Loss Prevention Training Catalog

Complacency can be defined as self-satisfaction, especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual danger or deficiencies, per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The more frequently we perform a task, the easier it is to become complacent. Complacency is a huge contributor to incidents, accidents and injuries. This program will cover what complacency looks like and what you can do to guard against it.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Define and understand complacency.
• Discuss causes.
• Identify and overcome the effects of complacency.

Training session provides information on how to make your courthouse a safe and secure work environment. Information will be provided addressing the importance of emergency response plans, training and addressing so-called First Amendment audits. Courthouses draw a different variety of visitors, some are simply there for legitimate county business, but others may be there to cause issues or to draw the county into some sort of action that would be considered a violation of someone’s constitutional rights. Recommendations will be provided on how to deal with workplace violence concerns and information on how to limit liability exposures.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Making courthouse secure and safe
• Securing courthouse technology
• Emergency Response Plans
• Training
• Addressing public filming

Notes: Attendees will have a better understanding on how to deal with workplace violence concerns, filming in public areas as well as the importance of emergency response planning and training.

Being online exposes your agency to cyber criminals and others who commit identity theft, fraud and harassment. Every time you connect to the internet through office computers or mobile devices, we make decisions that could affect the well-being of county operations. Emerging cyber threats and breaches occur almost daily in work forces across the globe. This training will assist in identifying potential threats that could have a tremendous impact on county operations and help educate participants to shield your organization from a cyber-attack.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Stop. Think. Click
• Reduce cyber-attacks through NIRMA best practices
• Recognizing cyber threats
• Responsibilities
• eRisk Hub

Notes: The majority of digital attacks attempt to exploit the employees through phishing attempts and related efforts as people are the weakest link in any organization’s cybersecurity defenses. That’s why people are the first targets of cyber attackers to use different tactics and tools such as ransomware, phishing, malware just to name a few.

The threats posed by data breaches, hackers and malware seem to grow each day. Local government has become a favorite target of hackers as they believe that local government is not prepared to protect itself from cyber criminals. This program is based on NIRMA’s Best Cyber Security Practices for Counties. Knowing that our employees are our first line of defense we will cover ways for you to protect yourself from phishing and other social engineering attempts, as well as how to prevent data breaches.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• How to identify phishing emails.
• What is social engineering?
• How to protect yourself from identity theft.
• What is PII?
• How to protect PII.

Working in county government , you’re simply bound to meet people who are not exactly friendly. This can be the experience of people who decide to work for the public. Most of your co-workers will be absolutely fine, but you may expect a few to be fuming and at the brink of explosion. Fortunately, there actually exist methods you can employ to manage such situations when working with difficult people at your workplace.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to listen
• Be truthful
• Establish boundaries for safety
• Having resilience
• Keep your attitude in check

Notes: When we work for county government there will always be a select few that who cross your path that we don’t understand or want to work with. Lessons from this training could save you from escalating conflict and lighting the fires of anger within yourself and others, when dealing with difficult people and situations.

In almost every single encounter, those being faced with the confrontation are striving towards de-escalating adverse and demanding circumstances. As society continues to increase their expectations of county officials to possess almost extraordinary levels of professionalism, patience and tolerance this training will help provide ways to achieve those goals while simultaneously reducing risk to staff and those they serve.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Defining the concept of verbal de-escalation
• Learning strategies to reduce the risk of situations becoming dangerous
• Learn the importance of listening
• Applying verbal des-escalation techniques and resolution strategies by using effective communication skills

Notes: This training course is designed for anyone who interacts with the public. When used properly verbal de-escalation and effective communication is a type of communication intervention. It can be used for people who may be at risk for aggressive or emotional behaviors. Using claim language, along with other communication techniques, to diffuse, re-direct or de-escalate a conflict situation.

The average adult spends a great deal of their day sitting at their workstation. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) can be the result of this sedentary work style. Ergonomic training will give your employees the information needed to analyze their workstation and adjust to increase their comfort and decrease the risk of MSDs.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Approximately 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Learn basic ergonomic concepts as they relate to the workplace.
• Gain skills to recognize ergonomic risk factors relating to MSDs.
• Learn how to assess your workspace for ergonomic risks.

Notes: This training takes place in a classroom setting. Individual workstations can be evaluated upon request.

OSHA 1910.28 states that walking/working surfaces with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet or more above a lower level is to be protected by one or more of the following: guardrail system; safety net system; or personal fall protection systems such as a personal fall arrest, travel restraint or positioning systems. OSHA 1910.30 states that before any employee is exposed to a fall hazard, the employer must provide training for each employee who uses personal fall protection systems. This training should cover fall hazard recognition and procedures to install, inspect, operate, maintain and disassemble the fall protection systems that the employee uses. This should include, but is not limited to, proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, and methods of equipment inspection and storage as specified by the manufacturer.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Approximately 1 hour, depending upon the number of attendees.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize fall hazards in the workplace.
• Understand OSHA’s fall protection requirements.
• Donning and doffing the harness.
• Inspecting and maintaining your PPE.
• Types of fall protection systems.

Having employees trained to properly use a fire extinguisher is important. This training will help give employees the confidence to react quickly during a fire emergency . Through hands on-training with a fire simulator in a safe learning environment, this training will educate staff on the basics of fire extinguisher locations, common fire hazards, proper procedures, safe evacuations routes and more.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1.5 to 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Common types of fire protection equipment
• Common extinguisher types
• Common causes of fire
• Review fire procedures
• P.A.S.S. (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
• R.A.C.E. (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate)

Notes: Participants will have an opportunity to experience hands-on training with a fire simulator, giving them the opportunity to extinguish a fire. Every county provides fire extinguishers it is essential employees know the principles of a fire extinguisher as well as the hazards of early staging firefighting.

Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA). Prevention is the best tool to eliminate harassment in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to take appropriate steps to prevent and correct unlawful harassment. This training will address the different forms of harassment and harassment training helps, counties minimize the risk of litigation, increases employee satisfaction, reduces employee turnover, improves employee productivity, and avoids reputational harm.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• What is unlawful harassment
• Protected characteristics
• Importance of workplace harassment policies
• How to report harassment complaints
• Importance of responding and investigating complaints

Notes: In any case of workplace harassment, an employer’s behavior must meet a certain standard in the eyes of the law. Just adopting and posting an anti-harassment policy, while a positive step, is insufficient, training must also be included and offered as an essential component to assist with eliminating workplace harassment concerns.

Employers are obligated to provide a safe workplace, free from harassment. Providing your employees and managers with workplace harassment training protects employees from harassment and reduces liability for the employer in the event a claim is made. Workplace harassment training should be completed upon hire and on a regular basis after that. This training can be provided in-person, via NIRMA Online University and via NIRMA’s online video resource. There is no excuse for not providing this training to your employees and managers.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• What constitutes workplace harassment.
• What behavior is unacceptable.
• How to prevent harassment.
• How to protect yourself and your employer from liability.
• Best practices for employers.

The importance of preparing staff for emergency situations is universal. Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. Everyone must be prepared. Generating a comprehensive plan can prevent panic within the workplace and can protect essential job functions and operations. This course will identify the importance of emergency planning and training to prepare personnel when the unthinkable happens.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• How important emergency planning is
• What steps should be taken to protect your employees and operation in times of crisis
• Responsibilities for safety and security
• How to communicate and train staff to respond successfully
• How to prevent and minimize adverse outcomes and support government continuity

Notes: This course is designed for everyone that would be affected by an emergency occurring on county property. Being proactive protects employees and county operations and can minimize damages. Emergency planning and training may save employees lives and ensure business continuity as well as lead to better outcomes under stressful conditions.

This program is a presentation that utilizes multiple videos of actual falls to generate talking points and discussions about best practices to prevent slips, trips and falls. This program is beneficial for employees of any department.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Observe and identify behaviors that contribute to slips, trips and falls.
• Observe and identify behaviors that reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Diversity in the workplace is highly important, but managing this diversity from a gender, religious, ethnic, political and life experience/age perspective, can be challenging. What’s “normal” or expected for one person, may be highly surprising and unorthodox for another. So how do we manage these differences in expectations in order to maximize happiness and productivity in the workplace? This training will assist with recognizing the differences in generational communication, work ethic and skills.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Difference in communication
• Difference in skills, experience and training wants
• Balancing work and life
• Adapting to change

Notes: There is so much that the generations can learn from each other and as long as differences in attitudes, communication and skills are effectively managed – your county can benefit from these differences and use them to its advantage.

