Firm Cuts Workers’ Comp Claims by About Half

The Martin V. Smith & Associates development firm has reduced its employees’ work-related injuries and workers’ compensation claims for the past year by about 50%, an insurance firm reports.

Tolman & Wiker Insurance, based in Ventura, said the Smith concern, developer of Oxnard’s Financial Plaza, has been refunded nearly 50% of its workers’ compensation premiums through a program offered by Fremont Compensation Insurance Co.

“Their diligence in promoting safe working practices among their employees has done more than reduce on-the-job injuries,” Greg Anderson, a Tolman & Wiker partner, said of Smith & Associates. “It also has helped reduce the severity of the injuries that occur.”

Dan Weigel, Smith’s safety director, invites employees’ own health-care practitioners to conduct safety programs at work sites. The company has 1,000 workers throughout Ventura County.

“It’s a very effective means of getting the employees to discuss their concerns,” Weigel said. He said he conducts safety programs at work sites rather than at company headquarters because employees are more apt to discuss such matters in a familiar environment.