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NYS Public Entities
Safety Group 497

Formed in 1981 by a group of municipal officials, NYS Public Entities Safety Group 497 was created in order to obtain reductions in the human and financial costs of workers' injuries. The goal of Safety Group 497 is to provide its members a financially secure program, overall cost-effective pricing, exceptional service, and knowledgeable resources.

As a result, Safety Group 497 has paid dividends totaling nearly $90 million throughout 42 consecutive years.

Safety Group 497 is underwritten by the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), directed by the Safety Group 497 Executive Committee, and managed by Fleury Risk Management.

Program Availability

  • Municipalities
  • Volunteer Fire Districts
  • Libraries
  • Other Political Subdivisions

Coverage Available

  • Workers' Compensation
  • Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law (VFBL)
  • Volunteer Ambulance Workers' Benefit Law (VAWBL)

Program Benefits

  • Fully insured - financially backed by the full faith and credit of the State of NY
  • Upfront policy discounts up to 35% for qualified risks
  • Potential end-of-year dividends based on the group's performance
  • No claim liability for funding shortfalls or insolvency
  • Accident analysis and trending reports
  • Claim reserve reviews
  • Experience mod factor review and forecasting
  • Workers' compensation premium budget projections
  • Audit review and class code verification
  • Risk control services

Executive Committee

Bruce D. Guttenplan
Chairman
Bullville Fire District
Marc R. Smith
Vice Chairman
Town of Lockport
Chris Boltz
West Seneca Fire District #3
Bob Lemieux
Delmar Fire District
John Giordano
Village of Lynbrook

Program Information

NYS Safety Group 497 Dividend History
Workers' Compensation Quote Sheet
Submission Requirements for a Quote
NYS Safety Group 497 Marketing Flyer

Partnership with Lexipol

In an effort to assist New York's first responders and local governments in reducing their risk of injury while also strengthening current policies and procedures, NYS Public Entities Safety Group 497 has partnered with Lexipol to offer policy solutions and scenario-based training bulletins to reinforce policy content and accountability reporting.

FRM and Safety Group 497 will be offering grant options to help customers partially subsidize the cost of their first year's subscription. Grants will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and grant awards are only available until the annually allocated funds are depleted. Each award is determined by a three person panel consisting of the Group Manager and at least two Executive Committee members.

Grant applicants must be a current member of Safety Group 497 and awards are limited to the initial Lexipol implementation period and up to one period post implementation. Learn more about this grant opportunity here.

To learn more about this partnership, the full press release can be accessed here and the flyer can be downloaded here.

Public Entity Safety Initiative Grant

Developed by NYS Safety Group 497's Executive Committee to help achieve safer workplaces, the Public Entity Safety Initiative Grant aims to provide Funding for an unmandated safety initiative. The grant of up to $5,000 is intended to be used towards safety equipment or training that the 497 member organization could otherwise not afford.

Requirements

  • Applicant must be a current NYS Public Entities Safety Group 497 member - all members are encouraged to apply!
  • Must submit all required documentation before February 1st.

What Documentation Should be Submitted?

  • Explanation of need - what will the grant be used for (i.e., safety training or equipment?)
  • Who will be benefiting from the equipment/training?
  • Outline of proposed training/equipment