Madison County has been recognized with this year’s PERMA Triple Threat Award, an honor recognizing sustained excellence in workplace safety, claims management and employee support. The recognition reflects more than 25 years of partnership with PERMA and highlights the county’s long-term investment in protecting employees across 20 departments that serve approximately 68,000 residents.

What sets Madison County apart is the coordinated, countywide approach to risk management. Quarterly safety meetings, timely claims reporting, and close collaboration with PERMA and claims partners help the county respond quickly, manage cases effectively and maintain consistent support for employees throughout the claims process.

The county’s Transitional Duty program further strengthens that effort by helping recovering employees return to work within restrictions, supporting recovering while retaining experienced staff. Getting employees back to work safely also reduces service disruption for the communities and supports responsible use of taxpayer resources.

Prevention remains a cornerstone of Madison County’s strategy. The county tailor’s safety training to the daily responsibilities of each department, from finance and waste management to EMTs and highway crews. Classroom and hands-on instruction engage employees in safety training initiatives such as Slips, Trips, and Falls prevention, OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week, PESH compliance, PERMA safety and wellness grants and driver safety updates based on local roadway conditions.

The award demonstrates how Madison County’s sustained practical approach to safety has become a model for supporting employees, managing risk and strengthening public service.