By Sarah Grijalva| July 8th, 2025 | Governance, Loss Prevention/Safety, Risk Management, Trending

As we step into a new fiscal year, there’s no better time to reaffirm one of our most important commitments: building and sustaining a culture of safety.

At Golden State Risk Management Authority (GSRMA), safety is more than a set of policies; it’s a mindset that should be embedded into every level of public service. From maintenance crews to administrative teams, from small districts to large counties, every employee plays a part in protecting people, property, and purpose.

Why Safety Culture Matters Now

A new fiscal year brings renewed budgets, new projects, and sometimes new personnel. It’s a natural time to pause and reflect:

• Are your safety practices still relevant?
• Are staff trained and engaged?
• Are you investing in proactive risk management?

Public entities face unique challenges, including tight budgets, aging infrastructure, and broad service responsibilities. But when safety becomes part of your organizational DNA, the return on investment is clear: fewer injuries, lower costs, improved morale, and better service to the communities you serve.

Where to Start: Key Elements of a Strong Safety Culture

1. Leadership Buy-In
   Safety starts at the top. When leadership prioritizes safety, by showing up, allocating resources, and participating in training—it sends a clear message that safety is a high priority.
2. Clear Expectations and Accountability
   Policies should be up-to-date, practical, and well-communicated. Equally important is ensuring that everyone understands their role in creating a safe workplace.
3. Continuous Training and Communication
   Start the year strong with refresher training on heat illness, ergonomics, hazard communication, and site inspections. Then, keep the conversation going throughout the year.
4. Incident Response and Learning
   When incidents occur, treat them as learning opportunities. Conduct Accident Inspections, update procedures, and share lessons learned across departments.
5. Recognition and Engagement
   Celebrate safety milestones. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition. Make safety feel like part of the mission—not just a checklist.

GSRMA Is Here to Support You

We know that building a safety culture doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why GSRMA offers member-exclusive tools and support, including:

• On-site risk assessments and inspections
• Tailored safety training, both online and in-person
• Claims review and mitigation strategies
• Programs such as RMAP, which models Best Practices, as well as LPSF, which helps fund training expenses

Moving Forward

As you set your goals for this fiscal year, make safety one of your top priorities. Let’s work together to prevent injuries, protect resources, and foster a strong future for your entity and community.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and productive new year.