DVIT News

August 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

Misuse of Seat Belt Extenders

Seat belt extenders are available from various vehicle manufacturers to enable oversized drivers to buckle up. The extender fits into the vehicle's existing seat belt buckle. They provide a longer horizontal component thereby enabling the seat belt to accommodate oversized drivers who otherwise could not engage the seat belt.Seat belt extenders should not be used for drivers of normal girth since they alter the restraint provided by the shoulder harness. As a result, drivers with normal girth run the risk of slipping out of the restraint system. Additionally, the reduction in tension can adversely impact airbag deployment.

DVIT was notified of this concern by the Miami Valley Risk Management Association, a peer risk sharing pool located in Kettering, Ohio. They experienced an unfortunate vehicle crash involving an Ohio Highway Patrol officer. The improper use of a seat belt extender was cited as a contributing factor in the officer's demise. As a result of this finding, Ohio Highway Patrol command staff subsequently banned the use of seat belt extenders unless specific permission was first obtained.

DVIT members are encouraged to review the use of seat belt extenders by municipal employees to ensure such equipment is only being used by individuals whose body dimensions necessitate it.

Retrofit Option for Obsolete Spring Rockers

Several Trust members have spring rockers in their playgrounds which are equipped with obsolete straight handles. Straight handles constitute a protrusion hazard as defined under ASTM 1487-07 (Para. 6.3).

Trust member, New Britain Township, located a vendor who stocks a handle guard that can be used to retrofit many non-compliant spring rockers. In some cases, the end of the handle may need to be modified in order to accommodate the handle guard, washer and anti-tamper fastener.

Contact information for the handle guard vendor:

Liberty Parks and Playgrounds
78 Sunrise Drive
Clayton DE 19938-4662
877-376-7823
Item# 980177BK

(Note: Provided for information purposes only. The Trust does not endorse any particular product or vendor.)

Educational Resources - NIOSH Fact Sheets

NIOSH recently published six fact sheets covering high priority summer safety training topics. These fact sheets are an excellent educational resource for members to use as short, high impact, "tool box" safety briefings.

To access the talks, click on each title:

Heat Stress
Cold Stress
Sun Exposure
Stinging Insects
Poisonous Plants

Ticks and Mosquitoes.

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Feds Update Child Labor Law

On May 20, 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division published a Final Rule revising existing federal child labor rules. The provisions of the Final Rule became effective July19, 2010. The rule addresses several employment issues of relevance to local government employers. These include:

Minors 14 and 15 years of age:
• May not operate lawn mowers, golf carts, or weed-eaters

Minors 15 years of age:
• May be employed as life-guards when such youth have been trained and certified by the American Red Cross or similar certifying organization in aquatics and water safety. They may not, however, enter or work in any mechanical room or chemical storage area where the filtration and chlorinating systems are housed.

Hours of work for 14 and 15 year olds:
• Not more than 40 hours in any one week when school is not in session
• Not more than 18 hours in any one week when school is in session
• Not more than 8 hours in one day when school is not in session
• Not more than 3 hours in one day when school is in session
• Between 7am and 7 pm from the day after Labor Day to May 31
• Between 7 am and 9 pm from June 1 to Labor Day

Minors between 16 and 18 years of age are prohibited from:
• Participating in all occupations in forest fire fighting and forest fire prevention
• Operating power-driven woodworking machines
• Operating power-driven hoisting apparatus
• Operating or working on powered industrial trucks (i.e, forklifts)
• Operating balers, compactors and paper-products machines
• Operating circular saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chain saws, reciprocating saws, wood chippers and abrasive cutting discs

For a summary of revisions made to the federal Child Labor Law clink: http://www.dol.gov/whd/cl/whdfsCLFR.pdf

For the complete final rule as it appears in the Federal Register, clink:
http://www.dol.gov/federalregister/PdfDisplay.aspx?DocId=23891

Interpretation Expands FMLA Coverage

On June 22, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) clarified its definition of "son or daughter" under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). DOL administratively adopted a broader legal interpretation of coverage based on the principle of in loco parentis. DOL defines in loco parentis as "a person who has put himself in the situation of a lawful parent by assuming the obligations incident to the parental relation without going through the formalities necessary to legal adoption. It embodies the two ideas of assuming the parental status and discharging the parental duties."

What does this mean for the municipal employers? When facing an employee request for FMLA leave to care for a sick child or to participate in the birth or adoption of a child, employers may no longer deny such benefits simply because the employee is not the biological or legal guardian of the child. If the requester can establish that they either provide day-to-day care or financial support for the child, they meet the in loco parentis qualification criterion.

Due to the complexities of the FMLA law, members are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified labor attorney before denying any employee FMLA benefits.

For a copy of the US DOL press release, clink: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/WHD/WHD20100877.htm

For a copy of Deputy Administrator Nancy J. Leppink's Memo of Interpretation:
h ttp://www.dol.gov/whd/opinion/adminIntrprtn/FMLA/2010/FMLAAI2010_3.htm

NFPA Safety Alert - Residential Sprinklers

In July, the National Fire Protection Association issued a safety alert on sprinkler system antifreeze treatments. Excessive propylene glycol and glycerine to water solutions were shown to fuel fires rather than extinguish them. Based on these findings, NFPA issued a safety alert encouraging homeowners to replace anti-freeze solutions in their sprinklers with water. Since replacing antifreeze solutions with plain water may leave sprinkler systems vulnerable to freezing, NFPA recommended taking other actions such as applying insulation to prevent the pipes from freezing during the winter season.

To view the entire safety alert, clink:
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//NFPA_Safety_Alert_on_Antifreeze_July_2010.pdf

Business Continuity Planning Resource

Think your organization is immune to a catastrophic business interruption - think again! Floods, anthrax spores and earthquakes can quickly destroy a building and its contents. These types of disasters are possible but not probable. There are more probable disasters which can be just as devastating to an organization. Consider the following:

• Electrical fire destroys municipal building and all paper records
• Several key employee driving together to a meeting die in a car accident
• Labor action shuts down one or more departments for several weeks
• Computer virus knocks out the main server during tax season

Senior management is ultimately responsible for ensuring the continuity of vital operations regardless of what peril befalls the organization. Business continuity planning, however, is often neglected due to other more pressing demands.

From a risk management perspective, every organization should have a basic business continuity framework. Some common continuity strategies include

• Cross training on critical functions

• Computer backup and off-site data storage

• Identification of alternate vendors for critical resources such as fuel, salt or disinfection chemicals

• Critical spare part inventory

• Mutual aid agreements

Recognizing that emergency preparedness and business continuity is in the best interest of every organization, the National Fire Protection Association recently made its NFPA 1600 Standard on Disaster / Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs available to the public at no cost. NFPA 1600 provides a comprehensive format for developing an all-hazards emergency management and business continuity plan.

To access a copy of free copy of NFPA 1600, clink: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/NFPA16002010.pdf

Eights Recalls

LIFEPAK 20 and LIFEPAK 20e External Defibrillator/Monitors by Physio-Control Inc.
Class I Recall Due To Power Supply Failure

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm217980.htm

Sony Recalls VAIO Laptop Computers Due to Burn Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10284.html

Aqua Lung America Recalls Apeks WTX Power Inflators Due to Drowning Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10286.html

Southern Technologies Recalls Drill Presses Due to Shock Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10288.html

Recall to Repair: Whitco Company LP Stadium Light Poles Can Fall Over, Posing Risk of Serious Injury and Death

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10295.html

Seattle Bike Supply Recalls Bicycles and Framesets Due to Fall Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10296.html

Wire Feed Welders Recalled by Star Asia USA Due to Burn Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10298.html

Snow Blowers Recalled by The Toro Company Due to Fire Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10299.html

SEMINARS - NEW

DVWCT WC Claim Prevention and Case Law Update - Nov. 10
Audience: WC Coordinators, Risk Management and Claims Management Staff
Location: Horsham Township Community Center - Horsham, PA

DVIT Police Liability Claim Prevention and Case Law Update - Nov. 17
Audience: Police Command, Supervisory and Risk Management Staff
Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

IT Risk Management for Local Government (Double Feature) - Nov. 23
Part 1. Preparing Local Governments for New E-Discovery Obligations
Part 2. Managing Electronic Information Flow in the Age of Facebook and Twitter - Implications for Local Government
Audience: Municipal Managers and Municipal IT Professionals
** Note Location Change**
Location: Upper Dublin Township Building Main Meeting Room

SEMINARS - PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

Effective Written Communications - Sept. 22

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program Elective Course

Audience: Municipal Leaders

Location: PennState Abington @ 611

Effective Public Speaking and Presentations - Oct. 28
Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program Elective Course
Audience: Municipal Leaders
Location: PennState Abington@611

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

This bulletin is published as a value-added benefit for the members of the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained, no warranty is expressed or implied.

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

June / July 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

AEDs in Municipal Parks?

