Bartholomew County highway department workers will be receiving some new equipment, thanks to a grant from the county’s workman’s comp fund.

Sue Paris, a former county councilwoman, serves on the board of the Indiana Public Employers’ Plan and presented news of the $1,200 grant at yesterday’s Bartholomew County Commissioners meeting.

Paris said the grant will pay for protective gear such as vests, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection.

In a press release, the company said it was “proud to partner with the highway department and Richard Hawes of Richard E. Hawes insurance to maximize opportunities to promote a safe work environment and assist with stretching their risk management resources. ”

According to the company, IPEP was created in 1989 as a risk-sharing pool for public entities, as a response to the need for public employers to find affordable workers’ compensation coverage.  IPEP has grown to provide workers’ compensation claims administration for more than 700 public entities including cities, towns, counties and schools.