VLCT loss‑control consultant outlines free safety services, trainings and grants available to Jericho

Andrew Yensen, a loss‑control consultant with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (PACIF), told the Select Board the league provides free safety and risk control services to member towns, including Jericho, and urged the town to take fuller advantage of available grants and trainings.

"Every dollar that you invest in safety spits out three to four dollars worth of value on the other side of it," Yensen said, summarizing his case for proactive risk management. He described PACIF services that include facility safety surveys, VOSHA (Vermont OSHA) compliance assistance, flagger and supervisor training, ergonomic assessments and site‑specific claims support.

Yensen noted two funding programs of particular interest to small towns: a PACIF safety equipment grant that subsidizes safety gear and signage (towns are typically eligible for an amount related to their premium contribution), and the John Law scholarship, which provides up to $2,500 for municipal staff training. He told the board Jericho had not used the PACIF grant since 2010 and encouraged the town to pursue equipment subsidies and training opportunities.

Board members asked for a written list of services and confirmation of online training resources. Yensen said the PACIF learning portal ("PACIF Learn") and a menu of services are available and that he would forward direct links to town staff.

The presentation drew questions about whether PACIF intervenes on traffic engineering; Yensen said his office makes referrals to qualified traffic engineers when topics exceed PACIF's scope and that PACIF can help coordinate access to those resources.

The board welcomed the reminder of available grants and training and agreed to follow up with staff to identify near‑term opportunities.