Business Details
48 Years
experience
CRASIF: Michigan Road Commissions' Workers' Compensation Partner
Since 1978, CRASIF has served as a trusted self-insurance fund dedicated to managing workers' compensation liabilities for Michigan's county road commissions. Our mission focuses on cultivating a safety-first environment to reduce injuries and support affected families. Governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees representing road commissions, we operate independently from the County Road Association of Michigan while maintaining transparent administration. With over 45 years of specialized expertise, our team delivers cost-effective risk management solutions tailored to the unique needs of 71 member road commissions. We provide comprehensive services including claims administration, payroll audits, safety training, and regulatory compliance guidance. Our board governance structure ensures accountability, while our partnerships with third-party claims specialists enhance service delivery.Through continuous education programs like our Certified Workers Compensation Specialist course, we empower road commission staff to navigate Michigan's workers' disability compensation act effectively. Our commitment to member-driven priorities has sustained our fund's growth from 34 to 71 road commissions since inception. By maintaining focus on preventive safety measures and efficient claims resolution, we help members control costs while prioritizing employee well-being. This combination of institutional experience, specialized knowledge, and member-centric approach establishes CRASIF as Michigan's leading workers' compensation self-insurance solution for road commissions.
Services
Workers Compensation Management
Risk Control Services
Safety Training Programs
Claims Administration
Payroll Audits
Regulatory Compliance
Board Governance
Member Portal Access
Certification Courses
Incident Reporting
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of specialized workers' compensation expertise for Michigan road commissions
- Our board governance ensures transparent, member-driven decision-making
- We provide free safety training programs developed with legal and claims experts
- Our team administers claims for 71 road commissions covering 3,500 employees
- We maintain partnerships with third-party claims specialists for comprehensive support
Services
Workers Compensation Management
We administer comprehensive workers' compensation programs for 71 Michigan road commissions. Our services include claim evaluation, medical treatment coordination, and compliance with state regulations. Our experienced team ensures timely resolution while minimizing financial impact through proactive case management.
Safety Training Programs
Our certified training courses develop workers' compensation specialists within road commissions. The curriculum covers Michigan-specific regulations, claims management, and safety protocols. Annual sessions include interactive case studies led by legal and claims experts to enhance practical understanding and prevent workplace injuries.
Risk Control Services
We provide worksite safety audits and regulatory consulting to reduce workplace incidents. Our consultants deliver customized recommendations for improving safety protocols. These services help members maintain lower experience modification factors through documented risk mitigation practices.
Claims Administration
Our claims specialists handle all aspects of workers' compensation claims from reporting through resolution. We offer 24/7 support for emergency situations and maintain transparent communication with both employers and injured employees. The process includes medical bill review and litigation management when necessary.
Payroll Audits
We conduct annual payroll audits to determine accurate premium deposits for member road commissions. The process verifies employee classifications and wage data to ensure proper experience modification factors. These audits maintain fairness in the self-insurance pool's financial structure.
People
Jim deSpelder
Administrator/CEO
Jim oversees CRASIF's operations with over 20 years of experience in insurance fund management. He directs strategic initiatives and maintains relationships with member road commissions.
Doris Baakko
Controller
Doris manages financial operations including premium deposits, payroll audits, and budget oversight. She ensures fiscal accountability across all fund activities with 15+ years in this role.
Al Roden
Director of Risk Consulting
Al leads safety training programs and conducts worksite audits. With 10 years in risk management, he develops preventive strategies to reduce workplace injuries for member commissions.
Melissa Teregan
Senior Claims Specialist
Melissa handles complex claims administration with a focus on timely resolution. She brings 8 years of specialized experience in workers' compensation claims management to support member road commissions.
Tom Doty
Board Chair
Tom leads the Board of Trustees with extensive road commission administration experience. He represents member interests in strategic decision-making and policy development.
Questions
What is CRASIF's primary function?
CRASIF administers workers' compensation self-insurance programs for Michigan county road commissions.
How do I report a workplace injury?
Use the 'Report a Claim' portal or contact our claims specialists at 810.844.8112.
Do you offer safety training programs?
Yes, we provide annual safety training courses and certification programs for road commission staff.
How are premiums determined?
Premiums are calculated based on member payroll audits and experience modification factors.
Who governs CRASIF operations?
A nine-member Board of Trustees elected from participating road commissions oversees our operations.
