ICRMA Insider – Vol. 3 – Q3 2023

ICRMA Attendees Get Inspired at CAJPA

Members from Lynwood , El Monte, and ICRMA staff attended CAJPA’s Annual Conference from September 12-15 in South Lake Tahoe, CA. The event brought together over 1,000 JPA professionals from across California and beyond. Patrick Matson, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management at the City of Lynwood, had this to say about the experience:

I had a great time attending the CAJPA Conference for the first time. It provided me an opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of insurance pooling along with insight on my role as a Board Member with ICRMA. The workshops were excellent, the networking opportunities were tremendous, and it provided me an opportunity to get to know staff outside of our regular board meetings. It was a fantastic experience overall in a beautiful location, and I highly encourage our Board Members to attend if they have not had an opportunity to do so as of yet.

Session topics included pooling fundamentals, effective governance, active assailant prevention, workforce management, presumption management, cyber resilience, CAJPA’s renowned annual legislative update, and more.

Those who missed the event can access presentation slides on the conference app.

RISK MANAGEMENT CORNER: ROAD SAFETY FOR FLAGGERS

Cal-OSHA Construction Safety Order Article 11, § 1599 states in part: a flagger or flaggers shall be utilized at locations on a construction site where barricades and warning signs cannot control the moving traffic. Unless this section provides differently, the number of flaggers required and matters regarding the deployment of the flagger or flaggers shall be according to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, January 13, 2012, published by the State Department of Transportation.

Employers, supervisors, flaggers, and crew members can all ensure the safety of flaggers and other road construction workers by complying with Workplace Safety and Cal-OSHA Regulations.

Employers are required to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of workers.

Employers must:

• Ensure flaggers are trained by the organization. Compliance safety training must be provided by a provider with the qualifications
  and the experience necessary to effectively instruct the employee and must be documented as required by 8 CCR 3203, “Injury Illness and Prevention Program.”
• Ensure all workers and supervisors are aware of hazards in the workplace.
• Ensure workers and supervisors are trained in, and follow, safe work procedures and necessary precautions.
• Provide an effective means of communication with other flaggers when visibility is obstructed.
• Provide workers with competent supervision.
• Set up and remove road signage.
• Provide and ensure flaggers use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including:
  • ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 or equivalent subsequent revisions, Class 3 Level 2, high-visibility apparel in fluorescent yellow-green or
    orange red;
  • Protective headwear in a fluorescent color (equipped with retro- reflective tape during hours of darkness);
  • STOP/SLOW paddle with reflective surfaces;
  • Cal-OSHA approved footwear; and
  • Flashlight fitted with red signaling wand when working during hours of darkness.

Workers are required to attend safety and flagger training and follow the safety and health rules and safe work procedures of the workplace.

Workers must:

• Care for and use required safety equipment, clothing, and devices properly.
• Be alert and aware of their surroundings.
• Avoid use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones and other music or media players, while working.
• Use an effective means of communicating with other flaggers when visibility is poor or obstructed.

BUILD YOUR RISK MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO

ICRMA Members have access to Zywave (formerly Enquiron). Zywave’s resource center and learning management system offer an extensive library of engaging training modules. Among other useful applications, you’ll find an Employee Handbook Builder and workplace harassment prevention resources tailored to California.

Zywave’s platform is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic world of insurance and risk management.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s something for everyone. Get started by using this link to access the ICRMA Zywave portal.

If you find you don’t have access or need assistance logging in, please contact Nilsa Quandt at ICRMA@RPAdmin.com.

SAFEGUARD YOUR CITY AGAINST CYBER ATTACKS

ICRMA hosted the webinar It’s Never Too Late to Learn More About Cyber Security! with our cyber carrier, Great American (GA), on September 18th. During the session GA reviewed the Eagle Eye and eRiskHub cyber risk management tools available to all member cities.

Eagle Eye helps you find strengths and weaknesses in your cyber defenses based on the five functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Cybersecurity Framework. Watch this short video for more information on how to access and use Eagle Eye to test your defenses.

eRiskHub provides tools and resources to help you understand your cyber exposures, establish an incident response plan, and minimize the effects of a breach on your organization. Upon logging into eRiskHub you will find cyber risk self-assessment templates, best practice checklists, incident response tools, and a host of other educational materials.

Please contact Nilsa Quandt at ICRMA@RPAdmin.com with questions about these resources.