Spring into Safety
April is nearly behind us, and as you look ahead, you might begin focusing on programming and staffing. While it’s tempting to move in that direction, don't forget to prioritize safety prep now to help prevent incidents later by ensuring facilities and staff are ready to meet increased patron use with confidence.
“It’s much easier to prevent issues than to respond to them when they happen midseason,” says PDRMA Risk Management Consultant Jenny Porrevecchio. “Spring is when you should review your systems, equipment, facilities and training to make sure everything is in place — before agency operations ramp up.”
 Equipment preventative maintenance and inspections — Check, service and document all maintenance to mowers, chippers, vehicles and hand tools now to reduce the risk of breakdowns or injuries during peak use. (Naturally, this includes staff training on how to use this equipment and the proper personal protective equipment to wear.)
Facility inspection review — Confirm your agency’s documentation is current, staff completes forms and checklists correctly and thoroughly, and address any identified issues in a timely manner.
Staff readiness — With seasonal hiring underway, revisit your agency’s onboarding training plans to ensure they are structured, well-documented and thorough. Allocating adequate time for training — and confirming materials are up to date — can make a significant difference in staff performance and safety outcomes.
 Seasonal program manuals — Regulations and compliance requirements can change from year to year, so be sure to update your program manuals to reflect current policies and procedures and use them to train your staff.
Taking these steps in spring not only improves day-to-day operations but also adds to a safety culture that can carry your agency through the entire season. By preparing now, you can reduce risk, improve efficiency and provide safer, more enjoyable experiences for everyone.
PDRMA Resources
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