Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Municipal officials have announced the Washburn Water & Sewer District has been awarded a Safety Enhancement Grant for $1,967.53 by the Maine Municipal Association.
“The total grant was $2,951. MMA pays two-thirds, with the town covering the balance. The SEG and Scholarship Grant programs offer financial incentives to members of the MMA Workers’ Compensation Fund. These grants are used to purchase safety equipment or services that assist in reducing the frequency and severity of workplace injuries,” explained Matt Palmer, WWSD director.
Palmer said improving workplace safety for municipal employees saves taxpayers money by reducing lost hours at work, cost of insurance claims and overtime expenses for employees who might have to fill in for injured co-workers.
“This is the second time Washburn has received such funding. The first grant was used for a magnetic manhole lifter and OSHA-compliant gas storage cabinet,” said Palmer.
The MMA has been awarding safety grants to members of their Workers’ Compensation Fund since 1999. The grant program has assisted municipalities by bestowing more than $2.6 million through funding of 2,074 Safety Enhancement Grants and 333 Scholarship Grants.
“The program has received 190 applications for this grant period and $182,922 was awarded. Grants are awarded in May and October each year,” said Ed MacDonald, loss control manager for MMA.
Palmer said it’s worth the effort to be able to obtain funds that will benefit the community.
“With just a little effort, the application was filled out and I sent it on its way. It was that easy,” said Palmer.
