Services designed to prevent losses and contain costs are cornerstones of the
Fund.
Claims and Litigation Management
The key to claims cost control is timely and aggressive intervention, investigation,
and advocation. The TWCA Fund selects from a core group of skilled defense attorneys
to quickly and effectively defend the interests of its members. Each claim
is professionally monitored from the time of notification until it is finally
resolved. At all times, especially during the development of various conclusion
strategies, the member is consulted and its wishes considered. The TWCA Fund
has made a service commitment to solicit a member's input prior to the settlement
of any liability claim.
Loss Control Consultation
The TWCA Fund's loss control services are designed to reduce members' workers'
compensation, liability, and property exposures. Loss control services include
safety surveys of facilities and procedures, staff training, and member education.
These services are customized to the particular needs of each district or authority.
Basic services include a loss control survey which is used to develop recommendations
for the member; visits to consult on implementation and to assist with special
projects; and quarterly claims reports identifying the nature and source of
accidents. The Fund also provides individualized training for members on a variety
of safety and loss control topics.
Loss Information Reporting
The TWCA Fund provides loss information reports that help to determine the
causes of accidents and discover what might have prevented them from occurring.
Through the analysis of loss information, surveys, and reviews of member policies,
the Fund develops specific recommendations for each member to reduce losses
in areas targeted for improvement.
Seminars
Regional safety training. The Fund offers a two and one-half day training
course for district and authority staff. This program is intended for all persons
who have responsibility for safety within their district or authority. The
course provides in-depth instruction that equips participants with the tools
necessary to design and implement site-specific safety programs for their facilities
and operations.
Back Injury prevention. The Fund conducts a series of back injury prevention
seminars, holding sessions at members' locations. This program lasts approximately
four hours, and covers the anatomy of the back, proper lifting techniques, and
nutrition.
Defensive driving. The Fund offers a defensive driving program designed
to educate participants about their individual responsibilities while operating
a motor vehicle. This six-hour program meets state curriculum requirements.
Resources.
The Fund has developed and makes available various resources to assist districts
and authorities in their operations and to help them avoid pitfalls that can
develop into costly claims.
- The Fund provides a Personnel Policy Guide as a resource for members to use in developing their own personnel policies.
- The Fund distributes a comprehensive manual entitled Safety Program: A Guide to Loss Control. The safety program was developed
in cooperation with a safety advisory committee composed of safety coordinators
and managers of member districts and authorities.
- The quarterly Water Risk Advisor newsletter keeps TWCA members informed of current trends and developments.
- The Fund loans videotapes on selected safety topics free of charge
to members. The tapes are suitable for use in safety meetings or in employee
orientation. Spanish language tapes are also available.
Legal Loss Prevention
Through the legal loss prevention program, a member can contact the Fund's
office and be referred to an attorney who will answer member questions. This
service is free to TWCA Fund members. This program can, and often does, prevent
lawsuits from happening. It can also dramatically reduce the legal expenses
incurred defending a lawsuit.
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