Abbeville Area Medical Center was recognized and rewarded for success in preventing workplace injuries over the past three years. “Abbeville Area Medical Center has taken vigorous steps to establish a culture of safety for workers and residents,” said Larry W. Gray, AIC, executive vice president, claims & risk management at PHT Services, Ltd. (PHTS) in Columbia. PHTS administers the workers’ compensation program for Abbeville Area Medical Center and the other South Carolina hospitals and health systems participating in Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT).

PHT and its members are known for their emphasis on preventing lifting injuries, trips and falls, injuries from sharp objects, and for helping injured workers return to work as soon as their condition permits. All of these loss-prevention techniques have been instrumental in helping PHT members earn refunds for their contribution to the group self-insurance program’s success.

“We are committed to keeping our employees safe and to preventing workplace injuries,” stated Rich Osmus, CEO. “We are very proud to have been recognized for our efforts.”

Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT) was founded in 1977 by South Carolina healthcare executives as a group workers’ compensation self-insurance pool. The Trust members include hospitals, continuing care retirement centers, organizations dealing with special needs individuals, and other healthcare organizations. PHT is a leading provider of workers’ compensation coverage to the state’s healthcare industry. Workers’ compensation services are provided to PHT members under a contract with PHT Services, Ltd., and through business alliances with other best practices companies.