Staff and leadership at Merlin Industries were recognized by a leading workers’ compensation insurer recently for excellence in protecting the health and safety of its workforce.
Merlin Industries — which manufactures swimming pool safety covers from locations in Hamilton, N.J., and Deer Park, N.Y. – was recognized with a MEMIC Award for Excellence in Safety. In 2023, only four MEMIC policyholders warranted that distinction, demonstrating best practices to identify and remove workplace hazards while building a culture of care and accountability throughout the operation.
“We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate Merlin Industries’ safety efforts, which has yielded benefits throughout their manufacturing footprint, in New York and New Jersey,” says MEMIC Vice President of Loss Control & Safety Services Maryann Hoff. “The team at Merlin Industries understands it’s not just cost-effective, it’s also simply the right thing, to do all they can to prevent injuries and incorporate safety into their business practices. We’re very pleased to be partners in that effort.”
Hoff credited MEMIC Safety Management Consultants Clayton Cartwright and Tony Soares with leading the Maine-based insurer’s drive to enhance workforce safety.
“Merlin’s team has partnered well with MEMIC Loss Control safety services and been receptive to streamlining processes, correcting challenges and implementing recommendations,” says Cartwright.
He cited examples such as the company forming a formal Safety Committee, updating to dynamic workstations including sit-to-stand desks, implementing electrical system improvements and addressing hazards pertaining to activities at loading docks. Merlin Industries also has taken advantage of MEMIC's various safety resource offerings including attendance at an OSHA 10 workshop and requesting customized e-Ergo analysis pertaining to their sewing tasks.
Founded in 1994, The MEMIC Award for Excellence in Safety is given annually to policyholders that deeply integrate workforce safety into their culture to prevent injuries, increase labor productivity and relentlessly improve work practices at all levels.
Award criteria include participation in safety workshops and on-site training, clear and consistent communication with employees about safety expectations, and investments proven to reduce injuries. Strides often are made through mechanization, machine guarding, providing personal protective equipment and defensive driver training. Nominees from among more than 20,000 MEMIC policyholders are recommended by independent agents and MEMIC safety consultants, claim specialists and managers.
