Garland Parks and Recreation
9.0 – Risk Management
NOTE: Standards marked with a star (*) are fundamental standards and are required of all agencies seeking accreditation.
A comprehensive risk management plan is essential to minimize legal liabilities and personal injuries. The agency shall implement approaches for identification and control of risks based on the specific needs of the agency. There is no prescriptive method for identification of all risks suitable for all entities; the method and tools used will vary. Risk management is an on-going process that must be systematically evaluated for effectiveness and adjustments made as appropriate. Responsibilities must be assigned, and structure set in place to implement an effective plan. The analysis shall include the direct costs (staffing, insurance, prevention) and indirect costs (time lost from work by injured employees, damage to equipment and facilities, failure to provide services and loss of income).
In some cases, the risk management plan and function may occur outside the park and recreation agency by another government authority. Special cooperative arrangements should be in place with other public departments and agencies, private contractors, and community organizations.Standard: The agency shall have a policy for risk management that sets direction and gives appropriate authority for implementing operational practices and procedures that is approved by the proper authority.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the risk management policy including indication of approval by the proper authority.
Narrative: PARD follows the City of Garland’s Risk Management Directives to maintain a safe and effective environment for employees, volunteers, and patrons. The city’s Safety Administration Directive establishes a citywide safety framework aimed at minimizing injuries and potential hazards. This directive assigns specific responsibilities to departments, including the implementation and monitoring of safety protocols, to uphold workplace safety and ensure all staff participate actively in risk management practices.
In compliance with the Drug and Alcohol Directive, PARD maintains a drug and alcohol-free workplace. This directive prohibits the use or influence of prohibited substances for all employees, particularly in safety-sensitive roles such as lifeguards and heavy equipment operators. Testing protocols for pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and random screening are applied as needed to these roles to ensure a safe environment.
To further support safety across operations, PARD participates in regular safety training as mandated, covering topics relevant to specific job functions and emergency response.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
9.1 EOC 1 Safety Administration Directive
9.1 EOC 2 Drug and Alcohol Directive
Standard: The agency shall have an established risk management plan and operating procedures that are reviewed periodically, accessible to all agency personnel and approved by the proper authority that encompasses analysis of risk exposure, control approaches and financial and operational impact for the agency The plan shall analyze the programs/services offered and facilities/areas managed for personal injury and financial loss potential and identify approaches to manage such injury, loss, and business and operational impact.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the current risk management plan with approval by the proper authority, the most recent review, and indication of how the plan and procedures are available to staff. The risk management plan shall reflect all three phases of risk management:
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Identification and assessment.
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Response strategies; and
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Management planning.
Narrative: The PARD Risk Management Plan is reviewed by the City’s Risk Management Director and was approved November 2024. The plan is available to all staff on Teams.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
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Standard: There shall be established procedures for accident and incident reporting and analysis of accident and incident reports. There shall be an accident/incident report form available to all employees. Data shall be obtained in an appropriate manner to support planned and coordinated accident prevention programs within the agency.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the accident/incident form(s) and the procedures for documenting and analyzing accidents and incidents. The accident/incident form(s) shall include identification information (who), specific location of accident (where), and description of accident in terms of sequence of activity (what).
Narrative: City of Garland has established clear procedures for accident and incident reporting to ensure timely documentation and analysis. The Occupational Injuries and Illnesses COGnet page is accessible to all employees and provides relevant information, forms, and other resources for risk management for on-the-job injuries. For accidents involving both city and non-city employees, staff are required to complete the Field Incident Report following any incident. This process helps ensure all incidents are properly recorded and addressed, supporting the city’s commitment to safety and risk management.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:9.1.2 EOC 1 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Intranet Page
Standard: The agency risk management function shall involve and train personnel at all levels on risk management procedures.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Demonstrate how personnel at all levels are involved and trained regarding risk management.
Narrative: PARD is committed to ensuring the safety and preparedness of its staff through comprehensive and accessible safety training programs. All employees have access to the Safety Training COGnet page, which provides general safety information and training opportunities.
Key training programs are required based on job responsibilities. Defensive Driving is mandatory for staff operating city vehicles or equipment, while Camp Training covers staffing ratios, field trip safety, and child abuse reporting. Additionally, Pesticide Training is required for park staff responsible for pesticide applications, ensuring safe and responsible handling. In the aquatics division, Aquatics Training is provided to prepare staff for handling emergencies in and around aquatic facilities.
Moreover, key staff members maintain specialized certifications to ensure the highest safety standards. This includes Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) training for playground safety and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification for managing aquatics safety effectively. These certifications ensure that PARD's facilities are safe and well-maintained for public use.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
9.1.3 EOC 1 Safety Training COGnet Page
9.1.3 EOC 3 Child Abuse Training
9.1.3 EOC 4 Pesticide Training
Standard: A specific position within the agency shall be designated with risk management responsibility and authority to carry out the policies established for risk management.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the position description that includes responsibility for risk management.
Narrative: The City of Garland’s City Manager designates a Risk Management Director responsible for overseeing all risk management efforts, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and conducting regular assessments. This role includes developing and implementing risk management policies to maintain a safe environment for staff and the public. The Risk Management Director’s authority and responsibilities are outlined in the job description, ensuring a structured and proactive approach to risk management.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
Standard: There shall be a policy or procedure available to all members of the public and staff which address issues pertaining to ADA compliance, either in a written or electronic format.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a written policy or procedure available to the public and staff that outlines the steps to resolve questions, concerns, or complaints of accessibility along with a reasonable timeline for completion and have a process for face-to-face meetings is in place.
Narrative: The City of Garland provides an ADA Grievance Procedure on its website, allowing individuals to file complaints regarding disability-based discrimination in services, programs, or activities. Complaints can be submitted in writing or through accessible alternatives like interviews or recordings. The city responds to complaints within 15 calendar days, offering options for resolution. If the issue remains unresolved, individuals can appeal the decision, with the city providing a final response within another 15 days.
PARD supports this commitment to accessibility with its Statement on Inclusion, encouraging people of all abilities to participate in recreation activities and offering necessary accommodations to ensure an inclusive experience.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
9.3 EOC 1 ADA Grievance Procedure
9.3 EOC 2 Parks and Recreation Statement on Inclusion