II-VI Incorporated (II-VI), headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, was one of only two companies chosen from across the state to attend a press conference on February 13, 2006, by Governor Ed Rendell on a reduction in worker’s compensation insurance rates. II-VI was selected for the honor because of its safety record and established safety committee.

The 8.5% decrease in worker’s compensation insurance rates is expected to save Pennsylvania employers $100 million in 2006. The decrease was attributed to fewer injuries happening in the state and the Safety Committee Law passed by Rendell.

Introduced at the 1996 Governor's Annual Occupational Safety and Health Conference, the PENNSAFE Initiative was designed to increase workplace safety and reduce accidents through effective workplace safety committees. The law, among other things, provides a 5% discount on worker’s compensation insurance rates to companies with a safety committee in place.

The II-VI Safety Committee is composed of 12 employees and includes representatives from the eV, AMDC, and Infrared business units. Although most members of the committee do not have health and safety backgrounds, they are fully trained. II-VI has found the committee to be a powerful means of improving safety in its facilities. Committee member’s ideas and suggestions are important because they are the ones that witness hazards on the front lines of the business.

At the press conference, II-VI was asked about how its safety program works. Every employee receives 10 hours of training annually, which is not common in every company. Any accidents that occur are also quickly investigated. As a result of the corporation’s safety efforts, II-VI hass had a great year in terms of safety and an approximate 30% reduction in incidents from the preceding year.

At the press conference, II-VI Environmental Health and Safety Manager Robert Leonard said, “We are delighted by today’s announcement because we are very committed to reducing injuries and keeping our costs down.”

The reduction in insurance premiums is part of Rendell’s efforts to drive down the cost of doing business in Pennsylvania.

Afterwards, Leonard called the press conference an interesting experience. “It was encouraging to see such interest in safety by the Governor,” he explained, adding, “It is important that employees go home in the same condition that they come to work in.”