Safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a commitment. Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC) exemplifies this through its innovative Safety Research Center Program. Established in 2021, the program has become a cornerstone of MEMIC’s mission to reduce workplace injuries and promote best practices across industries by empowering employers with the tools and knowledge to create safer work environments. Each year the number of proposals submitted to MEMIC has grown, and MEMIC is committed to continue offering this grant to develop effective injury prevention technologies. 

What is MEMIC’s Safety Research Center Program?

The MEMIC Safety Research Center Program is dedicated to supporting the development, implementation, and education of cutting-edge safety solutions by awarding up to a $30,000 research grant for higher education institutions within the United States and its territories. The program drives innovation and encourages the sharing of successful strategies across industries. Each year, MEMIC honors participants who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improve workplace safety. The proposal selected for the grant will consist of a project that does not exceed two years in length and the research team commits to disseminate results through peer reviewed journals. Collaboration, data-driven insights, and technology adoption are at the heart of this initiative, pushing the boundaries of traditional safety management.

Oklahoma State University - 2024 Winner

The MEMIC Safety Research Center has awarded a $30,000 grant to researchers at Oklahoma State University (OSU) to develop virtual reality (VR) training materials aimed at preventing serious workplace injuries in manufacturing and construction environments. This groundbreaking project is led by Dr. Diana Rodriguez Coca and Dr. Leslie Rex Stockel of OSU’s Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology department. Their research focuses on preventing “Line of Fire” accidents—a leading cause of workplace fatalities where workers are struck by or caught between equipment due to their positioning.

“We are excited to see this program continue to flourish,” said Michael Bourque, MEMIC Group President & CEO. “With each grant cycle, our partnership with academia strengthens our ability to address critical workplace safety challenges. This research directly translates into practical safety improvements that protect workers and help businesses thrive.”

Through its grant to OSU, MEMIC is supporting a timely and impactful initiative. “Because the study will be conducted in a virtual reality environment, we can examine hazardous scenarios with no risk to human participants,” explained Dr. Rodriguez Coca. “This research will expand the field of knowledge and help develop future training materials that reduce both short- and long-term risks to workforce safety and health.”

Previous Winners

In 2023, MEMIC awarded a team with Illinois State University a $30,000 grant to research the application of wearable sensors with real-time feedback as a strategy to mitigate occupational injuries in warehouses.

The first MEMIC Safety Research Center grant was awarded in 2022 to a faculty research group at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to target slip, trips and falls in the construction industry.

Why MEMIC’s Program Matters

Workplace safety remains a pressing issue. Maryann Hoff, MEMIC’s SVP of Loss Control and Safety, emphasized the company’s dedication to safety innovation. “At MEMIC, we put safety first. By funding research like this, we’re advancing workforce safety solutions and leveraging technology to improve the overall health and well-being of workers.”

By spotlighting organizations like OSU, MEMIC’s Safety Research Center Program inspires others to elevate their safety practices. Insights gained through this initiative create a ripple effect, fostering safer workplaces industry-wide.

Join the Safety Movement

Is your higher education institution ready to lead the way in workplace safety? Join MEMIC’s Safety Research Center Program to gain access to resources, expertise, and a network of safety-focused professionals. Visit memic.com/research to learn more and discover how you can help build a future where safety innovation knows no bounds.

 

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Authored by Jenn Campbell and Anna Hooper