Risk Management Review Pilot Moves Forward
The pilot program for the new Risk Management Review is moving along on schedule for its debut in 2021. Right now, members in Group A, who were scheduled for a Loss Control Review (LCR) this year, are becoming familiar with the new process.
Anita Healy, Risk Manager and Safety Coordinator at Elk Grove Park District, is among the first to go through the Group A process. “We started in June,” she recalls, “which is later than ideal but only because this is the inaugural year. Fortunately, the new format really doesn’t have ‘deadlines.’ The assessments, plans and goals are designed for continual, ongoing improvement.”
Improved New Process
Compared to the LCR, the Risk Management Review earns high marks so far, according to Healy. “This format lets us customize our Plans of Action based on our operations and unique exposures. It was cathartic to have an open exchange with PDRMA staff about our concerns. We talked honestly about our struggle to maintain a daily stretching program. Golf staff began its day with group stretches, but as the season wore on, those 10 minutes seemed to impose greatly on getting the course ready to open. They helped us drill down to the root issues — then offered relevant solutions.”
Healy noted a number of improvements. “It keeps our Plans of Action at the forefront for us and gives us more time to set smart goals for the future,” she explains. Just as important to her is that Safety Committee members are able to identify special risk exposures, unique to their agency. “For instance, one of our concerns is how to outfit our older facilities to protect our people from emerging societal threats. PDRMA launched the process by suggesting we first walk through the facility with our village police officers for their input.”
Kickoff Meeting Kudos
One of the standout features, Healy notes, is the attitude driving the Kickoff Meeting. “It was all about us,” she reflects, “talking about what our staff is like and how to implement self-assessments and solutions that make employees feel respected and engaged.”
Healy called the rollout efficient, noting that PDRMA offered a clear outline of the process through a variety of communications: webinar, in-person meetings and written communications. “This new process engages our people, which illustrates that safety is a shared responsibility. It involves  more employees in identifying and mitigating risk,” she adds. “It really engenders a stronger safety culture.”
One interesting feature, Healy noted with pride, is the Slip, Trip and Fall online self-assessment tool. “This new format called upon us to make a detailed study of three years of all our employee injuries. Noting that there was not one specific task that caused injury was testament to the effectiveness of our procedures, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and administrative functions. So it also offers affirmation about the things we do right!
Still to Come
The schedule below notes the high points through this fall and is also available on the Risk Management Review page of the PDRMA website where you’ll find the most up-to-date project information. Group A agencies are providing feedback on their experience with the new process, and Group B — all agencies not scheduled for an LCR in 2019 — is completing Kickoff Forms and Discussions. There also will be a session on the Risk Management Review at the 2019 RMI.
- June – August — Prepopulated Kickoff Forms sent to Pilot Group B.
- June – September — Kickoff Discussions held with Pilot Group B to identify targeted goals and plans of action.
- June – Nov. 15 — On-site member field visits and activities underway for all members.
- Sept. 5 — PDRMA Loss Control Review Subcommittee Meeting. Review progress of 2019 Pilot and discuss next steps.
- Oct. 18 — PDRMA Risk Management Committee meeting. Review progress of 2019 Pilot and discuss next steps.
- October – Dec. 1 — Member check-in meetings concluded.
|
