As we welcome in a new year, I want to remind SCMIT/SCMIRF members about the various grant and safety award programs available through Risk Management Services.
2009 SCMIT Soft Body Armor Cost Sharing Program
This annual cost sharing (50/50) program is designed to assist member law enforcement agencies purchase soft body armor for its officers. Since its inception in 1999, the grant program has furnished $255,877 for 1056 vests. Qualified applicants may apply for reimbursement up to 50 percent of the cost of equipment purchased. Recently, the SCMIT board approved increasing the fund amount from $30,000 to $50,000 and raised the maximum reimbursement from $1,250 to $2000.
2009 SCMIT Fire Service Equipment Cost Sharing Program
Entering its second year, this cost-sharing program assists fire departments purchase personal protective equipment. Although designed for small, volunteer departments, the program is open to all SCMIT members. The grant is structured similar to the SCMIT Body Armor Cost Sharing Program where members may apply for reimbursement up to 50 percent of the cost of equipment purchased, not to exceed $2000 per member. In addition, the SCMIT board increased the maximum reimbursement from $1,250 to $2000 per member and raised the fund amount from $30,000 to $50,000.
2009 SCMIRF Law Enforcement Technology Matching Grant Program
SCMIRF created this grant program in 2004 to assist its law enforcement agencies procure products or equipment to reduce the frequency and severity of claims. Like the SCMIT cost-sharing programs mentioned above, SCMIRF reimburses the member up to 50 percent of the cost of the eligible purchase up to a maximum of $2000 (increased from $1,500). The board increased the fund allocation from $30,000 to $50,000. Products and equipment eligible for reimbursement include police vehicle video cameras, Tasers, Taser cameras and body cameras.
2009 SCMIT Occupational Safety Contest
For the past decade, SCMIT has held an annual occupational safety contest for its members. The top three winners in each division receive an engraved plaque and monetary credit (reimbursement) towards the purchase of safety equipment and/or training. The competition is open to SCMIT members with ten or more full-time employees in two or more of the following operations: administration, public safety, public utilities or public works. Winners are determined based on the product of their "incident rate" using the OSHA Form 300 and SCMIT loss ratio data for the preceding year. The former measures frequency, while the latter measures severity.
Division 1 – 10 to 50 employees
Division 2 – 51 to 150 employees
Division 3 – 151 employees and above
Division 4 – Non-municipality
(CPWs, BPWs, Utility departments, etc.)
The winners receive awards at the Municipal Association’s Hometown, SC Legislative Action Day in February.
First Place winners - $2000 credit
Second Place winners - $1000 credit
Third Place winners - $500 credit
Safety Idea Contest
This contest is open to all SCMIT members with an idea that helps to make their workplace safe. Any safety-related topic qualifies, and the "safety idea" does not need to be totally new or unique. Existing programs, practices or products that reduce hazards to employees are welcomed. The SCMIT board chooses the winner, who receives a $500 check at the Municipal Association’s Hometown, SC Legislative Action Day. The winning "safety idea" is featured in both Riskletter and the Municipal Association’s Uptown newsletter.