Montana ranks as one of the highest in the nation for workplace accidents and fatalities, with the construction and building industries among the most high-risk. However, the Montana Building Industry Association (MBIA) wants to change these statistics.

Recently, Montana State Fund presented the MBIA with a $464,095 check for their safety efforts. Three hundred thirteen of MBIA’s safety group policyholders will share this retrospective return.

“It has been a remarkable partnership working hand-in-hand with Montana State Fund to drive down accident frequency and rates among our members. The employers and workers do the hard part by emphasizing safety each day, but we could not be successful without a true team effort,” said Steve Snezek, Executive Director of MBIA.

MSF President and CEO, Laurence Hubbard commented.  “MBIA’s group safety program has produced very positive results for Montana employers and workers over the last decade. These efforts should be applauded and hopefully lead others to the realization that safety truly does pay.”

The average check paid to the safety group policyholders is nearly $1,500. The checks ranged from approximately $12 to more than $20,000 depending on policy size, premium paid and losses incurred.