Laserfiche WebLink
of life for animals, but also the citizens' perception of Animal Control. <br />The Study Team spent a total of 24.75 hours observing field personnel. Through the <br />observation of field personnel and their working conditions, an insight regarding staffing <br />levels, shift scheduling and current beat structure was obtained. With this information, <br />matched against current industry standards, NACA's recommendations include: <br />The agency should allocate enough field positions as to ensure the needs of <br />citizens are met without undue delays. All calls should be answered before the end <br />of each day. Based on the "calls for service" model, the agency should have a <br />minimum of 14.4 officers on duty, for day -shift. <br />Q With an increase in staffing levels, HIHS should introduce full weekend and limited <br />evening service, and a later end time to daytime shifts. <br />Z) MHS should phase-out all their animal containment units and replace them with a <br />commercial model typically used in the Animal Control profession. All containment <br />units should be fitted with temperature gauges, which may be monitored by officers <br />within the cab of each truck. If needed, air conditioners should be installed. A strict <br />policy or mandate should be introduced regarding animal transport in HIHS <br />vehicles. <br />Q Those employees that require "badging" or recertification should be offered this <br />training as soon as possible. <br />IJ With an increase in kennel staffing levels, HIHS should discontinue the use of field <br />personnel in the kennel and customer service areas. <br />Occupational Safety Procedures <br />An important aspect of any NACA evaluation is to review the occupational safety <br />procedures of the agency. This analysis encompassed the field and kennel areas within <br />HIHS. <br />The need for this review is to not only protect the employee from injury or harm, but to also <br />shield the employer from issues and claims directly resulting from deficiencies within this <br />area. <br />During the on-site process, the Study Team was provided occupational injurylillness <br />statistics and general safety procedures, resulting in recommendations regarding employee <br />safety issues. Some of these recommendations include: <br />U The use of protective equipment/clothing (to include safety footwear) by the agency <br />should be mandated to guarantee employee safety and protect the HIHS from <br />liability. <br />Executive Summary - 4 <br />