HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009Specil~ttoJd:l~m~i~n at o r
Town of Southold
P.O. Box 85
Mattituck, NY 11952
Tel. (631) 298-4460
Fax (631 ) 298-4462
January 09,2009
To: Town Board
Fr: Town of Southold Workforoe Violence Prevention Taskforce
Re: Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Update
Below please find a year-end report regarding the implementation of the Town of
Southold's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan as approved by the Town Board in
January 2008:
Trainin!:t:
A one-hour training module was developed by the Workforce Violence Prevention
Taskforce. Training was offered to Town employees on four days to accommodate staff
schedules and over 200 employees were trained. At one session, the training was
videotaped for future use. In addition training was offered to seasonal staff at the
Recreation Center, Fishers Island employees and new employees totaling eight training
sessions. The videotape was utilized for a few employees who could not attend the
previously scheduled training dates. At the request of the Planning Board chairwoman,
an informal "enhanced training" discussion took place with Planning department staff in
December.
With the exception of a few Police Department personnel who are currently out on
disability leave, all Town employees have met compliance with New York State
training requirements.
Reported Incidents and Investigations:
Seven incidents were reported for the year. The investigation team (Town Attorney,
Assistant Town Attorney and Special Projects Coordinator) found that two of the seven
reported incidents met the definition of "workplace violence" taking place at the office of
the Town Historian and the Landfill.
Taskforce Meetinfls:
The Taskforce convened ten meetings throughout the year to evaluate training efforts
and the implementation of the Plan. In addition, the Assistant Town Attorney and
Special Projects Coordinator met with the Justice Court staff to specifically address their
concerns.
Accomplishments:
· Development of Workforce Violence Prevention Plan
· Town Board adopts plan on January 29, 2008
· Internal mechanisms provided to enhance workplace safety in several work
areas (doors, half-doors, signage, etc.)
· Cash management procedures developed for several departments, including the
addition of credit card machines for the following offices: Town Clerk, Justice
Court, Recreation, Building, Planning, Zoning, Trustees, Recreation and Solid
Waste. In addition, night drop procedures were implemented for beach
attendants.
· Engaging and selecting National Employee Assistance Program for Town
employees and their families
· Presence of Police Department on Fridays at Justice Court
Objectives for 2009:
· Enlist assistance from EAP to conduct two annual training sessions for Town
employees. This will provide fresh and new material for workers who have
already experienced training and are mandated further annual training
· Re-configure walls in Landfill office to promote privacy for counting money
· Justice Court--Monitor hazards at existing site and continue evaluation of moving
site to a separate facility
Cc: Roger Cuva, New York State Municipal Workers' Compensation Alliance