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Safety & Risk Management

The Safety and Risk Management Office ensures that the risks of the County's assets, liabilities and employees are adequately insured. This office handles all workers' compensation, property, vehicle, equipment, aviation, liability, fidelity and crime insurance matters. Insurance claims are reviewed, reported and processed by this department.

Additionally, the Safety and Risk Management Office ensures that all County employees are provided a safe and healthful work environment as required by the General Duty Clause from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other pertinent regulations as mandated by OSHA. The Safety Manager reports violations to the concerned department head for corrective action and, if necessary, can report any hazard violation and recommend corrective action directly to the County Administrator. A Safety Committee, comprised of front line supervisors representing a cross section of County departments and assists this office in developing policy and identifying and resolving unsafe working conditions.

Responsibilities

Insure all property and equipment owned by the County
Administer the Workers' Compensation Program for the County
Process insurance claims related to County property, equipment and workers' compensation
Provide the appropriate insurance language to be included in bid proposals and contracts
Review and approve insurance certificates required of contractors performing work for the County
Maintain all workers' compensation, property, vehicle, equipment, aviation, liability, fidelity and crime insurance claim files for the County
Conduct monthly Vehicle Collision Review Board (VCRB) meetings
Complete and maintain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) record-keeping logs and reports
Train all County employees in general safety awareness, hazardous communications, blood borne pathogens and defensive driving
Conduct job site audits to assist employees in complying with applicable regulations and to record violations
Provide safety training materials, including safety videos and handouts
Coordinate and administer the Blood Borne Pathogen Program
Work closely with the Facilities Department to correct hazards
Manage and administer the County's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program as outlined in the Human Resources Policies and Procedures and S.C. Department of Transportation guidelines
Train County departments in different safety standards such as confined space, fall protection, personal protective equipment, general construction and ergonomics
Prepare statistical analyses of injuries and accidents to determine proactive approaches to prevention
Instruct general industry and construction personnel as an adjunct under the OSHA Outreach Training Program
Offer blood borne pathogen and general safety compliance assistance to other agencies

Contact

Safety and Risk Management

Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building
4050 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405

Phone: (843)746-3890
Fax: (843)746-3897

Office Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5pm

All Departments

Frequently Asked Questions

When an employee has an accident in a County vehicle, what happens?

All County vehicle or equipment collisions should be reported to the Risk Management Office immediately. The County has a vehicle Collision Review Board, which hears the circumstances of all accidents involving County vehicles and can assess points or suspend an employees' right to drive a County vehicle.

What should I do if I see a safety hazard involving a Charleston County employee?

Report it to their supervisor or call the Safety and Risk Management Office at (843)746-3890.

How should employees report accidents or injuries occurring on County property and involving the public?

Contact their supervisor; who should call the Safety and Risk Management Office at (843)746-3890.