How Safety Groups Work

The formation of safety groups was authorized by Section 97 of the 1913 Workers' Compensation Law. In 1938, the substance of section 97 was moved to section 91, where it remains today. Safety groups were established to facilitate:

• Prevention of occupational accidents and diseases
• Improved medical care to workers
• Expedited medical testing and treatment for injured workers
• Reduction in the cost of workers' compensation insurance for employers
• Loss containment resulting in reduced cost for workers' compensation insurance

A safety group is a collection of companies in the same trade or industry that encounters and manages a similar set of work conditions, safety hazards, and job risks. The group cooperatively seeks to secure its state–mandated workers' compensation insurance for the lowest possible rate while also obtaining the highest level of quality service.

Lovell administers 12 safety groups. It is now the oldest, largest, and most successful safety group manager in New York State. That success is attributed to several factors:

• Selectivity in qualifying eligible member companies
• Intensive claims management, which effectively limits employer and group liability
• Aggressive pursuit of accuracy in manual rates, classifications and experience ratings
• Focus on development and implementation of effective safety programs
• Service team methodology, which assures member companies of the highest level of service, support and responsiveness

Companies accepted into Lovell's safety groups must be committed to developing and maintaining effective safety programs, which limit accidental injuries and occupational diseases. This cooperative effort results in diminished number of claims, lower experience ratings, higher dividends, and healthier bottom lines.