Safety and Training Office
Whatcom County Public Works recognizes the inherent risks that employees
potentially face in the workplace and in the field. Through the
promotion, education and continuous oversight of workplace safety
of our employees, the Safety and Training Office works aggressively
to mitigate the potential of employee injury and/or damage to
county and public property.
What We Do
A
primary responsibility of the Safety and Training Office is
to offer  a variety of safety related training programs in
the area of required state and federal certifications, and
general workplace safety practices. In addition, the Safety
and Training Office works closely with both supervisors and
employees to develop and facilitate the delivery of a wide
range of employee training programs that will keep pace with
changing technologies and new and different demands upon our
employees.
A review of all department incidents/accidents and maintenance
of a database history assist with the link between employee
and manager to bridge safety related issues. With an understanding
of the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA), Washington
Industrial Safety and Health Administration (WISHA), the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and other standards, the
Safety and Training Office is able to monitor employee safety
compliance within their work area. In the event that an employee
is injured, the Safety and Training Specialist works closely
with the employee, the supervisor, and Human Resources to
ensure the appropriate support to the employee, as well as
properly processing the required paperwork.
The Safety and Training Office is responsible for the review of all
Public Works claims. The Safety and Training Specialist works
closely with the Chief Civil Prosecuting Attorney in the review and
determination of fault, as well as developing educational awareness
of risks to avoid, and worksite practices to prevent future claims.
The Safety and Training Specialist is the Public Works' liaison
within the Emergency  Operations
Center during any disaster within Whatcom County. This assists
the Department to ensure that the planned communication and
coordination of efforts between Public Works and a number
of public and private entities occur, and if necessary, are
properly executed. Additionally, the Safety and Training
Specialist conducts community outreach programs to solicit
volunteer support for disaster emergency response and to create
a positive link between Whatcom County Public Works and the
community.
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