XVIII. DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

ROLE AND DUTIES

The Division of Industrial Safety has as its primary goal the development and implementation of a safe and healthy work environment for all County employees.

To carry out the functions and activities of the Safety Division with a budget of $272,495, there is a staff of six employees, a part time CVE student and a part time senior employee. The main focus includes administering all phases of the safety, equipment and driver training and workers' compensation programs.

The department achieved its goal by:

l. Coordinating the County's safety programs and safety related training activities.

2. Developing, updating and implementing safety policies to comply with current laws and safety philosophy.

3. Analyzing and maintaining accident reports, records and other statistical data.

4. Conducting safety inspections and ensuring departmental correction of violations and/or compliance with safety laws and regulations.

5. Recommending and approving purchase of safety related and personal protective equipment.

6. Monitoring County of Hawaii compliance with state statutes relative to safety.

7. Investigating and processing workers' compensation claims and administering the program.

STAFF

l. Jay A. Sasan, Safety Coordinator

2. Daniel Santos, Safety & Driver Equip. Coordinator

3. J.E. Trulson, Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist

4. Lorna Sue, Workers' Compensation Claims Clerk

5. Cindy Aragon, Workers' Compensation Claims Clerk (until 12/15/95)

6. Sandra Sakoda, Clerk Typist

7. Trisha Savella, CVE Clerk

8. Lori Mills, Senior Employee 01/25/96 W.C. Claims Clerk

ACTUAL EXPENDITURES

Salaries & Wages $182,490

Misc. S/W 1,135

Other Current Expenses 19,761

Equipment 1,250

Maint. of Fire Ext. 3,055

VDT Eye Examinations 10,408

Employee Assistance Program 23,110

Safety Incentive Awards Program 15,185

$256,394

ACTIVITIES

Pre employment, annual and workers' compensation exams by four County physicians:

l. Ernest Bade, M. D. (Hired Jan. l993) 266

2. Curtis Lee, M.D. 295

3. Dr. Alan deSilva (Hired Jan. l993) 77

4. Dr. James Mitchell, Kona 287

Medical bills processed for workers' compensation 4,618

Other Miscellaneous Activities

ˆ Developed activities and implemented County of Hawaii Safety Week Program January 29 February 2, 1996.

ˆ Recognized two County of Hawaii employees with the longest periods of accident free service, Stanley Iwamoto Finance and Theodore Wong Liquor Control.

ˆ Inspection and servicing of fire extinguishers by contractor.

ˆ Semi annual inspection of portable electric tools by P.W.

ˆ Semi annual safety inspection of facilities by all departments.

ˆ Employee Assistance Program by contractor.

ˆ On going: safety film, video, hazard communication and standard first aid and instructor certification courses.

ˆ Coordination of various work shops and seminars to address pesticide safety, confined space entry, permit required confined space program, welding safety, proper lifting, bloodborne pathogens, asbestos determination, respirator safety, hazard communication program, hazardous waste handling, VDT screening, air ventilation checks and EMF readings.

ˆ Serve as the County of Hawaii Lead Agency for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

Driver/Operator Training Section

Coordinates, plans, develops and implements a comprehensive equipment driver/operator safety improvement, evaluation and industrial safety programs for mechanics, supervisors and operators of automobiles, trucks, construction equipment, tractors, mowers, vans and other motorized equipment.

Activities include auditing of equipment operators, safety inspections, operator instructional training and Commercial Driver License (CDL) training.

Workers' Compensation Section

This section coordinates the activities of the County's workers' compensation program including limited duty, retention and rehabilitation and placement programs. Workers' compensation reserves are set by the Safety Department. During the fiscal yearÿ1995 96, there were 263ÿnew claims reported, this is a decrease of 8% over last fiscal. We closed 296 claims and re opened 35 cases.

We recovered $212,626.50 through subrogation this fiscal year.

Consolidation: The department continues to make progress on its goal in consolidating the County's workers' compensation claims under the Safety Department by utilizing the Comp 2000 software program. One department remains to be completed.

Safety Incentive Program: Recognizing employees who are not involved in industrial accidents is on going. The Safety Department receives funding in its annual budget to recognize accident free employees.

Employee Assistance Program: This service provided by contract through the Child and Family Service. EAP is designed to help employees and their families on a confidential and professional basis. EAP assisted 62ÿemployees and 13ÿfamily members. The utilization rate of 3% was better than expected which shows that both the employees and the supervisors accept the program.

Alternative Duty Program: This program has as its goal the early return to work of employees injured on the job. The Safety Department with cooperation from the County physicians tailors modified work to fit the requirements and physical capabilities of the injured employees. It has successfully returned to work employees early in their rehabilitation

program.

Future Trend and Concerns: Recently, several new OSHA laws have been implemented which are quite complicated because of the technical nature of the subject matter, the number of steps required and the number of people involved to assure compliance. Added to this is the paper work required to document and record activities prior to and after. Among the more recent were: Hazard Communications. MSDS, HAZWOPER Awareness, HMTUSA, and SARA Title III. More recently, Bloodborne Pathogens, Lead and Asbestos Exposure in Construction, Occupational Exposure to Cadmiums, Confined Space Standards, Permit Required Confined Space Program and changes to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Law have been added. The Safety Department scope of work has been increased to include Public Safety Inspections of County facilities and lead agency for the County of Hawaii Local Emergency Planning Committee. Appointed member to the Hawaii State Emergency Response Commission. The latter two deal with planning to handling of oil and hazardous substances emergencies. Appointed member of HIOSH Advisory Committee. Tight budget constraints continually challenges the department as it strives to achieve its' goals and objectives.

Two new areas where more requirements in training, monitoring, PPE and other costs are needed are in the areas of Ergonomics and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Currently, there are no OSHA regulations covering these areas.

The maximum TTD benefit and the medical charges allowed are increased each year by the State. Our levy from the Special Compensation fund was $196,874. This was an decrease of 7% over last fiscal. These are costs that we have no control over.

In the last three years we have reduced the outstanding reserves from $5,002,996 to $4,149,361, a reduction of 17%.

The Safety Department is emphasizing "Back to Safety Basics" and using "Safety Aloha Because We Care" as its' overall safety philosophy, as a means of reducing accidents. Important keys to reducing workers' compensation cost are the prevention of accidents and the early return of workers to their jobs.