A periodic newsletter of Spring 2006
The Diocese of Syracuse
Risk Management Office
WITH ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF!
With the arrival of Spring, maintenance and building programs will get underway once again. Certain precautions are necessary before any project of this nature begins:
Licensed contractors and/or self-employed persons must be required to provide the following documents:
1. A legal, written contract that clearly states the scope and specifications of the work to be accomplished.
2. Certificate of insurance to verify the contractor’s General Liability, Auto Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverages. A minimum acceptable liability limit of $1 million should be required. The Diocese of Syracuse and your Parish/Location must be include as additional insureds under the contractor’s liability policy for their work on your property or on your behalf. Please send a copy of the contractor’s Certificate of Insurance, confirming the Diocese and your Parish/Location’s status as additional insureds, to the Diocese Risk Management Office. The certificate should be secured and sent to us for review well before the work begins.
Along with Spring maintenance work comes Spring clean-up. As the snow begins to melt this is a good time to inspect your buildings and grounds for any hazards that may have developed over the Winter months. All outside areas should be checked for damage to parking lots, sidewalks, stairways, roofs, fencing, etc. Check parking lots and sidewalks for potholes and large cracks or uneven surfaces. Closely examine exterior cement stairs for cracks and chips. Exterior handrails should be resecured if necessary. Arrange for repairs to correct any problems before they result in greater expense and possible injuries.
Our playgrounds will become more active as the better weather arrives. With the increased activity comes the increased potential for playround-related accidents. All playground equipment should be examined closely for Winter weathering, rust and loose bolts. All swings, slides and other equipment should be fastened securely to the ground. Sand, bark chips and other “cushioning” materials should be replenished under and around each piece of playground equipment. These cushion materials do tend to “disappear” over the Winter.
In many cases, our parish-school playgrounds are used after school, on weekends and through the Summer. We suggest, if you allow any neighborhood children and adults access to your playgrounds, that you communicate with the neighbors, stressing that they are solely responsible for supervising their children. No unsupervised children or teens should be allowed to “hang out” on the property. This requirement is for their own safety and protection.
We recently sent out, to all Pastors, Principals and Administrators, a supply of Workers’ Compensation Notice of Compliance (form C-105). Please make sure you post these forms in a conspicuous place for your employees to see. This poster must be posted or you could be assessed a penalty under current New York State work comp laws. The C-105 form provides visible confirmation of your workers’ compensation coverage for employees and explains their rights in the event of a work-related injury. If you have any questions in regards to posting these forms, please contact the Diocese Risk Management Office.