On May 22, 2010, a Bucks County parent suffered a fatal heart attack while watching his son's baseball game at a municipal ball field. Some well meaning parents blame the lack of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the park as a contributing factor to the death. This incident has generated several inquiries to the Trust from members seeking guidance on the issue. The risk control department would like to share some thoughts on the subject of AEDs in municipal parks.

• As of the publication date of this bulletin, there is no law in Pennsylvania requiring the installation of AEDs at municipal parks.

• Providing a 24/7 freely accessible AED at a remote, unsupervised location like a park will likely lead to the unit being stolen or vandalized.

• In addition to the initial purchase costs, there are ongoing maintenance and training obligations. AED batteries have a finite lifespan (about 3-5 years) and can cost several hundred dollars per unit to replace. AED users should also complete a recognized training program in order to gain full protection under the Pa. Good Samaritan statute (Pa. C.S. Title 42 § 8331.2).

Recommended AED deployment options:

1. The municipality could rely on AED units carried by their emergency medical, police or fire services. This is a feasible option if resources are limited and response times short.

2. The municipality might consider mounting an AED inside an owned secure concession stand or on-site park office and posting its location outside and throughout the park. The AED would then be available for use during periods when the concession stand or park office was open to the public.

3. The municipality might consider donating an AED to the local sports organization. The organization would then be responsible for bringing the unit to events as they do with other first aid supplies. Equipment donation has the additional advantage of transferring ongoing maintenance and training obligations to the recipient.

For additional questions regarding the Trust's recommendations on AEDs in municipal parks, contact the Trust's risk control department:
Peter Erndwein (267-781-0612; perndwein@dvit.com)
Linda Poole (267-781-0619; lpoole@dvit.com)

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Law Enforcement - Arresting Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented immigrants and other foreign nationals present a unique challenge to local law enforcement. Although they may be involved with similar crimes to their US citizen counterparts, non-citizens require special handling upon arrest. Failure to consider such requirements could result in potential consequences ranging from lawsuits to international diplomatic incidents.

The US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs provides guidelines for handling foreign nationals subject to arrest or detention:

1. When foreign nationals are arrested or detained, they must be advised of the right to have their consular officials notified.

2. In some cases, the nearest consular officials must be notified of the arrest or detention of a foreign national, regardless of the national's wishes.

3. Consular officials are entitled to access to their nationals in detention, and are entitled to provide consular assistance.

4. When a government official becomes aware of the death of a foreign national, consular officials must be notified.

5. When a guardianship or trusteeship is being considered with respect to a foreign national who is a minor or incompetent, consular officials must be notified.

6. When a foreign ship or aircraft wrecks or crashes, consular officials must be notified.

For additional information including specific law enforcement procedures when arresting or detaining foreign nations, clink:

Gas Meters - Bump Testing

Atmosphere testing meters (a.k.a. gas meters) are used by a variety of municipal departments to ensure the safety of work atmospheres, especially confined spaces. The instruments detect hazardous atmospheric constituents using electronic and electrochemical sensors. To ensure accurate readings, the sensors require calibration according to a schedule dictated by the equipment manufacturer.

The risk control department has found that some municipal departments totally rely on the manufacturer's annual or quarterly calibration to ensure their gas meters are working properly. Given the critical nature of this equipment, it is recommended that owners perform a "bump test" prior to using the gas meter. This is done in order to verify the gas meter's alarm is functioning properly. A bump test is usually performed using a test gas in which contaminant levels exceed the instrument's alarm settings. Most manufacturers will sell bump testing gases appropriate for their equipment.

Still not convinced of the benefits of bump testing? Consider the following. The meter manufacturer, Industrial Scientific, recently reported in its white paper, "Why Bump Testing Saves Lives," that for every 1,000 bump tests, three gas detectors will fail to respond properly. Failing to bump test your gas meter is like playing the lottery where you have an excellent chance of winning. Unfortunately, this is one lottery you don't want to win!

For additional questions regarding gas meter bump testing, contact the Trust's risk control department:
Peter Erndwein (267-781-0612; perndwein@dvit.com)
Linda Poole (267-781-0619; lpoole@dvit.com)

Educational Resource - Proper Respirator Use

N-95 filtering facepiece respirators are common low-cost respirators useful to protect municipal workers from airborne particulates ranging from H1N1 bioaerosols to silica dust. For these respirators to function properly, workers must put them on properly and perform a qualitative fit check. NIOSH has developed a simple posting to help workers with these tasks.

To access a copy of this latest educational resource, clink

Fleet Safety - Distracted Driving Resources

Blink and you are likely to miss another batch of portable consumer electronic gadgets hitting the market. While the impact on improving our quality of life is debatable, one consequence is not. These devices are increasingly the root cause behind deadly roadway crashes.

The National Safety Council, a leader in the field of injury prevention, recently announced that due to the magnitude of the distracted driving problem, it is making its downloadable Cell Phone Policy Kit for Employers available free of charge. The kit includes

Communications to Build Management Support
• Executive Summary Written Handout
• Executive Summary PowerPoint® Presentation
• Call to Action
• Frequently Asked Questions
• NSC Employee Policy
• Generic Cell Phone Policy :

Communications to Roll-Out Policy to Employees
• Article to Inform
• Voice Mail Teasers to Employees
• Top Eight Reasons List
• Pull Over and Park Poster
• Focus on Your Driving Poster
• Presentation Script
• Voice Mail Greetings
• Tips for Distraction-free Driving
• Policy Pocket Card
• One-hour Training Program on Cell Phones and Driving (includes Instructor Guide, Participant Guide and PowerPoint® presentation)

To obtain a copy of the free kit, clink:

Seven Recalls

Specialized Bicycle Components Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10219.html

General Electric Coffee Makers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10238.html

HP Notebook Computer Battery Recall Expanded Due to Fire Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10240.html

Hoover Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recalled Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10248.html

Maytag®, Amana®, Jenn-Air®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley®

Brand Dishwashers with Plastic Tubs Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10255.html

Defibtech DBP-2800 Battery Packs used in Lifeline AED

and ReviveR AEDsRecalled Due to Defective Battery Packs

[No image available.]

GE Front Load Washers Recalled Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10259.html

SEMINARS - NEW

Effective Written Communications - Sept. 22

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program Elective Course

Audience: Municipal Leaders

Location: PennState Abington @ 611

Effective Public Speaking and Presentations - Oct. 28
Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program Elective Course
Audience: Municipal Leaders
Location: PennState Abington@611

SEMINARS - PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

May 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

Impact of Lead Renovation Rule on Trust Members

Lead was a common paint additive prior to its ban in 1978. Children are especially vulnerable to the toxic neurological effects of lead. To safeguard this sensitive population, US EPA promulgated the "Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule" (40 CFR Part 745). As of April 22, 2010, firms performing renovations of target housing or child-occupied facilities for compensation must comply with the rule's lead hazard control mandates or face federal penalties.

Due to budget constraints, municipalities often rely on internal expertise and labor to renovate properties under their "care custody or control". Although non-commercial entities are not specifically regulated under 40 CFR 745, its existence creates legal precedent for how renovations should be conducted by responsible property owners. As a result, municipalities performing their own renovations should comply with the rule whenever feasible. If a municipality decides to outsource its renovation activities, then its obligations are limited to ensuring the contracted renovation firm is in compliance with the rule.

Recommendations

From a risk management perspective, municipalities who perform their own renovations on target housing or child-occupied facilities should:

1. Determine if the work is considered a "minor repair and maintenance activity" and thus exempt from the rule. Activities disturbing 6 ft square or less surfacing per interior room or 20 feet or less exterior surfacing are exempt unless the surfaces will be subject to aggressive dust or fume producing operations.

2. Determine if surface coatings contain lead in excess of 1.0 milligram/per square centimeter or 0.5% by weight using an EPA recognized test kit. Lead levels below these concentrations present a minimal exposure risk and are not regulated. 40 CFR Part 745 requires those administering the lead test to be a certified renovator or lead inspector.

3. If lead is found on the surfaces involved in the renovation, provide a copy of the EPA Pamphlet - Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools to the tenant at least 60 days in advance of the renovation work. Get the tenant to sign an acknowledgement that they received the pamphlet. For a copy of the pamphlet, clink: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

4. If lead is present above the prior thresholds, perform the work under the direct supervision of a certified renovator. Ideally, all employees performing the work should also be certified renovators. All work and clean-up practices must conform to the work practices outlined in 40 CFR 745.

To assist Trust members in complying with this recommendation, the Trust has identified a vendor who will offer a Certified Renovator training session on June 22, 2010. Completion of the course will enable the graduate to test for lead using an EPA approved test kit and oversee renovation work on structures coated with lead-containing coatings. The Trust will cover the cost of this Certified Renovator course for DVIT and DVWCT members. To register for this program, see the "New Seminar" section below.

Direct any questions regarding this program to Peter Erndwein at 267-781-0612 or perndwein@dvit.com.

