Risk Management

Risk Management Objectives
Reporting an Unsafe Condition
Filing a Claim for Damages
Occupational Safety and Health Related Internet Sites

It is the policy of the City of Santa Maria to prevent, as far as economically possible, the conditions, practices and attitude that give rise to unforeseen or accidental losses of all types. The City works towards the prevention of injuries to its employees, protection of its property from damage and the safety of the public in connection with its operations and when using City facilities.

When the risk of exposure to losses cannot be eliminated, the risk shall be managed through a combination of funded self-insurance, and /or transferred to a financially sound insurer.

The City's Risk Management Program is designed to bring together many diverse elements and individuals that have knowledge, skills and experience to identify, evaluate and coordinate various risk exposures.

The City's Risk Management Program has the following objective:

• Preservation of the City's assets and public service capabilities from loss, destruction and depletion.
• Systematized internal procedures for identifying and constantly reassessing the fluctuating exposures to risk, and implementing courses of action to minimize or eliminate that risk.
• The establishment, to the extent possible, of an exposure-free work and service environment in which the City personnel and members the public can enjoy safety and security in the course of their daily pursuits.
• Protection against the financial consequences of catastrophic loss through avoidance, risk transfer and /or purchased insurance.

The City seeks to design, build and maintain its facilities and public areas in such a way to allow their safe use and operation by the public. Anyone noticing a public defect or dangerous condition should report it to the appropriate City department immediately. Listed below is information on how to contact the appropriate City department for specifically observed public defects or dangerous conditions. Each of these items may be clicked to access the information pertinent to the subject indicated. 

• City Trees (Parks)
• Recreation Facilities
• City Lights
• City Sidewalks
• City Facilities
• Water and Wastewater (sewer) Service

All claims for damages filed against the City must be filed with the City Clerk's office. Information on filing a claim against the City for damages and claim forms can be obtained from the City Clerk/Records Division office located at 110 E. Cook Street (City Hall), Santa Maria, CA 93454-5190, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or by calling (805) 925-0951 extension 306.

• California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Cal/OSHA Standards - Cal/OSHA Safety Standards with search engine

• California Department of Industrial Relations - Access to limited Cal/OSHA information through the Occupational Safety & Health section.

• U.S. House of Representative Internet Law Library Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs). Searchable access to all titles of the CFRs

• National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - NIOSH information on new respirator standards, list and NIOSH information services  

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