Agenda - Council - 07/10/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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employers' facilities. In areas where an employer is determined to be non - compliant fines are issued and the employer is required to rectify the issue. This year cities are being targeted by MN OSHA and many are incurring exorbitant fines for violations. Through the Workplace Safety Consultation Division'of MN OSHA, employers who want to be proactive in preserving the health and safety of employees may request a voluntary inspection. Upon completion of the voluntary inspection, the employer is required to remedy all issues within a certain amount of time and fines are not issued. Ms. Reed Kone stated to- date, Ramsey has not been approached by the OSHA Compliance Division; however, in an effort to be proactive staff would like to invite Workplace Safety Consultation to the City of Ramsey in September to conduct a voluntary inspection. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone advised staff recommends that, when possible, small expenses up to the first $1,000 resulting from becoming OSHA compliant would be paid from department budgets and large expenses would be paid from the Insurance Fund. There is currently $425,000 in the Insurance Fund and these monies are typically used for large, unexpected workers' compensation, liability and employment claims. Ms. Reed Kone advised staff recommends that staff be authorized to request a voluntary inspection by OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation. Chairperson Jeffrey stated he agrees with being proactive. He noted the City will be put on notice to be sure that any deficiencies are fixed immediately and questioned if the City is prepared to take on that liability. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone replied the recommendation is that the first $1,000 would be paid from the department budgets and any remaining expenses would be paid by the Insurance Fund. Councilmember Olson pointed out if there is an inspection the City would need to pay to come into compliance, as well as pay the fine. Chairperson Jeffrey stated he agrees, but it should be noted that once the City is put on notice the deficiencies would need to be fixed. Interim City Administrator Nelson indicated it should be noted that the League of Minnesota Cities visited the City last week to work on getting ahead in this process. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone stated earlier this week staff brought in a Loss Control Consultant through the League of Minnesota Cities to conduct a mock OSHA inspection. This mock inspection revealed some areas where additional efforts must be made to preserve employees' health and safety. The results of the mock inspection will be used to prepare for a voluntary inspection with Workplace Safety Consultation, if approved by the City Council. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Chairperson Jeffrey, to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to request a voluntary inspection by OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation. Personnel Committee / June 12, 2007 Page 2 of 5