UNION — Making the workplace safe for employees paid off handsomely for Wallace Thomson Hospital, Ellen Sagar Nursing Home, and Carolinas Health Associates today when they received a check for $158,899, $48,976, and $5,904 respectively, from Palmetto Hospital Trust, the workers’ compensation self-insurance pool in which they participate.

“Wallace Thomson Hospital, Ellen Sagar Nursing Home, Carolinas Health Associates, and other Palmetto Hospital Trust members are reaping the rewards of effective loss prevention strategies,” notes Larry W. Gray, AIC, executive vice president, claims and risk management at PHT Services, Ltd. (PHTS) in Columbia. “These include embracing the Trust’s emphasis on preventing lifting injuries and widespread implementation of transitional duty programs. PHT members are also diligent about reporting claims promptly,” he adds. PHTS administers the workers’ compensation program for Wallace Thomson Hospital, Ellen Sagar Nursing Home, Carolinas Health Association, and the other South Carolina hospitals and health systems participating in the Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT).

Wallace Thomson Hospital, Ellen Sagar Nursing Home, and Carolinas Health Associates were recognized and rewarded for success in preventing workplace injuries.

“I think this is reflective of the daily efforts put forth to create a safe working environment for both our patients and employees. We are proud to be a part of this program,” said Steve Goings, Administrator for Carolinas Health Associates.

PHT and its members are known for their emphasis on preventing lifting injuries, trips and falls, injuries from sharp objects, and for helping injured workers return to work as soon as their condition permits. All of these loss-prevention techniques have been instrumental in helping PHT members earn refunds for their contribution to the group self-insurance program’s success.

Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT) was founded in 1977 by South Carolina healthcare executives as a group workers’ compensation self-insurance pool. The Trust members include hospitals, continuing care retirement centers, organizations dealing with special needs individuals, and other healthcare organizations. PHT is a leading provider of workers’ compensation coverage to the state’s healthcare industry. Workers’ compensation services are provided to PHT members under a contract with PHT Services, Ltd., and through business alliances with other best practices companies.