Congratulations! You’re the new safety committee chair! Now what? Now you need to contact Chad Engle at NIRMA. He would love to sit down with you and go over what NIRMA would like to see from your safety committee. Chad is also available to meet with your entire safety committee and discuss NIRMA’s Best Safety Practices for Counties.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• How often should the committee meet.
• Meeting topics.
• Training schedules.
• Investigating and discussing accidents, incidents and injuries.

Are your employees prepared to act in the event of a medical emergency? Does your position require that you are certified in CPR? This course was created by the National Safety Council, based on the American Heart Association guidelines. The combination of instructor, video-self instruction and hands-on training assures maximum skills retention. Attendees will receive a 2-year certification for CPR. This is a hands-on course with a maximum of 20 attendees per session.

Cost: $13.00 per attendee. This fee covers the cost of the student manual, certificate and other materials. There is no fee for the instruction.

Course Length: 3 hours

Learning Objectives:

• To act in a medical emergency.
• To assess the victim.
• To provide basic life support, including airway management, breathing and circulation.
• Use an AED.

Notes: Generally, this course is taught in conjunction with Stop the Bleed. See Stop the Bleed course description for specifics.

Are your employees prepared to act in the event of a medical emergency? Does your position require that you are certified in first aid or CPR? This course was created by the National Safety Council, based on the American Heart Association guidelines. The combination of instructor, video-self instruction and hands-on training assures maximum skills retention. Attendees will receive a 2-year certification for CPR and First Aid. This is a hands-on course with a maximum of 20 attendees per session.

Cost: $16.00 per attendee. This fee covers the cost of the student manual, certificate and other materials. There is no fee for the instruction.

Course Length: 5 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize a medical emergency.
• Handle breathing and cardiac emergencies.
• Act appropriately and effectively and sustain life until professional help arrives.
• Prevent disease transmission.
• Identify and care for bleeding, sudden illness and injuries.

Notes: Generally, this course is taught in conjunction with Stop the Bleed. See Stop the Bleed course description for specifics.

Premises liability is a legal concept that generally comes into play when a person is injured on the property of a NIRMA member. The most common type of claim is a trip or a fall that resulted from slipping on ice, snow or water. This presentation will assist a member in reducing the risk of premises liability claims, prepare them to defend the claim with proper documentation and discuss what actions to take when an incident is reported to them.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Preventing premises liability claims.
• Maintaining documentation.
• How to investigate a premises liability claim.

This presentation covers two (2) of NIRMA’s most common causes of loss, falls and muscle strains. We refer to those as loss leaders. These two loss leaders account for approximately 60% of the workers’ compensation injuries sustained by NIRMA members. This course will aid attendees in identifying and avoiding the hazards and behaviors that contribute to slips, trips and falls & sprains and strains.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Identify hazards that contribute to injuries.
• Identify behaviors that contribute to injuries.
• Habits to consider adopting to avoid these causes of injury.

Minutes count! Someone who is severely bleeding can bleed to death in as little as 5 minutes. That’s why bleeding control – keeping the blood inside the body – is the purpose of STOP THE BLEED® training. In Nebraska, life-saving emergency services may be several minutes away. STOP THE BLEED® training provides you with another tool to help you keep a victim alive until professional help arrives. This training could help you save a life on the job or at home.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Approximately 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding.
• Pack a wound.
• Apply a tourniquet.

Notes: Generally, this course is taught in conjunction with First Aid and CPR but can be a stand-alone course offering as well.

Every road department employee, including management, is pushed to the limit by difficult taxpayers, fellow employees, the weather, etc. It is very difficult to keep a cool head with all the pressures road department management and employees are under on a daily basis. Complaints are heard even when you have done the best you can with the funds the county board provides.

This course provides classroom training on how best to handle difficult situations.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Tips to tame your temper.
• How anger hurts your physical and mental health.
• Rules to live by.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes a minimum one (1) hour of classroom. Instructor has experience with both irate taxpayers and employees having worked in road departments for many years, both as an employee and as Highway Superintendent.

Counties that have asphalt pavement normally end up having to make repairs due to wear and tear, weathering of road, water damaging the base, etc. Too many times employees are sent to perform asphalt patching without the proper training in both how to perform the patching and the proper temporary traffic control for the project.  This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced employees on how to properly perform asphalt patching as well as the proper signing to protect employees and the traveling public.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 2 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper preparation and patching materials.
• Safely working in traffic.
• Proper traffic control.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. New employees often get thrown into county work by working on asphalt patching crews, so it is critical that new and experienced employees understand the proper patching practices.

Course includes approximately two (2) hours of classroom training. Instructor has physical experience in asphalt patching and management of patching crews as well as the proper temporary traffic control.

County road departments use cables, chains, and towropes in their daily work activities. They should be inspected each time they are used, yet we continue to have accidents and near misses. Fatalities have occurred in the state due to broken chains coming through the back window of a loader striking the operator.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced employees on how to properly inventory and inspect cables, chains, and towropes to prevent accidents and injuries.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper inspection of towing and lifting devices.
• Proper inventory of towing and lifting devices.
• How to determine unsafe devices and how to discard properly.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Experienced operators have safety issues with deficient towing devices as well as new employees.

Course includes approximately one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience with the inspection and use of towing devices and management of road departments.

Nearly every workday county road departments are hauling equipment, dirt, aggregate, etc. Many experienced road department employees are unaware of the proper equipment tie downs, height of loads over truck sideboards, trailer safety chains, etc.
Unfortunately, counties have paid overload fines, improper tie down fines, etc. from Carrier Enforcement. Some counties think they are exempt from all Carrier Enforcement rules and regulations but that is not true. Some rules don’t apply to counties, but the majority do.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced employees with Carrier Enforcement rules and regulations that pertain to county road departments.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 2 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper load securement.
• Proper Walk Around Inspections.
• Weight limitations.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Learn how to properly secure culverts, equipment, etc. to keep from falling from trailer when making turns, sudden stops, etc. as well as many other requirements of Carrier Enforcement.

Course includes a minimum two (2) hours of classroom training. Instructor has experience in hands on load securement, accident investigations of improperly secured loads, and management of road departments.

This course provides a combination of Certified Flagger training as well as Construction Work Zone sign training. This course was developed for all road department employees who are required to perform construction and maintenance flagging for vehicular traffic through projects. Since most road department employees job descriptions require much more than flagging, the Construction Work Zone Sign training was added to cover most work county road department employees perform.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 2.5 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Proper flagging and traffic control techniques under live traffic.
• NDOT flagging requirements.
• Proper documentation of traffic control offenders.
• The importance of and proper Temporary Traffic Control Devices for construction and maintenance projects.
• Components of a Work Zone.
• How to develop a Temporary Traffic Control Plan.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Construction and maintenance projects, completed under live traffic, can be hazardous not only to road department employees but also to the motoring public as well. Instructor has experience in all phases of county road department activities with real life examples of flagging and construction near miss accidents.

County road department employees frequently operate chain saws in their normal duties. Sometimes in adverse weather conditions where high winds may have blown a tree over across a road, climbing up and down slippery ditches when cutting brush and trees causing snow drifting problems, etc. Management and employees need to know when it is safe to cut trees, brush, etc. and when to go out in adverse weather or to use heavy equipment to remove downed trees across a road versus using a chainsaw.
This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced chainsaw operators and provides management the information as to when to send employees to use chainsaws. One of the most important things to remember is to NEVER send one employee to cut trees, a minimum of two employees should be sent in case of injury.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper and safe use of chainsaws.
• Proper fueling of chainsaws.
• Accidents and liability of chainsaw use.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in both the operation of chainsaws and management of county road department employees operating chainsaws.

County road departments frequently encounter problems with failed bridges, landowner disputes, etc. County boards and highway superintendents need to know the proper way to close and vacate roads. The process is somewhat long but not difficult if done properly.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced board members and highway superintendents on how to properly close and vacate county roads. If roads are not vacated properly, claims and lawsuits can cost into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as past cases have proven.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Reasons for road closures.
• Road closure/vacation process.
• Liability in not properly closing/vacating roads.
• Handouts of sample road closure public notice, adjacent landowner letters, road vacating resolution, etc.