Heat Related Illness and Skin Cancer Prevention

Daytime temperatures are inching towards the 90s. Now is a great time to educate outdoor employees and volunteers about heat-related illness and skin cancer prevention.

The healthy human body can tolerate relatively high temperatures provided it remains hydrated and the sweat reflex is functioning properly. Dehydration and/or interference with sweat evaporation impairs the body's ability to dissipate heat. A core body temperature increase of only a few degrees can quickly progress to life-threatening heat stroke.

In addition to protecting the body from excessive heat, workers should protect their skin from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Although in limited quantities sunlight offers health benefits, prolonged exposure of unprotected skin to the ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight can cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of preventable adult cancers.

The Trust has two "roll call" talks which can be used to educate employees on preventing heat-related illness and skin cancer.

To access the roll call talk on preventing heat related illness, click here

To access the roll call talk on skin cancer prevention, click here

New Training Resources

The Trust recently acquired several new training DVDs for its lending library:

Chain Saw Safety
Whether you're using a chainsaw to fell trees, trim limbs, or clean up from storm damage, proper technique is key to preventing accidents. Tim Ard, President of Forest Applications Training, presents some basic tips and techniques that can make your cutting operation safer and more productive.

Bloodborne Pathogens for Fire and Rescue
This DVD covers the unique hazards that emergency response personnel face and ways to avoid accidental exposure to potentially infectious materials.

MRSA Awareness
Community-associated staph infections are causing widespread concern. This DVD reviews how employees can protect themselves and their families from MRSA.

Recognizing Drug and Alcohol Abuse for Employees
This DVD helps employees recognize alcoholism and drug abuse in the workplace and reviews how they should respond.

Bloodborne Pathogens for Law Enforcement
This DVD reviews how law enforcement employees can avoid accidental exposure to potentially infectious materials.

Lockout/Tagout - Controlling the Beast
Fatal injuries occur when hazardous energy is released and safety precautions are not implemented. This DVD reviews vital lockout/tagout procedures and the elements of a hazardous energy control program.

Respiratory Protection - Another World
This DVD reviews how employees can avoid overexposure to hazardous substances through the proper use of respiratory protection equipment.

To reserve these training resources, contact Dawn Mancini at dmancini@dvit.com or call 267-781-0607.
A comprehensive list of titles in the Trust's Video Lending Library is available here.

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Fleet Safety - Wireless Backing System

Collisions with fixed objects are a leading cause of automobile physical damage claims. Often, collisions occur because the driver fails to check blind spots or fails to deploy a spotter. Back-up cameras help to reduce blind spot collisions by expanding the driver's visual field and increasing situational awareness.

Reverse Backing Systems of Austin, Texas (RBS) offers a wireless backup camera for under $350. Although hard wired systems are preferred, a wireless system is a low cost, effective alternative. Back-up cameras are eligible for funding under both the DVIT and DVWCT 2010/2011 Risk Control Grant program.

To review the wireless backing systems available from RBS, clink:
http://www.reversebackingsystems.com/category.aspx?categoryID=2

(Note: This article is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of any specific product or vendor.)

Fire Service - FY2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants Available

The US Department of Homeland Security announced $390 million is currently available in the FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Applications will be accepted beginning April 26 until May 28, 2010. Assistance is available for the following firefighter and EMS priorities:

Training
Equipment acquisition
Vehicle acquisition
PPE
Wellness and fitness
Modification to fire/EMS stations and facilities consisting of:
Installation of sprinkler systems
Installation of smoke and fire alarm notification systems
Installation of vehicle exhaust evacuation systems
Installation of vehicle mounted exhaust filtration systems
Installation of air improvement systems; and/or
Installation of emergency power generators

A copy of the grant application packet can be obtained from:
http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/2010_AFGguidance.pdf

Human Resources - New ADA Hiring Guidance

Myth - Disabled employees have higher absenteeism compared with non-disabled employees.

Myth - Once you hire a disabled person you are stuck with them.

Myth - The costs of accommodating disabled employees are prohibitively high.

Many employers are reluctant to hire employees with disabilities because they do not understand their rights and obligations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). In an effort to dispel some common hiring myths, the US Department of Justice has developed a 17-minute web video for hiring managers and human resources personnel.

View the web video at: http://www.ada.gov/videogallery.htm#10_employmentmyths

Additionally, on June 11, 2010 the Trust in partnership with the Bucks and Montgomery County Human Resources Consortium is sponsoring a seminar entitled "Employee Rights Under the ADA". For registration information, see the "New Seminars" section below.

Public Works - Hazards of Hot Work

"Hot work" involves activities which product flame, sparks or high temperature. Welding, cutting or brazing are typical hot work operations. Hot work is a high risk activity because it can potentially ignite flammable and combustible substances leading to potentially catastrophic explosions and fires.

The US Chemical Safety Board recently compiled a handout of incidents for use as an instructional tool with employees who perform hot work. The hazard alert is an excellent training tool that serves as the basis for a short, "roll call" talk.

To access the CSB's hot work hazard alert, click here

Fire Service - NIOSH Alert Regarding Brake Slack Adjusters

The root cause of a fatal January 2009 fire apparatus crash in Massachusetts was the subject of a recent NIOSH Safety Advisory. The Advisory encourages fire departments to prohibit the practice of manually adjusting automatic slack adjusters (ASAs) in order to compensate for a loss of brake performance. Instead, the brakes should be serviced by a qualified mechanic. Manual adjustment of an ASA can cause catastrophic brake failure as occurred in the Massachusetts crash.

To view a copy of the Safety Advisory, clink:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/SafetyAdvisory10202009.html

For a copy of the January 2009 fatality investigation report, clink:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200905.html

Six Recalls

Ocean Management Systems Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensators Recalled -
Seal Ring May Leak Resulting in Drowning

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10208.html

Comarco Power Adapters for Laptops Recalled Due to Burn Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10214.html

Cooper Lighting Chain Sets Recalled - Component MayFail Causing Light Fixture to Fall

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10213.html

SEMINARS - NEW

Employee Rights Under the American's with Disability Act - June 11

Audience: HR Managers and Senior HR Staff

Location: Abington Township

Certified Renovator - June 22
Audience: Public Works
Location: Pennsauken, NJ

SEMINARS - Previously Announced

Employee Assistance Program "Double Feature"

Supervising the Troubled Employee & DOT CDL Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Training
May 25 - Upper Dublin Twp.
June 1 - West Whiteland Twp.
June 8 - Doylestown Twp.
Audience: Supervisors and Managers

How to Become a Better Communicator - June 8

Audience: General

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Managing Emotions and Thriving Under Pressure - June 11
Audience: General
Location: Allentown, PA

Employee Performance Evaluations - June 14
Audience: Supervisors/Managers
Location: Willow Grove, PA

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

ICMA Bi-Weekly Newsletter

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Thu, 6 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Local Government Environmental Assistance Network

Member Wellness Initiative Newsletter

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Mon, 3 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

MWI Newsletter May-Jun 2010

April 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

Land Use Liability - Training Resources

Steering clear of land use liability is a risk management challenge for most municipalities. Land use issues are complex. Planning commission members may lack expertise in fully understanding the implications of decisions. Municipal solicitors are tasked with alerting commission members of potential legal landmines; however, these general legal practitioners may only possess limited expertise in land use law. Given the potential for high severity losses, what's a municipal manager to do?

Risk management professionals recognize that education of planning commission members is one of the most effective means for reducing a municipality's exposure to land use liability. Two types of educational experiences are recommended:

1. Initial Orientation - New planning commission members should be provided with an overview of their roles, responsibilities and ethical/legal constraints. Commission members must be made to understand that there are limits to their decision-making. They must understand that failure to abide by these constraints can cause significant financial harm to the municipality and tax payers. An excellent resource for indoctrinating new and existing commission members is provided free of charge by the Pa. State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). The online PSATS program can be accessed 24/7 by anyone with an Internet-enabled computer. The program can be completed in about an hour. Those who get a passing grade can print out a certificate to prove that they have completed the program. To access the PSATS online program "Duties of Planning Commission," clink: http://dutiespc.landuselawinpa.com/

2. Ongoing Training - Initial orientation should be supplemented with continuing education on significant legal developments. As with initial orientation, time constraints make education of planning committee members a challenge. To overcome this constraint, The Trust in conjunction with Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman and Goggin attorney, John Gonzales, have produced a land use liability training video. The online video is only available to DVIT members. The program consists of several segments discussing significant land use liability issues. John uses recent case studies to illustrate how planning committee members can avoid costly litigation.

DVIT members can view the online training video by clicking here.

For DVIT members without Internet access, DVD copies of the Land Use Liability training video are available by contacting Dawn Mancini (Phone: 267-781-0607; Email: dmancini@dvit.com).

