Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Risk Management Team Wins National Award
'Theo' honor recognizes effort to modernize job descriptions, which has helped prevent injuries at the workplace.
APS has been awarded a Theo Award from Risk & Insurance, an industry publication that covers a subject that is often overlooked but is critical to the day-to-day operations of any large public agency.
The magazine outlined Albuquerque Public Schools’ years-long journey to modernize job descriptions, which had not been done for about two decades and often left employees and job candidates uncertain about the true requirements of the job.
Since 2017, APS has completed 396 job function descriptions, tests and matches that help during the hiring process – and also aid in injury prevention. The change has transformed the approach to workplace safety and employee care. The number of indemnity claims has dipped in the past five years, as has the average indemnity paid per claim.
The Risk Management department, which falls under the Human Resources umbrella, led the effort.
Michael Brown, the senior director of APS Risk Management, said a consortium of partners, including CCMSI, Concentra and Spine Solutions, contributed to the effort.
“...We have successfully built a nationally recognized workers compensation program,” he said, adding Todd Torgerson, who heads APS Human Resources and Legal Supports Services, and top district leadership set the stage for the success. He noted they “recognized the value of their employees and their families when they were accidentally injured on the job.”
But Torgerson credited Brown, his Risk Management team and the outside partners as well.
“They have created one of the nation’s preeminent safety, employee onboarding and return-to-work programs,” Torgerson said. “This award is a tribute to their steadfast dedication to workplace safety and employee well-being. This program has set a new industry standard, making a lasting impact on our most valued assets, our employees.”