with KEMI.
• Have had an active policy for all 12 months of 2019.
• Have had a loss ratio of less than or equal to 65% for the 2019 policy year.

Dividend checks will be distributed throughout the month of August.

Between 2010 and 2021, KEMI issued six dividend payments to policyholders totaling $61 million. Since 2011, KEMI has also systematically lowered noncoal rates by more than 40% resulting in substantial savings for policyholders. Stewart explained, “As a mutual insurance company, we continuously innovate so that we can identify ways to keep rates competitive.”

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

Jon Stewart, President & CEO of Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI), has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

WCRI is a national research organization that focuses on improving workers’ compensation systems by providing the public with objective, credible, high-quality research regarding public policy issues related to workers’ compensation. Board members are elected for staggered three-year terms and are responsible for all policymaking activities.

Stewart said that he is “looking forward to serving alongside other industry leaders to help make workers’ compensation systems more efficient and equitable for the benefit of workers and employers.”

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

Posted June 29, 2022

In an industry that has historically employed more males than females, KEMI has been a leader in challenging the status quo. Since KEMI’s formation in 1995, the majority of KEMI’s workforce has been women, and the organizational chart reflects this still holds true nearly three decades later.

“Of 214 career positions, 136 are held by women for a total of 64%,” stated Jon Stewart, President & CEO, KEMI. “If you add together all the years of service of women currently employed by KEMI, the sum is an astonishing number of 1,380 years. That represents an invaluable wealth of knowledge.”

KEMI remains committed to ensuring equitable pay practices, professional development, and career opportunities. “I believe our intentional culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a major factor that keeps KEMI on the forefront of the workers’ compensation industry in Kentucky,” observed Jon. “As Women’s History Month draws to a close, let’s all celebrate the contributions of our predominantly female workforce and express our appreciation for the vital roles that are key to KEMI’s continued success.”

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

Posted March 31, 2022

Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) scored in the top quartile of large and midsize employers who participated in Gallagher’s 2021 Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey. KEMI was recognized as an organization that provides innovative solutions for creating organizational structures, workplace policies, and total rewards, which inclusively engage and motivate its employees.

“We compete with nearly 4000 organizations throughout the country that Gallagher surveys, and we were in the top 11%,” said Katy Grachek, Senior Director of Human Resources, KEMI. Katy continued, “I’m very proud of this accomplishment. It demonstrates to employees, applicants, and customers how we’re committed to a holistic wellness approach.”

Gallagher’s Best-in-Class awards recognize employers that excel in supporting their employees’ physical, emotional, career, and financial well-being for better organizational outcomes.

KEMI takes a proactive and structured approach to planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive benefits and HR programs. We believe supporting our workforce builds our overall organizational strength and resilience. 

Hear directly from KEMI employees about the supportive work environment and explore career opportunities today!

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

Posted March 14, 2022