Loading...
The Board determines and declares that it is in the public interest for all County personnel to strive to eliminate accidents and injuries in all County activities. It shall be the responsibility of heads of all County agencies, departments, institutions and offices to insure safe working conditions and safety of personnel therein. In order to help accomplish these objectives a Risk Manager, Loss Prevention Unit and departmental safety officers are hereinafter provided.
(Amended by Ord. No. 9258 (N.S.), effective 11-9-00; amended by Ord. No. 10507 (N.S.), effective 1-4-18; amended by Ord. No. 10921 (N.S.), effective 11-21-24)
The Risk Manager, appointed by and under the supervision and control of the Director, Human Resources, shall prepare and coordinate a risk management program for all County departments, institutions and offices to reduce and eliminate losses as they affect the County's workers' compensation, public liability, claims recovery, loss prevention, employee assistance and wellness, and employment medical standards and unemployment insurance; and as part of the risk management program, shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To prepare and promote an educational and training program in loss prevention for all County departments, institutions and offices, and to advise and assist them in the development of safe operating practices and in the elimination of unsafe conditions.
(2) To review and analyze all reports required by Section 60 and to investigate or assist in investigation all accidents reported therein to determine causes and responsibilities; and at regular intervals to prepare and distribute reports and summaries of the results of such investigation and review.
(3) To oversee the Loss Prevention Unit, and to advise on accident prevention and safety matters
(4) To call upon any County officer or employee and to call upon the Loss Prevention Unit for assistance in investigating accidents reported pursuant to Section 60.
(5) To inspect, as necessary, County property and to make recommendations to County officers and departments for the use of proper safety equipment, for the correction of unsafe operating practices and procedures, unsafe physical or mechanical condition of County property and facilities, and to require such officers and departments to report back in writing as to the action taken to correct such unsafe conditions.
(6) To establish and conduct a safety incentive program throughout the County.
(Amended by Ord. No. 6387 (N.S.), operative 8-5-82; amended by Ord. No. 7478 (N.S.), effective 6-16-88, operative 7-1-88; amended by Ord. No. 9258 (N.S.), effective 11-9-00; amended by Ord. No. 10507 (N.S.), effective 1-4-18; amended by Ord. No. 10921 (N.S.), effective 11-21-24)
The Loss Prevention Unit shall be an advisory resource to departments which shall hold meetings at such times and places as it shall determine. It shall review the findings and reports of the Risk Manager and other County offices, as it shall determine, to promote safety, prevent accidents and reduce the County's exposure to risk.
(Amended by Ord. No. 7478 (N.S.), effective 6-16-88, operative 7-1-88; amended by Ord. No. 9258 (N.S.), effective 11-9-00; amended by Ord. No. 10507 (N.S.), effective 1-4-18; amended by Ord. No. 10921 (N.S.), effective 11-21-24)
The head of each County department or office shall designate one or more officers or employees within the department or office to act as a Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) and shall immediately notify the Risk Manager of such appointments. These designations shall be made based upon criteria provided by the Risk Manager. Reasonable amounts of work time will be allocated by the department head to facilitate adequate participation in DSO related activities.
(Amended by Ord. No. 7478 (N.S.), effective 6-16-88, operative 7-1-88; amended by Ord. No. 9258 (N.S.), effective 11-9-00; amended by Ord. No. 10507 (N.S.), effective 1-4-18)
It shall be the duty of each DSO to:
(1) Assist the appointing authority in promoting safety and in the development of an effective accident prevention program within the department or office.
(2) Observe conditions within the department or office that might cause accidents and bring them to the attention of the Risk Manager through the head of the department or office.
(3) Review and analyze Section 60 for all accidents involving County property and personnel within the department or office.
(4) Assist the Risk Manager and other County officers in their investigation.
(5) Attend meetings at the call of the Risk Manager.
(Amended by Ord. No. 7478 (N.S.), effective 6-16-88, operative 7-1-88; amended by Ord. No. 9258 (N.S.), effective 11-9-00; amended by Ord. No. 10507 (N.S.), effective 1-4-18)