Mission
The Risk Management Group must continue to deliver benefits to employees, expeditiously investigate claims, protect the County's assets and continue to offer necessary assistance to other centers to protect the health and welfare of our employees.

It is imperative that the above be performed fairly and at a reasonable cost.

The most effective means to reduce losses and expenses is with safety awareness, training and inspections. This is an area of the group that is constantly reinforced and pays dividends in reduced losses and severity.

Risk Management responsibilities
Medical
Safety
Claims Administration, Workers Compensation and
Automobile and General Liability
Insurance
Risk Management staff

Medical
The Medical section is responsible for the health and welfare of County employees. After a prospective employee has been offered a position of employment, a physical examination is performed based on the job description for that position. The examination includes ADA (American Disability Act) requirements for that job. This is done to insure reasonable accommodation of disability if indicated. Health education, including blood pressure monitoring, nutritional counseling for elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and weight control programs are offered.

The Medical section does medical monitoring of workers' compensation injuries and illness claims and serves as a liaison between Risk Management and the medical community. The Medical section also does nursing assessment examinations and evaluation. The Risk manager serves as a liaison between the Horizon Health (EAP) and County government employees, which involves supervising referrals as well as coordinating and monitoring the program. The Horizon Health telephone number is (800) 272-7252

 Safety
Safety is an important program and plays an intricate role in the welfare of County employees and citizens. The County’s Safety Coordinator conducts inspections of County Facilities and County Worksites. In addition, he also completes ergonomic evaluations, accident investigations, and safety training. Concerns involving safety of County facilities, worksites and operation issues should be reported to the Safety Coordinator (386)736-5951.

Workers' Compensation
County of Volusia employees injured in the course and scope of their job duties should notify their supervisor immediately and complete a First Report of Injury form.

Workers' compensation injuries are effectively handled by:

Denise Bowman
Sr. Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
Ext. 2630

Angela Yetter
Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
Ext. 2631

Ruth O'Steen
Claims Adjuster
Ext. 2441

Any medical treatment recommended by the authorized treating physician is approved by Risk Management. Also, if an employee loses time from work, prompt notification to Risk Management is required.

The Workers' Compensation adjusters attend courses and seminars to keep them current on any changes in the Florida Workers' Compensation Statute.

Automobile and General Liability
Accidents involving County wrongdoing or facilities should be reported to the Risk Management Group within 24 hours. Those involved also must complete a County of Volusia Auto/Incident Report.

Risk Management is committed to investigating all incidents in a prompt and courteous manner. If the incident involves County fault, necessary steps are taken to resolve the matter quickly and fairly.

Citizens involved in mishaps with County personnel and/or facilities are encouraged to contact Risk Management directly for immediate resolution of their problem or complaint. Accidents after hours should be reported to Bob Broxton at: (386) 467-4004.

Insurance
The County of Volusia is self-insured and self administered. However the county does purchase liability insurance to protect against major losses.

The County self-insures its workers' compensation claims up to $400,000. In reference to Automobile and General Liability, the County is self-insured and does receive the benefit of Florida Statute 768.28, which basically limits the County's liability to $100,000 per person and $200,000 per incident.

Workers' Compensation claims and claims against the County are administered within the Risk Management Group.

Staff

Administration
Christina Lifvendahl, Risk Manager
Ext. 2884
Yolanda Buckles, Claims Clerk
Ext. 2386
Scott Poertner, Risk Analyst
Ext. 2634

Medical
Dr. Brent Schlapper, Medical Review Officer
Ext. 2732
Barbara Davis, Nurse
Ext. 2425
Cindy Sakalo, Office Assistant III
Ext. 2440

Workers' Compensation
Denise Bowman, Sr. Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
Ext. 2630
Angela Yetter, Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
Ext. 2631
Ruth O'Steen, Claims Adjuster
Ext. 2441

Safety
Beth LaHue, Safety Coordinator
Ext. 2426

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