Nestled along a scenic coastline, the City of Pismo Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and small-town charm. But beyond its picturesque setting, Pismo Beach fosters a strong risk management and safety culture—setting an example for others to follow.
The city’s risk management strategy is built on a multi-pronged approach, supported by the city council and city manager, with proactive efforts from their Safety Committee and risk manager. Mayor Pro Tempore Mary Ann Reiss, a longtime member and vice president of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) Executive Committee, advocates for industry-standard safety policies. “The City of Pismo Beach encourages all employees to contribute ideas for enhancing workplace safety and efficiency that fosters a bottom-up approach to refining policies,” said Reiss. “This commitment turns risk management into something much more than just a policy – it becomes a fundamental part of our workplace culture.”
A cornerstone of the city’s risk management efforts is its Safety Committee, which includes representatives from every department who serve as primary safety contacts. The Committee, which was created to support the city’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its staff, infrastructure, and community, meets quarterly to review risk management metrics, training programs, and key safety topics, including:
- employee injury reports,
- liability claims and litigation,
- causes for each claim, and
- possible preventive measures for the future.
City Manager Jorge Garcia, an experienced risk manager, promotes a strong safety culture across all departments, ensuring safety is a top priority at every level. “As a city, we have collectively supported the prioritization of safety, recognizing its critical importance in fostering a secure environment for everyone,” said City Manager Jorge Garcia. “This Committee is a proactive step toward addressing and mitigating safety concerns in our entire city.”
“Pismo Beach has had an active Safety Committee for over ten years. They include representatives from all departments to collectively collaborate on city-wide safety program initiatives, accident investigations, safety concerns, California JPIA recommendations, and managing the city’s safety incentive program,” said Senior Risk Manager Tim Karcz. “The Committee is an essential method of communication consistent with their Injury Illness and Prevention Program.”
Committee members are involved in safety planning and hazard reporting, ensuring that all staff follow proper procedures. The program’s success is measured through tracking general liability claims, workplace injuries, and claim severity. When safety goals are met, staff are treated to a Safety Incentive Lunch to celebrate achievements.
“One of the program’s highlights is the Safety Incentive Lunch,” said Assistant City Manager Mike James. “When we achieve our safety goal of three or fewer medically treated injuries in a quarter, we enjoy a meal together. This tradition helps reinforce positive behaviors and strengthens teamwork.”
To support continuous safety improvements, all Committee members ensure timely follow-up on Committee action items, promoting accountability and engagement. New employees receive safety onboarding covering policies, evacuation routes, and position-specific trainings.
Following facility remodels and desk relocations, the Safety Committee recently identified the need for more public-facing staff to have accessible panic buttons and updated evacuation plan exhibits. These low-cost, high-value safety improvements were coordinated with public works, engineering, building, and fire department staff. The updated evacuation plans also prompted a review of the city’s Evacuation Plan policy, which is now being revised. Once approved, a fire drill will be conducted to familiarize employees with the new protocol.
Tips for starting a safety program at an agency:
- Embed risk management in the culture: A successful safety program requires buy-in from all levels—governing bodies, leadership, managers, and staff—which is essential.
- Leaders must prioritize safety: Safety must be modeled and supported by leaders. Recognizing hazard identification and rewarding safe practices fosters engagement and reduces the perception of safety as just a formality.
- Regular reporting: Risk management reports help decision-makers, and the public see the tangible benefits of strong safety practices.
To learn more about establishing a safety committee at an agency, please contact the City of Pismo Beach’s Human Resources Office.
Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 45 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 125 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org.