Mastclimbers, Lithonia, Ga., has reduced its insurance premiums by more than 40 percent after implementing the American Work Platform Training (AWPT) program. AWPT is a fully owned subsidiary of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).
According to Bobby Reese and Mike Pitt of Mastclimbers, the AWPT training program allowed Hays Companies, a managing general agent insurance broker specializing in programs for high-reach dealers, sales and services companies, and manufacturers, to provide them with a policy that was over 40 percent lower than the premiums they had previously paid. Hays Companies, Minneapolis, Minn., is a member of IPAF and offers advantageous rates to IPAF members.
"Properly trained users of access equipment can reduce risk and minimize the probability of accidents, injuries, and losses,” said William Holler, senior vice president of Hays Companies. “The confidence we have in the effectiveness of the AWPT training program in reducing accidents allows us to offer a significant discount off the insurance premiums for all companies insured through our special program. To qualify for the discount, companies must require employees who operate or occupy an aerial work platform/mast climbing work platform to successfully complete an AWPT training program.”
“For us, the math was easy,” said Pitt. “Our 100 percent AWPT trained workforce equals 40 percent reduction in premiums. Everyone sleeps soundly at night, even our accountant.”
Hays Companies' specialty insurance program is underwritten by a national insurance company with an A+ superior financial strength rating and can offer significant discounts on a comprehensive range of insurance coverage beyond general liability including workers’ compensation, property and casualty coverage, and umbrella policies.
“Under this program we can offer new clients discounts up to 20 to 25 percent off their existing policies, and if they implement the AWPT training program, we can reduce those premiums an additional 10 to 20 percent,” Holler said.
The AWPT training program makes working at height both safer and more productive. The program meets the demands of both U.S. and Canadian legislation and is based on the recognized IPAF training program adopted by many European companies. Successful completion of the program leads to the issuance of a PAL Card (Powered Access Licensed-registration) from an approved training center. Those companies who employ AWPT-trained operators are not only assured that they are meeting their ANSl-mandated obligations to provide proper training; they also may be eligible to receive valuable discounts on insurance premiums like those received by Mastclimbers.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
