The goal of the Safety Grant program is to support policyholders who need safety equipment and are willing to match MEM’s investment. See how three construction businesses used their safety grant funds to improve workplace safety.
Arnold Masonry, LLC
A residential and commercial brick and stone laying company, Arnold Masonry, LLC, used its safety grant funds to purchase two 24’ Hydro Mobile M-Series mast climbing work platforms and two 6’ bearing bridge adapters. The work platforms have a load capacity of 20,000 lb., a hydrolytic climbing rate of 3’ per minute, height capabilities of 20’ to 250’, and a guardrail system making it an ideal safety intervention for bricklayers to keep them from reaching overhead, bending over to lay materials, or falling from great heights. The implementation of the equipment reduces manual labor and increases efficiency.
Flynn Drilling Company
One of the largest commercial and residential water well drilling and pump repair companies in the Midwest, Flynn Drilling Company, used one of their safety grants to purchase five arc flash safety suits, gloves, and insulated boot kits. While implementing new systems, troubleshooting failed systems, and performing maintenance for Public Water Supplies employees are responsible for testing high voltage electrical components. Exposure to high voltage places employees in danger of arc flash hazards due to the high potential of ground faults.
The consequences of an arc flash can be devastating depending on the intensity, proximity of the individual to the source of the arc, and the personal protective equipment used. Before receiving the safety grant, Flynn Drilling Company owned one arc flash safety suit but found it inefficient to navigate the equipment between multiple crews. While the arc flash suits increase job site prep time, Flynn Drilling Company believes their employees gain confidence by wearing proper safety attire.
Harrisonville Electric LLC
A family-owned electrical contractor, Harrisonville Electric LLC, whose primary focus is commercial wiring used their safety grant funds to purchase a Greenlee EX6ATX Gator battery-powered dieless crimping tool.
Before implementation, employees were using a hand crimping tool, which requires employees to be several feet off the ground using both hands, often overhead. Harrison Electric considers each use of hand crimpers a near miss, as it places the operator in an awkward position that jeopardizes their balance. Electromechanical crimping with the battery-powered dieless crimping tool only requires one hand for operation thus freeing the other hand for stabilization. The tool not only increases efficiency for Harrison Electric, but it also protects the health of their employees and reduces liability from over or under crimping which can cause severe electrical issues.
All of MEM’s policyholders are eligible for a safety grant, regardless of premium size or claims history. Successful applicants earn one-to-one matching grants up to $10,000 toward approved safety initiatives. Policyholders are required to monitor claims data and report on the success of the safety grant so MEM can help other businesses learn from their success.
You can read even more safety grant success stories on our blog. Visit our Safety Grants page to learn more about the program and how policyholders can apply.