Loss Prevention Program

Loss Prevention Program benefits everyone. Employee and citizen injuries and/or damages are prevented or minimized, which in turn minimizes negative impact on scarce state resources.

Loss prevention is addressed in statute as follows:

The Risk Management Division (RMD) is directed in RCW 43.41.280 (3) "to eliminate or improve conditions and practices which contribute to loss whenever practical", and in 43.41.300 "to make recommendations when appropriate to state agencies on the application of prudent safety, security, loss prevention, and loss minimization methods so as to reduce or avoid risk or loss".

Statute 43.41.350 directs state agencies to provide top management support and commitment to safety and loss control and develop awareness through education, training, and information sharing.

It also directs the Risk Management Division to establish a coordinated safety and loss control program to reduce liability exposure, safeguard state assets, and reduce costs associated with state liability and property losses; develop and maintain centralized loss history information to identify and analyze risk (confidential and reported only to appropriate agencies); develop methods of statistically monitoring agency and statewide effectiveness in controlling losses; routinely review agency loss control programs as appropriate to suggest improvements, and observe and recognize successful safety policies and procedures; and provide small agency loss control assistance as needed.

Services

  • Assists state agencies and provides training and education in applying appropriate loss prevention techniques to identify and better manage risk exposures. The Department of Personnel also offers a variety of risk management training and education courses.
  • Develops and implements statewide policies and programs designed to identify, evaluate, and avoid or reduce major exposures.
  • Utilizes and supports the Risk Management Advisory Committee to provide high level participation in formulating policies and direction for Washington State's risk management programs.
  • Provides loss prevention assistance to small agencies as needed.

Activities

  • Analyzes major claim causes and types.
  • Advises agencies on ways to reduce or eliminate tort claim costs.
  • Conducts special studies and research projects.
  • Provides loss history data for individual agencies.
  • Provides loss prevention assistance to small agencies as needed.

Loss Prevention Newsletter

Additional Links

For questions about services, programs, or initiatives designed to assist agencies prevent or reduce loss, contact Drew Zavatsky, Loss Prevention Program Coordinator at (360)902-9813 or email Drew.Zavatsky@ofm.wa.gov.