By Angeljean Chiaramida
Staff writer
December 04, 2008 03:52 am SEABROOK — Serious work-related injuries were reduced among town workers this year, but it wasn't enough to prevent the nearly $45,000 increase the town will have to pay in workers compensation premiums next year. The high rate of severe injuries to town workers over the four previous years will force Seabrook officials to budget $391,672 to pay its 2009 premiums to Primex, the nonprofit workers compensation insurance trust that covers municipalities throughout New Hampshire. "It's not the number of (work accident) claims Seabrook files, but the severity of the injuries that's driving up the town's costs," Primex's David Witham said after his meeting with selectmen yesterday. "Over the past years there have consistently been two, three or four serious injuries and big claims that are driving up the costs here. Premiums are based on the past five years of experience. One bad year won't kill you, but four will." Seabrook's workers compensation premiums became a local problem more than five years ago. The town's premium jumped from $150,000 in 2004 to $230,000 in 2005. Premiums have continued to climb, reaching nearly $347,000 in 2008, and will hit a new high next year after the 13 percent increase. Witham said the major accidents causing the most problem are falls and lifting accidents. He said fraud is not a problem he sees in Seabrook. The remedy, he said, is constant safety training of personnel to reduce the risk of the repeated and serious types of accidents those with hazardous jobs — such as public works, fire and police personnel — are experiencing. Witham said even with the high premiums Seabrook has paid over the years, the injuries involved are so serious that Primex has paid $432,000 more to cover them and related time lost from work than the town contributes to the pool. Others in the Primex pool have to make up the difference, Witham said, and it's becoming unfair to other participants. Should Seabrook not continue to bring down its severe injury rate and costs, Witham said, the town may be dropped from the pool, having to purchase coverage — if it can be found — at high commercial insurance rates. Selectmen and Town Manager Barry Brenner told Witham they're committed to reducing the town's work-related accident rate. Over the next year, Witham and town officials and department heads will work to increase safety training, while also impressing upon workers how important it is both personally and financially for them to stay safe and healthy while on the job. Selectmen are in negotiation with the town's four unions currently. Union members are seeking wage increases after years of rejection by the voters. According to Selectman Bob Moore, the $45,000 increase in premiums next year would cover the cost of salary raises for at least one of the four unions, though he would not say which one.
—
Copyright © 1999-2010 cnhi, inc.