Notes: This course is designed for county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in actual road vacations, dealing with private landowners in the process of vacating roads and dealing with other entities such as power companies on vacated roads.

County road department employees and management spend a lot of time in cold weather removing snow, cutting trees, salting and sanding paved roads, etc. Cold weather is just part of the job, but one needs to recognize the safety issues with cold weather. Some road department employees have had frost bitten fingers, ears, etc. which could have been avoided with proper cold weather management practices.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced road department employees and management in safe cold weather management.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 0.5 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• What to do should frostbite and/or hypothermia occur.
• Proper clothing during winter operations.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes .5 hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in both winter road department working conditions and management of county road departments.

There are times when road department employees are required to work in confined spaces. A confined space is defined as the following:

• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can enter bodily and perform work;
• Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit;
• Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.

Employees often work in tight quarters when installing culverts, working inside culverts, bridge approaches, etc.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced road department employees and management on how to stay safe when working in confined spaces.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Review of what a confined space is.
• Proper procedures when working in confined spaces.
• Safe extraction of employee’s injured in confined space.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in all phases of county road department work including confined spaces.

Most county road department employees seal cracks on both asphalt and concrete roads. Employees work in moving traffic situations as well as work with hot asphalt. There are many safety issues with this type of work.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced road department employees in the proper application of crack sealant, the safety of said work and explains the proper signing procedures to follow.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper signing for crack sealing application.
• Proper procedures in the application of crack sealant.
• Safe operation of equipment used in the application of crack sealant.

Notes: This course is designed for county road department employees and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the physical application of crack sealant and the management of road departments in all phases of road maintenance and construction activities.

County road departments replace deficient and install new culverts every year. Injuries and fatalities have occurred during culvert installations. It is critical that a sufficient number of employees are assigned for this type of work. The proper procedures are discussed on culvert replacements as well as safe installation practices.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced employees and management on how to properly replace deficient and install new culverts safely and properly.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• When to replace culverts.
• How to properly and safely replace and install culverts.
• Proper shoring of trenches when installing culverts.

Notes: This course is designed for county road department employees and management.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in actual culvert replacements and installations as well as bid procedures, construction inspection, etc.

The National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course, recognized for its leading-edge curriculum, delivers the most compelling and proven effective defensive driving and collision prevention strategies. Participants learn how to recognize both potential and immediate driving hazards and how to avoid traffic violations and collisions in a variety of driving conditions. They will develop a personal plan for making safe and responsible driving decisions.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 4 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the consequences of distracted, fatigued and impaired driving.
• Recognize the habits of defensive driving.
• Better understand vehicle technology and safety features.
• Identify personal driving behaviors and risk-taking tendencies.
• Improve hazard identification and assessing risks.
• Develop a personal plan for making effective driving choices.

Notes: Attendees will receive a certificate of completion. You may want to check with your automobile insurance company as some offer discounts for completing the course.

This is general knowledge presentation for employees that hold commercial driver licenses. Commercial motor vehicles are unique enough that they warrant some specific accident avoidance discussion. CDL holders are subject to some specific requirements regarding what they must report to their employer. Driving offenses can result in serious repercussions with the DOT. Drug testing is a hot topic that always generates questions.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• CMV accident/injury avoidance driving tips.
• Employee reporting requirements.
• Disqualifying offenses.
• Drug testing.

Reasonable suspicion training is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for any person who supervises one or more employees that operate vehicles requiring a commercial driver license (CDL). The training must contain 60 minutes of training on the symptoms of alcohol abuse and 60 minutes of training on the symptoms of controlled substances use. The purpose is to teach the supervisors to identify circumstances and indicators that may create reasonable suspicion that a driver is using or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, supporting referral of an employee for drug and/or alcohol testing.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 3 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Identify signs that an employee driver is under the influence of alcohol.
• Identify signs that an employee driver is under the influence of controlled substances.
• How to approach a driver professionally and discuss reasonable suspicion indicators.
• How to document reasonable suspicion incidents.

Notes: This program is co-presented by Terry Baxter and Chad Engle. Chad will cover the administrative requirements of a reasonable suspicion testing situation. Terry will provide the 60 minutes of training on alcohol abuse and 60 minutes of training on controlled substance use.

This presentation is an overview of the DOT publication of the same name. Operators of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) are in an occupation deemed to be safety-sensitive by the DOT. As a result, they are subject to many different types of drug and alcohol testing. The DOT requires that employees are trained on these requirements, along with the drug and alcohol testing policies of their employer.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the requirements of 49 CFR Part 40.
• Why safety-sensitive employees tested.
• When drivers should be tested.
• What constitutes a refusal?
• What drugs does the DOT test for?
• How tests are administered.
• Procedure to follow if results are positive.

This training course is designed to provide an overview of warning signs in the workplace on how to recognize someone under the influence of alcohol and what supervisors need to know as it relates to reasonable suspicion and testing requirements.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• How to recognize a person under the influence of alcohol
• Understanding reasonable suspicion requirements for supervisors
• How to avoid enabling a substance abuser• How to protect personnel and the county
• Understanding drug-free workplace policies and obligations
• Maintaining confidentiality

Notes: DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training is required under federal law and mandates employers involved with commercial motor vehicle licenses, train their supervisors in identifying the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use and abuse. DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for supervisors is required for all personnel who manage one or more safety-sensitive employees covered by one or more federal regulation.

Every county road department in Nebraska has trucks that haul dirt and aggregate. The majority of these trucks require a CDL operator. There are many rules and regulations for driving trucks and many employees and management are not aware of those rules, regulations, and penalties.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced truck drivers and management the information to properly comply with federal rules and regulations pertaining to commercial driver’s licenses.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1.5 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Common insurance policy exclusions.
• Operating CMV without proper licensing.
• CMV accident/injury avoidance driving tips.
• Employee reporting requirements.
• Disqualifying offenses.
• Drug testing.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes 1.5 hours of classroom training, depending on number of questions.  Instructor has experience in both the operation of trucks requiring commercial driver’s licenses and management of county road department Drug and Alcohol Programs.

When a worker is impaired by the use of drugs, he or she threatens the safety and well-being if everyone at the worksite. While it is the responsibility of every employee to work drug-free, supervisors can be the first line of defense by taking appropriate action when a worker is observed to be in some type of impairment state. This training will assist those who supervise employees in safety sensitive positions to recognize signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of Drug-Free Workplace Policy
• Knowing your role and responsibilities as a supervisor
• Evaluating workers appearance, actions and job performance
• Recognizing effects different type of drugs effects, a person’s actions
• What to look for, how to respond
• Importance of documentation

Notes: Anyone supervising employees considered a safety sensitive position is required to complete at least one (1) hour of drug recognition training. Training will help supervisors how to determine reasonable suspicion, detect and document signs of substance usage and confront the individual who may be under the influence.

NIRMA receives many questions pertaining to the proper installation of traffic control and warning sign installations. Road and bridge signing is a critical component in safe vehicular traffic and protecting county liability.

This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced board members and highway superintendents on how to properly conduct engineering studies and the importance of documentation of said studies. Also discussed is the importance of having an engineer sign off on engineering studies that county’s conduct.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of engineering studies to defend counties in claims and lawsuits.
• How to properly perform engineering studies.
• When are engineering studies required?
• Documentation of engineering studies.

Notes: This course is designed for county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in performing engineering studies, public notices, study paperwork, etc.

Preventive maintenance is essential in maintaining good equipment program operations. Poor preventive maintenance results in breakdowns, oftentimes during your busiest construction and maintenance season. For instance, poorly maintained brakes on any piece of equipment can result in accidents which unfortunately could cause injuries and fatalities.

This course provides classroom training on how to properly perform preventive maintenance on trucks and equipment to improve employee and motorist safety and reduce downtime and county liability.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Why preventive maintenance?
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Documentation of preventive maintenance activities.

Notes: This course is designed for county road department employees and management.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in physical road construction and maintenance equipment operations, development of preventive maintenance programs, and proof that preventive maintenance programs improve department efficiency and reduces accidents.

