ICRMA Insider – Vol. 2 – Q2 2023

ICRMA receives Accreditation with Excellence from CAJPA

ICRMA has been awarded Accreditation with Excellence by the California Association of Joint Power Authorities (CAJPA). Accreditation with Excellence is reserved for JPAs that exceed mandatory requirements for CAJPA's Accreditation program. ICRMA has been Accredited with Excellence since 2008.

CAJPA's Accreditation program is designed to ensure quality and professional standards for all risk management pools regardless of size, scope of operation, or membership structure. Earning Accreditation assures public officials, governing board members, the public, and state regulators that JPAs are well-managed, financially secure, and effectively self-regulated.

CAJPA's Board of Directors reviews, updates and adopts Accreditation standards annually. Standards cover all facets of JPA administration, including: governance, regulatory compliance, insurance and coverages, accounting and finance, investment of funds, funding and actuarial standards, risk control, claims management, underwriting, operations and administrative management, and enterprise risk management. The Accreditation process involves detailed evaluation by a third-party, committee review, and issuance of a report.

RISK MANAGEMENT CORNER: WORKING SAFELY WITH CHAINSAWS

Many of our agencies’ Public Works personnel use power tools like chainsaws. Chainsaws are efficient and productive portable power
tools that can be dangerous if not used correctly and carefully. Proper training, operation and maintenance can reduce the risk of injury.

Before Starting a Chainsaw

• Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the
  manufacturer’s directions.
• Make sure the chain is sharp and the oil and gas tanks are full.
• Start the saw on the ground or on another firm support. Do not drop start the saw.
• Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain’s brake engaged.
• Make sure someone else is on the job site with you.

Fueling a Chainsaw

• Use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw.
• Dispense fuel at least 10 feet away from any sources of ignition when performing construction activities.
• Do not smoke during fueling.
• Use a funnel or a flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw.
• Never attempt to fuel a running or "hot" saw.

Operating a Chainsaw

• Wear proper personal protective equipment when operating the saw, including hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing, and head
  protection.
• Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the chainsaw’s path before cutting.
• Check for nails, spikes, and other metal hazards embedded in the material to be cut. Remove before hazards before cutting. Do not
  attempt to cut through them.
• Be careful the material to be cut will not bind against the saw.
  Keep both hands on the saw’s handles and maintain balance while operating the saw.
• Watch for branches under tension; they may spring out when cut.
• Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Be cautious of saw kickback. To avoid kickback, saw with the side of the saw. Do not saw with the tip and keep the tip guard in place
  while operating.
• Make sure gasoline-powered chainsaws are equipped with a protective device that minimizes chainsaw kickback.

Reference Cal OSHA section 3425 of the General Industry Safety Orders for additional safety guidelines on chainsaw operation in
California.

CORDICO OFFICER WELLNESS APP WEBINAR

Cordico specializes in confidential, professional behavioral health and wellness services for law enforcement, fire and emergency services, corrections and probation personnel, and 911 dispatchers. The platform strives to help those on the front lines take care of themselves to help ensure they are best prepared to serve others. Access to Cordico is available to ICRMA Cities at a preferred rate.

ICRMA's partner Lexipol will host a webinar detailing how Cordico can enhance your City’s wellness program. Cities will gain the tools needed to successfully launch the app, build trust in the resource, and leverage the full potential of the service. The webinar is appropriate for Cities who are interested in learning more about the service, or currently participating Cities seeking to fully leverage an existing Cordico subscription.

The webinar will be for 30 minutes on June 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM Pacific. If you cannot attend you can still register to receive a free recording.

Register for the webinar here.

SCHEDULE DESIGN IMMUNITY SEMINARS

California Government Code section 830.6 can shield public entities from liability for injuries caused by a reasonably approved plan or design of a construction of or improvement to public property. To help ICRMA members comply with this code and potentially avoid unnecessary claims, ICRMA's Director of Loss Control Bob May and attorney Ashley Morris will host on-site design immunity seminars for each ICRMA member. Members can expect an update on legal exposures related to design immunity as well as a personalized, in-depth review of some real ICRMA claims caused by dangerous property conditions. Seminars are open to all relevant departments.

ICRMA members should complete the pre-seminar survey that was emailed May 31st. Scheduling emails will be forthcoming.

If you have questions about scheduling or the pre-seminar please email contact Travis VanTighem.