Risk Management Minute Q: Does workers’ compensation cover a city employee who works remotely? A: Typically, yes. If the city pays the employee, directs and controls the employee’s work, and has reported the employee’s salary to the Risk Pool, the employee should have the same coverage as one who works at city hall or other city facility. (Different rules apply to out-of-state employees.) City officials should report any claim immediately, just as though the injury had taken place in the office or other city worksite. Please contact your Member Services Manager with questions.
Stretch and Flex to Prevent Injuries A lack of flexibility and subsequent awkward movement contribute to sprains and strains, rotator cuff, and back injuries. Consider the following Loss Prevention T.I.P.S. for reasons to stretch and flex, basic program components, and safety items.
Russian Cybersecurity Threats The online news outlet FireRescue1 reported about increased cyber threats by Russia against the U.S. According to the article, “A FirstWatch alert warns of attacks on communications and public-safety critical infrastructures in the next week to 10 days.” In addition, the White House released the following statement: “This is a critical moment to accelerate our work to improve domestic cybersecurity and bolster our national resilience. I have previously warned about the potential that Russia could conduct malicious cyber activity against the United States, including as a response to the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed on Russia alongside our allies and partners. It’s part of Russia’s playbook. [Read more…]”
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Risk Pool Assists Town of Van Horn: Accident Prevention Plan and Hazard Communication Program The Town of Van Horn recently developed an accident prevention plan and hazard communications program. The program is designed to protect the Town’s 26 employees, who work in the library, parks and recreation department, public works and utilities departments, and more. The Town’s Finance Director, Jodi Corrales – along with Utilities Clerk Grace Dickinson and Utilities Manager Edward Torres – partnered with Risk Pool Loss Prevention Representative Jimmy Hoskins to create and implement the program.
According to Ms. Corrales, “the Town of Van Horn made the decision that we always want our employees to have the safest work environment and for them to return home safely each night. TMLIRP provided an excellent template of resources for starting our risk management plan.”
Check out the Pool’s example an accident prevention plan and hazard communications program at www.tmlirp.org by clicking on the “Risk Resource Library” button under the Risk Management tab. Contact your Risk Pool Loss Prevention Representative with questions!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Texas House Committees Release Interim Changes – See those Related to Risk Management: House Speaker Dade Phelan has released interim charges to the committees of the Texas House to study prior to the 2023 legislative session. The actual charges relevant to risk management and a quick overview of the subjects is available (read more…)
Enhanced Cybersecurity Risks: Earlier this month, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to use every available resource to safeguard the state’s critical infrastructure and to assist local governments in Texas with their needs in response to an enhanced risk for a Russian cyberattack. The governor outlined critical actions that must be taken by DIR and DPS including (read more…)
SERVICE IN FOCUS
Member Services Feeling anxious about your upcoming renewal? Your Member Services Manager (MSM) can help you prepare! Schedule an appointment early so your MSMs can ensure that: (1) you have adequate coverages; and (2) your schedules showing real and personal property, building contents, automobiles, and mobile equipment are up to date. MSMs are available via telephone, a virtual meeting, or in person. Don’t know who your MSM is? Click here.
