The Risk Management Department provides services to other city departments enabling them fulfill their mission to the city’s residents. Additionally, the department maintains on-going programs that reduce the city’s exposure to accidents that may result in physical and financial loss. The department oversees the City Workers Compensation Program, receives and processes claims made against the city, recovers losses caused by others to city property, the Safety and Loss Prevention program, the City Drug and Alcohol Policy and oversees the City Safety Committee. In 2005-2006 fiscal year, under the direction of Risk Management, 250 drivers received training on defensive driving, 130 employees were certified in CPR, 20 employees were certified in the operation of heavy equipment and 15 were certified in forklift operations. The City Safety Committee’s purpose is to provide monthly training to committee members from various city departments. Twenty-five members attended. The committee members serve as safety contacts and are responsible to provide training to their respective departments. Additionally, they assist in the investigation of accidents and in processing the required reports. The safety monthly training is on topics such proper lifting techniques, defensive driving, blood borne diseases, electrical safety and others. The City’s drug and alcohol policy requires random, post accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up drug testing. The department receives complaints on unsafe driving by city employees. The complaints are investigated and if necessary appropriate action is taken. The Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143: Municipal Civil Service for Firefighters and Police Officers is to secure efficient fire and police departments. The Civil Service Commission consists of three members who are appointed by City Commission. The members shall administer Chapter 143. The Risk Management Director is the Civil Service Director. The Civil Service Director administers Civil Service entry-level examinations to Fire Fighter and Police Officer applicants. Additionally, it administers promotional examinations to Fire Fighters and Police Officers. In 2006, 130 police entry-level examinations and 125 firefighter’s entrylevel examinations were administered. A major goal for the 2006-2007 fiscal year is to implement the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Program.
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