Law Enforcement - Needle Stick Incidents

The Trust's Claims Department reports an increase in needle stick incidents involving law enforcement employees. "Stick" incidents typically occur when officers pat down (i.e., frisk) suspects or perform searches of vehicles. Needle sticks involving used syringes are of particular concern given the potential to spread the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). As a result, all suspected exposures to human blood or other potentially infectious material should be reported and evaluated by a licensed medical professional.

The Risk Control Department recommends several best practices for reducing the frequency of needle stick incidents during law enforcement operations:

• Ask the suspect if he/she has any needles, knives or other sharp objects on their person or in their vehicle. State emphatically that if you are injured by anything the suspect fails to disclose, additional charges will be added to the other crimes they may be guilty of.

• Recognize where needles and sharps are usually found - in pockets, socks, shoes and hair. In vehicles, syringes are commonly found behind visors, in glove boxes, in arm rests, between seat cushions and beneath seats. Proceed with extra caution when inspecting these areas.

• Use "search" or "frisker" gloves. Although you will sacrifice some tactile sensitivity, search gloves offer a measure of puncture resistance. Vendors that offer puncture resistant gloves include:
https://www.turtleskin.com/store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=UPW-4D1
http://www.labsafety.com/HEX-ARMOR-Puncture-Resistant-Search-Gloves_24533581/?CID=9PP001
http://www.labsafety.com/search/Damascus/24533569/?type=brand

• When searching vehicles or performing area searches for evidence, avoid sticking hands where you cannot see. In addition to avoiding needle stick incidents, you reduce your risk of getting injured by insects, vermin or "booby traps".

• Use search tools/probes. Tools/probes can be as simple as an oversized laboratory forceps (i.e., tweezers) or as sophisticated as a video-enhanced evidence probe. In addition to safety aspects, search tools/probes also have the benefit of getting into areas where hands might not fit.

Vendors offering law enforcement search tools include:
http://www.probecam.com/searchandrescue.html#gooseneck
http://www.midmed.com.au/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=2&pid=18&header=1
http://contrabanddetectors.com/probe.htm
http://www.sasrad.com/
https://www.rkb.us/contentdetail.cfm?content_id=126944

(Note: The purchase of search gloves and search tools/probes is eligible for funding under the DVWCT member risk control grant program.)

New Resource - Model Municipal Safety and Health Manual

The Trust has received several member requests for a model safety and health manual geared towards municipal operations. In response, the Risk Control Department recently developed a comprehensive manual which members are free to customize to meet their operations. The manual is structured to have the widest possible utility. Sections address safe practices for all employees, for specific departments and for specific operations.

As part of the organization's injury and illness prevention program, the employer's safety and health manual serves several important functions:
1. Training guide for new employees establishing expectations with respect to safety behaviors
2. Training resource for ongoing "tool box" talks
3. Guide when investigating injuries and illnesses or other safety deviations

Note: For those members who already have an effective safety and health manual or written safety guidelines, they are not required to replace existing guidelines. Members may wish to use this resource to fill any gaps or update any obsolete procedures.

To access a copy of the resource, click here

Anyone with questions regarding this new resource is asked to contact the Risk Control Department (Peter Erndwein Phone 267-781-0612; perndwein@dvit.com or Linda Poole Phone 267-781-0619 or lpoole@dvit.com)

New Education Resource - Groundskeeping Roll Call Talk

Spring has arrived and the vegetation is emerging from its winter slumber. Both at home and on the job, many of us will soon be starting the weekly grass-cutting ritual. As mowers, tractors, trimmers and chain saws begin to operate, inevitably hospital ERs will begin to see traumatic injuries.

In an effort to reduce the risk of such seasonal injuries, the Risk Control Department has developed a roll call talk entitled "Groundskeeping Injury Prevention". Roll call talks are designed to cover a variety of safety topics in a 15- minute meeting format. Periodic discussion of injury prevention topics are known to keep employees aware of and engaged in workplace safety.

To access the most recent roll call talks, click here

To access any of the other Trust roll call talks, click here

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Managing Vacant Property Risks

The sluggish economy has lead to an increase in vacant homes and commercial buildings. Municipalities are not immune to this phenomenon. Owned buildings may see their tenants leave. Donated buildings may sit idle for months (sometimes years) due to lack of funding for rehabilitation. Although the structure may be empty, it still requires active management in order to preserve its value. Besides normal deterioration, empty buildings can attract vandals and arsonists. Between 2003 and 2006, the National Fire Protection Association reported over 31,000 fires annually in vacant or idle US buildings.

Owners of vacant properties can reduce their risk of property value loss by:

• Maintaining utility service to the building. Unheated, damp buildings can significantly degrade over the course of a year. Extreme swings in temperature and high humidity can cause paint, plaster and dry wall to degrade. Lumber components can warp and split. Warm, humid temperatures can encourage mold growth. Mold blooms can occur in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water intrusion event. Freezing temperatures can cause sprinkler and domestic water pipes to freeze and potentially burst. Broken pipes and failed sump pumps can lead to costly flood losses.

In order to maintain vacant structures, it is recommended to install programmable thermostats capable of maintaining interior temperatures above 55oF in the winter and below 85oF in the summer. To prevent mold growth, the US EPA recommends keeping relative humidity levels inside structures within the 30-60% range.

• Maintaining monitored intruder and fire detection systems, if so equipped. If not equipped, consider installing such systems to facilitate remote monitoring. Security cameras are another cost-effective security option. If 24/7 monitoring is not financially feasible, perform weekly documented inspections of the property at random times. Include the property on a routine police patrol route.

• Provide for lighting. Cover the periods between dusk and dawn using energy efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a good option for security lighting. Remember that criminal activity is dissuaded by illumination. Trim vegetation around the perimeter of the structure to ensure clear sight lines from public areas or police patrol routes.

• Promptly repair deterioration and damage. Avoid putting off critical repairs to the building's envelope. A minor roof leak, over time, can lead to serious water damage, encourage mold growth and eventually damage structural components. Openings in the building envelope also provide routes of access for vermin such as bats, raccoons and squirrels which can cause significant damage to interior areas.

When managing vacant buildings, the adage "a penny wise but a pound foolish" clearly applies. Though the structure may not be generating income or providing a service to the community, building owners must continue to invest resources and maintain the structure to near occupancy standards.

Five Recalls

American Electric Outdoor Light Fixture Recalled Due to Shock Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10154.html

Hitachi Koki Coil Nailers Recalled Due to injury Risk

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10163.html

Fluke Non-contact Electrical Tester Recalled - May Not Consistently Indicate Presence of Voltage

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10164.html

Tumi Mobile Power Packs Recalled - Can Ignite or Explode

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10169.html

Simpson Dura-Vent Fireplace Damper Recalled - May Fail to Open Posing CO Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10176.html

Seminars - New

PRPS Swimming Pool Management & Pesticide Applicator Exam - April 27 - 28

Audience: Aquatic facility management and maintenance staff

Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA

PRPS National Playground Safety Inspector Certification & Exam - May 24 - 26
Audience: Park and recreation facility management and maintenance staff
Location: Bethlehem, PA

Employee Assistance Program "Double Feature"

Supervising the Troubled Employee & DOT CDL Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Training
May 25 - Upper Dublin Twp.
June 1 - West Whiteland Twp.
June 8 - Doylestown Twp.
Audience: Supervisors and Managers

How to Become a Better Communicator - June 8

Audience: General

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Managing Emotions and Thriving Under Pressure - June 11
Audience: General
Location: Allentown, PA

Employee Performance Evaluations - June 14
Audience: Supervisors/Managers
Location: Willow Grove, PA

Seminars - Previously Announced

Public Entity Risk Management - April 27

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Project Management - May 12

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence - 3 dates available

April 5 - Lancaster, PA

April 6 - Allentown, PA

April 9 - Philadelphia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Projects and Objectives

April 1 - King of Prussia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Priorities and Projects - 2 dates available

April 22 - Lancaster, PA

April 23 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Excelling as a Manager and Supervisor - 2 dates available

April 6 - King of Prussia, PA

May 5 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

March 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

Playground Safety - Get Ready for Spring!

There may still be snow on the ground; however, Spring is in the air. Now is a good time to start planning for the upcoming park maintenance season.

Document, Document, Document!

For those municipalities that do not have a recordkeeping system for recording park maintenance activities, consider implementing one. Records of inspections and maintenance activities are vital in the event of a park or playground injury. It's the hard evidence municipalities need to defend against allegations of incompetence and neglect.

The recordkeeping system need not be complex. For small departments, it can be as simple as a bound log book. Larger departments might opt to use written work orders or customized checklists. Regardless of how you document your activities, try to generate records that indicate:

• When was the inspection/maintenance performed?
• Who performed the inspection/maintenance?
• What was the condition of facilities at the time of the visit?
• What follow up actions were taken to address identified deficiencies?

For a sample high-frequency playground inspection form, clink:

Archive these records so that they can be retrieved in a timely manner. Keep in mind that most tort claims have a two year statute of limitations. From a risk control standpoint, consider archiving your inspection/maintenance records for at least five years. In any case, be sure to comply with your organization's record control practices.

