Risk Management - Overview of Programs

Augusta
Risk Management

Overview of Programs

Defensive Driver Education Program

The goal of Risk Management’s Driver Education Program is to provide drivers with knowledge and safe driving techniques to prevent collisions and violations. The course focuses on collision prevention through hazard recognition and application of collision avoidance techniques. In addition the course addresses common driving violations that result in collisions and how to change driving habits to eliminate driving violations. Risk Management Trainers are licensed through the National Safety Council to provide the training. This program as authorized through the National Safety Council does provide a certificate of completion to individuals who successfully complete the course that is honored by most insurance companies with a discount on their auto insurance.

This program is designed for employees who are authorized to operate county vehicles. Registration for the driver training program is available through the Risk Management web site. Employees should access Risk Management’s home page through Citynet then click on the training tab at the top of the page and follow the instructions provided. Information as to time, dates, and location are also provided at the registration site. The one day training program is scheduled on Friday from 8:30 – 5:00 at the Training center on Broad Street next to Fleet Mgmt.

Since class size is limited, if you should sign up for a class that is full you will be notified and asked to select an alternate class date.

Self Administered Program for General Liability and Property Damage Liability

In March 1996, the Augusta, GA elected not to purchase commercial liability insurance coverage on it's fleet and equipment. All complaints of damages to property and persons are resolved through the Risk Management Division. We have an in-house Adjustor who investigates, adjusts and coordinates the repair of property damages.

Substance Abuse Policy and Program

It is the policy of the Augusta, GA to support a drug free workplace for employees and citizens of this community. This program was established in response to the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 as well as requirements by the Federal Transportation Department, Federal Transit Authority and/or the State of Georgia as it applies to the employees of this government.

Training on the policy, procedures and substance abuse itself are mandatory training requirements for all employees. This training requirement is incorporated into the orientation program for newly hired employees. The testing program includes a monthly random selection of employees in safety sensitive positions. Other areas of testing involve post accident testing, return to work testing, and reasonable suspicion testing.

2007 Testing Results: Random testing of safety sensitive employees resulted in 2 positive tests; Post Accident testing resulted in 3 positive tests; Reasonable Suspicion testing resulted in 1 positive; Follow-up testing resulted in 1 positive result; and there were 2 refusals to test (one post accident and one reasonable suspicion). Due to Augusta’s zero tolerance policy each of the employees testing positive and those refusing to test were terminated from employment.

Hepatitis B Program

Program mandated and established under Federal guidelines to train those in high risk occupations of the exposure to Hepatitis B and the consequences which may follow that exposure. Also, program includes mandate to offer the Hepatitis B vaccination series should an employee desire this inoculation at no cost to them.

Workers Compensation Program

The Augusta Commission is self insured for Workers Compensation Benefits and contracts with a Third Party Administrator for the purpose of processing all workers compensation claims and related payments in accordance with the laws of the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation. The Risk Management Division assists with compliance and the administration of this area using a "hands on" approach for the processing of these claims. All claims are first submitted to Risk Management for review and forwarding to the Third Party Administrator. Risk Management reviews claims for compliance with all necessary information as well as review for any unsafe acts which can be corrected and/or unsafe conditions in which an employee has been placed.

When identified, Risk Management assists department's with corrective measures to reduce and/or eliminate unsafe conditions. This is achieved in a number of ways, several of which are: additional training for employees, incentives, and the procurement of personal protective equipment (if identified by Risk Management and there are available funds, initial purchase is made by Risk Management with annual procurement thereafter budgeted and maintained by the effected departments).

Motor Vehicle Record's Check Program

Any employee whose job requires they drive an Augusta, GA vehicle may have a Motor Vehicle Records check directed/requested as a condition of employment. Potential employees applying for positions requiring they drive a motor vehicle as a major job function are required to provide a 3 year driving history at the time of the interview.

On a monthly basis, driver's license checks are routinely run on employees driving Augusta, GA vehicles. Selection is based on the employee's birthday - the month of birth is the month the motor vehicle records check is run. (If an employee's birthday falls in July then a motor vehicle records check will be run every July as long as the employee is authorized to drive). Additional records checks can be done at other times if there is just cause. All motor vehicle records checks are performed only after receiving signed permission from the employee.

Safety Training Program

Augusta, GA adopted the Safety/Risk Management Manual which has now been incorporated into the Employee Handbook. The Safety Policy is for use by all departments and is intended to enhance each department's standard operating procedures. There are designated safety officers (currently an additional duty for a current position within a department) assigned by the department director to assist Risk Management in the safe operation of each area. Duties of these officers include assistance by investigating accidents, reporting unsafe conditions with corrective measures, if known, and holding monthly safety meetings.