County work includes the excavation of many types of materials in the maintenance and construction of roads and bridges. Numerous accidents occur and have occurred resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Excavation can be dangerous due to soil bank failures, etc. Stockpiling materials can result in unstable conditions where equipment can easily be overturned resulting in injuries, fatalities, etc. This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced employees and management on how to properly excavate and stockpile construction and maintenance materials safely. Real life experiences are used as examples of how to safely work in excavation and stockpile situations.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Working safely with excavation and stockpiles.
• Proper shoring of trenches and backslopes.
• Proper berms for stockpile safety.

Notes: This course is designed for county employees, board members, and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has hands-on experience in excavation and stockpile work activities.

County road department employees constantly work around projects that pose a safety hazard to their eyes. Employees should be provided safety glasses and face shields to use when they are using equipment such as grinders drill presses, etc. The proper shade of lens should be used when welding and cutting metal. This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced employees and management on how to properly protect the eyes.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper safety eyewear.
• When to use proper safety eyewear.
• Proper shade of lens for welding and cutting metals.

Notes: This course is designed for county road department employees and management.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in welding and cutting and understands the importance of using the proper safety eyewear. Real life examples are used in this training.

Employees often work at high elevations such as bridge construction, gravel pit work, etc. The proper fall protection should be supplied and used by employees. This course provides classroom training to explain the proper fall protection to improve safety for employees.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper fall protection devices.
• When to use fall protection.
• OSHA and MSHA Rules and Regulations for fall protection.

Notes: This course is designed for employees and road department management.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in fall protection use, years of experience training hundreds of employees through MSHA Annual Refresher Training.

The State Fire Marshal’s office requires proper fire extinguishers in all buildings. County road departments are no exception. While performing shop safety audits, many deficiencies are found which include lack of monthly fire extinguisher inspections, annual inspections, improper placement, etc. This course provides classroom training to cover important aspects of fire extinguisher inspection and operation.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Training on how to perform monthly inspections.
• How to properly use fire extinguishers.
• Proper location and installation of fire extinguishers.

Notes: This course is designed for employees, county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the use of fire extinguishers and in training attendees on proper fire extinguisher use and inspections.

NIRMA is proud to offer hands-on fire extinguisher training utilizing the Bullex BullsEye fire extinguisher trainer. The BullsEye utilizes self-generating digital flames to simulate class A, B, and C fires. It senses where the user aims and sweeps the laser training extinguisher and varies the flames in response. The training begins with a group presentation on the proper use of a fire extinguisher and ends after each attendee has had an opportunity to put out a fire with the Bullseye trainer. The BullsEye allows us to hold training indoors, with no mess.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Approximately 1 hour, depending on class size

Learning Objectives:

• How to utilize a portable fire extinguisher.
• How to use P.A.S.S.
• When is it safe to fight a fire with a portable fire extinguisher?
• How to use R.A.C.E.
• How to inspect and maintain portable fire extinguishers.

Too often county road department management feels they are exempt from all the State Fire Marshal’s Office Fuel Storage Division requirements. That is not the case. Fines can be levied by the Fire Marshal’s office if counties are not complying with fuel storage tank regulations. NIRMA does its best to inform member counties of fuel storage requirements but often this information is ignored. This course provides classroom training to explain the Fire Marshal’s office rules and regulations on fuel storage to improve safety, reduce liability and hopefully keep counties from getting fined.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Fuel storage rules and regulations.
• How to comply with standards.
• Fire Marshal’s Fuel Storage Division’s contact information.
• Handouts of compliance information are provided.

Notes: This course is designed for employees, county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in fuel storage inspections and knowledge of fuel storage requirements.

The functional classification of roads plays a vital role in road department management as well as liability control. Many times, accidents occur on county roads and one of the first things plaintiff’s attorneys look at is the classification of the road. Clear zones are one of the most critical aspects of county roads, as well as proper side slope, road width, etc. This course provides classroom training to assist new and experienced board members and highway superintendents on functional classifications and how to reclassify existing roads to a different classification.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Reasons for road classifications.
• State statutes that pertain.
• Process for re-classification.
• Handouts of sample road re-classification information, sample public notice, etc.

Notes: This course is designed for county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in county road re-classifications, highway superintendent experience and working with NDOT on road re-classifications.

It is a federal requirement that all entities working with chemicals be trained on the updated Global Harmonization System (GHS). Employers were required to provide new GHS training to all employees by December 1, 2013. This training is especially critical for weed superintendents and employees who frequently work with chemicals.  In 2012, OSHA aligned the HazCom standard with the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labeling of chemicals. This course provides in-depth classroom training to properly update all employees of new GHS requirements. This information is critical to reduce chemical accidents, improve safety, and reduce workers comp claims.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Learn proper GHS standards.
• Learn how to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Improve overall knowledge of GHS program and why it was changed.

Notes: This course is designed for employees, county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructors have experience in presenting GHS program training and developing SDS manuals.

Another high liability concern is county gravel road maintenance. If gravel roads are not maintained properly, maintenance documented, etc., it can raise potential liability considerably. County road department’s management needs to develop and enforce a maintenance documentation program that can be used to defend the county should it be sued. This documentation also benefits management when taxpayers complain about a motor grader not maintaining their road and documentation is available to defend the county. The proper maintenance of gravel roads is discussed in this training. This course provides classroom training to include proper crown in gravel roads, how to maintain gravel roads, and how to avoid lawsuits should accidents occur.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to maintain gravel roads.
• Proper gravel road maintenance.
• Proper crown, drainage, aggregate, windrows, etc.

Notes: This course is designed for employees, county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the equipment operation of county gravel roads, training in equipment operation of county gravel roads, and road department management.

County road department employees use their hands in nearly every single aspect of road department construction and maintenance activities. Hand injuries occur on a frequent basis and are very painful, sometimes including the loss of a finger, hand, etc.  This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in proper hand and finger safety practices.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Why hand and finger safety training.
• How to best implement a hand and finger safety program.
• What NOT to do!

Notes: This course is designed for county employees, county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the presentation of Hand Safety training.

Nebraska summer heat is very severe with possibly dangerous consequences. Management needs to ensure it is safe when sending employees to work in very physical, high heat situations. Ensure plenty of water is provided, proper rest breaks allowed, sunscreen and head protection are provided. This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in the proper ways to treat heat stress and keep heat stress from occurring.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize heat stress indicators.
• Keep heat stress from being a factor in work activities.
• What to do if you have an employee who has suffered.

Notes: This course is designed for employees, county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the recognition of and dealing with heat stress activities.

High pressure hoses run all types of fluids such as hot water for power washing equipment to hot hydraulic oil to operate equipment. High pressure fluids, without being hot, are dangerous enough but add the extreme heat of hot hydraulic oil and loss of fingers and hands have occurred. This course provides classroom training to assist employees in realizing the dangers of high-pressure hoses.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to properly inspect high pressure hoses.
• Proper PPE for high pressure hose safety.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in both training on the topic and the use of high-pressure hoses.

Highway department employees are exposed to additional hazards due to the type of work they do. This program looks at the four most common causes of loss that occur in highway departments: slips, trips and falls; sprains and strains; motor vehicle crashes; and struck by. These four loss leaders account for approximately 80% of the injuries suffered in highway departments.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Avoiding slips, trips and falls.
• Three points of contact.
• Proper lifting.
• Motor vehicle accident avoidance.
• Causes of struck by injuries and how to avoid.

Ladders are another tool used frequently in county shops. Too often the improper type of ladder or deficient ladders are used. This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in the proper ways to inspect, determine proper type, and proper use of ladders.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize deficient ladders through proper inspections.
• Proper type of ladder to use in county shops and on jobsites.
• How to properly use ladders.

Notes: This course is designed for employees and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the inspection, recognition of deficiencies, and proper use of ladders.

Back injuries, knee strains, pulled muscles, etc. are common workers comp claims. Learning to lift properly will help alleviate those accidents and injuries. This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in the proper ways to lift objects in the day-to-day work of county employees.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to lift properly.
• Who to contact when injured.
• Know when to get help.

Notes: This course is designed for employees and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the training of proper lifting techniques and management of county road departments.

