What kinds of training programs does the Water Department use to train its employees?
We primarily use classroom and hands-on field training to train our employees. Our employees are not comfortable with online training, so we do not use that method . We have learned that they react more effectively with live instructors. For example, we offer a driver training course that teaches employees how to drive safely, yet defensively, in our department vehicles. After the classroom introduction, employees spend a few hours driving with the instructor to demonstrate that they understand how to properly operate and safely maneuver the vehicle. As Safety Program Manager at the Water Department, you reduced workers’ compensation losses by $540,000 over a four -year period. How did you accomplish this? When I first joined the Water Department nine years ago, they offered minimal employee safety training. Also, if employees were sick or injured, they were automatically granted several days off. I felt that we needed an enhanced training program that reduced injuries, so I started a
