At Missouri Employers Mutual, we don’t want funding to stand in the way of saving lives at work. That’s why we created the MEM Safety Grant program. 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 education businesses used their safety grant funds to improve workplace safety.
Education safety grants in action
Branson R-4 School District
With their safety grant funds, Branson R-4 School District purchased a Toyota 8HBW23 electric walkie pallet jack and a Vestil SWA-51-AR5 low profile stretch wrap machine. The district’s janitorial team is responsible for distributing materials, such as food, cleaning supplies, and classroom furniture from a warehouse to 12 buildings in the district. The electric walkie pallet jack and low-profile stretch wrap machine allow the team to move items more efficiently, decreasing strain and increasing productivity.
Christian Fellowship of Columbia, Missouri, Inc
Christian Fellowship used their safety grant to purchase a used Skyjack SJIII 3226 scissor lift, as their 40,000-square-foot church and school facility has ceiling heights of up to 30 feet. The Skyjack has 32 feet work height and an 84 inch x 28 inch work platform. Used by Christian Fellowship to maintain lighting, production equipment, and HVAC vents the lift allows employees to perform duties on a stable platform with all tools and supplies needed. The Skyjack lift also provides employees with a safer alternative to ladders and scaffolding, reducing the risk of falls from heights.
Smithville R-2 School District
To support their Student Services program, special education, and related services to students with disabilities, the Smithville R-2 School District purchased an Armedica Hi-Lo Changing Table and Hoyer Lift with a sling attachment using their safety grant funds.
The adjustable height, Hoyer lift compatible, mobile table decreases the risk of injury to the student and caregiver. The table promotes safer transfers, comfortable positioning, and a secure space to aid students who need assistance with diapering.
The power-operated Hoyer lift can safely lift 450 pounds, has an adjustable U-base, and works with various slings. An Invacare standard mesh sling, a one-piece contour sling that supports students from shoulders to knees, is currently in use with the lift. The implementation of the Hoyer lift decreases the risk of lift, pivot, transfer injuries, and the need for two-person lifts while increasing the quality of student transfer through a smooth and safe transition.
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.