Counties that haul equipment need to understand the proper load securement for tying down equipment, culverts, etc. the proper way. Counties can get fined by Carrier Enforcement for not securing loads properly. This course provides classroom training for all employees and management with the proper tie down equipment and procedures to safely transport equipment and materials. The methods presented were provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, Motor Carrier Division.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Driver responsibility.
• Applicable state and federal regulations.
• The importance of proper load securement.
• Determine the proper Working Load Limit for a securement system.
• Proper tie-down boomers and chains.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Quick and easy tie-down practices.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructors have experience in both load securement and management of county road departments.

Mechanics and road department employees perform all types of equipment repairs in county shops. Many times, keys are left in the ignition of equipment which could be started while a person is underneath working. This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in the proper ways to perform lockout/tagout practices to protect employees.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize situations where lockout/tagout is required.
• Understand what should types of energy needs lockout/tagout.

Notes: This course is designed for employees and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in the development of lockout/tagout programs and understands the importance of said programs.

Accidents occur frequently due to improper or lack of machine guarding. Accidents occur from improper guards on bench grinders, but accidents can occur from other improperly guarded machines as well. This course provides classroom training to educate employees on the importance of guards and to assist in the proper ways to maintain proper guards on machines and equipment.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper guards on machines and equipment.
• Accidents occurring from improper guards.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the use of guarded machines and equipment and management of county road departments.

NIRMA has an agreement with the Nebraska Safety Center to provide Mine Safety and Health Association (MSHA) Annual Refresher Training (ART) to our member counties at no cost. This presents a substantial savings. This type of training is required by counties that have active gravel pits or load gravel or other aggregate from a private pit that falls under the control of the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA). This course provides the required 8-hour annual classroom training to educate employees on the hazards of mining operations.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members. If NSC CPR/AED is included in the session, there will be a cost of $13.00 per attendee certified.

Course Length: 8 hours, per MSHA standards. (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper safety requirements of mining operations.
• Contact information for mining accidents.
• Miners Rights.
• All required training to meet MSHA annual requirements.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees and management that operate their own mine or load county trucks from a contracted gravel pit.

Course includes eight (8) hours of classroom training. Please contact Tim Baxter or Chad Engle to discuss possible ART topics.

Minimum Design Standards of new roads directly affect the motoring public every day. Adherence to said standards when building new roads improve safety and assist NIRMA in defending member counties. This course provides classroom training to educate attendees on the importance of following minimum design standards.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper shoulder and lane widths.
• Proper clear zone widths.
• Proper bridge widths.

Notes: This course is designed for Highway Superintendents, board members and road department employees.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in building county roads to proper standards and management of county road departments.

Minimum Maintenance is a great functional classification of county roads if they are properly reclassified. If properly reclassified and signed they reduce maintenance costs and reduce liability, if not, they can become a liability that is difficult to defend in court. Counties have installed Minimum Maintenance Road signs on roads that have not been properly reclassified which should not be done. This course provides classroom training to educate board members and highway superintendents on the importance of properly reclassifying minimum maintenance roads.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper procedures to reclassify roads to minimum maintenance.
• Documentation of maintenance.
• Savings and reduced liability realized by reclassifying to minimum maintenance.

Notes: This course is designed for county board members and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the reclassification of county roads and management of county road departments.

Snow, rain, floods, tornadoes, etc. are all-natural disasters that each of us has experienced one time or another in Nebraska. We can’t keep them away, but we can prepare for them with wise decisions and proper management. This course provides classroom training to educate attendees on the importance of preparation for natural disasters.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Developing an emergency action plan.
• How to prepare for a natural disaster.
• What to do directly following a natural disaster.

Notes: This course is designed for all county board members, highway superintendents, and road department employees.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in working through numerous natural disasters and management of county road departments.

Every county has gravel roads with drainage structures to maintain using backhoes and other heavy equipment. It is very difficult finding good, experienced operators so most counties hire operators and train after hiring. Unfortunately, many times new operators are not given the proper training either due to time constraints or there are no experienced trainers on staff. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper maintenance techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a backhoe.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of backhoe, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have backhoe operator skills or experience so this course provides insight as to how a backhoe should be safely operated.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two (2) consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s backhoe and closed/barricaded low volume or dirt road to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of backhoes, and management of county road departments.

The use of boom cranes has decreased considerably over the last 30 years due to many counties contracting out bridge work. A few counties still use a crane in the construction of their bridges and other construction and maintenance activities. It is very difficult finding good, experienced operators so most counties hire operators and train after hiring. Unfortunately, at times new operators are not given the proper training either due to time constraints or no experienced trainers on staff. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper maintenance techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a crane.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of crane, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have crane operator skills or experience, so this course provides insight and highlights safe operation. Most times, training is provided in a host county for regional training with a paid professional instructor.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two (2) consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s crane in the county yard to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of cranes and training crane operators.

Crawler Loaders are used when typical industrial wheel loaders don’t work very well. Not many crawler loaders are used in county government road construction activities but when they are, the operator needs to be aware of all safety and operational issues.  This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper operation techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a crawler loader.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of crawler loader, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have crawler loader operator skills or experience so this course provides insight as to how the machine should be operated.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s crawler loader in the host county yard. Instructor has experience in both the operation of crawler loaders and management of county road departments.

Dozer are not used a lot anymore in road construction, but some are still used for building roads, dozing down hills in road construction and removing overburden on gravel pits. Unfortunately, time and time again new operators are not given the proper training either due to lack of time or no experienced trainers on staff. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper maintenance techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a dozer.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of dozer, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have dozer skills or experience so this course provides insight as to how the machine should be operated.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s dozer in host county’s yard. Instructor has experience in both the operation of dozers and management of county road departments.

Numerous counties have excavators and use them in many aspects of county road maintenance and construction. From brush and tree removal to installing culverts, excavators are very useful when utilized properly.
This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper maintenance techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of an excavator.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of the excavator, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have excavator operator skills or experience so this course provides insight as to how the excavator should be safely operated.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s excavator in the host county yard to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of excavators and management of county road departments.

Counties use wheel loaders when loading gravel, dirt, culvert installations, snow removal, etc. It is very difficult finding good, experienced operators so most counties hire operators and train after hiring. Unfortunately, at times new operators are not given the proper training either due to lack of time or no experienced trainers on staff. Accidents have been documented where new employees have not been provided the proper training. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper operator techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a loader.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of loader, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly and safely operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have motor grader operator skills or experience so this course provides insight as to how loaders should be operated.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s loader in the host county yard to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of loaders and management of county road departments.

Every county has gravel roads to maintain using motor graders and other heavy equipment. It is very difficult finding good, experienced operators so most counties hire operators and train after hiring. Unfortunately, many times new operators are not given the proper training either due to lack of time or no experienced trainers on staff. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper maintenance techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 10 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a motor grader.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of motor grader, both classroom and field reviews.
• Proper crown of county gravel roads and super elevation of curves, along with various other gravel road maintenance techniques.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine, adjust blade for best results and maintain county roads.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have motor grader operator skills or experience so this course provides insight as to how county gravel roads should be maintained.

Course includes a minimum eight (8) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training over two consecutive days. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s motor grader and closed/barricaded low volume or dirt road to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of motor graders, maintenance of county roads and management of county road departments.

Scrapers are not used by many counties anymore but those that do still use scrapers see the benefit of owning them. Scrapers are very useful in many road construction and maintenance areas. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper operation techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 8 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a scraper.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of scraper, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included. Often management does not have scraper operator skills or experience, so this course provides insight as to how scrapers operate.

Course includes a minimum six (6) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s scraper to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of scrapers, and management of county road departments.

Skid loaders have become a very important piece of equipment in the construction and maintenance of county roads. Their small size and diverse use make them very important. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper operator techniques and safe operation of the machine.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 8 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a skid loader.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of skid loader, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes a minimum six (6) hours of classroom and two (2) hours of hands-on training. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s skid loader and their yard to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of skid loaders, and management of county road departments.

Summer help is often employed to mow county road shoulders and rights-of-way. Accidents and workers comp claims have occurred from lack of proper training for summer help. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper operator techniques and safe operation of the tractor-mower.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: Minimum 6 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a tractor/mower.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of tractor/mower, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly and safely operate the machine.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included, especially new part-time employees.

