2/28/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background On January 16, 1990, the Board adopted the Administrative Policy sections for the Risk Management program. Included with the Management Policy Statement and other specific sections on safety, accident prevention, etc. was the section Vehicle Guidelines. As the self-insurance program has matured, we have responded to the need for revision with the document presented today. Analysis The document for consideration today, on Page 1 of 8, defines "County -owned vehicle°, updates the drivers' license type requirement to include the federal changes which implemented the Commercial Drivers License and reflects the National Safety Council's change from an 8 -hour to a 4 -hour defensive driving course. Also, on Page 1 of 8, we prohibit the use of a restricted license, work permit or other limited license except licenses which meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parameters. On Page 3 of 8, we specifically state that employees shall not be asked to operate nor shall operate a County - owned vehicle which is unsafe or does not meet minimum standards for operation. We also address driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance while using a County -owned vehicle for out- of-town travel. On Page 6 of 8, we refer specificaify to the Florida Department of Transportation's manual for operations in the public way and we expand alcoholic beverage and non-prescription controlled substance prohibitions to include possession while driving a County -owned vehicle. A new section is found as 4. Vehicle Accidents on Page 7 of 8. While cross-referencing existing provisions in the Personnel Rules, it provides specific consequences for employees determined to be at -fault in a motor vehicle accident. Finally, on Page 8 of 8, we incorporate an existing management policy which reflects the County's status as an additional insured for employees' operating personal vehicles on County business and the employee's coverage under workers' compensation for injuries sustained while using a personal vehicle for County business. Recommendation Staff recommends the Board approve the suggested revisions to the Administrative Policy Manual, AM 1000.7, and authorize staff to distribute copies to all departments and offices. Commissioner Bird questioned the definition of a "County -owned vehicle" and advised that operator's licensing requirements do not apply to backhoes, bulldozers, and other off-road equipment. Administrator Chandler agreed that on-site heavy equipment operators do not need an operator's license. Risk Manager Beth Jordan advised that accidents do occur on- site and investigators do ask for an operator's license at that time, even though the license is not required to operate the equipment. Administrator Chandler emphasized that the primary concern is the liability to the County, but he felt it would be agreeable to modify the requirements. Commissioner Adams felt that the operator of a vehicle, either on or off-site, should be required to have some sort of identification and inquired whether "volunteer" employees are subject to an operator's license check. Manager Jordan responded that volunteer workers are primarily with the Emergency Management Services and operator's licenses are checked. FEBRUARY 28, 1995 55 BOOK - 76