Orient Staff

Kick off the Spring maintenance cycle by bringing together your maintenance staff for a short pre-season meeting. Discuss the park inspection/maintenance documentation system you will be using. Stress the importance of documenting the good work that is being performed in order to protect the municipality and tax payers from lawsuits. Review critical areas for the staff to focus on. Remind them that they are the "eyes and ears" of the municipality when it comes to park assets.

Focus on "Criticals"

Park maintenance staff should periodically perform a general visual inspection of all equipment and facilities at each municipal park. In most cases, routine inspection can occur when park maintenance staff visit the parks to empty waste receptacles or mop out the rest rooms. Pay special attention to three areas which are routinely associated with user injuries and litigation:

1. Verify Adequacy of Loose Fall Attenuation Surfacing Beneath Playground Equipment.

Ensure the depth of the loose fall attenuation surfacing meets playground design requirements. In 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) established a minimum loose fall attenuation depth of nine inches (compressed) as industry standard. Confirm the depth of loose fall attenuation surfacing by digging a test pit and recording this measurement in the inspection log book. If inadequate, add additional certified mulch to make up the difference. The CPSC acknowledges that twelve inches of loose fill will tend to compact down to nine inches. Record any addition of loose fall attenuation surfacing and keep a copy of the invoice showing ASTM F 1292 certified surfacing was used. Also, don't forget to inspect unitary fall attenuation surfacing. This surfacing can deteriorate over time and may require spot repairs.

2. Verify "Age Appropriateness / Adult Supervision Recommended" Stickers/Signs Are In Place and Legible.

Age appropriateness/adult supervision stickers and signage is often available from the manufacturer of the playground equipment. The Risk Control Department maintains a limited supply of generic stickers for DVIT (property and liability trust) members. They are available upon request (Contact: Linda Poole at 267-781-0619; lpoole@dvit.com).

3. Verify Park Rules Signage is Visible From All Park Approaches.

From a risk management perspective, the most critical elements on a park rules sign are:
• Identification of the park owner (i.e., name of the municipality)
• Reference to the park rules ordinance
• Point of contact for reporting unsafe conditions

For a model park rules sign, clink:

The Risk Control Department can provide DVIT (property and liability trust) members with certified playground safety inspections for new or renovated park facilities. For more information, contact: Peter Erndwein (267-781-0612; perndwein@dvit.com) or Linda Poole (267-781-0619; lpoole@dvit.com).

Step Stool Hazards

A Trust member recently inquired regarding safe step stool options for libraries. The member expressed concern over trip and fall incidents involving rolling-type step stools. Such stools can often be found scattered throughout the library to assist individuals with reaching upper shelves. The stools can be a problem for those with balance disorders or who may not be looking where they are walking. Over time, the wheel locking mechanisms may also fail if not properly maintained. This will make the stool more prone to "kick out".

From a risk control perspective, non-rolling step stools in high visibility colors are preferred because they are more stable and more likely to catch someone's eye. Several safer designs are commercially available and can be viewed at the following links:
http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Graham-Field-Safety-Step-Up-Foot-Stool-with-Hand-Rail-Each
http://www.safetystep.net/
http://www.shure-step.com/heavy_duty_step_stools.php
(Note: The Trust does not endorse any specific vendor. The links are provided for information purposes only.)

One other issue to consider is where the step stools are kept. Any step stool could potentially trip an employee or patron who does not maintain situational awareness. A potential solution is to create step stool "parking areas" where the stools can be safely stored until required. A sign can be placed above this designated area directing staff and patrons to return the stools when no longer needed. For a sample sign, clink

Snow Plowing - Hours of Service Limitations?

Hopefully the need for snow removal has ended for the season. The Risk Control Department recently received an inquiry from a member who wondered whether municipal employees were subject to US DOT hours of service limitations when plowing snow. The short answer is "no" provided a snow emergency has been declared by the authority having jurisdiction. Otherwise, drivers would be subject to these restrictions.

The regulatory basis for this can be found in Pa. Code Title 67 § 231.346 which states:

"Personnel providing services relating to the public health or safety on an emergency basis shall also be provided the regulatory relief afforded by this section."

To see the entire regulation, clink:

Fatigue is recognized as a leading cause of commercial motor vehicle crashes. Fatigue increase reaction time, dulls perception of space and time, and can cause driver dozing (a momentary loss of consciousness). The US DOT has done extensive research into the issue of driver fatigue and issued revised hours of service regulations effective January 19, 2009. Although these are not legally enforceable during declared snow emergencies as discussed above, they represent guidelines which municipalities can use to control fatigue among snow plow drivers.

Below are descriptions of the current US DOT's hours-of-service regulations for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Municipal plows of 26,001 lbs or more gross vehicle weight rating or gross combined vehicle weight rating fall into this category.

11 Hour Driving Limit ("Driving Time" Limit)

Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.(Example: You have been off duty for 10 hours. You come into work and two hours into your shift you are assigned a snow plow run. You may drive the plow for a maximum of 11 hours.

14 Hour Limit ("Driving Start Time" Limit)

Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period. (Example: Using the example above, you have been working in the shop for two shifts (14 consecutive hours total). Due to a shortage of CDL drivers, you are asked to stay on for a third consecutive shift and make a plow run. Since you have been on duty for 14 consecutive hours, you are prohibited from operating the truck.

60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit

Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. (Example: You have accumulated 63 hours on-duty by working 9 hour days over 7 consecutive days. You may not drive a CDL vehicle on day 10. You need to take 34 consecutive hours off duty before you can restart the 60/70 clock.

To review the US DOT's hours of service regulations, clink:

Firefighters and Reproductive Health

Can an employer prohibit a pregnant employee or volunteer from performing their regular duties because the employer perceives a risk of injury to the fetus? A DVIT member recently confronted such a situation involving a pregnant volunteer firefighter.

Employer policies to protect fetuses from injury by restricting employees to lower paying, less hazardous jobs were once prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1991, the U.S. Supreme Court in UAW v. Johnson Controls (499 U.S. 187, 111 S. Ct. 1196, 113 L. Ed. 2d 158) ruled such policies were a form of sexual discrimination and violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Ref: http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Fetal+Rights)

So what should an organization do regarding pregnant individuals in at risk positions? From a risk control perspective, the following approach is recommended :

1. Once an employee/volunteer "officially" shares their reproductive status with the organization, their supervisor/manager/chief in concert with the organization's human resource department/coordinator should schedule a confidential conversation with the individual to review potential reproductive health risks.

2. The organization should encourage the employee/volunteer to review their job description with their physician.

3. The organization should offer the employee/volunteer alternate duty at the same pay level and/or comparable job status for the duration of the pregnancy.

It is recommended that the organization in concert with their in-house labor counsel implement a written reproductive health policy to ensure consistent treatment of all similarly situated employees/volunteers. A copy should be provided to the employee/volunteer for their review and signature. For a sample fire company reproductive health policy, clink:

As with any employment law issue, members are encouraged to confer with their in-house labor counsel before taking any action that may adversely impact an employee or volunteer.

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Traffic Safety - 2009 MUTCD

The Federal Highway Administration's Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national rulebook for roadway safety. Its purpose is to ensure consistency with respect to roadway marking, use of traffic control devices and traffic control practices throughout the United States. Each State is required to adopt the MUTCD and ensure local practices conform to the MUTCD. A new edition of the MUTCD became available on December 16, 2009. States have two years from the published date to adopt the 2009 edition.

An overview of significant changes is provided by a one-hour archived webinar produced by Workzonesafety.org.
To view the webinar, clink:

Some highlights of particular interest to municipalities include:

• Newly installed traffic signals require 12 inch lenses.

• All workers (including firefighters and law enforcement) in public right of ways must now wear high visibility traffic safety apparel (meeting ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 or ANSI/ISEA 207-2006). Formerly, this was only required on federally funded highways. The compliance deadline for this requirement is Dec 31, 2011. Exemptions have been included for firefighters and law enforcement when use of the apparel could increase their risk of injury.

• The preferred method of flagging is to use two flaggers.

• The SLOW/STOP paddles used by flaggers must be mounted on a rigid staff visible to oncoming traffic.

• Work zones may incorporate a short taper (50 to 100) feet. A downstream taper of 50-100 feet shall also be used for work zones involving two way traffic on single lanes.

• Arrow boards may only be used to mark lane closures and not for shifting lanes.

• Light sticks may be used in place of flares during emergency operations.

• To reduce driver distraction, emergency vehicles should consider reducing or extinguishing forward facing emergency-vehicle lighting, especially on divided roadways. Similarly, floodlights or vehicle headlights that are not needed for illumination, or to provide notice to other road users of an incident response vehicle being in an unexpected location, should be turned off at night.