Course includes a minimum five (5) hours of classroom and one (1) hour of hands-on training. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s tractor/mower. Instructor has experience in both the operation of tractor/mowers and management of county road departments.

Trucks are used nearly every day in county road department work. They are used to haul dirt and aggregate for county road maintenance, pulling lowboys to haul equipment, and many other uses. This course provides both classroom and hands-on training to assist new and experienced operators with the proper inspection and safe operation of the truck.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 4 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Components of a truck.
• Proper walk around inspections.
• Safe operation of trucks, both classroom and field reviews.
• Short hands-on training where instructor rides with operator providing guidance on how to properly and safely operate the truck.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes two (2) hours of classroom and 2 hours of hands-on training. “Hands-on” training utilizes a host county’s truck and their yard to conduct training. Instructor has experience in both the operation of trucks, and management of county road departments.

Some of the best protection against accidents is to wear the proper personal protective equipment. County road department management should ensure the proper PPE is provided for all employees for each type of work they perform.  This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of the proper PPE.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• What types of PPE should the county provide?
• Why is PPE needed?

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the proper use of PPE, has provided years of proper PPE training and management of county road departments.

Accidents can occur at grade crossings due to improper signing or many times because people are just not paying attention. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of proper signing, inspection, and documentation of grade crossings to alleviate county liability.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper county signing at grade crossings.
• Where does county maintenance end and railroad maintenance begin.
• How to perform grade crossing inspections.
• Who to contact should a deficiency be a railroad responsibility.

Notes: This course is designed for county board members, highways superintendents and road department employees.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the development of grade crossing inspection forms, inspection of grade crossings, working with railroads in numerous scenarios, and management of county road departments.

Deficient signing is a major liability to county road departments. Accidents occurring at a location with deficient signing are very difficult to defend in court. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of proper signing on county roads and bridges.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 2 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper sign installation height, lateral placement, etc.
• Proper retroreflectivity of signs.
• Sight distance to signs, intersections, etc.

Notes: This course is designed for management and all road department employees.
Course includes two (2) hours of classroom training. Instructor has experience in developing sign programs, engineering studies and management of county road departments.

Temporary traffic control is very important on county road and bridge projects. Signing is usually the only safeguard from motorists running into employees while they are working on roads and bridges. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of temporary traffic control.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 2 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper signing for short and long term projects.
• Documentation of temporary traffic control signing.
• What to do when motorists ignore signing.

Notes: This course is designed for management and road department employees.

Course includes two (2) hours of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the installation of temporary traffic control devices, years of training on the proper use of temporary traffic control devices and management of county road departments.

Any type of road maintenance should be documented to reduce liability and prove the date and time activity was performed. This type of documentation is critical in defending counties in claims and lawsuits pertaining to vehicular accidents on county roads. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of documenting road maintenance activities.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Sample road maintenance documents.
• What to include in road maintenance documentation.
• Discussion of real-life accidents and how road maintenance. documentation kept the county from being sued in fatality accidents.

Notes: This course is designed for management and road department employees.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in developing and implementing road maintenance documentation and management of county road departments.

If management doesn’t have or develop a good safety culture in the road department, then employees are less likely to follow safety directives. This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in ways to develop a good Safety Culture, which benefits everyone.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Have a good attitude towards safety.
• Develop a good Safety Culture.
• Benefits of a good Safety Culture.
• It starts at the top.

Notes: This course is designed for county board members, employees and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in training on developing a good Safety Culture and has worked in good and bad safety cultures, therefore understands the importance.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members This program is intended to illustrate the risk associated with choosing not to wear a seatbelt. Presented in a PowerPoint format that includes injury statistics and a video.

Course Length: 30 minutes

Learning Objectives:

• To encourage attendees to choose to use their seatbelt.
• To encourage attendees to require everyone in their vehicle to wear a seatbelt.

Notes: This is a relatively short program that is intended to be presented in conjunction with another related topic.

Shop hoists are a necessary and frequently used piece of equipment in county road department shops. They are required to be inspected each time they are used, on a monthly basis by a competent person as well as annually by a certified inspector. Shop hoists lift very heavy loads so should be inspected properly and regularly because if they fail, serious injuries could result. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of shop hoist safety.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Proper inspections.
• Proper posting of load limits.
• Safe operation of shop hoists.

Notes: This course is designed for management and road department employees.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in training on shop hoists and management of county road departments.

Accidents occur frequently in county shops. Many are due to simple inexpensive repairs or just picking up an extension cord that someone could trip on. This course provides classroom training to educate employees on the importance of shop safety and includes everything that NIRMA looks for during shop safety audits.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 2 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• What areas of county road shops need safety improvements.
• What to look for in county shops to reduce accidents.
• How to make safety improvements.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes two (2) hours of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the inspection of county shops and management of county road departments.

Slips, trips, and falls are a common occurrence in shop accident workers comp claims. Many times, this type of injury occurs in county shops because the person just wasn’t paying attention. But often some simple safety rule could have been enforced to alleviate the accident. Slips, Trips, and Falls occur frequently on culvert installation and other job sites. This course provides classroom training to educate employees on the importance of slips, trips, and falls prevention.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to reduce slips, trips, and falls accidents.
• What to look for to prevent this type of accident.
• How to reduce slips, trips, and falls at job sites.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in presenting safety meetings on slips, trips, and falls and management of county road departments.

There are many aspects to snow removal safety. Starting with employee safety to motorist safety while employees are plowing roads after a snowstorm. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of emergency snow routes, equipment inspection prior to a snowstorm, and operator safety.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 2 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to develop an emergency snow removal plan.
• Who to contact in the snow removal plan.
• Documentation of snow removal and why.
• Employee cold weather safety.
• Inspection of equipment.

Notes: This course is designed for all road department employees, management included.

Course includes two (2) hours of classroom training. Instructor has experience in the development of emergency snow routes, snow removal and management of county road departments.

Stop the Bleed campaign is intended to make our nation more resilient by better preparing the public to save lives if people nearby are severely bleeding. This preparation is being done by raising awareness and teaching people how to learn three quick actions to control serious bleeding.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Recognizing a need to respond
• How to apply a tourniquet
• How to apply direct pressure
• How to pack a wound

Notes: This training program can be utilized as a stand-alone class or incorporated with CPR/AED training. Stop the Bleed has become one of the nation’s largest public health campaigns to assist severely bleeding victims until advanced medical assistance can arrive.

A number of serious tire repair accidents have occurred in county road departments over the years. Tire safety training is vital in protecting employees from serious injury. This course provides classroom training to assist employees and management in the proper ways to repair tires, proper tire cages, etc.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize deficient tires and split rims.
• Proper type of tire cage and how to use it.
• Discussion of past serious injuries occurring from tire repair failures.

Notes: This course is designed for employees and highway superintendents.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training, depending on number of questions. Instructor has experience in tire repairs, training on the proper tire repairs, investigations of serious tire repair injuries, and management of road departments.

Numerous claims are received each year from utility damage when hit by motor graders and other county equipment. A good way to prevent the high damage costs is to have the proper utility permit system in place. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the importance of utility permits and calling Diggers Hotline prior to working around buried utilities.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 1 hour (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to develop a good utility permit system.
• Where should utility companies be required to install utilities on public rights-of-way.
• What information should a county have assembled if a utility line is cut.

Notes: This course is designed for management and road department employees.

Course includes one (1) hour of classroom training. Instructor has experience in developing utility permits, working with utility companies in county rights-of-way, and management of county road departments.

Claims have been received due to wildfires, both workers comp and property damage. The counties that have wildfires every couple of years are experienced in fighting those fires, other counties not so much. This course provides classroom training to educate management and employees on the proper procedures should your county encounter a wildfire.

Cost: Free to NIRMA members

Course Length: 3 hours (See notes below)

Learning Objectives:

• How to develop an Emergency Action Plan to fight wildfires.
• Proper plan of attack when fighting wildfires.
• How to build firebreaks, protect employees and equipment, etc.

Notes: This course is designed for management and road department employees.

