The
INRCOG Safety Program focuses on OSHA compliance regulations affecting
employees of member jurisdictions. The program started in 1994 with
communities from Grundy and Buchanan counties as original participating
members and soon expanded to the remainder of the INRCOG region. Today,
a total of 30 jurisdictions participate as members. Assistance is offered
to program participants on an ongoing basis in the areas described below.
Available
Services
Safety
Compliance Audits
An initial walk-through of the city's or county's facilities is performed
to identify safety concerns that need correction, to determine and review
recordkeeping procedures, and determine how employee training records
are maintained. The status of written safety programs is also discussed.
Regular follow-up audits are used to evaluate program compliance and
assist in areas of need.
Written
Safety Programs
Many of the OSHA standards require written programs explaining how specific
safety issues are handled. Implemented programs are personalized and
maintained in an up-to-date status. Core programs include Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know,
Bloodborne Pathogens, Emergency Response, Personal Protective Equipment,
Control of Hazardous Energy, Confined Space Entry, Respiratory Protection,
Welding Safety, and New Employee Orientation.
Hazard
Assessments
It is important to have on file various workplace "hazard assessments"
that are used to establish the basis for needing various safety programs.
Identifying potential hazards employees may be exposed to allow the
opportunity to implement engineering controls/work practices to reduce
or eliminate the hazards.
Employee
Training
OSHA standards are focused on employee safety with the purpose of providing
guidelines to prevent employee occupational injuries/illnesses. A part
of the employer's responsibility is to provide the appropriate employee
safety training to encourage a safe work environment. Annual safety
training is scheduled at the city/county locations at a time that is
most convenient for the jurisdiction. Training topics are grouped in
order to complete the necessary employee training in the most efficient
manner possible. New training topics are regularly used in addition
to the core program topics.
Safety
Steering Committees
Safety meetings are held at various locations around the INRCOG region
on a quarterly basis to allow jurisdiction representatives the opportunity
to discuss new/key safety issues and to focus on program goals and how
we can maintain a thorough, consistent and effective program
direction.
Contact
Brian
Schoon, Executive Director