Page 292 - Fort Worth City Budget 2019

Internal Service Funds

have sustained on-the-job injuries during the course and scope of their work duties. By creating an exclusive
network of providers, the city is better able to manage claim costs, as well as closely monitor return to work
activities.

Return to Work – The city has a dedicated Return to Work (RTW) specialist who is responsible for finding
employment opportunities for employees who are currently missing work or are on limited duty due to injury or
illness. This RTW program keeps the city more actively involved in employee recovery and support. It also helps
the city stay productive by helping to restore its workforce infrastructure with existing employees.

Risk Matrix for Property & Casualty Insurance – The Property & Casualty division has city-wide general liability
guidelines for performers, instructors, readers, and other outside vendors engaged in activity while on city
property. This matrix aids in the departments’ risk assessment by outlining the minimum general liability
insurance requirements when contracting with outside vendors, and subsequently reduces the city’s exposure in
the event of loss.

Subrogation and Recoveries – The Risk unit engages in active subrogation for purposes of recovering monies paid
by the city on claims where another party is liable for the loss or injury. In FY2018, Property & Casualty obtained
a dedicated subrogation specialist who is solely responsible for collecting recoveries. Since then, the unit has
recovered over $750k, which is almost four times the amount of recoveries received the prior year. The Workers’
Compensation unit actively engages in subrogation on claims where another party contributes liability to the
injured employee’s loss. The Workers’ Compensation unit also receives an annual recovery return from its excess
carriers.

Information Technology Systems – All of the Risk divisions utilize Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS)
as a way to digitally manage claims. The use of a RMIS simplifies and enhances incident reporting, improves claim
handling efficiency, and provides a better historical trail of documentation. It also acts as a tool to aid with data
reports, analysis, benchmarking, and forecasting. The Property & Casualty unit implemented the Origami Risk
Management System in FY2017. They use it to enter claims, process payments, and document activity. The
Workers’ Compensation unit continues to utilize data tools such as PeopleSoft, IntergerHealth, and the systems
supported by York Risk Services Group (YCE, Focus, and ICOW). The Employee Health & Safety team uses Origami
to conduct and track inspections. They dispatch drones to collect safety data in areas deemed inaccessible to
humans. In FY2019, they are aiming to implement a system that will log the city’s chemical inventory, and update
the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on every chemical. They also wish to use virtual reality as a way to train employees
on dangers in their work environment without physically exposing them to the risk.

Employee Health & Safety – The Safety section develops policies and procedures meant to increase employee
awareness in matters of workplace safety. They inform employees of their exposures to hazards, monitor
effectiveness of safety programs and activities, and provide feedback for improvement. They created a citywide
safety manual to serve as reference document to all departments on topics relating to employee health and safety.
It clearly outlines the city’s policies, identifies safe work practices, and provides guidance to employees on ways
in which they can promote a safer work environment. The manual is a living document that is reviewed annually
to ensure it complies with local, state, and federal health & safety regulations.

Safety Training – The Employee Health & Safety officers conduct onsite visits to observe work environments and
make recommendations on ways the departments can maximize their safety potential. The safety team also
developed and maintains an online safety training program, which is accessible through the Local GovU online
platform. By using technology as a medium for educational tools, the Safety section is able to deliver a wider

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