Course includes three (3) hours of classroom training. Instructor has experience in working with fire-fighting experts and management of county road departments

Recent national tragedies remind us that the risk is real. Taking a few steps now can help you react quickly when every second counts. Training will focus on how we can prepare and stay safe in the event an Active Shooter compromises the workplace. Active Shooter incidents are unpredictable and devastating, so preparedness is crucial for your organization.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2.5 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of planning
• How to prepare for an Active Shooter
• Learn the concept Run, Hide, Fight
• Law enforcement response
• The aftermath of an Active Shooter

Notes: This course is designed for everyone, managing to best prepare every staff member for active shooter, creating Emergency Response Plans and conducting training exercises. Emergency Response Plans and training combined will prepare personnel to effectively respond to help minimize loss of life when the unthinkable happens.

The purpose of this training is to understand the issues and liabilities associated with the use of race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin as a reason to restrict liberty, or exercise any other law enforcement power upon an individual.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Agency policy and procedures
• Meeting requirements of the United States and Nebraska Constitutions
• Documentation
• Understanding the meaning of disparate treatment

Notes: This training will assist law enforcement to understand the liabilities addressing the rights of all persons whose officers come into contact with during any law enforcement operation.

This training session helps employers and employees take appropriate preventative measures to prevent occupational exposure to blood or other potential infectious materials (OPIM) in the workplace.

Cost: Free to all NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• How bloodborne pathogens are transmitted
• How to prevent and clean up exposures
• Actions to take in exposures occur
• How to properly use and dispose of protective protection equipment (PPE)
• What are and how to use Engineering Controls.

Notes: Under OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard, employers having employees with exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must train employees annually regardless of the employees’ prior training or education.

The past several years has witnessed significant growth in the number of law enforcement agencies using body-worn cameras (BWCs). It has been reported that over one-third of the 18,000 or so law enforcement agencies in the United States have begun using this technology implemented in response to increased community demand. This training course will address the importance of properly recording public interactions and reduce liability exposure to the county.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Nebraska Revised Statute compliance
• How recordings can reduce agency liability
• Increased officer safety
• Increase in public trust and transparency
• Agency policy
• Recording retention

Notes: This training session should be offered to any law enforcement or correction officer that is wearing a body worn camera. The session will focus on agency policies, risk management and guidance on proper camera usage.

Civil stand-by has always been a form of acceptable law enforcement practices provided by basically every sheriff’s office across the nation even though there is no legal requirement without a court order to provide such a service. But with the growing liability concerns relating to a civil stand-by, sheriff’s offices are changing the way they handle requests. This training session will focus on the exposures sheriff officials encounter and the responsibility during a civil stand-by to limit potential litigation.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Responsibilities in a civil stand-by
• Importance of policy and procedures
• Defining “Keeping the Peace”

Notes: Training designed for all law enforcement personnel who respond to civil stand-by calls for service. The session will focus on how to limit officer, agency and county litigation exposures when conducting these type of activities.

This training session will focus on communication center operations and the potential liability exposures that exist. There are big differences throughout the United States for 911 operations. One thing that applies universally to all public safety call centers is that whenever a case comes under investigation, the agency in charge is sure to fall into the line of fire. As stewards of the public trust, it is every call center’s responsibility to lower potential agency liability as much as possible while providing the best achievable services to your community.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• What liabilities exist in communication centers
• How to best limit agency exposures
• Importance of adopting policy
• Importance of training
• Keeping work environment secure and safe

Notes: Training focuses on the liability Communication Specialist encounter each time they answer a call. Session is intended for administrators and telecommunicators and provide recommendations on limiting exposure to communication center operations.

The American Heart Association CPR, AED & First Aid course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely and effective manner. This course is designed for anyone with little or no medical training.

Learning Objectives:

• First aid basics
• How to respond in medical emergencies
• Scene safety
• Adult CPR and AED use

Notes: This occurs meets training requirements for jail and law enforcement certifications as well as for anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a course completion certificate and card which is valid for two (2) years.

Fentanyl is a prescription drug and a synthetic opioid with the same effects of morphine, only with a much higher potency. Fentanyl poses a significant threat to law enforcement personnel and other first responders who may come in contact with the drug. Exposure to a very small amount may lead to significant health related complications, respiratory depression or death. This training is designed to ensure law enforcement officers, county road workers and correction officers are taking necessary precautions when dealing and handling suspected drug related activity.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Exercising extreme caution
• Being aware of any exposure signs
• Being ready to administer Naloxone
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Notes: Law enforcement, county road workers (who clean roadsides) and correctional officers have a high risk of unknowingly coming in contact with the drug, in its many forms and exposure can be quick and lethal.

Sometimes calls for service involve domestic situations committed by fellow law enforcement officers or prominent citizens of your community. Law enforcement officers responding to these type of calls need to understand their role and responsibilities to report and properly handle, including arrest if warranted, situations involving a fellow law enforcement officer or a person in a prominent position. When a law enforcement officer becomes the subject of a criminal investigation, regardless of the jurisdiction they serve, the responding law enforcement officer must not attempt to interfere to the protect the offending officer.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Following agency domestic violence policies
• Ensuring victim safety and protection
• Understanding consequences for failure to respond/act

Notes: This training is geared to law enforcement officers who respond to domestic violence calls and the complexities and challenges that come with investigating one of your own or a law enforcement officer from another jurisdiction. When officers get into trouble off-duty they might play the law enforcement card and expect to be treated differently. This course will explain the consequences the officer may encounter when the proper steps are not taken, such as litigation as well as professional consequences.

Reducing emergency vehicle near hits, incidents, injuries, deaths, property damage and operational impacts is critical. Law enforcement officers need to understand their responsibilities and expectations when operating an emergency vehicle. This training will assist with discouraging unacceptable driving behaviors, attitudes and the importance for safe operations with driving an emergency vehicle. “The Need for Speed” is not always appropriate. Participants will learn how emergency lights can give them a false sense of hope and have a significant impact to the agency and county. Training will focus on the need to maintain the highest level of safety during emergency vehicle operations.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Recognizing the importance of emergency vehicle operation safety
• Review the legal responsibilities
• Importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and maintenance record documentation
• Importance of reviewing agency operation standards

Notes: This training course is classroom only and no actual driving exercises are conducted. Motor vehicle crashes involving emergency vehicles have been recognized as a serious problem nationwide. Most law enforcement agencies provide no emergency vehicle operation training beyond the original EVOC training received when the officers went through basic training. Studies have attributed emergency vehicle accidents to a number of causative factors: fatigue from irregular shifts; decreased driving performance due to lack of training; vehicle weight and malfunctions; lack of recognition by other drivers; and being overconfident.

This training is designed to stress the importance of fiduciary obligations to store and protect items of evidence and property while in your custody and, equally important, the obligation to legally restore property to the rightful owner as soon as practical or dispose of property in a legal manner. Law enforcement officers often fail to understand the necessity and nature of evidence collection, maintaining an accurate chain of possession documentation for evidence or when to properly dispose of property through release or destruction.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of proper evidence storage
• Responsibilities of evidence handling and storage
• Accurate documentation
• Controlling access to stored evidence
• Policy and procedures
• Importance of inventory audits and inspections
• Training

Notes: Evidence management is a critical task of operations for law enforcement agencies to provide for reasonable safekeeping of all property that comes into the possession of the sheriff’s office.

Correctional staff need to understand the importance of a proper and complete medical assessment during the intake process. While observable injuries are fairly simple to assess and deal with, many medical conditions are not. That is why a thorough assessment and personal observation to determine what if any medical issues is essential.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Thorough medical assessments
• Taking your time during the assessment
• Identifying medical issues
• Proper classification and observation
• Documentation
• Care, custody and control

Notes: Medical clearance is conducted to ensure that emergent health needs are met. Particular attention should be paid to signs of trauma. Those arriving with signs of recent trauma should be referred immediately for observation and treatment. In addition, staff have a responsibility to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Remember, the medical clearance should be documented in writing.