For a copy of the 2009 MUTCD, clink:

Four Recalls

Cardiac Science AED Recall - Device May Not Shock

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/UCM200123

GE Infrastructure Sensing Commercial CO2 and Temperature Sensors Recalled - Sensor May Overheat and Cause Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10141.html

Pumptec Motor Controllers for Submersible Pump Systems Recalled - Label Cover Can Detach Creating Shock Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10145.html

Scotsman Commercial ice Cube makers - Faulty Solenoid Can Arc and Cause Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10147.html

Seminars- New

Microsoft Word 2007 Core Business Essentials - May 13

Audience: General
Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Seminars - Previously Announced

Departmental Leadership - March 25

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Public Entity Risk Management - April 27

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Project Management - May 12

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

How to Handle Conflict and Confrontation - Feb. 17

Audience: Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Business Writing Basics for Professionals - March 12

Audience: General

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Management Skills for First-Time Supervisors - March 18

Audience: Current and Future Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Communicating with Tact and Skill for Supervisors and Managers - March 19

Audience: Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence - 3 dates available

April 5 - Lancaster, PA

April 6 - Allentown, PA

April 9 - Philadelphia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Projects and Objectives - 2 dates available

March 9 - West Chester, PA

April 1 - King of Prussia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Priorities and Projects - 2 dates available

April 22 - Lancaster, PA

April 23 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Excelling as a Manager and Supervisor - 2 dates available

April 6 - King of Prussia, PA

May 5 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

February 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

Best Practice - Tredyffrin's "Unsafe Condition" Door Know Hanger

Conditions on a resident's property may create a public safety concern. This is often the case with vegetation obscuring roadway signage or blocking traffic sightlines. The Tredyffrin Township Police Department has developed an innovative tool for notifying residents of sight distance/view obstructions located on their property. The PD uses a two sided door hanger that describes the unsafe condition, cites the applicable vehicle code, and requires corrective action within ten days.

Trust members who wish more information on this innovative program should contact: Lt. Anthony Giaimo of the Tredyffrin Police Department at 610-644-3221.

For a higher resolution image of the door knob hanger, clink:

Public Works - APWA Seminars on CD

The Trust's Risk Control Department has acquired several new educational resources produced by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

Developing a Successful Fleet Management Program (1 hr 46 min.)
Crafting a Written Snow and Ice Plan (1 hr 42 min)
Blueprints for Public Works Yards (1 hr 39 min)
Sewer Maintenance Innovations (1 hr 45 min)
Continuity of Operations - How to Stay on Top (1 hr 41 min)
Work Zones - Safety First (1 hr 48 min)
Salt Brine - Breaking Snow and Ice Bonds on your Pavement (1 hr 51 min)
Fleet Utilization - Optimizing Your Resources (1 hr 45 min)
Traffic Mediation - Neighborhood and Pedestrian Safety Programs (1 hr 45 min)

For a detailed description of each program, clink:

To reserve these training resources, contact Dawn Mancini at dmancini@dvit.com or call 267-781-0607. For a full listing of the titles in the Trust's video lending library, visit www.dvit.com, enter through one of the Trusts and then select "Video Library".

Respirator Donning and Doffing - Free Educational Resource

Air purifying respirators must be properly put on the face ("donning") and removed from the face ("doffing") in order to protect the user from harmful airborne contaminants. To help educate employees on proper respirator donning and doffing, OSHA recently released a nine minute training video on it's you tube site,

Anyone with an Internet connection can access this streaming video at: http://www.youtube.com/usdepartmentoflabor#p/u/4/Tzpz5fko-fg

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

CDL Drivers - Texting While Driving is Prohibited

Research by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has shown that drivers who send or receive text messages take their eyes off the road an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, this means the driver has traveled the length of a football field including the end zones without looking at the road. The research also found that distracted drivers are 20 times more likely to get in an accident when compared to non-distracted drivers.

Based on these findings, effective January 27, 2010, CDL drivers are prohibited from texting on electronic devices while driving. This ban is not a new regulation, rather, an interpretation of existing rules found in 49 CFR § 390.17. The rules in this section impose a general restriction against the use of additional equipment and accessories that decrease the safety of operation of commercial motor vehicles. Violating this ban can result in civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

For a copy of the Federal Register notice announcing this new position, clink: http://frwebgate5.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=775881427400+0+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve

Note: From a best risk management standpoint, Trust members are encouraged to impose a general ban on the use of handheld electronic when driving.)

HR - EEO Posting Updated

Late last year, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Commission revised its mandatory posting to include genetics as a protected category. This change stems from passage of Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. This law protects job applicants and employees from discrimination based on genetic information in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment. GINA, as the law is commonly referred to, also restricts employers' ability to acquire genetic information and strictly limits disclosure of genetic information to third parties.

Trust members are encouraged to update their EEO postings in order to communicate this important change to employees.

For a copy of the revised EEO posting, clink:

http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Download copies of Federal labor law postings at:

http://www.dol.gov/osbp/sbrefa/poster/matrix.htm

Download copies of Pennsylvania labor law postings at:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=553565&mode=2

HR - Drug Free Workplace Tool

A workplace drug and alcohol policy is an essential personnel policy. This policy addresses how the organization will prevent and respond to drug and alcohol abuse issues occurring in the workplace. Lack of a consistent policy can make the employer vulnerable to allegations of discrimination.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released a Drug Free Workplace Policy Builder designed to help employers compile a workplace drug and alcohol policy for their workplace. As stated on the DOL's website, a drug free workplace policy is only one element of a drug free workplace program. Other elements include:

Supervisor training
Employee education
Employee assistance
Drug testing

To access the policy builder, clink:

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/asp/drugfree/drugs/screen1.asp

HR - Document Receipt of Employee Handbook

You have just provided your employees with a newly revised employee handbook. Should you have them sign a form acknowledging receipt? From an employment liability perspective, the answer is a resounding - YES. Without a signed acknowledgement form, employees can claim they were never informed of a critical workplace policy, expectation or process.

Whenever issuing a new or revised employee handbook, it is recommended that employees sign a simple acknowledgement form such as:

"By signing below, I hereby acknowledge receipt of XYZ Employer's employee handbook. I acknowledge that I have been given an opportunity to review its contents and ask questions on its contents, Furthermore, by signing below I agree to comply with the policies and procedures contained in the employee handbook."

What should you do if an employee refuses to sign the acknowledgement? You can either have the employee write "I refuse to sign" on the acknowledgement form or if the employee refuses this, then indicate "Employee refuses to sign acknowledgement form." Have a company representative sign and date the form along with a witness.

(Note: With any labor law issue, employers should review the acknowledgment form with their labor counsel prior to implementation.)

EMS - New Guidelines For Handling CBRN Victims

During industrial accidents, meth lab raids or acts of terrorism, injured individuals can be contaminated with hazardous substances. The sources of contamination may be chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear, commonly referred to as CBRN. EMS professionals may inadvertently become exposed to CBRN hazards as they attempt to offer medical assistance to the victims of such events. In order to prevent EMS casualties, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a guidance document in November 2009 titled "Best Practices for Protecting EMS Responders during Treatment and Transport of Victims of Hazardous Substance Releases".

The 100-page document provides guidance on hazard assessment, planning, training, PPE recommendations and decontamination strategies. One critical issue is the requirement that EMS organizations subject to OSHA-regulations complete a written documentation of hazard assessment for PPE selection based on a reasonably anticipated worst case scenario. Employers must then provide EMS responders with PPE and training equivalent to that specified under the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR1910.120). For example, if EMS responders will be providing medical care in environments where they may be exposed to CBRN hazards at Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) levels, they should be trained to HAZWOPER Level A or Level B protection levels.

To obtain a copy of the guidance document clink:

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3370-protecting-EMS-respondersSM.pdf

12 Recalls

Dive Rite Wings - Overpressure Valve May Leak

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10086.html

Watts Water Heater Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves - May Fail to Operate

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10087.html

Tool Bench Brand Utility Knife - Blade May Slide Past Support Posing Laceration Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10091.html

Cressi SCUBA Regulator - Pressure Gauge May Produce Inaccurate Readings

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10092.html

LG Electronics Dehumidifiers - Faulty Power Connector May Cause Short Circuit and Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10096.html

No Spill Gas Cans - May Leak at Collar Causing Fuel Spill

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10102.html

Acer Notebook Computers - Internal Microphone Wire May Short Circuit Causing Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10103.html

2010 Redline Conquest Pro Cyclocross Bicycles - Forks May Suddenly Separate from Frame

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10107.html

MooreCo Spine Align and Posture Perfect Chairs - Chair Legs May Suddenly Fail

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10110.html

Johnson Health Tech Horizon Fitness and Livestrong Fitness Elliptical Trainers - Foot Pedal May Suddenly Disengage

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10116.html

Liebherr Built In 24-Inch Wide Refrigerators - Door May Suddenly Detach

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10122.html

AMX 5000 Wireless Audio Visual System Touch Panels - Battery Pack May Overheat and Rupture

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10035.html

Seminars- New

Departmental Leadership - March 25

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Public Entity Risk Management - April 27

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Project Management - May 12

Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course

Audience: General

Location: Abington Township Building - Abington, PA

Seminars - Previously Announced

The registration period is now open for the following 2010 seminars:

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

How to Handle Conflict and Confrontation - Feb. 17

Audience: Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Business Writing Basics for Professionals - March 12

Audience: General

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Management Skills for First-Time Supervisors - March 18

Audience: Current and Future Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Communicating with Tact and Skill for Supervisors and Managers - March 19

Audience: Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence - 3 dates available

April 5 - Lancaster, PA

April 6 - Allentown, PA

April 9 - Philadelphia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Projects and Objectives - 2 dates available

March 9 - West Chester, PA

April 1 - King of Prussia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Priorities and Projects - 2 dates available

April 22 - Lancaster, PA

April 23 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Excelling as a Manager and Supervisor - 2 dates available

April 6 - King of Prussia, PA

May 5 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

January 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Anouncements

2010 Training Catalog

The training catalog serves as a comprehensive guide to the pre-scheduled and on-call training resources sponsored by the Trust. New this year are on-line DVIT eCampus courses and expanded HMS seminars. The vast majority of risk management courses are provided at no cost to members. As in prior years, Microsoft application courses and select private sector courses require a $25 per person copay.

