The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) National Emphasis Program on Outdoor and Indoor Heat Hazards is designed to protect workers from extreme heat. An emphasis program is a temporary program that focuses OSHA’s resources on a particular hazard, stemming from increased …
Playground inspections should be performed regularly, and more if necessary based on use, weather, vandalism, etc. VRSA Safety Specialist Edward Shelton recently met with Dean Crane, director of parks and recreation with the Town of Blacksburg, to discuss playground inspections. …
Read More › “Playground inspections – featuring the Town of Blacksburg”
Weddings, parties, graduations, parades, festivals, and more. These are just some of the reasons individuals and organizations may wish to rent facilities or utilize property owned by a public entity. However, the users of these “tenant spaces” are not covered …
For the City of Colonial Heights, focusing on both the physical and mental health of their public safety employees is crucial. Both the fire and police departments require staff to complete some type of physical activity each day so they …
VRSA risk services staff often conduct mock VOSH inspections for members. This helps not only to prepare members for real VOSH inspections – but also to identify areas that need to be addressed. During a mock inspection for the Town …
Read More › “Purcellville mock VOSH inspection results in safer stairways for employees”
The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority provides recycling, solid waste, and household hazardous waste disposal services to residents in the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle. In 2018, the authority found itself significantly above the industry standard for its reportable …
Read More › “Rivanna Authorities reduces reportable injuries through focus on risk management”
For risk management efforts to be successful, they must be continual. Regular safety training ensures seasoned employees and new employees remain informed and mindful of policies and procedures that are in place to avoid injuries. Several years after purchasing an …
VRSA is closing out another year of providing stable rates and dependable coverages, as well as professional service and risk management support and training to our members. 2022 Highlights: Expanded coverage offerings with Workers’ Compensation Plus Received 3,781 new workers’ …
Winter officially begins this year on Dec. 21; however, for Prince George County Schools, winter preparedness started long ago. “Believe it or not, at the end of the last season,” said Ron Rhodes, director of operations for Prince George County …
Read More › “Winter preparedness with Prince George County Schools”
Peter (and Marcus) take the plunge!! VRSA Managing Director Marcus Hensel, Local Government Specialist Peter Stephenson and Public Safety Specialist Gary Dillon recently visited Climb UPton, a 90-element vertical ropes park located in Arlington, VA. Climb UPton is a part …
VRSA member employees work with chemical hazards and toxic substances every day, with the potential to cause significant injuries or even death if mishandled. Are your employees prepared for a catastrophic chemical release or spill? Recently, VRSA staff worked with …
Read More › “Emergency Spill Response Training with Alexandria Renew Enterprises”
For law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth, accreditation is a sign of professionalism. This time-sensitive process isn’t always easy for smaller agencies, as it requires significant staff time. “One of the goals to get accredited is to reduce liability,” said …
Read More › “Town of Berryville receives law enforcement accreditation”
“We, as employees, do a lot of driving,” said City of Suffolk Risk Manager Donna Vogel. “Thousands of miles a day, that’s necessary to do all of the basic services we provide to the citizens.” Like many VRSA members, Suffolk’s …
Read More › “City of Suffolk Confidence Course assists city drivers”
How does your organization ENsure that you are INsured for the proper replacement cost for your high-value properties? VRSA members benefit from free professional appraisals for all member locations valued at more than $1 million. This service is offered to …
Read More › “How to ENsure you are INsured for enough in case of property damage”
By Peter Stephenson, VRSA Local Government Specialist The month of March is more than celebrating my birthday, it’s also Ethics Awareness Month! With all the turmoil and lack of civility in the world these days, it’s easy to surmise that …
Every day VRSA member employees are expected to work in and around confined spaces. These spaces can include manholes, tanks, water basins, and other spaces that could be dangerous. A confined space is any space that meets the following criteria: …
Regular site inspections play an important role in protecting your employees, by allowing your organization to identify and remove hazards in the workplace. The inspection process also shows employees that your organization cares about their safety and wellbeing. VRSA safety …
In 2021, public entities continued to face difficult challenges in a consistently changing landscape. Through uncertainty and change, VRSA has held firm. As the most financially sound self-insurance pool in the Commonwealth, VRSA has maintained stable rates and broad protections …
For law enforcement officers looking for new ways to spark community engagement, the Warrenton Police Department’s “See it in a Different Light” program may provide inspiration. The department has partnered with the Piedmont Dispute Resolution Center to offer an interactive …
Read More › ““See it in a Different Light” with the Warrenton Police Department”
In 2020 The Town of Blacksburg requested VRSA Risk Management Grant funds for the purchase of six GoPro cameras to attach to public works equipment. The cameras are helping mitigate risk by providing content for staff micro-training sessions. VRSA Senior Safety Consultant Edward …
Read More › “GoPro Cameras Aid Safety Training for the Town of Blacksburg”
VRSA provides communications consulting services to eligible members to assist in navigating the unique communications challenges of local governments. The services, provided by VRSA Director of Communications Hollie Cammarasana, include personalized consulting, webinars and training, sample policies and procedures, articles …
Read More › “VRSA’s Communications Consulting and the Town of Hillsville”
Operating large machinery is a part of daily life for many VRSA members. Recently, in recognition of National Safety Month, the City of Manassas put together a backhoe rodeo event designed to engage employees in an interactive training environment while …
Read More › “City of Manassas holds backhoe rodeo for National Safety Month”
Last year the Town of South Hill was awarded $4,000 in VRSA Risk Management Grants which they used to install bullet resistant-glass throughout the the town hall. Recently VRSA Member Services Account Executive Nora Pierre met with South Hill Town …
Read More › “VRSA Risk Management Grants and the Town of South Hill”
Inspecting facilities for damage can be a risky business – especially for water authorities. After significant weather events, many members must send staff up ladders and onto tall structures in order to conduct an inspection. The New River Resource Authority …
Read More › “VRSA grant funds drone for New River Resource Authority”
Community pools and farmers markets are an important part of bringing citizens together. As public bodies prepare to reopen or expand their operations this year, VRSA’s Member Services staff Nora Pierre, Harry McMillen and Lisa Schenk met with members to discuss their plans. Learn more …
Read More › “VRSA members prepare for expanded openings this summer”