Throughout the fall and into early winter, staff were present in many communities throughout Virginia with trainings, engagements, and conferences.
OSHA-10 Training in General Industry
Safety Specialist Edward Shelton and Senior Safety Consultant Fonda Craig conducted an OSHA-10 Hour General Industry training for Chesapeake Public Schools staff. Risk Manager Lina Kennedy with the school division coordinated the training, which was also attended by staff from the City of Williamsburg, the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority, the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission, the Southeastern PSA, and the Virginia Peninuslas PSA.
Staunton Retreat
Local Government Specialist Peter Stephenson teamed up with Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock to facilitate a management team retreat for the City of Staunton. During the daylong session, the group discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, how not to go viral for the wrong reasons, improving management meetings, and more.
Elected Officials Conference
Managing Director Marcus Hensel and Local Government Specialist Peter Stephenson kicked off 2024 with participation in the Virginia Municipal League Elected Officials Conference. Hensel presented on protecting your entity from a lawsuit, while Stephenson participated on a panel discussing council/manager relations.
Risk Manager Roundtable
The City of Manassas hosted VRSA staff and risk managers from the Cities of Falls Church, Manassas Park, Fairfax, and the Towns of Herndon, Occoquan, Vienna, Warrenton, and Haymarket for a Risk Manager Roundtable. The meeting, facilitated by VRSA, provided an opportunity for risk managers to discuss their concerns and share ideas for improving safety and risk management. The group discussed Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals, Narcan availability and training for public safety, OSHA training and recent citations, cybersecurity, mower safety, transit bus cameras, and de-escalation training for transit operators.
Cybersecurity tabletop exercise – Western Virginia Water Authority
The Western Virginia Water Authority hosted a Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency tabletop exercise with assistance from VRSA Managing Director Marcus Hensel, Senior Account Executive Lisa Schenk, and Safety Specialist Edward Shelton. The exercise was designed to help organizations review their ability to address a variety of threat scenarios. By preparing now, the authority is taking steps to ensure reliable water and wastewater treatment for the citizens they serve.
Harassment training in the Town of Herndon
Promoting respectful behavior and communication is key toward preventing harassment in the workplace. VRSA Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock provided training to staff in the Town of Herndon where he discussed this, in addition to encouraging employees to speak up if they witness or experience harassment. Employers who provide harassment training and take steps to prevent and address harassment can reduce their liability if a harassment complaint is filed.
OSHA-10 at the Western Virginia Water Authority
The Western Virginia Water Authority hosted a regional OSHA 10-Hour Course in General Industry with guest attendees from the Henry County Public Service Authority. Senior Safety Consultant Fonda Craig and Safety Consultant Christine Gillison discussed recognizing and addressing hazards in the workplace, in addition to providing an overview of OSHA and VOSH.
Supervisor Training in the Town of Cape Charles
Director of Human Resources Tina Stevens presented supervisor training to managers in the Town of Cape Charles. This training reviews the responsibilities of managers and supervisors. These types of engagements are part of VRSA’s HR Services, offered to assist members through education and training, policy and material review, and personalized HR consultations, including assistance with navigating FMLA.
Virginia School Boards Association Annual Convention
Member Services Specialist Harry McMillen met with Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt at the Virginia School Boards Association Annual Convention.
Virginia Association of Counties Annual Conference
Local Government Specialist Peter Stephenson and Senior Account Executive Nora Pierre attended the Virginia Association of Counties Annual Conference. Pictured below at left is Peter with Isle of Wight County Supervisor Dick Grice, and at right with Warren County Administrator Ed Daley
In addition to towns and cities, VRSA provides the broadest protections for counties, along with stable rates and dependable coverages.
Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association
Member Services Specialist Harry McMillen attended the Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association fall conference in Charlottesville, meeting with members including Lonnie Wood with the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority!