To access the 2010 Training Catalog, clink:

Foot Pursuit Policy Model

During November's Police Liability Prevention and Caselaw Update seminar, it was recommended that police departments consider adopting a model foot pursuit policy. A sample policy was subsequently developed by an ad hoc working group consisting of:

Chief Eileen Behr, Whitemarsh PD
Lt. Mike Beatty, Whitemarsh PD
Chief John Norris, Cheltenham PD
Chief Mike Murphy, Warminster PD
Chris Boyle, Esq., Marshall, Warner, Coleman and Goggin

DVIT owes this group a debt of gratitude for their quick action in responding to this recommendation.

For a copy of the model policy, clink:

Best Practice Preventing FAS Kickout

Ask any park maintenance employee and they will tell you - it's a challenge to maintain the nine inch minimum gap beneath playground merry-go-rounds when using loose fall attenuation surfacing (FAS). The staff of Rowland Community Center (Cheltenham Township) implemented an innovative permanent solution by installing unitary fall attenuation surfacing beneath the playground's prized merry-go-round.

Best Practice Sidewalk Deterioration

Sidewalks are a mixed blessing for property owners. They provide a safe means of transit for pedestrians; however, can become a liability when they begin to deteriorate.

Doylestown Borough tackled this challenge by publishing an innovative educational resource for residents. The borough's "Fact Sheet #6 Sidewalk Problems and Repairs" provides a visual, user-friendly guide to sidewalk conditions requiring action by the property owner. The brochure also discusses various repair options for addressing hazardous conditions.

For a copy of the brochure, clink:

New Training Resource: Driving Distractions

Texting, using a cell phone, eating, and playing with the radio are examples of activities which take the eyes and mental focus off the road. Both on and off the job, distracted driving has been recognized as a major cause of motor vehicle collisions, injuries and fatalities. These losses could easily be avoided through self-discipline and personal responsibility.

The Trust has acquired several 27-minute DVDs produced by the Smith System Driver Improvement Institute, Inc. which discusses the causes and consequences of distracted driving. The program also reviews key intervention strategies for preventing crashes.

To reserve this training resource, contact Dawn Mancini at dmancini@dvit.com or call 267-781-0607. For a full listing of the titles in the Trust's video lending library, visit www.dvit.com, enter through one of the Trusts and click on the "Video Library" button.

Municipal RM News and Analysis

Innovative RM Product - ELSAG's Mobile Plate Hunter 900

The law enforcement community routinely searches for stolen vehicles and traffic scofflaws through visual canvassing of license plates. This can be a tedious, time consuming process. It is also a driving distraction that can increase the risk of collisions.

ELSAG North America has developed an innovative law enforcement tool designed to improve the safety and efficiency of license plate canvassing. The Mobile Plate Hunter 900 is a vehicle-mounted, automated license plate scanner. The scanner is capable of verifying several thousand license plates each minute. This allows the vehicle operator to remain focused on the driving task. Outstanding warrants and record inconsistencies trigger an audible and visual alarm on the unit's laptop display. The Mobile Plate Hunter 900 currently costs around $20,000 per unit. Leasing options are available. For more information, clink: http://www.elsagna.com/mobile.htm

(Note: This above is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to serve as an endorsement of any specific product by the Trust.)

Six Recalls

Homelite Backpack Blowers - Fuel Tank May Leak and Cause Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10037.html

Easton Bicycles - Stem May Crack Resulting in Potential Fall

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10038.html

EXO-Tech Safety Harness - Harness May Fail

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10042.html

Electrolux ICON® and Kenmore PRO® Gas Ranges - Faulty Component May Cause Carbon Monoxide Release

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10048.html

Goodman Company Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Units - Power Cords Can Overheat and Cause Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10058.html

Hampton Bay Dehumidifiers - Unit May Overheat and Cause Fire

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10082.html

Seminars - New

The registration period is now open for the following 2010 seminars:

Microsoft Applications Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: General

Location: Trust Office - Willow Grove, PA

Police EVOC Training Schedule for 2010

Audience: Police Only

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Trucks - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Defensive Driving for Sedans - Schedule for 2010

Audience: General Sedan and Truck Drivers

Location : Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

How to Handle Conflict and Confrontation - Feb. 17

Audience: Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Business Writing Basics for Professionals - March 12

Audience: General

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Management Skills for First-Time Supervisors - March 18

Audience: Current and Future Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Communicating with Tact and Skill for Supervisors and Managers - March 19

Audience: Managers and Supervisors

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence - 3 dates available

April 5 - Lancaster, PA

April 6 - Allentown, PA

April 9 - Philadelphia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Projects and Objectives - 2 dates available

March 9 - West Chester, PA

April 1 - King of Prussia, PA

Audience: General

Managing Multiple Priorities and Projects - 2 dates available

April 22 - Lancaster, PA

April 23 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Excelling as a Manager and Supervisor - 2 dates available

April 6 - King of Prussia, PA

May 5 - Allentown, PA

Audience: General

Questions

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

November / December 2009 Risk Management Training Bulletin

nmcgarry@dvit.com () — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Trust Announcements

This is the last risk management and training bulletin for the year. The next bulletin will be issued in early January 2010. From all of us to you and yours, may you have a safe and healthy holiday season and prosperous New Year!

-Your Training Team

Carol Bigham, Elaine Downes, Peter Erndwein, Marianne Hospador, Dawn Mancini, Neil McGarry, Ryan Oberholtzer and Linda Poole

Web-based Training - Debut of "DVIT eCampus"

The Trust is pleased to announce the availability of a new online risk control training resource for DVIT and DVWCT members. DVIT eCampus offers dozens of online training programs to anyone with a web-enabled computer. This risk management tool is being offered to members as a value-added benefit (no additional cost).

Two types of courses are available:

ClarityNet Self-Study - Resource for Individual Instruction

This training option enables individual students to complete a variety of training programs online at their own pace. At the end of the course, students take a final exam. If they pass, they print out an individualized training certificate. Self-study courses are perfect for single employees new to the organization or who might require post-incident refresher training.

Video-on-Demand (VOD) - Resource for Group Instruction

VOD training programs are streamed through the Internet onto a member's PC, Smart Board or other web-enabled projection system. Courses can be accessed over several days allowing multiple instructional sessions. Great for training multiple employee groups spread over different work shifts.

Web-based training is a contemporary training technology for addressing individual development needs without having to leave the workplace. It works best for information-heavy training. In-person training is still preferred for skill-based or hands-on training. The Trust will continue to offer both.

Courses are available on health and safety and human resource topics. For a complete listing of courses, clink: Health and Safety Courses

Courses can be ordered by contacting Linda Poole (lpoole@dvit.com; 267-781-0619) or Peter Erndwein (perndwein@dvit.com; 267-781-0612).

Seasonal ToolBox Talks

Colder temperatures mark the start of the "cold weather claim cycle". Each year the Trust sees a spike in similar incidents related to seasonal conditions. Fall and winter environmental conditions trigger a predictable pattern of losses including:

Vehicle collisions with deer
Vehicle collisions due to impaired visibility or loss of traction
Property damage from snow plows
Employee falls due to loss of traction

The Trust's Risk Control Department would like to remind members of its Tool Box Talks on cold weather risk management issues:

Avoiding Deer Collisions

Defensive Driving

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Snow Plowing

The Trust's Tool Box Talks are designed to be used by group leaders or department heads in pre-shift meetings. Short, periodic safety meetings are effective in maintaining employee awareness and creating a proactive safety culture.

