Senior management support is crucial. Risk managers cannot impose a safety-first mindset unless the top dogs are behind them.

Employee input is essential to get comp losses under control. While workers have a natural interest in making their jobs safer and getting proper care to assure a speedy return, suspicion must be overcome that somehow employers only want to save money at the staffs expense.

Encouraging employee suggestions and setting up safety committees that include front-line workers can make the difference between a successful risk management program and one thats well-intentioned but never gets off the ground.

Incentives dont hurt, either–whether its cash rewards, bonus vacation days or simple recognition, such as an award of some sort–to demonstrate that risk management pays, even for average workers.

Risk managers also must make sure line managers are proactive in filing claims, staying in touch with injured workers, providing light-duty options and correcting any safety problems, so employees (and insurers) realize the company is serious about improving its workers comp performance and workplace environment.

The three award finalists profiled by NU all do an outstanding job in these areas and more. They truly serve as role models for their peers, which was our point in launching the award programto spotlight leaders in risk management.

I congratulate our 2007 finalists and their respective directors of risk managementall winners in their own right.

Belk Inc.–our 2007 Champion–is a Charlotte, N.C.-based department store chain in business since 1888, led by risk manager Gary Nesbit.

But please dont overlook the accomplishments of two outstanding risk management organizations receiving an Honorable Mention.

Kitty Hawk, an air and ground cargo company in the Dallas area, features Bob Buchanan as risk management maestro.

Rolls-Royce North America, provider of power systems for four major industries out of Chantilly, Va., is led by Robert Oshaone of the great names in risk management.

I also want to thank our three outside judges for their help:

David Adler, managing director of Portman Risk Management, a real estate development company based in Atlanta.

Kristy Burch, workers comp supervisor at Darden Restaurants in Orlando.
Marc Salm, director and counsel for risk management at Publix Super Markets in Lakeland, Fla.

Ms. Burch and Mr. Salm also worked with me to establish criteria for NUs inaugural award program.

I also want to thank the National Council on Compensation Insurance for sponsoring the award program this year.

Last but not least, I want to thank James McConnaughhay, general chairman of the Workers Compensation Educational Conference, for whispering his idea for the award into my ear while we were on stage at last years WCEC opening general session.

If you have a unique approach or success story, please enter next years award program! I look forward to hearing from you.