LANSING — The Cass County Road Commission was recently recognized for having one of the lowest employee injury rates among road commissions in the state.

The award was given by the County Road Association Self Insurance. CRASIF is a Michigan based group fund that provides disability management and workers’ compensation to road commission.

CRASIF services 70 out of the 83 road commissions in Michigan.

“Low injury rates just don’t happen in our business”, said Jim deSpelder, administrator of the County Road Association of Self-Insurance Fund. “Our business is working on the roads. Working on the road is physically demanding and puts our workers at risk of being injured by passing vehicles. It takes constantly reminding employees that their safety on the job is a primary concern of management.”

“Low injury rates also have monetary benefits to the road commissions,” said Doug Robidoux, chairperson of the fund and a road commissioner with the Mason County Road Commission. “Lower injury rates results in lower workers compensation premiums. The monetary savings can go to other needs such as maintaining Michigan roads.”

“Road commissions that have lower than average injury rates qualify to be on our Honor Roll,” deSpelder said. ‘’They should be applauded for their achievement.”

“Once again, the Cass County Road Commission wins the workers’ compensation award,” said Steve Lucas, Managing Director for the Cass County Road Commission. “The award covers the 2016-17 coverage years. CRASIF developed the program seven years ago and this is the road commission’s third honor since its inception. As the manager, I am proud of our employees for achieving this status.

“Road commission jobs are some of the most dangerous in any industry, and our employees do a great job of helping manage our safety program. This is a team effort through our safety committee, internal and external training audits provided by CRASIF, and everyone having a watchful eye on each other.”