When group self-insurance pools were authorized through the Code of Virginia § 15.2- 2703, they were created “for the purpose of providing to the participating political subdivisions risk management services as well as insurance coverage…”
Why? Ultimately, to reduce losses, thereby reducing costs for local governments. With fewer employee injuries, property loss, and liability, members can focus on their mission of serving their communities.
In response to this mandate, VRSA’s safety consultants are traveling throughout the state each day to provide training, site inspections, accident review, policy review, and so much more to our members.
Fonda Craig
VRSA’s longest-tenured Senior Safety Consultant, Fonda Craig, is most passionate about her work on fleet safety and promoting defensive driving.
However, she often provides OSHA-10 General Industry and Construction training, as well as site inspections for her members.
Most recently, her work has helped the City of Williamsburg and Hanover County complete successful VOSH audits.
Eddie Shelton
Safety Specialist Eddie Shelton began his career in risk management with the United States Air Force.
Afterwards, he worked as an inspector for VOSH before coming to VRSA. Shelton earned his Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) in 2019 and works with members to conduct playground inspections.
In 2024, he received his Federal Aviation Administration Certified Remote Pilot certification, joining Director of Education Thomas Bullock and Public Safety Specialist Gary Dillon in providing members with guidance on reducing risks through the use of drones, as well as on the rules and regulations regarding the use of drones by a public entity.
Christine Gillison
Like Shelton, VRSA Safety Consultant Christine Gillison also worked as a safety consultant for VOSH, and as such brings a wealth of experience and expertise to members through OSHA training and site inspections.
Gillison has been committed to hosting “Training Trifecta” events, where members can choose from three topics, such as confined-space, fall protection, trenching and excavation, and more to learn about during a single eight-hour training.
Additional risk services provided by VRSA staff include:
- Risk Management Grants: Our board allocates funds to help prevent and reduce losses. Funds may be used for professional education as well.
- Contract Review: We provide contract review at no cost to review insurance requirements, ensuring members do not unintentionally waive rights or accept liability on behalf of another.
- Online Training: Free, unlimited training is available through the VRSA Online University, in addition to engagements held monthly.
- Cybersecurity: Members receive free cyber monitoring as well as a dedicated cyber defense attorney for incident response. They also have access to a security healthcheck application, sample incident response plan, training & more.
- Appraisals: We contract for regular property appraisals by independent, licensed contractors.
- Panel of Physicians: VRSA provides members with a sample panel of physicians and maintains panels so they remain valid.
For more information or to utilize any of these services, visit our website here or contact us at: 800-963-6800.