DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners established the Department of Safety in 1992. The Board adopted policy and procedures for the Safety Program in 1993. With this, came a commitment by the Board to have safety in the workplace for all employees a top priority. The commitment and awareness by the Board has had a positive effect on all employees and has drastically reduced workplace accidents. The Safety Director reports directly to the County Manager.

The Board also created a Drug Free Workplace Policy that was revised in 2005 that has guidelines for random drug testing and Commercial Drivers License (CDL) random drug testing. CDL random drug testing is conducted quarterly and random drug testing is conducted either annually or whenever the County Manager deems it necessary.  Drug tests are conducted on all employees post accident. The director has the overall responsibility of the safety program as prescribed by the policies set forth by the County Commissioners. The Safety Director has the authority to administer the policy and program working through the various lines of management in the County.

This department also conducts facility inspections for all County buildings and recommends corrective or preventive measures. The Safety Director investigates an accident that requires medical attention as soon as possible. An accident that does not require medical attention is also investigated and a report is placed in employee safety file. These reports are compiled to study frequency of accidents.

This department supervises the procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment and other safety devices. This department oversees all training that is required by OSHA, County policies and any training that employee’s request. This Department assists in job placement of employees able to return to work after serious or disabling injuries.

A safety manual is issued to all newly hired employees.

DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

The Department of Property Management is responsible for all of the Board of County Commissioners fixed assets and reports directly to the County Manager.

There is a value of approximately $20,551,556.57 of fixed assets.  An asset is an item with a minimum value of $500.00 or a life expectancy of three (3) years or more.

An inventory of the County’s fixed assets is completed annually in all County Departments as well as all Constitutional Officers’ Offices, excluding the Sheriff’s Offices.

The inventory process involves physically inspecting all fixed assets with each Department Head and with each Constitutional Officer or their designee.

CONTRACTUAL MOWING & DEBRIS REMOVAL

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners contracts to mow and remove debris from 492 miles of county roads. There are five mowing cycles in a year (each lasting forty-eight days) beginning April 1st and ending November 30th. Contractors are prohibited from mowing phlox (wild flowers) during their blooming season.

Mowing price is $68.95 per mile. Roadside litter is $65.25 per mile and special mowing is $189.00 per acre. The total annual price $330,130.00. The total price for special mowing is $43,805.00. The Department of Safety oversees and monitors the mowing and debris removal contractors.

ADOPT-A-ROAD Program

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a revised ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM.  The purpose of this Program is to form a partnership for litter control and beautification of county highways.  If your club or organization or your neighborhood group would be interested in joining this program; please contact the Columbia County Board of County Commissioner, Post Office Box 1529, Lake City, FL 32056-1529, or by calling 758-1025 or 867-0126.