Publications
NIRMA produces a variety of publications, resource guides and other helpful materials for our member counties. These range from periodicals to annual publications, and comprehensive, regularly-updated handbooks and manuals focusing on specific subjects relating to risk management and loss control.
Interchange
Debuting in March 2003, the Interchange newsletter provides readers with a bimonthly exchange of useful and helpful information extending well beyond health, safety, risk management and loss control.
Six times each year the Interchange offers in-depth coverage on a broad range of subjects that are of timely interest and relevance to member county officials and employees. Features include intriguing reports about individuals and activities in member counties, analysis of legislation and the latest court opinions, highlights from NIRMA programs and events, developments in the insurance industry, plus regular contributions that focus on human resources and employment law considerations, effective risk management principles, proactive loss control practices, and prompt claims resolution.
Each elected and appointed county official, as well as each chair of a member county’s safety committee, receives a complimentary subscription to the Interchange.
Annual Report
To capture the history of our program and reflect on the highlights, achievements and key events, NIRMA publishes an extensive Annual Report for our membership and insurance partners.
Each year we revisit the significant decisions and accomplishments, summarize committee activities, and detail the year’s financial measurements for NIRMA and NIRMA II. We also report on claims activity, how these latest totals impact our net incurred losses, and how these figures compare to the preceding year and in relationship to the historical totals since the pools were created in 1988.
The Annual Report is issued each February.
Guide to Creating a Personnel System for Nebraska Counties
NIRMA’s Guide to Creating a Personnel System for Nebraska Counties is a comprehensive manual that provides assistance to member counties when creating or updating their personnel policies and manuals.
Filled with detailed instruction and sample forms, the manual helps counties comply with the multitude of state and federal laws and regulations governing employment practices, and ultimately prevent and avoid costly claims and litigation. Member counties are provided regular updates for the manual to reflect changes as they are enacted by state and federal officials.
As an added feature, the Guide to Creating a Personnel System for Nebraska Counties also is available to member counties on a CD-ROM. This allows counties to download those sections they wish to incorporate in their existing or new manual as revisions or new inclusions without retyping the text.
Model Safety Manual
NIRMA issued its Model Safety Manual in 2006 to provide member counties with general guidance and assistance for reducing and eliminating incidents involving working-related injuries and damage to property.
The objective of this manual is twofold: (1) to assist member counties in analyzing the effectiveness of any existing safety manual; and (2) to serve as guide and provide the framework for members when creating a safety manual.
As with other manuals published by NIRMA, the Model Safety Manual is written in a style that allows members to select and incorporate specific subjects or sections within their existing safety manual or one they are creating. It is available on CD-ROM so counties can simply copy the subject matter or sections they desire and customize it accordingly to meet their needs.
Safety Committee Handbook
Nebraska counties are required by law to have a working safety committee. To assist our member counties and their safety committees, NIRMA published a Safety Committee Handbook in 2007.
This handy reference guide contains seven concise chapters that provide guidance and answers to questions regarding the formation, development and operational responsibilities of a county saftey committee. Also included are numerous appendices that provide supplemental information when needed.
Sample Law Enforcement Policies & Procedures Manual
Our Sample Law Enforcement Policies & Procedures Manual was developed to assist county sheriffs and other law enforcement personnel in addressing the most common and costly loss exposures they face on a daily basis. First published in 1989 and revised periodically since then, it enables county law enforcement officials to establish a firm foundation for their risk management plan.
Among the critical areas addressed by this manual are procedures for carrying and discharging firearms, the use of deadly force, initiating vehicular pursuits, handling domestic disturbances, investigating vehicular accidents, and transporting prisoners. Each of these and the other areas covered within the manual is written in such a manner that it can be easily tailored to meet a member county’s needs.
Grade Crossing Safety Program
First published in 1996 by NIRMA Loss Control, the Grade Crossing Safety Program is brief document that quickly encapsulates an effective program for reducing and eliminating motor vehicle/train accidents at grade crossings and the potential liability exposures counties face as part of their road department program.
Addressed within this publication are the responsibilities for maintenance and inspections, with numerous visual aids included to supplement the material.