Rosemary Kennedy School (RKS) is participating in a groundbreaking pilot program, funded by Public Employer Risk Management Association, Inc. (PERMA), to enhance classroom safety and reduce injury-related claims. A recent analysis by PERMA identified a significant number of staff injuries resulting from students engaging in dysregulated behaviors, particularly incidents involving overturned desks and tables.

As part of this initiative, PERMA is investing approximately $20,000 in a weighted furniture pilot program, designed to withstand high-stress environments and prevent hazardous disruptions. By incorporating durable, behavior-supportive classroom furniture, the program aims to mitigate injury risks, create a safer learning environment for both staff and students and reduce long-term compensation costs.

Notably, this will be one of the first pilots of its kind in a New York State school, making it an exciting and impactful story to follow.

Founded in 1982, PERMA is a member-owned, not-for-profit association of public entities providing risk management services and workers’ compensation coverage through a group self-insurance program. PERMA provides local government units with a cost-effective alternative to traditional workers’ compensation programs and to improve the quality of services provided to injured employees. The PERMA Wellness Grant was established to encourage members to create a wellness program or enhance their current offerings by investing in wellness education, screenings and wellness-related equipment for all their employees.