Township's Prize Means Taxpayer Savings

Hillsborough Township's record of safety and low worker compensation claims earned the township honors at the annual safety award and safety kickoff meeting of the Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund.

The township was recognized and presented with the top honor of Exceptional Safety Performance for a third consecutive year, receiving a plaque and a $1,200 monetary award.

Department of Public Works Director Buck Sixt received the award last week, and presented it to Mayor Frank DelCore at Tuesday's Township Committee meeting.

Hillsborough applied to and was accepted as a member of the JIF in 2000 by the fund's existing member towns, based on the municipality's financial stability and insurance claims history.

"Hillsborough's participation in the CJJIF is essentially a shared service," Mayor Frank DelCore said.

By forming an insurance pool with other towns, all members see the benefit of reduced insurance costs. Additionally, the CJJIF provides many free services which independent insureres would charge for, such a ssafety training seminars, safety videos, frequent unannounced safety inspections and ont-the-job observations.

A key benefit in providing a safer workplace for twonship employees is the significant decline in on-the-job injuries and lost time. As noted at the awards ceremony, worker's compensation claims have been reduced by 60 percent since the township joined the CJJIF. 

"The reduction in lost time and worker's compensation claims translates to higher productivity and a reduction of direct insurance expenses, and represents real savings for our Hillsborough taxpayers," Mayor DelCore said.

During Tuesday's meeting, Sixt noted the award is the result of efforts by many township employees.