Risk Management Safety & Health

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

The goal of Montgomery County, Maryland’s (MCG) Finance Department was to transition a traditionally reactive Safety Program (Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandated programs and accident investigation) into a proactive Safety Culture permeating the organization. In 2012, the Risk Management Safety Section experienced budget cuts similar to most government programs at this time. To avoid hiring staff, Risk Management partnered with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Department of Finance IT Division. Goals were established and a path was charted for development of tools to build a Safety Culture for MCG and the Montgomery County Government Self Insurance Program (MCSIP). The result is people invested in safety. Technology streamlined communication and brought efficiency to the program. The County’s accident frequency trend has been reversed and better results are anticipated to continue over time. Safety is permeating the County’s culture.