“Safety is Priority One!” That is the tagline that best describes the Geauga Safety Council. Established in July of 2006, the Safety Council grew in leaps and bounds during its first year with over 90 businesses sending representatives to monthly luncheon meetings which promote strategies to increase safety and health in both the workplace and the community.

Currently, more than 9000 Ohio businesses in 76 safety councils participate in this program. In addition to receiving critical information to make a safer workplace, companies are rewarded for learning. Checks disbursed, by the Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) in October of 2007 to 65 GEAUGA Safety Council employers for the FY07 Premium Discount Program, totaled $193,460.90.

Businesses can obtain up to a four percent discount by meeting all the eligibility requirements and certain performance benchmarks. Employers must meet all the following eligibility requirements to earn a two percent premium reduction:

1. Enroll with the Geauga Safety Council by July 31, 2007.
2. Attend 10 meetings or events, at least eight through the Safety Council in which your company is enrolled. Employers have the option to gain credit for up to two meetings through attendance at Workers Compensation University (WCU), Ohio Safety Congress, Department of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) safety training courses or industry-specific training.
3. CEO (highest ranking authority) must attend any one of 10 meetings required).
4. Submit semi-annual reports for the calendar year.

Employers can also earn an additional two percent performance bonus for reducing either frequency or severity by 10 percent, or with maintenance of both frequency and severity at zero. Employers must meet all four of the eligibility requirements outlined above to be eligible for the performance bonus.

School systems, townships, and municipalities are welcome to join, as well as non-profit and self-insured companies. There are no dues associated with becoming a Geauga Safety Council member. To enroll in the Geauga Safety Council, complete and submit an enrollment form no later than July 31^st. For more information, contact any member of the safety council’s steering committee or call 440-632-9800 or email: safety@middlefieldcc.com