City of Somerset Safety Coordinator Marc Travis, left, Mayor Alan Keck and Water and Wastewater Manager Dana Whitis with a check from the Kentucky League of Cities for a recently awarded safety grant.
Kentucky League of Cities funds provide critical training, equipment
The City of Somerset has received two safety grants from the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) Insurance Services that have provided equipment and training to enhance public safety.
The first, a 2019-20 KLC Liability Grant for $3,000, was awarded in December and was used to purchase a rear-facing camera for the wastewater department. Water and Wastewater Manager Dana Whitis said the camera allows the department to utilize a second view of obstacles and problems when working on projects. It also allows for safe removal of equipment, so as not to damage the city’s investment, she said.
The second, a 2020 KLC Workers’ Compensation Grant also for $3,000, paid for city employees to attend the 2020 KLC Risk & Safety Conference. The conference, held March 11-13, promotes and improves the environmental, safety and health concerns of municipal entities through programs, education and facilitating communication among members.
“We pursue every opportunity to make our city safer,” City of Somerset Safety Coordinator Marc Travis said. “Many of our employees perform critical infrastructure work daily. We greatly appreciate the ability to not only fund learning opportunities with these grants but to also provide employees with equipment that helps them do their jobs safely.”
KLC Insurance Services helps members increase public safety with a number of proactive programs and services. The organization has awarded in excess of $4.6 million since the Safety Grant Program started in 1999. Awarded funds for workers’ compensation grants go toward personal protective equipment, conference reimbursement, ice and snow traction devices for footwear, safety training, confined space equipment, trenching and shoring safety equipment, work zone safety equipment, utility safety manuals and COVID-19 related expenses. Liability grants cover everything from personal services provided by the KLC Legal Team, to mulching mowers or kits, vehicle back-up cameras, or new playground equipment and cushioning material.
“Our philosophy is to prevent injuries and claims from happening,” KLC Executive Director J.D. Chaney said. “We want to partner with our members, and this safety grant promotes good risk management. There is no better way to invest in our members’ money.”
