Village President Kirk Thielke with the MML award.

The Village of Sand Lake is one of 29 Michigan communities that earned statewide honors for their outstanding efforts to maintain safe working environments.

The Michigan Municipal League Worker’s Compensation Fund (mml.org/insurance) has issued its annual Loss Control Achievement Awards for 2011-2012 with Sand Lake being one of the most improved.

“These awards represent the best of the best when it comes to communities being safe places for their employees and citizen,” said Michael Forster, director of risk management services for the Michigan Municipal League. “These awards reflect excellent management and an understanding that making safety a priority clearly protects staffs, residents and budgets.”

The awards are based on a community’s Experience Modification Factor (EMF) rating, using a formula measuring the frequency and severity of employee injuries over a 3-½-year time period. The average EMF is 1.00. Sand lake has lowered its EMF from 1.32 to .97, for a net reduction of (-.35).  Any fund member with an EMF under 1.00 saves significant premium dollars.

Other Lowest EMF award winners

Village of Elsie (.88)

Home Township/Montcalm Co. (.74)

City of Grant (.88)

Other Most Improved EMF award winners

City of Big Rapids (-.29)

Oakfield Township (-.42)

Village of Spring Lake (-.39)