In May 2018, a deputy in Iowa was shot and killed and another shot and injured during the escape of a jail inmate being transported to court. Weeks later in Georgia, two correctional officers were killed when two inmates escaped while being transported in a prison bus. These incidents are a grim reminder of the need to ensure safe transports of inmates outside of our prisons and jails. This training will focus on transport officer safety.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Avoiding complacency
• Policy and Procedures
• Conducting proper vehicle and inmate searches
• Properly securing restraints
• Constant vigil
• Knowing the person being transported

Notes: Ensuring that transports are conducted in the safest manner possible is an issue of life and death. Not only are the lives of officers at stake, but the safety of the public is put at risk when transports go wrong. The business of corrections is about protecting the public while at the same time protecting those you work with and the inmates you supervise, both inside and outside the confines of a facility. When seconds matter during a transport, your backup may be minutes away. Losing even one staff member is one too many, and recent events have touched the entire corrections community. Ultimately, the goal is to go home to your family at the end of the day. Do everything you can to make that happen.

Understanding the correct processes and legal parameters for interviewing, questioning and interrogation can make the difference between a suspect’s confession as evidence. The goal is aimed at discovering the truth, not just getting a confession.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• The difference between a confession and a statement
• Accuracy of confessions
• Law enforcement induced false confessions
• The difference between an interview and interrogation
• Training

Notes: Confessions are the most incriminating and persuasive evidence of guilt that the state can bring against a defendant. The suspect is significantly more likely to be incarcerated before trial, charged, pressured to plead guilty, and convicted, that is why confessions need to be proven accurate.

Jails are guided by Constitutional mandates, Jail Standards and case law, and thus can be a focus for litigation for liability lawsuits and civil rights claims. Litigation is costly and time-consuming, but can be reduced with well-designed policies, training, accountability, and diligent operational oversight. This includes understanding current case law and industry standards, training staff accordingly, and assuring that operations align with organizational policies and procedures.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hour session 

Learning Objectives:

• Policy and procedures, training to policy
• Strategies to reduce risk in jail operations
• Identify areas of jail legal vulnerabilities
• Critical tasks impacting jail operations and create litigation exposure
• Observations and their importance

Notes: Care, custody and control–there are various levels of liability that may exist especially when a correction officer’s actions are deemed improper. The purpose of this training is to provide an overview of possible actions or the lack thereof that can expose the county, the officer and the administrator to litigation.

Every time law enforcement receives a call for service or conducts some type of law enforcement service, there comes with it a certain amount of exposure to liability from proper or improper actions of the responding officer. The purpose of this training is to provide a brief overview of the critical task of law enforcement operations that have the potential to create exposure to litigation.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Policy and procedures, training to policy
• Strategies to reduce risk in law enforcement operations
• Identify areas of law enforcement legal vulnerabilities
• Critical tasks impacting law enforcement operations and create litigation exposure

Notes: There are various levels of liability that may exist especially when a law enforcement officer’s actions are deemed improper.

There is a mental illness crisis plaguing jails all over the US. More and more of the inmates being admitted in correction facilities are found to be suffering some form of mental disorder or illness often these are individuals who wouldn’t even be in jail if it wasn’t for their mental issues. With this fact, despite jails not originally designed to accommodate and treat inmates with mental illnesses, the correctional system evolved and is now playing a critical role in the mental health care system.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Early screening and identification of mental health issues
• Effective classification
• Addressing mental health crisis in jails
• Reintegration

Notes: Beyond adding to the pressure of overcrowding, inmates with mental illness create other challenges for jails. Mentally ill inmates have more difficulty adjusting to the incarceration environment and many do not receive the services needed and can cause a variety of litigation concerns for staff.

Policies and procedures are an essential component of any law enforcement and correctional agency. Policies are important because they address pertinent issues, such as what constitutes acceptable behavior by employees. Policies are developed from court rulings, state statutes and critical tasks of operation that can expose agencies to litigation. Utilizing both policies and procedures during decision-making ensures that employees are consistent in their decisions.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Training to policy
• Setting agency standards
• Keeping policy up to date
• Policy compliance

Notes: Policies and procedures are the backbone of any law enforcement agency. Like a compass, they direct you and your officers toward optimal safety and professionalism. They help create the culture of your team and set the standard for everyone to be successful on the job. To set a foundation for these things in your department, you will need to write an effective guide for your officers.

Vehicle pursuits can be extremely dangerous for everyone involved, including innocent bystanders. More than 5,000 bystanders and passengers have been killed in law enforcement vehicle pursuits since 1979. Most of these pursuits began with a minor traffic infractions. The bystanders and passengers in chased cars account for nearly half of all people killed in police pursuits. Nebraska has a unique law pertaining to innocent third parties when it comes to pursuits, bottom line the pursuing agency can be held strictly liable for those injuries, even if the pursuit was justified and conducted according to office policy. This training will focus on responsibilities law enforcement agencies have as well as the law enforcement officer who engages in the pursuit.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Policy and procedures
• Neb. Rev. Stat. § 13-911 and § 29-211
• Emergency vehicle operation training (EVOC)
• Pursuit justifications and terminations
• What constitutes a seizure under 4th Amendment
• Environmental locations and conditions

Notes: In law enforcement there will always be a potential for danger. Law enforcement officers are paid to enforce laws, arrest criminals and serve the public. Whenever a law enforcement becomes involved in a vehicle pursuit, it can put the public they are paid to serve in danger. In a perfect world, the police would be able to end every pursuit safely as soon as it started, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Nebraska law enforcement officers and agencies are held liable for innocent third parties damages, injuries and deaths.

Staff sexual misconduct with inmates is a challenging issue in corrections. Sexual misconduct is illegal in Nebraska, it compromises facility security and creates work environments that are negative for both staff and inmates. Allegations are disquieting and divisive for employees and the public. Staff sexual misconduct may be a random incident involving a “bad apple” employee, or it may be indicative of a breakdown of the jail’s management and operational systems. Yet, how does an administrator know? What are the strategies to prevent misconduct as well as effectively investigate allegations? This training will address these concerns and steps in preventing a sexual misconduct occurring in your facility.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Policy and procedures
• Supervision
• Recognizing the warning signs
• Consequences

Notes: Few agencies will escape allegations of sexual misconduct. An agency that has taken steps to evaluate operations and implement effective strategies before an allegation occurs will be in a better position to successfully investigate the allegation than an agency that reacts only after an allegation surfaces.

Suicide is often the single most common cause of death in correctional settings. Jails are responsible for protecting the health and safety of their inmate populations, and the failure to do so can be open to legal challenge. Moreover, suicidal behavior by custodial inmates means a stressful event for officers and other inmates faced with it. Therefore, the provision of adequate suicide prevention and intervention training is both beneficial to the prisoners in custody, as well as to the institution in which the services are offered.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Observation and classification
• Proper assessments
• Policy and procedures
• Recognizing risk factors and warning signs
• Documentation

Notes: Jails are repositories for vulnerable groups that are traditionally among the highest risk for suicide, such as young males, persons with mental disorders, socially disenfranchised, socially isolated, people with substance use problems, and those who have previously enacted suicidal behaviors.

Tasers are a great resource for law enforcement and correctional facilities as along as they are used properly and those assigned to electronic impact weapons are trained and retrained to maintain up to date recertification on the device. Taser has drawn a lot of criticism since it has been introduced in the law enforcement profession years ago, but Taser can be instrumental to agencies when use properly. This training will address the importance of training, policy and assist with eliminating and addressing unnecessary claims of excessive use of force.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Policy and procedures
• Use of force continuum
• Deployment precautions
• Documentation

Notes: There are questions about how safe Tasers are in the best of circumstances. But it is clear that it is a powerful resource to deal with those who are combative and an immediate threat to law enforcement and correctional authority, but only if the use is responsible and justified.

Law enforcement agencies, in the course of executing their duties, are often liable for any form of misconduct, harm, or violation of rights done to those in the community. Counties face risks associated with law enforcement agencies for injuries sustained during a use of force event. Use of force is a critical task where the potential of creating a exposure to liability is great. There have been, and will continue to be, civil lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege that force used in a jail setting or during a law enforcement encounter was either inappropriate or excessive, or both, or that care provided following application of force was insufficient. This training will focus on appropriate and excessive force and hopefully will assist with eliminating unnecessary claims against the law enforcement agency, the officer and the county.

Cost: Free to NIRMA Members

Course Length: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Policy and procedures
• Training
• Documentation
• Review of use of force events
• Understanding force continuum

Notes: Managing liability risk is a way of trying to be proactive thinking in advance about things that can happen that could be problematic in terms of litigation, and then taking steps to do the right thing and be able to demonstrate proper use of force actions were taken.