Safety consultant flags housekeeping and training issues in county garage audit

An outside safety consultant told the Vanderburgh County Council that a recent cursory safety audit of the county garage found housekeeping and training shortfalls that create avoidable hazards and insurance exposure.

Glenn Henderson of Above Basic Compliance, Safety Consulting and Training said his review—carried out at the county garage at the insurance carrier’s recommendation—identified slipping housekeeping standards, poor training documentation, and specific hazards such as unsecured compressed‑gas cylinders and soiled shop floors. “When housekeeping deteriorates, I find a lot of concern,” Henderson said. He recommended stronger documentation of training (who trained, duration, verification of retained knowledge) and more frequent safety checks.

Council members and county staff said some issues Henderson noted had already been corrected, including fire‑extinguisher servicing. County staff and the consultant discussed options such as investing in an industrial floor scrubber and reinstituting a designated safety officer or regular safety checks. Henderson said training and record keeping are inexpensive steps that materially reduce risk, and that documentation is critical after incidents.

County staff indicated the audit arose from insurance company recommendations and suggested the county could increase inspection frequency rather than rely on only an annual review. Council members asked for follow‑up and suggested staff return with progress updates.

Outlook: County leadership said they will coordinate with the consultant and the insurance carrier to implement recommended corrections and increase follow‑up safety checks at the garage.