From time to time, we hear about outstanding safety and loss control efforts by our members. As always, we would like to share information that may benefit other members. If you have any information to share regarding coordinated safety training, a new technique or a new piece of equipment, contact Amy Lindler, 803.933.1271, alindler@masc.sc.
City of Aiken Departmental Safety Competition
The City of Aiken, with assistance from Risk Management Services staff, developed a departmental safety competition as a fun way to both increase safety awareness among employees and help employees realize the vital role they play in the city’s overall safety success. To ensure a “fair” competition, Aiken officials took into account the hazards of the jobs in each department and made adjustments to level the playing field between the participating departments.
In keeping with Aiken’s proud equestrian history, the City developed a horse race theme to promote the competition. “Setting the Pace for the City of Aiken” was used in the scoreboard design (racetrack) and for the participating departments (horses). The Public Safety, Parks Recreation and Tourism, Public Services and Public Utilities departments each had a horse in the race. Throughout the year, the updated racetrack showed employees where their departments stood.
In the end, city officials recognized both the winning department and last place department at the city’s annual awards luncheon, attended by employees, retirees and councilmembers. The Parks Recreation and Tourism Department finished in first place and received a horse head trophy with the inscription, “Setting the Pace for the City of Aiken.” The last-place department received a horse’s rear end trophy with the inscription, “Looking to Get a Head.”
The competition was so successful Aiken will continue it for the near future. Employees are already “taking bets” on who will bring home the trophies next year!
Special thanks to Lex Kirkland, business license/risk management administrator for the City of Aiken, for providing this information.