Press Release

Terry Young of Southern Industrial Constructors Receives Award for Reducing Workplace Injuries

Dallas, TX, November 13, 2002—Terry Young, ARM, Vice President—Safety, Risk Management, & Human Resources of Southern Industrial Constructors, was honored at the 22nd IRMI Construction Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award. Mr. Young was chosen for designing and implementing a very effective safety program that reduced workplace injuries and produced significant savings for his employer. The comprehensive program was designed for participation and accountability by all levels within the organization. Through the use of this program, the company’s workers compensation experience modifier was reduced from 1.69 in 1992 to .61 in 2000. The award is presented annually by IRMI to recognize an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to improving construction risk management through the implementation of innovative, cost effective, and efficient risk management techniques.

The panel of industry experts, selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions, made several insightful comments about the winning program. "An excellent story of success that should be shared with the industry!" was offered by one judge. Another judge observed that the program "addresses one of the most significant needs in the industry" and that "every organization should adopt the best practices from this model to fit their needs."

The other two finalists for the award were Valerie S. Camp, AIC, Corporate Counsel Claims and Litigation, BE&K, Inc., who was nominated for developing a claims management process that required a regimented list of post-loss protocols, and Lauren M. Gregory, ARM, Director, Risk and Insurance Management, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who was nominated for her OCIP design that introduced a high level of owner control in determining the insurance costs.

The award was named for Gary E. Bird, a nationally recognized risk management expert who was known for his significant and cutting-edge risk management solutions. The next award will be presented at the 23rd Construction Risk Conference taking place in Chicago on November 17–20, 2003. In addition to recognition, the winner receives complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the next IRMI Construction Risk Conference. To find out more about this award, its qualification requirements, and how to apply, contact Christine Fuge of IRMI at 1-800-827-4242, ext. 346, or visit IRMI’s website and go to the "Conference" section of the site.

International Risk Management Institute, Inc. is a Dallas-based research and publishing firm specializing in insurance, surety, and risk management. The company has done extensive research on the subject of construction insurance, surety, and risk management. IRMI's reference services provide practical information to help insurance buyers, risk managers, agents, brokers, and underwriters arrange comprehensive and cost-effective insurance, bonding, and risk management programs. Visit IRMI or call 800-827-4242 for more information about IRMI products or the annual IRMI Construction Risk Conference.