In recognition of its commitment to minimize employees’ time lost due to workplace injury, the Town of Penfield and the Town of Cato were presented with the 2024 G. Jeffrey Haber Leadership Award by the Comp Alliance at the Association of Towns Annual Meeting and Training School. The award recognizes the efforts both towns have made to establish a “culture of safety” to keep their workplaces safe for employees and reduce the frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims.
As a result of the efforts of the elected officials, managerial staff and employees of the town, Penfield has elevated the importance of workplace safety, significantly reduced the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, and saved its tax payers tens of thousands of dollars in workers’ compensations costs over the past several years. Due to the efforts of the elected officials, managerial staff and employees of Cato, the town has not experienced a workplace injury or accident in more than 8 years.
“This award recognizes the leadership and commitment required by elected officials, and the discipline required by employees at all levels, to maintain a safe work environment. The leadership that both towns have demonstrated is truly an example for all of our members.”
Michael Kenneally, Comp Alliance Executive Director
Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts and Town Supervisor Charles Ray accepted the awards on behalf of the Town of Penfield and the Town of Cato, respectively. More than 1,000 officials from across the state, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and New York State Attorney General Letitia James, attended the breakfast presentation as part of the Association of Towns’ Annual Meeting and Training School, a multi-day training event for town officials from across the state.