Risk Management Manual - City of Portland

THE RISK DIVISION, SECTION I
Purpose
The Risk Division
This manual is an overview of the various programs, procedures and operations managed by, the
Risk Division of the Human Resources Department. It is intended to be used as a resource by all
department heads, managers, supervisors, employees and unions.
Every department and division in the City encounters numerous risk exposures and potential
losses. This manual is designed to assist you in recognizing those risks and determining what
action to take to avoid them, and minimizing those losses which may be unavoidable.
Risk Management Philosophy
The City of Portland believes that protection of the City’s assets, both human and physical, must
be a top priority. All levels of management must take responsibility for the protection and
preservation of our assets through continuous attention to safe and healthy working conditions;
early identification of potential sources of loss to our employees, property, residents and the
public at large. We strive to develop loss control practices and procedures to address these
exposures.
Following the example and encouragement of management, employees are expected to follow
safe work practices and actively participate in the identification of risk exposures. Employees
should be an integral part in the development of work practices, policies and programs drafted to
deal with the various risks affecting their workplace.
Mission Statement
The Risk Division is committed to providing a variety of risk reduction and prevention
programs and services, both proactive and reactive. We strive to balance these efforts to
promote a safe, healthy and productive workplace for our employees, minimize risk
exposures to the citizens and guests of the City, and to insure that all city assets are
protected or insulated against potential loss.
The Safety, Loss Control and Insurance programs and services provided by the Risk Division are
all designed to assist City departments in the management of the various risks. This manual
presents a brief overview of the programs and services outlined in the table of contents, their
purpose, and how to access and use them:
Revised 07/12/04 3