BOARD CALLS FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY 

Safety in the workplace is the responsibility of the employer as well as the employee. Government should also provide services and facilities to the public that do not present hazards and potential damages to them.

The Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) stress safety and loss prevention through its property inspection program for insured facilities. BRIM sponsors loss control seminars throughout the state to improve the safety of boiler and machinery operations.

We annually make surveys of 1352 boilers and 2725 buildings. Recommendations are developed for loss prevention.

Although BRIM tries to help clients provide a safe and healthy work place through its loss control surveys, it is in the best interest of state employees, the general public, and efficient operation of government to have a commitment to health, safety and loss control. The governor instructed all secretaries (executive order No. 2-93) to assure that reasonable workplace safety programs are in place to promote safety of employees and working for each agency.

BRIM has the goal to continue its emphasis and assistance for reducing operations related accidents and injuries in order to reduce and control claims cost. This cost directly affects the premiums we must charge. To help accomplish this goal, each entity's management should establish an effective Health, Safety and Loss Control Policy. Such a policy will provide the additional benefits of improved productivity, employee confidence and worker moral. The public's perception of your operation will also be enhanced. The policy will require full management commitments, accountability, cooperation and leadership at all levels of organization. The following are suggested steps to follow.

1. Each agency director or other appointed authority should develop, maintain, and monitor a systemic program of health safety and loss control that will:

• minimize the risk of work related illness and injury to their employee; and
• further the ability of the agency or body to fulfill its mission; and
• assure a safe workplace and facilities for all that may visit.

2. Develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan embodying the elements of disability prevention, management commitment and accountability, safe work environment and practices and safety training. The BRIM's Safety and Loss Control Manager, Joe Maddox, can review submitted Safety Action Plans and assist with your development questions.

3. Start now to develop a plan by collecting knowledge of the following:

• where claims originate;
• types of injuries and damage claims that are being filed, i.e. employee injury, public injury, vehicle and property damages;
• why such claims are filed; and
• how resources are used to prevent, report and control such claims.

An analysis of what the organization is doing successfully and what changes are needed for improvement can then be made. This information becomes the basis for the action plan objectives and activities.

If you are interested in finding out how your agency is developing its safety plan, and what you can do to help, just call your agency Safety Coordinator. If you are the Safety Coordinator, call your director and get started on a plan.

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