There are numerous actions for municipal risk management staff to take every year as part of a consistent and proactive effort to reduce liability for the local government.
Here are some key things for risk managers to address in the second quarter of the year:
April
Conduct safety inspections.
- Conduct safety inspections to identify any existing hazards that should be corrected. Inspections can be conducted by internal staff or an outside agency.
- Be sure to inspect buildings, grounds, equipment, machinery, work practices and conditions.
- Document inspections at least semiannually.
- Document the results and maintain records.
- Implement a follow-up system for inspection recommendations to ensure that action is taken to remedy any deficiencies.
May
Identify risks associated with the city or town’s summer special events.
- Develop management policies for all special events.
- Request a certificate of insurance from all special event vendors.
- Use experienced third-party vendors to handle all alcohol sales.
- Become familiar with what special event activities are covered or excluded from the city’s liability policy.
- Inspect event facilities and sites for hazards, and make sure all facilities are handicapped-accessible.
- Establish an emergency evacuation plan and train all staff and volunteers.
- Obtain waivers or pre-event releases from people participating in any sporting event or other kind of participatory event, such as marathons, bike races and parades.
- Refer to SC Code Section 23-31-520(a) for legal information on restricting the open carry of a firearm during organized events.
Provide defensive driver training for employees.
- Drivers should protect themselves and others when operating a vehicle.
- To minimize collisions, drivers should be aware of the dangers of speeding, failing to yield the right of way, driving left of the center line and following too closely.
June
Review disaster recovery plan and procedures.
- Make sure that city and town leaders have designated only one person to be in charge of the municipality’s entire emergency management.
- Make sure that there is both an emergency action plan focusing on preparedness, and a business continuity plan aimed at restarting the city’s operations after an emergency.
Review emergency preparedness plans and drills.
- Refer to Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard 29 CFR 1910.38, which details the requirements for an emergency action plan.
- Make sure the plans address inclement weather, fire, flood, bomb threats or violence in the workplace.
- Store the plan documents at the workplace and make them available for employees to review.
- Train all employees on how to report emergencies. Make sure that the appropriate people are trained to supervise and coordinate evacuation drills.
- Review the plan regularly and update it as needed.