City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve the revised classification specification for Safety
Officer.
BACKGROUND
In August 1989, the Risk Management Division enhanced their operations to include
a Safety Technician to proactively handle workplace safety and environmental
issues. In addition, this position would also be responsible for providing mandatory
training to City employees per Federal and State regulations.
DISCUSSION
One of the primary responsibilities of the Safety Technician is to determine and
ensure that the safety needs of the City are met. The Risk Management field
provides the title of Safety Officer to employees that are responsible for planning,
coordinating and evaluating various safety and training programs. This title is an
industry standard that recognizes the authority and responsibility given to such
employees that are accountable for determining the City’s safety programs.
The distinction between a Satety Technician and a Safety Officer is that the
Techncian routinely performs tasks that are delegated to him/her. Whereas, a Safety
Officer evaluates and determines the safety needs of an organization; and is then,
subsequently, responsible for ensuring that those tasks are accomplished in a
successful manner.
Meeting Date: 01/09/06 Item Number: A-4
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of the Revised Classification Specification for Safety
Officer
Contact Person/Dept.: Serena Wright Phone Number: 310-253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: [x]
Public Notification: Master Notification List, Culver City Employees Association on
01/04/06
Department Approval:
Serena Wright (01/03/06)
CAO Approval:
Martin R. Cole for Jerry B. Fulwood
(01/03/06)
City Controller Approval:
N/ACity of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
The current Saftey Technician position has the sole responsibility for determining the
safety needs of the City. Also, the supervision that this position receives is of a
general oversight nature.
In conclusion, the current title of Safety Technician is inconsistent with the duties
and authority required of this position. Therefore, staff is recommending that the
Safety Technician classification specification be changed to Safety Officer.
The Civil Service Commission approved this revised classification specification at
the December 7, 2005 meeting.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Revised Classification Specification for Safety Technician
MOTION
That the City Council
Approve the revised classification specification for Safety Technician.
MEETING DATE 1/09/06
AGENDA ITEM Approval of the Revised Classification Specification for
Safety Technician
ATTACHMENTS
PAGE
1 Revised Classification Specification for Safety Technician
1-2City of Culver City
November 1998
o' ember 2005
_
Title SAFETY TECHNICIAN OFFICER
Definition
Occupants of this classification are in the classified service Under general supervision,
plans, directs supervises, and coordinates loss control, health, and environmental
compliance programs to ensure the safety of employees, the public, and City property
Supervision Received and Exercised
This position reports ,directly to the Risk Manager but may receive direction from the
Claims and Safety Coordinator 7 As" -i§taZ- IiijAd- rnini 'sira -tiVe; Officer
Essential Job Duties
The following tasks are essential for this position Incumbents in this classification may
not perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed here
1 Develops, coordinates, and implements safety, health, and environmental compliance
policies and procedures including industrial hygiene, job safety analysis, and health
education programs .
2 beverop4, monitors, and coordinates, and assists in dovolopmg safety program
activities/committees of City departments, including accident prevention and loss
reduction programs
3 Investigates field operations and working conditions for unsafe and hazardous
practices, for faulty equipment, and unsafe housekeeping practices Makes
recommendations and reports on safety practices to eliminate potential safety
hazards
4 Maintains recordkeeping systems for safety and loss statistics, CALOSHA and safety
logs Prepares reports showing loss control program results
5 Consults with management personnel and employees on loss control matters to
prevent mjunes, occupational diseases, vehicular collision, and damage to equipment
and material belonging to the City Works with departments to gain cooperation and
support for City-wide risk control objectives
6 Develops and maintains a resource center for safety framing aids, films, videos, and
literature on a City-wide basis Implements accident/incident investigation training
for City employees
7 Keeps informed on all relevant laws, regulations, and issues pertaining to safety
Researches, reviews, and interprets federal, state, and local safety laws and
regulations to ensure City compliance
8 May assist in the investigation of workers' compensation claims Assures the
maintenance of accurate logs, provides information on the number of days lost time,
third party possibilities, questionable claims, and number of days on light duty
ItMinimum Knowledge, Skill and Ability
Knowledge of
State labor code sections pertammg to workers' compensation and industrial safety
Safety programs and procedures
Methods of reducing the frequency and seriousness of industrial accidents
Skill and Ability to
Make investigations, determine the cause of accidents, and initiate corrective actions
to improve safety
Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Communicate effectively m both verbal and written form
Analyze data and reach sound conclusions
License and Certificate
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license
Training and Experience
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the
required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying A typical way to obtain the
knowledge, skills, and abilities would be an Associate of Arts Degree with major course
work m safety, industrial safety, or loss control or possession of an Association of Loss
Control Management Certificate, and two years of expenence m loss control or in the
development of industrial safety programs
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print
Require the mobility to stand, stoop, reach, and bend Require mobility of arms to
reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects
Perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds and is an
infrequent aspect of the job
Is subject to office and outside environmental conditions|1013|