City Of Batesville Awarded For Winter Safety Initiatives

The city received a first place award in the statewide contest.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Indiana Public Employers' Plan (IEP) held a Winter Hazard Awareness Contest and awarded the City of Batesville first place. 

This IPEP contest gave municipalities across the state the opportunity to showcase their winter safety plans, checklists, and trainings to prepare their employees. 

Batesville was recognized for their "walk like a penguin" initiative led by Wellness Coordinator, Cindy Blessing.

This program reminds the employees the dangers of slipping and falling on snow and ice during the winter season. Inflatable penguins and "Ice and Snow, Take it Slow" posters placed around the city made it easy for every department to participate.

“We felt this was an ideal winter program as having the inflatable penguins and signage outside of our buildings not only reminds our workers to play it safe but also is a reminder to the community,” Blessing said.

In 2016, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were more than 20,000 workplace injuries nationwide due to falls from ice, sleet, and snow. Almost 30% of those falls resulted in more than a month off work. 

“Workplace safety is incredibly important to us as we have departments that work in a variety of different environments,” said Mayor Mike Bettice. “In Batesville, we remain firmly committed to providing the training and programs that keep our employees safe."

IPEP Risk Management Specialist Aaron Aslup said, “We are very impressed with the City of Batesville’s commitment to keeping their employees safe. Taking proactive measures in the winter months will reduce work related injuries allowing the City to focus on the safety of their community.”

IPEP has 600 active members providing coverage for over $1 billion in public worker wages, making it the largest provider of public entity workers' compensation in Indiana.