David L. Wahl

Gary C. Bartsch - Director, James J. Bresciami - Deputy Director, Gregory J. Almas - Secretary, David L. Wahl - Controller,

David Wahl, controller of Huron-Clinton MetroParks, which manages 13 municipal parks and golf courses in suburban Detroit, sees two benefits - safety and employee recovery - in his organization's workers' compensation coverage.

"First, we're glad we have it because the loss control service from the insurer helps our park system prevent accidents from occurring," he says."Second, when we do have an accident, ... we can help the employees get back on their feet."

MetroParks' potential employee hazards include bodies of water, sophisticated lawn-mowing equipment, lawn and pool chemicals, and pumps in confined spaces, Wahl says.
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This interaction makes the employees "feel very much a part of the accident-avoiding process," Wahl says.

He adds that MetroParks reduced its accident frequency and severity rate by 50%, resulting in the decrease of its annual workers' compensation premiums by more than $150,000.

David L. Wahl 810-227-2757Controllere-mail : wahl@metroparks.com

'"I don't believe the state was aware the payments were going to get knocked off," said Huron-Clinton Controller David Wahl."We certainly weren't aware until we didn't get our money this year.Nobody has a solution yet."

'The metropark system has an annual budget of $59.5 million, but the unexpected loss of money still stings, Wahl said.

'"Percentage-wise, it's small, but dollar-wise, it's big," Wahl said.