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Risk Management Mission |
The Risk Management Program encompasses the activities, policies and systems that combine to reduce the City's exposure to loss. The centralized risk management function monitors and manages the variety of insurance policies that provide specific loss protection. The risk management program is also concerned with reducing the occurrences of personal injury and property damage associated with accidents. The RISK/Safety Management Coordinator serves as the gatekeeper for the claims for and against the City. The Risk Management Program serves as a resource for information relating to risk, insurance, contracts and safety issues. Towards that end Risk Management supports and interacts with the activities and functions of the City's Safety Committees and the City Fitness/Wellness Program.
The purpose of this document is to give citizens, City management and all City employees a better understanding of the City's risk program. One of the goals of risk management is to reduce or minimize the overall cost of risk. This document is intended to assist employees in the management of their individual areas of risk.
| MISSION: |
The mission of Risk is to safeguard the City's property, financial and human resources from the adverse impact of loss. |
| OPERATING PHILOSOPHY: |
The City of Milwaukie is committed to protecting the human, physical and financial resources of the City, as well as those of the general public whenever and wherever they are affected by City operations. The City recognizes the responsibility to manage its operations in such a way that these resources are conserved and utilized effectively. As part of that commitment the City strives to provide a safe work environment that protects employees and the public from injury. The success of the City's Risk Program depends on our ability to instill in each other an awareness and acceptance of his or her responsibility for creating a safe and healthy environment in which to live and work. |
Insurance Coverage Overview
The City purchases a variety of insurance coverage to protect assets and exposures of operating the City. These insurance policies are reviewed annually with Marsh ISA Inc, the City's broker, the Risk Management Coordinator and the City Manager. It is the belief and understanding that the City can self-insure specific exposures at a lower cost than it can purchase the liability insurance. In reviewing the following information, you will notice that we have included an area of self-insurance.
Property Insurance - the City purchases property insurance covering all buildings and equipment owned and operated by the City. The policy is written to cover "all risk of direct physical loss, including theft, earthquake, and flood with replacement cost valuation". The policy is intended to cover those accidental occurrences such as fire, wind, earthquake, vandalism, etc. The policy does not cover wear and tear; mysterious or unexplained disappearances; or apparent defects. The policy includes coverage for electronic data processing equipment, the cost of reproducing records, extra expense in renting temporary facilities, and mobile equipment. This portion of the policy covers vehicles, while they are parked on City-owned facilities, for one single event that could cause a catastrophic loss to a number of vehicles. This policy does not cover any vehicles that are "in route".
The policy has various deductibles, which are not listed here, as they may fluctuate from year to year.
Bond Coverage - The City purchases a scheduled Public Official's Bond and a License and Permit Bond for all individuals that are required by law to be individually bonded. The bond is intended to cover fraudulent or dishonest acts, including faithful performances of duties.
The City is currently required to purchase bonds for the City Manager and for the DEQ Vehicle Verifier.
Boiler and Machinery - This policy covers any property built to operate under vacuum or pressure, other than weight of contents, or used for the generation, transmission, or utilization of energy. State of Oregon, Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division, Boiler Section specifically requires the equipment be inspected annually. The insurance carrier provides this inspection.
Comprehensive General Liability and Automobile Liability - This covers the liability of the City for those occurrences arising under the ORS 30.260 to 30.300 including liability arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967; Americans with Disabilities Act; Civil Rights Act of 1991 and Fair Housing Act. Coverage extends to other jurisdictions other than the State of Oregon for which the City can be legally liable for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage, Premises/Operations, Explosion and Collapse Hazard; Underground Hazard, Products/Completed Operations, Contractual Liability; Broad Form Property Damage, Owners and Contractors Protective, Personal Injury, Employees, Council Members and Volunteers as, Additional Insured; Host Liquor Liability, and Errors & Omissions.
Umbrella Liability - Provides excess coverage over scheduled underlying: Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Employer's Liability (subject to underlying limits) and subject to exclusions.
Risk Management Responsibilities:
Risk Management is responsible for managing the City's assets and liabilities. This includes the purchasing of insurance policies, reviewing contractual agreement language, transferring risk when possible, avoiding risk when financially in the best interest of the City and managing first party and third party liability claims.
This office reviews contracts packages completed by City Departments, and support and guidance on completion requirements for contracts is provided as requested.
All Employees:
All employees are responsible to assist with reducing the occurrences of personal injury and property damage by assisting in creating a safe and healthy environment in which to live and work. They must:
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Take any emergency steps required to minimize additional personal injury or property damage.
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Promptly communicate to the Risk Manager complete details about the incident, which might rise to a claim.
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Advise Risk Manager of changes that might impact the claim and help defend against false charges by a claimant, expedite settlement and reduce third party claim reserves.
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Cooperate completely with Risk Manager and Insurance Company claims adjuster.
Claims Processing
Claims are to be sent to the Risk Manager at the address noted on the claim form. The claim is logged into a database then sent to a claims adjuster who will contact the person filing the claim. The adjuster gathers all facts and makes a determination regarding the validity of the claim.
A person wishing to file a property damage or bodily injury claim against the City can access the claim form by clicking on the link below. To prevent a potential delay in claim processing, contact the City Risk Manager at (503) 786-7504 to discuss the circumstances involved in the claim.
All claims made against the City will be reviewed and investigated. The more information provided when submitting a claim the quicker the claim can be processed.
Claims Form for damage to persons or property not involving a City Vehicle.
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