By K C Pawling, Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
NIRMA is committed to helping counties reduce risk, improve safety, and protect employees through comprehensive training programs. Moving into the late season, (I don’t want to commit to saying our fourth season quite yet) this is a reminder that NIRMA makes no-cost safety training available to its members. Keep in mind, our loss prevention staff are able to bring sessions to you, in person, at your county facility. This gives us an opportunity to develop a relationship with your department and answer questions.
Our Road Department Safety Training offerings are specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by road and bridge crews, shop personnel, and heavy equipment operators. Below is an overview of the training opportunities available to your team. A complete Loss Prevention Training Catalog is available on our website, just look under the Resources menu and click on Training.
Core Safety & Compliance Training
- Work Zone Safety & Signing– Best practices for safe construction zones.
- Sign Management– Inventory, inspections, and compliance programs.
- Certified Flagger Training– Ensuring safe traffic control.
- Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements– Understanding policies and procedures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)– Proper choice and use.
- Heat & Cold Weather Safety– Protecting workers in extreme conditions.
- Accident Investigation– Proper documentation for property and injury incidents.
- Global Harmonization System (GHS)– Hazard communication standards.
Shop & Facility Safety
- Shop Safety & Audits– Identifying and mitigating hazards.
- Slips, Trips & Falls– Prevention strategies.
- Fuel Facility Safety– Handling and storage protocols.
- Hoist Safety– Inspection and operation guidelines.
- Fire Extinguisher Use– Inspection and emergency response.
Road & Bridge Maintenance
- Snow Removal Safety– Emergency routes and equipment checks.
- Excavation & Stockpile Safety– Safe construction practices.
- Gravel Road Maintenance– Design standards to reduce liability.
- Culvert Installation & Asphalt Patching– Proper techniques for durability and safety.
- Crack Sealing & Load Securement– Application and compliance.
Heavy Equipment Training
- Operation & Safety– Loaders, graders, excavators, backhoes, skid loaders, dozers, scrapers, and more.
- Bucket Trucks & Cranes– Inspection and safe operation.
- Roadside Mower Safety– Tractors and mowers.
- Preventive Maintenance– Extending equipment life and ensuring safety.
Specialized Topics
- Confined Spaces & Fall Protection
- Utility Installations on County ROW
- Carrier Enforcement & Engineering Studies
- Anger Management & Safety Culture
We regularly update our training sessions to reflect regulatory changes and member feedback. We also offer flexibility to tailor sessions to your county’s specific needs. So, if you are ready to get a training scheduled, you can contact me at NIRMA to learn more or to set up a session for your team. I can be reached via email at kcpawling@nirma.info or 402-310-4417.
