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| Essex Crane Rental improves safety record. |
December 6, 2004—Just four years ago, Essex Crane Rental Corp., Buffalo Grove, Ill., had a lost time rate above industry levels. But last month, Amerisure Insurance, which specializes in worker compensation programs, recognized Essex Crane Rental for achieving no recorded loss time incidents in 2003.
Betty Ezzell, territory manager for Amerisure, credits Essex's innovative and proactive safety program for this success. “Job site safety and low loss ratios require continuous attention to detail,” said Ezzell. The improvements made by Essex were the best I've seen from a company in such a short time period.”
When Essex's senior management embarked on creating an improved safety culture, safety was not only encouraged, but also demanded and ultimately rewarded. The first step involved modifying its safety program to including weekly tool box meetings and hands-on training on topics such as ladder safety and heat stress. Essex followed up the safety awareness training with strict enforcement of all safety procedures and rules. Additionally, a financial reward program was introduced. The reward program equally compensates all employees if certain safety goals are achieved. For example the achievement of the one year zero lost time goal meant all employees were paid a $950.00 bonus.
“Investing in the safety of our people makes excellent business sense and provides great returns,” said Marty Kroll, senior vice president and CFO of Essex Crane Rental.
In other company news, Bill Erwin has appointed vice president of operations. Erwin will assume full responsibility for the company's North American service centers in addition to his current customer support duties.
