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. The main focus of the department includes administering all phases of the safety, equipment and driver training and workers' compensation programs.

The department achieved its goal by:

The Safety Department coordinates the County's safety programs and safety related training activities to meet the standards of the Federal and OSHA requirements. Develops, updates and implements safety policies to comply with current laws and safety philosophy. Analyzes and maintains accident reports, records and other statistical data. Conduct safety inspections and ensuring departmental correction of violations and/or compliance with safety laws and regulations. Monitors County of Hawaii compliance with state statutes relative to safety.

The Driver/Operator Training Section coordinates, plans, develops and implements a comprehensive equipment driver/operator safety improvement, evaluation and industrial safety program for mechanics, supervisors and operators of automobiles, trucks, construction equipment, tractors, mowers, vans and other motorized equipment.

The Workers' Compensation Unit investigates and processes workers' compensation claims and in accordance with the Hawaii Workers' Compensation Law and Medical Fee Schedule.

STAFF

Safety Coordinator

Workers Compensation Claims Specialist IV

Safety & Driver Improvement Coordinator

Workers' Compensation Claims Clerk

Workers' Compensation Claims Clerk

Clerk III

There is a staff of 6 Civil Service employees, 1 CVE Student Helper, 1 Senior Employee and 1 First-To-Work part time worker.

To carry out the functions and activities of the Safety Division for fiscal year 1998 – 1999 an administrative budget of $279,500.00 was allocated. Actual expenditures totaled $276,494.66.

General Fund budget for the Workers' Compensation Unit was $2,100.000. Actual expenditures totaled $1,951.,907.00.

HIGHLIGHTS/Activities:

• Technical safety advise provided to departments.

• Inspection and servicing of fire extinguishers by contractor, Hilo Fire Extinguisher.
• Semi-annual inspection of portable electric tools by Public Works Electricians.
• Semi-annual safety inspection of facilities by all departments.
• Employee Assistance Program by contractor, Hawaii Employee Assistance Services

• On going:
• Safety and hazard communication videos and pamphlets available to County departments upon request.
• Assist in coordination of first aid certification courses by Fire Department.
• Various workshops 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 and air ventilation checks, EMF and illumination readings.
• Video Display Terminal examinations provided to qualified County employees.
• Auditing of equipment operators.
• Safety inspections of facilities and employees.
• Operator instructional training.
• Commercial Driver License (CDL) training.

Most of the accidents incurred by our employees are personal in nature – meaning the accident involved one individual. High frequency accident injuries include strains, lacerations, sprains and contusions. In most cases the accident is caused by an unsafe act or an unsafe personal factor. The emphasis on this years Safety Program is to focus on these areas as a means of accident prevention. If we all make a personal commitment and emphasize safety as a personal responsibility, we will reduce accidents, injuries, equipment damage and lost time.

The Safety Department continues to emphasize "Back to Safety Basics" using "Safety – A Personal Responsibility" 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.