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New Kane County risk manager outlines plan to reduce preventable claims
Summary
David Larson, the county’s new risk manager, presented a two‑pronged risk management program focused on inspections, driving-record reviews, training and reporting to reduce preventable incidents and insurance costs.
David Larson, Kane County’s new risk manager, introduced himself to the Human Services Committee on March 12 and outlined a program designed to reduce preventable incidents, lower claims costs and improve workplace safety.
“Bottom line: to save money,” Larson said as he summarized the program’s goals. Larson, who described more than a decade of public-safety communications and emergency-management experience, presented fiscal-year 2024 figures and said there were 21 preventable claims that the county paid to date; he also described reserves for ongoing claim costs.
Larson proposed a two‑pronged strategy: (1) surveillance, analysis and reporting including regular risk and safety walkthroughs at county worksites and expanded driving-record reviews for employees whose jobs require driving, and (2) education and operational tools such as an operational risk-management approach, a risk-safety newsletter and updated incident-reporting templates. He said the county already reviews CDL drivers for the Division of Transportation but has not consistently monitored driving records for all employees who drive for work.
Committee members pressed on the scope and cadence of reporting. Larson asked how often members want to see reports and which metrics are most useful. The committee instructed Larson to send the reporting questions to members by email so they could provide preferences for frequency and content.
Larson said his office will also support departments and elected offices that request in‑depth risk projects, update incident-reporting templates to ensure prompt and complete information for insurers, and, if needed, support RFPs for commercial insurance or recoveries through subrogation. Committee members noted the position is funded from the liability fund and framed the work as a cost‑saving investment.
Committee members and staff encouraged a focus on clear reports and communications to build trust with elected offices and departments that may be reluctant to participate at first. Larson said success will be measured over time by reduced preventable claims, fewer lost workdays and slower growth in insurance-related costs.
The committee had no formal vote on Larson’s program; members asked him to circulate a reporting proposal and invited further input on priorities and timing.
