STRENGTH: Our fund is very strong financially
with a renewal premium at $8 million and investments in excess of $12 million. The premium of our membership has increased by approximately $1 million from last year for the same size of membership. This increase means that our members have grown; and we believe that we may have contributed to their growth by allowing more operational money to be used for just that -operations- instead of being deposited into an insurance account for security purposes. The other side of the financial picture is investments. We chose to divide the assets into two investment houses for better utilization and growth of the investment monies. This strategy has proven to be the best way to avoid major losses through the past slow periods of economic growth in the financial markets, and the best way to take full advantage of the upturns in market growth for our investment monies. Our CPA advisor sits on our monthly board meetings to ensure that we have the best guidance for the financial security of the fund.
SERVICE: We're full service - Safety, Loss Control, & Personal Attention. Our service begins at the office in Gulfport where we handle all member calls as efficiently and effectively as possible. We also pride ourselves on the direct and immediate attention that we give to all member concerns. This personal service extends to the field with our responsive Safety Program and effective Loss Control Visit Program. Our safety director is dedicated to the program and teaches a multitude of quality subjects either on-site or at AGC offices in Jackson or Gulfport, all with the sole intent of creating an awareness among construction crews about safety hazards and ways to reduce employee injuries and claims. We have two safety-trained, loss control specialists who continually visit job sites throughout the state to apprise superintendents of hazards and technical problems that could cause injuries, or problems with OSHA inspectors. These men are also dedicated to making each member work place safer for employees and less costly for contractors in claims and experience costs.
HONESTY: This fund has been in existence for 13 years with management backing up members' decisions and executing the desires of the Board of Directors who are member contractors of the fund. Each board member serves voluntarily without compensation but as a leader of the construction industry and representative of their fellow brethren in the management and operation of the fund. They are briefed monthly on the status of the fund regarding financials, investments, new business, claim losses, collection actions of aged receivables, member problems/concerns, and all other aspects of the daily operations of the fund. These members look out for the well-being of the fund and give specific instructions to the fund administrators who carry out their duties with dedication and integrity to benefit the fund and its members. This integrity has remained intact at a high level for the 13 years of service provided to the fund.
Training in Construction
Why does CompTrust AGC put so much emphasis on the training of our member employees in construction, safety, loss
control, OSHA requirements/concerns, etc.? Why do you as an employer of the construction industry have a valid need to
invest in the training of your employees? What resources do you need to commit to in order to sufficiently train your employees?
Why does your self-insured fund, CompTrust, aggressively support the Mississippi Construction/Education Foundation to
develop Mississippi workers for entry into our construction industry?
These questions and answers are vital to your survival in the big business of construction. We, at CompTrust AGC, firmly believe that the selection and recruiting of capable individuals, and the subsequent promoting and training of these employees as a quality workforce, is a top priority in the construction business. We have committed to these needs as a service, so we can provide and assist our members. We believe that proper and thorough training of your workers will definitely improve performance, attitudes, pride in craftsmanship, and ultimately result in increases of revenue and profits for your business. As a previous employer, I cannot understand how a competitive employer can ignore, or not give priority to this essential element of a competitive workforce.
The American Society for Training and Development conducted a study on the benefits of training employees by their employers. This data was collected from 575 publicly traded companies and showed that a small investment increase of $680 meant a reciprocal increase of stockholder return by 6%. The scale ranged from an investment of training costs ranging from $128 to $1,595 per employee, with over 200% higher income per employee depicted at the top end of the scale. This highly trained group also showed a 24% higher gross profit margin. Whether this increase resulted from the actual enhancement of basic and secondary skills, or simply occurred as a result of the attention and consideration given to this group is not important; the important point is that positive results, which benefit both the employees and the employer, were realized with increased training efforts.
CompTrust will continue to support our membership, with quality training, in all aspects of construction. We suggest that you, as a competitive employer in the construction industry, analyze your own business and determine the level and degree of training required for all workers. Make an investment, both financially and with manpower, to provide this training. Make contact with local vocational schools and their training programs to solicit, as well as provide support for recruitment of future employees and training of current employees. Call me at 800-356-3083, or Rachel at 601-981-4411, for any specific training needs, or to check on membership. Thanks for reading.
Facts:
. Over 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes annually
. Traffic crashes are leading cause of all work-related fatalities
. Two out of every five people will be involved in an alcohol-related vehicle crash in their lifetime.
Effectively immediately, CompTrust AGC will begin offering the National Safety Council's
4-Hour Defensive Driving Course. Remember, when operating a construction company's vehicle, if the driver and employees are injured, the company's workers compensation pays the medical costs, not the auto insurance carrier.
Safety Corner
On-The-Job Injuries: A To Do List for employers. When an on-the-job injury occurs, take the following steps immediately:
Secure First Aid/Medical Treatment for the injured employee, if necessary.
- If it's a serious accident or injury, call Attenta immediately.
- Complete the "Employer's First Report" as instructed on the form. Determine the cause of the injury, and identify all witnesses.
- Submit complete form to Attenta by fax, telephone, or mail. DO NOT HOLD for medical bills.
- All invoices, reports, and correspondences for treatment should be sent to Southern Risk Services immediately. Please include your company name, your local address, the date of the accident, and the employee's name.
Remember, effective risk management of workers' compensation claims begins with PROMPT REPORTING OF ALL ACCIDENTS. It is our intent to investigate each claim quickly. Fewer claims - and reduced costs from claims that do occur - are a financial benefit to you as a COMPTrust AGC member.
NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES
If you are injured, you should: Report the accident to your employer. You cannot receive benefits unless your employer knows you are injured. When your injury is treated, tell the doctor that you are covered by workers' compensation; the name of your insurance company; and the name of your employer. The doctor then knows where to send the bill.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Pays for your medical bills and other expenses if you are injured while working. Is not health insurance or welfare. It is a benefit provided by your employer as require by law.
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228.896.3553 - Gulfport, MS