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Adopt the Vacaville Fire Protection District Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP); and Authorize the Interim Fire Chief to make non-substantive administrative updates as necessary to maintain compliance with applicable workplace safety laws and regulations
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District recommends the Board of Directors:
1) Adopt the Vacaville Fire Protection District Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP); and
2) Authorize the Interim Fire Chief to make non-substantive administrative updates as necessary to maintain compliance with applicable workplace safety laws and regulations.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
The Vacaville Fire Protection District is requesting adoption of its updated Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3203 requires employers to establish, implement, and maintain an effective written IIPP. The program establishes policies and procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, investigating occupational injuries and illnesses, correcting unsafe conditions and work practices, providing employee safety training, communicating workplace safety information, and maintaining required records.
The updated IIPP establishes the District's workplace safety management framework and incorporates current operational practices, employee reporting procedures, hazard assessment and correction processes, training requirements, recordkeeping standards, and workplace violence prevention requirements. California Labor Code section 6401.9 requires covered employers to establish, implement, and maintain a written workplace violence prevention plan and permits the plan to be incorporated into an employer's IIPP.
The program also includes supporting safety plans, procedures, and forms to facilitate implementation and compliance with applicable Cal/OSHA requirements. Adoption of the updated IIPP will provide the District with a comprehensive workplace safety program designed to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, improve employee awareness of safety responsibilities, and maintain compliance with applicable workplace safety requirements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no significant direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Existing staff will administer and implement the program as part of their normal duties. Ongoing implementation of the IIPP may assist in reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, workers’ compensation costs, liability exposure, and operational disruptions.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the updated Injury and Illness Prevention Program. This is not recommended because California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 3203 requires the District, as an employer, to establish, implement, and maintain an effective written IIPP, and the updated program is intended to maintain the District's compliance with applicable workplace safety requirements.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION