The 2008 Loss Prevention Grant Program

by Charles Hueter

The value of the Loss Prevention Grant was once again affirmed this year as 228 Fund members competed for up to $4,000 in funds to help control their exposure to future losses. In August 2007, the TASB Risk Management Fund Board approved $550,000 for the 2008 Loss Prevention Grant Program. 205 grants were awarded to 190 school districts, six colleges, five regional education service centers, two educational cooperatives, and two appraisal districts. Since 1998, the Program has distributed 1,381 total grants totaling more than $3.4 million to Fund members in the Workers’ Compensation and Property/Casualty programs.

Once again the dominant theme in the applications received was facility security. Out of the 205 grant recipients, 146 applied for equipment, services, or training to mitigate P/C concerns. Many recipients have established new surveillance systems and are now in the process of expanding their security camera coverage. A number of members were awarded money to purchase visitor management systems to track who enters their campuses, several wanted to rekey their buildings, and others sought funding to replace old exterior doors.

Traditional worries about on-the-job injuries did not disappear. Given the prevalence of slips, trips, and falls claims, those members who applied under WC wanted to buy step stools for each classroom, slip-resistant shoes for their kitchen staff, and personnel lifts so their maintenance staff could work at heights safely.

This year there were more long-term participants in the program. Jacksboro ISD celebrated their 10th consecutive grant award and several others were recognized for receiving their 5th straight grant. Many of the loss prevention concerns Fund members face are expensive to address, so yearly grant participation is encouraged in order to tackle these issues systematically.

The Loss Prevention Grant online application underwent significant modifications this year. In order to improve the online application process even more if you applied this year and want to comment on your experience, please call Charles Hueter at 800.482.7276, extension 6350. 

If you have questions about the Loss Prevention Grant Program, please contact Edwin Thompson, Director of Loss Prevention Services, at 800.482.7276, extension 6227. 

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