Rita Del Grosso.

WIESBADEN, Germany – A commissary worker slips in a wet aisle, a post exchange employee strains their back lifting a box, a DoDEA kitchen staff member burns their hand, and an Air Force logistics specialist gets hurt using a forklift.

Aside from some really bad luck, if they are host nation employees in Germany, their unfortunate incidents will all come across the desk of Rita Del Grosso, an accident insurance specialist with Installation Management Command-Europe.

That’s because the 16-year Army civilian employee is the sole liaison for all U.S. safety offices in Germany.

“As the Accident Insurance Program Manager and safety representative for the HN Workers Compensation Program for all of Germany, I am the only one who records all accidents reports here on the U.S. Government side,” she said. “I review and do quality control and make sure everything is filled out correctly and nothing is missing before the reports are sent to the German accident insurance carrier.”

Del Grosso does this not just for U.S. Army safety offices, but for the Air Force, Defense Commissary Agency, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense Education Activity, and many more organizations – comprising about 12,000 host nation employees across Germany.

The Army became the U.S. government’s official liaison to Germany’s federal and rail services accident insurance carrier through a NATO Status of Forces Agreement in 1968, said Del Grosso. “The carrier is a German public service authority that legally acts as the administrative insurance carrier for on-the-job accidents, accidental injuries while commuting to or from work, and occupational illnesses for all local national employees of the U.S. Forces in Germany.”

She further explained that the U.S. Government is self-insured and reimburses the German Government each quarter for the actual disbursements paid for medical treatment provided to LN employees by physicians in cases of job-related health issues or injuries.

As such, she conducts investigations and researches historical data on past accidents to gather the necessary claims information for cases.

“Rita is in the business of taking care of people,” said IMCOM-E Safety Director Melanie Barajas. “She ensures that our local national employees receive the necessary support and compensation for injuries. This not only benefits the employees but also supports employers by promoting health, safety, and financial stability in the workplace.”

Part of Del Grosso’s follow-up on submitted claims involves interviewing the affected person, reviewing witness statements, and providing German labor law guidelines, policies and regulations in regards the accident report.

Based on her review of cases, she notes that the leading factor in workplace accidents remains the most obvious – loss of footing.

“The most common injury type remains slips, trips, and falls in and around the workplace,” said Del Grosso. “We also see a seasonal increase in mishaps due to inclement weather conditions, such as ice, snow, rain, fog. The safety office and supervisory chain of the injured employee must work together to investigate and determine prevention measures to avoid further mishaps in accordance with German and U.S. safety laws and regulations.”

Prior to assuming her current position in 2022, the Italian native worked in the U.S. Army Europe-Africa Customs Office, as well as a personal claims and recovery specialist with the USAREUR-AF Staff Judge Advocate.

“My job is important because I am responsible for ensuring that the SOFA agreement and German law, policies, and safety requirements are followed,” she said. “Also, I like to work with and take care of people – I love to inform and educate our workforce on procedures, laws and regulations that help them to make better choices and decisions.”

“Rita stands out in her profession because of her strong work ethic, positive attitude, unwavering dedication, and utmost care for her customers,” said Barajas. “Her infectious enthusiasm uplifts the team and creates a welcoming atmosphere for customers.”