Upcoming Events
Meetings:
May 4, 2022
Training & Risk Management Committee
May 9, 2022
IT/Cyber Committee
May 11, 2022
Membership Relations Committee
May 17, 2022
Coverage, Claims & Litigation Committee
May 19, 2022
Administration & Finance Committee
May 26, 2022
Executive Board
June 14, 2022
Board of Directors
Training Programs:
May 3, 2022
May 4, 2022
May 5, 2022
May 12, 2022
May 16, 2022
May 16, 2022 - May 18, 2022
May 16, 2022 - May 20, 2022
May 18, 2022
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2022 Inaugural Awareness Campaign
Mental Health
Stand Down
It is estimated that 30% of First Responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and PTSD, as compared with 20% of in the general population. First Responders are usually the first on the scene to face challenging, dangerous, and draining situations. These duties, although essential, are strenuous and can lead to behavioral health consequences if not addressed.
IRMA's Fire Chiefs Steering Committee has adopted a Mental Health Stand Down to raise awareness and provide resources and support to the First Responder Community and their families.
Join us Monday - Friday during the week of May 16, from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for this virtual event.
All are welcome to join this Stand Down.
Send the message that mental health matters.
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Interested in joining IRMA's Team or know someone who is? IRMA has two exciting opportunities currently available: Accounting Assistant and MPA Intern. |
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Accounting Assistant
This newly created position will assist our Finance Department with audit, budget, payroll, and other administrative tasks, including entering new claims and answering phones. The ideal candidate will have experience in fund accounting, strong Microsoft skills and be a proactive, resourceful and friendly person. The starting salary for this position is $44K-$55K DOQ.
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MPA Intern
This unique opportunity allows students to work with a variety of our members on engaging projects that match their interests and will help further their pursuit of a career in local government. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to work under a high level of discretion, managing multiple deadlines with minimal supervision. All candidates must be in good academic standing and currently enrolled in MPA, or equivalent, program. The placement period is one academic year, with an option to extend.
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Illinois Supreme Court Denies Absolute Immunity in Chase Case |
The Illinois Tort Immunity Act includes a provision that grants absolute immunity for “any injury inflicted by an escaped or escaping prisoner.” The provision has been the subject of only two Illinois opinions. However, just this month, the Illinois Supreme Court issued an opinion on the provision in a case that arose out of a police pursuit.
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SCOTUS Opinion Favors Plaintiffs in Malicious Prosecution Cases |
Last month the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 opinion in a malicious prosecution case, which changes the existing law in a manner that favors Plaintiffs. The opinion also reverses 7th Circuit precedent holding that malicious prosecution claims are state law claims, rather than federal claims pursuant to Section 1983. This opinion will increase IRMA members’ exposure when criminal charges are dismissed by prosecutors.
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Are You Aware of FOIA Exemption 7(s)? |
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Exemption 7 (s) provides:
“(s) Any and all proprietary information and records related to the operation of an intergovernmental risk management association or self-insurance pool or jointly self-administered health and accident cooperative or pool. Insurance or self insurance (including any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool) claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communication.”
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Prevent Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Breaches |
Robust security measures are critical for businesses and employees who use their personal devices for work present a risk. It is important to implement mobile device technology to protect connected ecosystems. Historically, IT departments had control over which PCs and laptops were issued to business users; this has also been true for smartphones and tablets. However, to reduce costs, businesses have not issued mobile devices and employees are frequently using their personal phone for work purposes. It is important to consider the cyber breach risks in this context.
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Catch Up with IRMA's IT/Cyber Committee |
In response to the continuing concern over cyber security and the difficulty of the cyber liability insurance market, the IRMA Executive Board recommended creating an IT/Cyber Committee. The Committee had its first meeting on March 16th and considered the development of the Committee’s goals. The Committee’s initial focus was creating a cyber security survey for the membership to ascertain the level of member’s cyber security processes and controls. The results of the survey will be reviewed by the Committee at its May 9th meeting.
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Training & Risk Management |
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New OSHA Emphasis Program Targets Heat Hazards |
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OSHA is launching a targeted program to protect workers across the nation from the increasing threat of heat-related illness. This is the first step towards the Agency publishing an official standard on heat injury and illness prevention. The National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat creates, for the first time, a nationwide enforcement mechanism for OSHA to proactively inspect workplaces for heat-related hazards in all industries where operations allege hazardous exposures to heat - both outdoors and indoors. To assist with compliance, OSHA is offering its free On-Site Consultation program for small and medium-sized businesses to help employers address heat-related hazards. IRMA will keep members appraised of proposed rulemaking. In the interim, it is recommended all members review OSHA's Health Illness Prevention Campaign in order to begin the compliance process with the NEP and prepare for heat-related risks this summer season. |
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Safe Streets & Roads for All
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) is an upcoming and new discretionary grant program under the IIJA/BIL that supports local initiatives to prevent transportation-related deaths and serious injuries on our roadways.
There is a series of informational webinars designed to provide advance information on this new opportunity.
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Employee Recruitment Challenges Are Resulting in Consideration of Minors
IRMA has received several inquiries from members who are struggling to fill positions, asking our advice regarding hiring people under 18. In response, we have updated our Employment of Minors Best Practice Guidelines, which helps departments plan when opening employment to minors.
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Innovative Risk Management Award:
Apply Today
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Every Year, IRMA recognizes a member that exhibits a commitment to the safety of their employees, facilities and public. As your partner in risk management, IRMA is offering its members the opportunity to be awarded for creative solutions that reduce risk and enhance safety.
To enter, simply complete the IRMA Award Application. Applications are open to all members and its individual operating departments. The application period is open May 1 - August 31.
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Preferred Vendor Highlight |
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Optimal Recovery Triage Program is an Option for IRMA Members |
The Optimal Performance Program is changing the way injury recovery is delivered to municipal workers on and off the job. Our “Injury Navigators” guide workers through a complex workers comp and healthcare system, assisting employees every step of the way in their injury recovery. |
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Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency
999 Oakmont Plaza Drive, Suite 310
Westmont, IL 60559
(708) 562-0300
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