Page 293 - Fort Worth City Budget 2019

Internal Service Funds

variety of topics to the employees in a more efficient way. Likewise, they can easily track the employees’
comprehension of the topic and verify completion of the coursework.

Safety Audits - The Employee Health & Safety section routinely evaluates activities, policies, and procedures.
There is an overall safety program audit, during which the team reviews both compliance and safety. They
measure how well the departments are adhering to OSHA, recordkeeping, and training standards. They also
identify unsafe work conditions as a whole, instead of specific unsafe acts or behaviors. The Safety team conducts
a drug and alcohol program audit, which focuses on compliance to FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Regulations (parts
382 & 392). The drug and alcohol audit is reserved for DOT covered employees only; however, the city has
incorporated FMCSA regulations into its Drug and Alcohol policy for non-DOT employees.

Claims Reviews – The Risk Management team conducts semi-annual claim review meetings with select
department directors and their executive management staff. The meetings are an open discussion between the
departments’ and Risk personnel, including adjusters, safety, and litigation representatives. The purpose of these
claim reviews is to inform the departments of their activity recognize their efforts for promoting effective loss
control and outline plans for future successes.

FY2019 DISCUSSION
For FY2019 the department shifted formerly contracted claims functions in-house and added a new staff member
to fulfill the role. In addition the department added a new staff member to the Occupational Health & Safety
Division to assist the administrative duties of the division.

The expense budget includes an increase in funding associated with higher administrative and operational
expenses, and higher insurance premium expenses.

HORIZON ISSUES
Workers’ Compensation state legislation changes – The Workers’ Compensation segment is ever mindful of the
continual updates to Texas laws. It meets frequently with the city’s legal team to review disputed injury cases.
They discuss how the latest statutes would affect each case and determine the best course of action for resolution.

Claim expense management – The Risk segment is constantly trying to lower claim-related expenses. They
encourage immediate reporting of all losses so claims can be monitored and quickly brought to closure. They
strive to handle claims fairly, promptly, and efficiently. This lowers the possibility of legal disputes, as well as
discourages those attempting to solicit financial gain from the city. They educate the departments about the
importance of safety management and make sure there is proper coverage for their exposures. They benchmark
the city’s claim activity against other similar risks in an effort to proactively forecast future claim costs.

Simplify Risk Handling Procedures – The Risk segments work diligently to ensure claim procedures are succinctly
outlined and easily accessible. They publish claim forms and filing procedures on both the city’s internet and
intranet. They are developing a mobile app that makes claim reporting faster and convenient. They also have
clearly identifiable liaisons in each department who facilitate the claims process for injured employees.

New Hire Safety Orientation – The Safety team will develop and host new hire safety orientations. Its purpose is
to increase new employees’ awareness of health and safety hazards and inform them of how to manage these
hazards on the job.

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