The Town of Jupiter – A Safe Place to Work
Submitted by Chris Kittleson, Director of Loss Control Technical Services – Public Risk Underwriters of Florida, Inc.
Preferred would like to recognize the Town of Jupiter for their efforts in providing a safe workplace for their employees. Under the direction of Daisy Sand, Risk Manager, the Town of Jupiter has taken the initiative to formalize safety/risk management programs, policies, and procedures to the include the following:
TRAINERY LMS ONLINE TRAINING – When in-person safety training was not possible because of COVID restrictions, the Member contracted with Trainery Online Training to provide virtual safety training for staff. Staff identified twelve topics that they felt would be informative and useful. The employees have provided positive feedback about this format and have been providing the member with their completed certifications for their files. The Town of Jupiter learned of this program through Preferred, and because they were a Preferred member, they received a discount.
FIRE SAFETY/ACTIVE SHOOTER EMERGENCY TRAINING – The Member worked with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Jupiter Police to develop a fire safety policy/plan and Active Shooter training refresher. Currently, employees are required to attend an Active Shooter training as part of onboarding or biannual training. This additional training will help employees stay vigilant. In addition, the fire safety procedures will ensure that employees are aware of what to do if a fire emergency arises.
HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM – The Member worked with a safety consultant to identify positions in the Town that are subjected to extreme noise levels. Employees in these positions were included in the Town’s Hearing Conservation Program, and baseline testing was established in 2021. Annual re-testing for these positions was completed on July 12th. No incidents of occupational hearing loss were found.
DRIVING RECORDS – The Town instituted a driving record policy requiring a review of each employee’s driving record every other year. This is in addition to the initial review when first hired as part of new hire background checks. The Member completed the driving record search in fiscal year 2022 with no reportable incidents.
City of Marathon Upgrades Walkways/Roadways with Vanguard ADA Systems
Submitted by Chris Kittleson, Director of Loss Control Technical Services – Public Risk Underwriters of Florida, Inc.
As a result of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, which resulted in much of the City of Marathon’s roadways being under water, the Member has upgraded their walkways/roadways with Vanguard ADA Systems warning systems. This was necessary since their roadway’s original markings had deteriorated.
Preferred would like to recognize the City of Marathon for taking the initiative to upgrade their infrastructure to reduce and/or eliminate the potential for slip, trip & fall related hazards as well as providing accommodation for the handicapped.
Town of Davie Issues Safety Proclamation for National Safety Month
Submitted by Chris Kittleson, Director of Loss Control Technical Services – Public Risk Underwriters of Florida, Inc.
The Town of Davie recognized the Risk Management department at their Town Council meeting of 06/08/22. Mayor Judy Paul along with the Town Council, presented Mr. Jose Lugo, Risk Manager with a safety proclamation as part of National Safety Month. Mr. Jose Lugo, Risk Manager, along with Staff has been instrumental in providing continues improvements to the Town’s risk profile, which has made the Town of Davie a safer place to work, live and visit.
Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury, illness, and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. Identifying risks and improving safety standards in the workplace, at home and in the community protects everyone.
Pictured: (L to R) Chris Kittleson, Director of Loss Control Technical Services – Public Risk Underwriters of Florida, Inc. & Grace Garagozzo, HR Director; Jose Lugo, Risk Manager; Jessica Ginter, HR Technician – Town of Davie
