Press Release: Road Commission awarded for low injury rates among road commissions

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 09/20/2022 11:46 AM EDT
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For immediate release: 9/20/22

Media Contact: Alex Doty, Communications Administrator | 616-842-5400

Ottawa County Road Commission is recognized as the 'Best of the Best' by County Road Association Self-Insurance Fund

The Ottawa County Road Commission was recently recognized by the County Road Association Self-Insurance Fund (CRASIF) for having the lowest injury rate in its payroll classification, and for having the lowest employee injury rate among road commissions in the state for this past year.

The announcement was made at the CRASIF Annual Membership Meeting held in Traverse City on Sept. 14, 2022.

"Low injury rates just don't happen in our industry," said Jim deSpelder, CRASIF Administrator and CEO.

CRASIF provides safety training and workers' compensation coverage for road commissions.

"Maintaining 75% of all roads in Michigan are the responsibility of county road commissions and departments," said deSpelder. "It takes energy and focus to constantly remind employees that their safety on the job is a primary concern of management."

Tom Doty, Chairperson of the CRASIF Board of Trustees, noted that low injury rates also have monetary benefits to road commissions.

"Lower injury rates result in lower workers compensation premiums," Doty said. "The monetary savings can go to other needs such as maintaining Michigan roads."

"Road commissions that have lower than average injury rates qualify to be on our Honor Roll," noted deSpelder. "Ottawa not only got on the Honor Roll, they also had the lowest injury rate in their payroll category and among all road commissions in the state. They are the best of the best. They should be recognized for their achievement."

The award was given by the County Road Association Self Insurance Fund otherwise known as CRASIF. CRASIF is a Michigan based self-insured group fund that provides disability management and workers' compensation to road commissions.

CRASIF services 70 out of the 76 road commissions in Michigan.