Building on more than 32 years of membership, the Port of Albany-Rensselaer, NY, in partnership with the Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA), hosted Slip-and-Fall Training demonstrations for staff.
The Slip-and-Fall Training is the latest in training and grant-funded initiatives that the Port’s Operations & Facilities team has been able to secure.
The Slip Simulator interactive program is designed to help prevent one of the most common workplace injuries, slips and falls. The simulator allows participants to practice proper walking techniques safely on a slippery surface, an approach shown to reduce these incidents more effectively.
In the past couple of years, the Port has been able to secure grants and equipment, valued at close to $10,000, that includes:
- a Work Zone Safety Kit, which included cones, safety vests, work zone signs, stop-slow paddles, hard hats, whistles, sign stands, etc.,
- IceAlert Kit, which included signs that are posted on the fenceline and in the terminal that change colors to indicate freezing hazards where slippery conditions may exist,
- a Safety Initiative Grant used to purchase inflatable work vests with enhanced mobility/comfort and visibility features along with reliable inflation/flotation for safety,
- training technology and equipment, including a laptop and 55” flat screen TV, to enhance capabilities for group health and safety training sessions, and
- heavy duty work gloves and ice cleats for use during freezing rain and icy conditions.
PERMA is a member-owned, not-for-profit association of public entities that provided workplace safety, risk management services, and workers’ compensation coverage through a group self-insurance program. PERMA serves more than 800 public entities across New York State.
In addition to providing training and grant opportunities, PERMA is also consulting as the Port establishes its first official Safety Committee. Made up of staff members representing each of the three departments, the committee will have deliverables including an annual safety report.