New Training Resources

Emergency Response Driving
Strains ans Sprains - A Public Concern

Taking advantage of "economic stimulus" pricing, the Trust has acquired two new Coastal training DVDs:

"Emergency Response Driving" provides an overview of roadway hazards faced by EMS, fire and law enforcement personnel. Avoidance strategies are also discussed.
"Strains and Sprains - A Public Concern" discusses musculoskeletal risk factors faced by governmental employees and precautions to avoid overexertion injuries.

To reserve these training resources, contact Dawn Mancini at dmancini@dvit.com or call 267-781-0607.

Municipal RM News and Analysis

Taser International - New Recommendation on Aiming

On October 12, Taser International issued Training Bulletin No. 15. Three days later, they issued a letter clarifying the new targeting recommendation provided in the bulletin.

The training bulletin and letter recommend that when possible Taser users should lower the recommended point of aim "from center of mass to lower-center of mass for front shots." Taser believes this change will blunt plaintiff's assertions during excessive use-of-force suits that application of the Taser triggered or contributed to certain medical conditions. Taser is careful to emphasize that this new preferred target area only applies if tactical circumstances allow officers a choice.

RM Recommendation:

From a risk management standpoint, DVIT recommends that police departments review their written Taser and Use-of- Force policies to ensure they reflect this new manufacturer recommendation. All officers authorized to use Tasers should be informed of any changes to these written policies. Additionally, officers should anticipate questions regarding their choice of aiming points in the event of a Taser deployment. They should be prepared to justify the tactical circumstances impacting their choice aiming point.

To review a copy of the training bulletin and letter of clarification, clink:

http://taser.com/legal/Documents/Training%20Memo%20with%20Training%20Bulletin%20and%20Warnings.pdf

Availability of Firefighter Exams

DVWCT has long advocated pre-service and periodic medical exams for keeping volunteer firefighters healthy and "in service". Recently, DVWCT negotiated with Professional Health Services, Inc. (PHS) to offer NFPA-compliant firefighter physicals to member agencies at a discounted fee. PHS offers mobile exams which can be brought on-site for under $300 per person (minimum number of participants applies).

After the exam, the fire chief receives a written fitness-for-duty opinion by a licensed medical professional. The volunteer receives a confidential copy of their results to review with their personal physician. The entire process is governed under strict HIPAA medical confidentiality regulations. This means neither the fire chief nor DVWCT can see the actual exam results unless the individual provides written consent to do so.

For a flier describing this mobile firefighter medical program, clink: Medical Program

Old AED Batteries Cost City of Chicago $3.2 Million

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have become standard equipment in public entity settings. They can be found near meeting rooms, in libraries, on municipal golf courses and in EMS, fire and police vehicles. AEDs have proven themselves as valuable tools for medical first responders.

In an unusual case, the family of a man who suffered a fatal heart attack sued the City of Chicago alleging it failed to properly maintain its AED batteries. The suit alleged the city's Hillside Fire Department which responding to the emergency call could not resuscitate the victim because two of its AEDs failed to operate due to faulty batteries. Per manufacturer recommendations, the AED batteries reportedly needed to be changed every two years. The city had not changed out the batteries since 2000. Rather than risk a larger jury award, the city of Chicago agreed to a $3.2 million settlement.

RM Recommendation:

If AEDs are deployed as part of a municipality's emergency medical services program, make sure the equipment works. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding operational checks and battery replacement.

To view the October 5 Chicago Sun Times article on this case, clink:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1807698,lawsuit-defibrulator-partyka-settlement-100509.article

Seven Recalls

Schwalbe Brand Bicycle Tires - May Fail Suddenly and Cause Fall

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10009.html

SI Tech Diving Hoses - Hose Insert May Dislodge and Cause Drowning

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10010.html

Milbank Manufacturing Single Electric Meter Sockets - Faulty Component Could Cause Short

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10012.html

Bad Boy Enterprises Off Road utility vehicle - May Accelerate Unexpectantly

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10015.html

Belkin international, Inc. SurgeMaster^TM Surge Protector - Plug Molding May Crack Resulting in Shock Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10024.html

Computer AC Adapter - Internal Insulation May Fail Posing Shock Hazard

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10027.html

Seminars - New

Winter Training Hiatus

Due to unpredictable weather and to ensure the safety of personnel, the Risk Control Department does not routinely schedule training sessions from late December to early March.

During this hiatus, the staff will work on the 2010 Training Catalog which should be available in time for the January 2010 Risk Management and Training Bulletin.

In the interim, Trust members who are looking for training programs should contact the risk control department to discuss their specific needs:

Peter Erndwein 267-781-0612; perndwein@dvit.com

Linda Poole 267-781-0619; lpoole@dvit.com

Seminars Previously Announced

Sparking Innovation and Creativity - November 18

Audience: General

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Police Liability - Claim Prevention and Case Law Update - November 19

Audience: Police leadership and risk management staff

Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus - Conshohocken, PA

Fundamentals of Supervision - November 24

(Penn State Municipal Leadership Certificate Program - Core Course)

Audience: New and existing municipal leaders

Location: Lower Merion Township Building - Ardmore, PA

Workers' Compensation - Claim Prevention and Case Law Update - November 24

Audience: WC program administrators, claim adjusters and injury prevention staff

Location: Horsham Library Community Room - Horsham, PA

PRPS National Playground Safety Inspector Certification and Exam - Dec. 7 to 9

Audience: Playground safety staff

Location: Harrisburg, PA

Questions?

Elaine Downes edownes@dvit.com or 267-781-0613

Carol Bigham cbigham@dvit.com or 267-781-0606

Peter Erndwein perndwein@dvit.com or 267-781-0612

Linda Poole lpoole@dvit.com or 267-781-0619

Public entities wishing to get more information on membership in the Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts are encouraged to visit our website at www.DVIT.com or call 866-706-0101 (toll free).

Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts

1015 York Road

Willow Grove PA 19090

DVIT News

August 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

Trust Announcements

Misuse of Seat Belt Extenders

Retrofit Option for Obsolete Spring Rockers

Educational Resources - NIOSH Fact Sheets

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Feds Update Child Labor Law

Interpretation Expands FMLA Coverage

NFPA Safety Alert - Residential Sprinklers

Business Continuity Planning Resource

Eights Recalls

SEMINARS - NEW

SEMINARS - PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

Questions

June / July 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

Trust Announcements

AEDs in Municipal Parks?

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Law Enforcement - Arresting Undocumented Immigrants

Gas Meters - Bump Testing

Educational Resource - Proper Respirator Use

Fleet Safety - Distracted Driving Resources

Seven Recalls

Specialized Bicycle Components Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

General Electric Coffee Makers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

HP Notebook Computer Battery Recall Expanded Due to Fire Hazard

Hoover Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recalled Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Maytag®, Amana®, Jenn-Air®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley®

Brand Dishwashers with Plastic Tubs Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Defibtech DBP-2800 Battery Packs used in Lifeline AED

and ReviveR AEDsRecalled Due to Defective Battery Packs

GE Front Load Washers Recalled Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

SEMINARS - NEW

SEMINARS - PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

Questions

May 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

Trust Announcements

Impact of Lead Renovation Rule on Trust Members

Heat Related Illness and Skin Cancer Prevention

New Training Resources

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Fleet Safety - Wireless Backing System

Fire Service - FY2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants Available

Human Resources - New ADA Hiring Guidance

Public Works - Hazards of Hot Work

Fire Service - NIOSH Alert Regarding Brake Slack Adjusters

Six Recalls

Howard Berger Recalls Extension Cords and Power Strips - May Arc

Tabata USA SCBA Regulators Recalled - Component May Fail and Result in Drowning

Mares Dive Computers Recalled - O-Ring May Fail Resulting in Drowning

Ocean Management Systems Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensators Recalled - Seal Ring May Leak Resulting in Drowning

Comarco Power Adapters for Laptops Recalled Due to Burn Hazard

Cooper Lighting Chain Sets Recalled - Component MayFail Causing Light Fixture to Fall

SEMINARS - NEW

SEMINARS - Previously Announced

Questions

ICMA Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Member Wellness Initiative Newsletter

April 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

Trust Announcements

Land Use Liability - Training Resources

Law Enforcement - Needle Stick Incidents

New Resource - Model Municipal Safety and Health Manual

New Education Resource - Groundskeeping Roll Call Talk

MUNICIPAL RM NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Managing Vacant Property Risks

Five Recalls

American Electric Outdoor Light Fixture Recalled Due to Shock Hazard

Hitachi Koki Coil Nailers Recalled Due to injury Risk

Fluke Non-contact Electrical Tester Recalled - May Not Consistently Indicate Presence of Voltage

Tumi Mobile Power Packs Recalled - Can Ignite or Explode

Simpson Dura-Vent Fireplace Damper Recalled - May Fail to Open Posing CO Hazard

Seminars - New

Seminars - Previously Announced

Questions

March 2010 Risk Management Training Bulletin

Trust Announcements

Playground Safety - Get Ready for Spring!

Step Stool Hazards

Ocean Management Systems Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensators Recalled -
Seal Ring May Leak Resulting in Drowning