New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. speaks at the New York Law School’s Center for New York City Law Breakfast Series on Friday, January 19, 2007.

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Courtesy of the Center for New York City Law

Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today presented his office’s Risk Management Award to the New York City Housing Authority for its efforts to reduce workplace injuries.

Thompson presented the award at the New York Law School’s Center for New York City Law Breakfast Series, at which he spoke about “Smart Growth and Affordability: Meeting the Needs of New York City’s Future.”

“Under the leadership of Chairman Tino Hernandez, the New York City Housing Authority pursues a robust Risk Management Program,” Thompson said, noting that the award recognizes positive risk management efforts by City agencies.

“At the Comptroller’s Office, we value thoughtful planning and responsible leadership. We value these qualities not only in the context of economic development but also in the pursuit of responsible practices by municipal agencies.”

This is the second Risk Management Award presented by Thompson. The first went to the New York City Department of Design and Construction in 2004.

Specifically, NYCHA was credited for instituting an initiative to reduce workplace injuries on the part of its janitorial staff. By gathering information on supervision, equipment and other issues, NYCHA created new safety measures that substantially decreased workplace injuries.

“Comptroller Thompson’s recognition of NYCHA staff reflects well not only on these safety-minded caretakers but also their supervisors and management who are always on the lookout for ways to maintain a safe work environment,” Hernandez said. “This includes staff members who train our caretakers to be mindful of safety when they are working. Less injury time means that more time can be spent maintaining our developments for our residents and that is a very good outcome.”

NYCHA has reduced injuries to caretakers by 70 percent and, as a financial bonus, been able to lower the costs associated with workers compensation claims.

A panel of urban affairs experts reviewed risk management initiatives by City agencies and selected NYCHA. The panelists were: Dr. Robert J. Aquino, Adjunct Professor at New York University; Dr. Rosa M. Gil, President of Comunilife, Inc., and former Chair of the Health and Hospitals Corporation; Professor Tarry Tum of Queens College; Elizabeth D. Moore, former Counsel to Governor Mario Cuomo; Sheila Smalls, Vice President of Risk Management at Verizon; and, Professor Elaine Walsh of Hunter College.

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