Today our Risk Manager, Derric Bolton, informed me that we had fewer workman's comp incidents in 2008 that anytime in the last 10 years. While it is nice to break the record, it is even better that our total accidents have been averaging down for the last few years.
This is great news for the health and safety of the public and staff, and it is good news for our insurance expenses.
Trends of improved safety do not happen by accident (pun intended). This is the result of enhanced safety training and safety awareness of all of our employees. While there is credit to go around for everyone, much of this is due to the great work of Derric Bolton. Derric has been tireless in his search for new ways to train staff and reinforce safe practices.
One part of our overall safety protocol has been the adoption and implementation of our cutting edge Pesticide & Fertilizer Use Policy. This policy goes far beyond current regulation and a very high standard for the use of chemicals on our parkland. Part of this policy include the requirement to have any of our staff applying pesticides or fertilizers to be state certified.
Derric Bolton was instrumental in the develop of this policy and worked with officials from both EPA and Va. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on the content of this policy. A link to the policy is below.
