When Theodore Roosevelt first called for stronger protections for America’s workforce, he envisioned a nation where people could contribute to economic prosperity without sacrificing their health or safety.
That early vision laid the foundation for the modern workers’ compensation system. It represents a promise that those who build our communities would not shoulder the cost of workplace injury alone.
Carrying the Vision Forward
Across industries and institutions, organizations are continuing to balance growth with an unwavering commitment to protecting people. This enduring mission is at the heart of the 2025 Theo Awards, which celebrate 32 companies that are redefining what worker protection looks like today.
Driving Innovation in Claims and Employee Care
Charles Taylor worked with WeGo Public Transit, facilitating seamless digital sharing with legal counsel, to dramatically reduce investigative spend while accelerating subrogation opportunities. By leveraging advanced technologies, the team eliminated the need for costly traditional investigations in many cases and enabled faster, evidence-based decisions on claim validity and compensability.
“WeGo Public Transit’s transformation of its workers’ compensation program reflects a dedication to innovation and employee care, resulting in faster recoveries, reduced costs, and improved operational resilience. These accomplishments underscore why they earned recognition as a Theo Award winner,” said Gregory Sisson, Chief Claims Officer for Charles Taylor.
Read the full article on WeGo Public Transit’s Theo Award recognition.
Building a Safer Workplace with Targeted Audits
Field audits conducted by Charles Taylor’s safety solutions division for The Motz Group uncovered a concerning trend: frequent hand injuries among employees handling sharp turf materials without adequate protection. By identifying this gap, Charles Taylor helped The Motz Group implement corrective measures, including the adoption of proper cut-resistant gloves, ultimately driving significant improvements in workplace safety and employee well-being.
Read the full article on The Motz Group’s Theo Award recognition.
Innovation Meets Timeless Principles
What sets this year’s honorees apart is their ability to embrace innovations Roosevelt and his contemporaries could never have envisioned. These organizations are reshaping safety with technology that predicts workplace injuries and whole-person wellness programs that support employees in recovery.
A Legacy That Remains Relevant
The winners prove that Roosevelt’s vision of workplaces where individuals can earn a living without sacrificing health or security is achievable in the modern economy. Their efforts in data-driven prevention, innovative treatment, and holistic worker support show how timeless principles and forward-thinking strategies improve livelihoods.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Workplace Safety
The 2025 Theo Award recipients remind us that protecting people will always be at the core of sustainable progress. They honor the legacy of early reformers while writing the next chapter of workplace safety excellence.
Read the full article on Risk and Insurance about the 2025 Theo Award winners here →
