Westford earned $38,849 on its workers compensation and property casualty insurance costs during fiscal year 2016, which will be applied toward fiscal year 2017 premiums. These credits were earned by participating in a rewards program offered by the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town’s municipal insurance provider.
Town Manager Jodi Ross stated, “Westford is pleased to be awarded these credits by MIIA for implementing best practices in risk management and employee training. The incentives created in the MIIA rewards program help us to encourage participation across the organization.”
According to MIIA, Westford’s proactive approach to risk management in each department has helped to prevent potential insurance claims and associated costs. The town regularly accesses MIIA’s training seminars for employees to help prevent injuries and minimize claims and losses. These no-cost courses include instruction for safe operation of heavy equipment such as excavators, and backhoes/front end loaders. Local police officers also completed MIIA’s onsite emergency driving course, and town employees have participated in a range of targeted courses focusing on workplace issues such as labor relations, negotiating conflict, and management basics.
MIIA insures nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in Massachusetts. In fiscal year 2016, MIIA awarded nearly $2.4 million of premium credit collectively to the membership through its Rewards program.
