I learned a lot about what it takes to run a successful safetyand loss control program by screening entries to the inaugural"National Underwriter Award For Excellence In Workers' CompensationRisk Management." Hopefully, you will, too, by reading profiles ofthe three winners, linked below.

Accountability is critical. Managers must be told exactly howworkplace injuries impact their bottom lines. When they realize theconsequences, most will move aggressively to prevent accidents andget injured employees back on the job.

Establishing a culture of risk management is another majorfactor. Safety training cannot be an afterthought and loss controla chore. Eliminating exposures and encouraging return-to-work mustbe missions to which the entire organization is dedicated to make along-lasting difference.

Senior management support is crucial. Risk managers cannotimpose a safety-first mindset unless the top dogs are behindthem.

Employee input is essential to get comp losses under control.While workers have a natural interest in making their jobs saferand getting proper care to assure a speedy return, suspicion mustbe overcome that somehow employers only want to save money at thestaff's expense.

Encouraging employee suggestions and setting up safetycommittees that include front-line workers can make the differencebetween a successful risk management program and one that'swell-intentioned but never gets off the ground.

Incentives don't hurt, either--whether it's cash rewards, bonusvacation days or simple recognition, such as an award of somesort--to demonstrate that risk management pays, even for averageworkers.

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

The three award finalists profiled in this week's edition all doan outstanding job in these areas and more. They truly serve asrole models for their peers, which was our point in launching theaward program--to spotlight leaders in risk management.

I congratulate our 2007 finalists and their respective directorsof risk management--all winners in their own right.

First, there is Belk Inc.--our "2007 Champion"--a Charlotte,N.C.-based department store chain in business since 1888, led byrisk manager Gary Nesbit.

But please don't overlook the accomplishments of two outstandingrisk management organizations each receiving an HonorableMention.

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 fourmajor industries out of Chantilly, Va., is led by Robert Osha--oneof the great names in risk management.

I also want to thank our three outside judges for theirhelp:

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

o Kristy Burch, workers' comp supervisor at Darden Restaurantsin Orlando.

o Marc Salm, director and counsel for risk management at PublixSuper Markets in Lakeland, Fla.

Ms. Burch and Mr. Salm also worked with me to establish criteriafor NU's inaugural award program.

I also want to thank the National Council on CompensationInsurance for sponsoring our inaugural award program.

Last but not least, I want to thank James McConnaughhay, generalchairman of the Workers' Compensation Educational Conference, forwhispering his idea for the award into my ear while we were onstage at last year's WCEC opening general session.

If you have a unique approach or success story, please enternext year's award program! I look forward to hearing from you.