The Utica National Insurance Group recently awarded Questar III BOCES its titanium level School Safety Excellence Award for 2022, marking the 14th consecutive year the BOCES has received the honor, which is presented annually and recognizes safety efforts as BOCES and school districts work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe.

The Utica, N.Y. based insurance agency presented the award to Questar III’s Director of Health & Safety Craig Hansen at its 40th School Safety Seminar, one of seven such seminars the company hosts in the state.

“This award reflects the collective efforts of Questar III and its staff. Thank you to our staff for their continuing efforts to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students, staff, and visitors,” said Hansen.

Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels: titanium, platinum, and gold, in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas.

“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” explained Brian Saville, senior vice president in Utica National’s Educational Institutions Unit. “Districts that go ‘above and beyond’ to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we’re pleased to count the Questar III BOCES among them.”

Questar III’s Health & Safety Service continues to lead and support safety efforts for the BOCES and school districts across New York State. The service provides safety and security audits, program development, training, and consultation to assist districts in compliance with state and federal mandates. This includes a regional response to the pandemic in partnership with the counties, emergency management planning, blood-borne pathogens, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout, indoor air quality investigation, pest management and playground inspections. The Health & Safety Service also provides on-site consultation, emergency notification communication and AED/CPR/First Aid training.

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