The Risk Management division provides services across 25 City departments and is comprised of workers’ compensation and safety . The combined efforts of these teams help identify, analyze, administer, manage and control the city’s adverse exposure to financial, operational, and occupational safety risks and losses.

The division’s main objective is to predict and reduce uncertain exposure to such risks and ensure they do not deflect endeavors from identified business goals. By recognizing, evaluating and controlling risks and hazards, risk management can help prevent harm to people, property, and the environment.


Mission Statement

To be classified as the #1 city in the nation for employee safety, employee retention after an on-the-job injury, and development of effective safety leaders at every level of the organization.

Vision

To be recognized by our customers for helping to create a safe work environment by eliminating workplace hazards, creating a drug free work environment, reducing the financial impact associated with workplace injuries and advocating for our injured workers.

Safety message:

"The City of Houston is committed to providing a safe work environment free from recognized and potential hazards. Each department readily acknowledges that employees are the city’s most important asset. Our goal is to grow a culture of safety awareness and accountability and to collaborate interdepartmentally to reduce injuries, costs and loss of work productivity. The City of Houston believes that safety doesn’t happen by accident. Implementing safety measures and accident prevention practices can enhance efficiency rather than supersede or interfere with work productivity."


Senior Staff

Charles “Chas” Smith
Charles “Chas” Smith
Deputy Director
Krystal Durant” Smith
Krystal Durant
Administrative Specialist
Qasim Johnson
Qasim Johnson
Administrative Specialist
Eddie Aguilar-Hernandez
Eddie Aguilar-Hernandez
Deputy Assistant Director
Martha Whitley
Martha Whitley
Administrative Assistant
Bobby Hawkins
Bobby Hawkins
Safety Manager
Cory Worden
Cory Worden
Safety Manager
Eric Travis
Eric Travis
Safety Manager
Scott Ward
Scott Ward
Staff Analyst

Risk Management Sections


Claims Assessment and Compliance, Salary Continuation

The Claims Assessment and Compliance, Salary Continuation team is responsible for the coordination of salary continuation benefits for injured workers.

Designated Department Representatives

The Designated Department Representatives are responsible for the day-to-day coordination of workers' compensation documents and communication for their assigned departments. This team also interacts with the workers' compensation coordinator and adjuster.

Safety Supervisors/Officers

Safety recognizes, evaluates and controls hazards and manages the associated information and programs in order to prevent harm to people, property and the environment.

Safety supervisors perform multidisciplinary interdepartmental work in order to supervise, plan and coordinate a comprehensive safety program for the City of Houston and city departments. Safety officers perform multidisciplinary interdepartmental work in order to implement and plan a comprehensive safety program for the City of Houston and city departments.

Workers' Compensation Coordinators

The Workers’ compensation coordinators advocate for the injured worker as they are recovering from an on-the-job injury. They also act as liaisons between the City of Houston and the Workers’ Compensation Third Party Administrator.

Department Information

611 Walker, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
careers@houstontx.gov