Explanation
Since 1997, the City of Columbus has participated in the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Premium Discount Program thus exhibiting our ongoing efforts to further promote workplace safety, efficient claims management and effective managed care. Involvement in the Drug Free Workplace Program, and a Transitional Return to Work Program further exemplifies a commitment to employee health and safety
Through our collaborative efforts with department and division safety professionals, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, SAFEX Corporation and other safety and hygiene program organizations, the City has, since FY 2002, consistently reduced the frequency and severity of our workers' compensation claims.
These efforts have resulted in the City's receipt of workers' compensation premium rebates in excess of three million dollars. Additional premium reductions through the Capital Area Safety Council are also anticipated.
This legislation enables the City to purchase much needed equipment and additional services. This additional equipment will help the City in its continuing efforts to comply with the BWC Premium Discount Program requirements. The purchase of this equipment and other services will also help to maximize efficiency by fully utilizing in-house skills and will improve the level of workplace safety and decrease the risk of exposure to injury.
FISCAL IMPACT: During the 2005 budget process, City Council appropriated $525,000 within the Finance Department citywide account for effective service initiatives. This ordinance will authorize the use of $107,800 of the $525,000 to address the occupational safety needs of city departments and divisions.
Title
To authorize and direct the transfer of $107,800 within the General Fund and to authorize the Director of Human Resources to purchase needed equipment, supplies, software, training, and training materials; to authorize the expenditure of $107,800 from the General Fund and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, with the full support of the City Council is committed to providing necessary and adequate resources to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for it's employees; and
WHEREAS, the replacement of equipment and purchase of software, supplies training, and training materials will significantly enhance the City's effort to comply with the BWC Premium Discount Program and City, State and Federal safety regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Safety professionals throughout the City have an implementation plan that will facilitate training on the newly acquired equipment thereby increasing the level of safety in the workplace while decreasing the risk to injury; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City of Columbus in that it is immediately necessary to purchase equipment, supplies, software, training and training materials to ensure further enhancement of the Occupational Safety Program and reduce the risk of injury to employees, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1: That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $107,800 within the general fund
From:
Department of Finance | Department: 45 | OL1: 10 | OL3: 5551 | OCA: 904508 | Amount: $107,800
To:
Human Resources Department | Department: 46 | Division: 4601 | OL1: 02 | OL3: 2244 | OCA: 460188 | Amount: $36,100
Human Resources Department | Department: 46 | Division: 4601 | OL1: 03 | OL3: 3336 | OCA: 460188 | Amount: $71,700
SECTION 2: That the Human Resources Director is hereby authorized to purchase necessary equipment, supplies, and training materials for the benefit of the Citywide Occupational Safety Program, and to expend $107,800 from the General Fund:
Division: 4601 | OL1: 02 | OL3: 2244 | OCA: 460188 | Amount: $36,100
Division: 4601 | OL1: 03 | OL3: 3336 | OCA: 460188 | Amount: $71,700
SECTION 3: That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from, and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage, if the Mayor neither approves or vetoes the same.