Traffic Incident Management Responder Course

Apr 23, 2017 11:30am ‐ Apr 23, 2017 3:30pm

Identification: 1037

Traffic incidents caused by wrecks, breakdowns, hazards in the road and weather events happen every day. These incidents result in injuries, fatalities, billions of dollars of damages and delays in travel. They also create great risk to responders from all disciplines.

The lack of standard protocols, coordination and communication among responders from police, fire, EMS, towing and public transportation agencies has been major hindrances to safe, quick clearance. FHWA created this multi-disciplinary TIM Responder course to address these problems.

APWA and FHWA are excited about offering this 4-hour course for the first time at the Snow Conference. If your agency deals with Traffic Incidents, this workshop is for you. Attendees must register in advance for this workshop.


Best Maintenance Practices for Snow Fleets - Before, During and After the Snow

Apr 23, 2017 12:00pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 1:30pm

Identification: 1060

Keeping your snow-fighting equipment in top shape is a continuous process that begins when the last snow of the season has fallen. This fleet focused session will provide tips on how to optimize your snow equipment and their related repairs without affecting day-to-day fleet operations.

Start your conference by learning about the different stages of winter preparedness so you can avoid having to do basic and emergency repairs when you need your equipment the most.


Efficient Snow and Ice Management in Five Steps

Apr 23, 2017 12:00pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 12:30pm

Identification: 1072

Improving productivity and efficiency, while reducing costs is just part of a snow maintenance professional's job. GIS is a proven tool for data management, advanced planning, improving communication, state-of-the-art logistics, and real-time response.

This session will explore best practices, advances in GIS technology, and real world examples to demonstrate how you can become a modern snowfighter.


Winter Weather Dynamic Advisory Messaging Logic

Apr 23, 2017 12:30pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 1:00pm

Identification: 1051

Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems aim to provide realistic, reliable, and real-time speed limit information to roadway users. The Iowa DOT has deployed four VSL systems that are currently running in ghost mode; the goal of this research was to develop new advisory speed limit logic for winter weather operations and to advise drivers of safe speeds based on road conditions ahead. Come see how it works.


Managing Operator Fatigue during Winter Operations

Apr 23, 2017 1:00pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 1:30pm

Identification: 1000

Many organizations split crews into two, 12 hour shifts during winter operations and some run as many as 16 hours or remain on duty until the event is over. Operator fatigue is almost a certainty and drowsiness behind the wheel can lead to an increased risk of crashes, loss of productivity and a potential subjection of liability for local governments.

This session will explore ways to lessen the effects of fatigue for your snow plow operators and give real world considerations to factors that may assist in that effort.

This presentation is partially based on the Clear Roads Pooled Fund Project titled "Environmental Factors Causing Fatigue in Equipment Operators during Winter Operations." Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.


How to Achieve Excellence in Snow and Ice Control

Apr 23, 2017 1:30pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 2:00pm

Identification: 1010

In recent citizen surveys among cities nationwide, similar to Bloomington in size and demographics, the City of Bloomington ranked #1 in 2012, #2 2013, and #1 in 2014 for resident satisfaction in snow and ice control.

Bloomington is proud of the fast response and results that are the product of the team work and support of all public works employees.

Learn about the best practices, materials, and technologies they use.


Improving Safety and Decreasing Preventable Accidents Though Labor/Management Cooperation

Apr 23, 2017 1:40pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 2:30pm

Identification: 1017

The City of Minneapolis recently launched initiatives seeking to understand causal factors of accidents in the Public Works Fleet while ensuring employees fair treatment during the investigative process.

Public Works vehicle accidents are now investigated by specially trained Accident Reduction Subject Matter Experts (ARSMEs). ARSMEs respond to the accident site, complete the state accident form, take photographs, assist field personnel with DOT questions and, if necessary, escort the employee to a third party site for drug / alcohol screening.

At the same time, Public Works administration collaborated with the unions to improve the progressive discipline policy for drivers involved in preventable accidents.

Both programs have been successful. You will learn how the process improvement measures and collaboration was used to achieve measureable steps forward in accident reduction, cost savings and employee safety.


Could Self-Assessment Help Your Agency?

Apr 23, 2017 2:00pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 2:30pm

Identification: 2010

Self-Assessment is an excellent way to examine and evaluate your agency's current management policies and procedures. In this session, you will gain an understanding of why self-assessment can improve effectiveness, promote staff and community pride, identify operation and management needs, promote teamwork and improve communication, to name a few reasons. Come listen, ask questions and talk to staff from accredited agencies to hear firsthand about their experience with Self-Assessment.

Evaluating Your Weather Decision Process

Apr 23, 2017 2:30pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 3:00pm

Identification: 2011

Is everyone on the same page when it comes to making operational weather decisions at your agency? With today's plethora of information and quick communication tools, many agencies are realizing the need to give their weather operation decisions a process as orderly as their snow policy. Come hear how your agency could benefit from more structured weather decisions.

Addressing Fleet Staffing Challenges in Today's Job Market

Apr 23, 2017 2:40pm ‐ Apr 23, 2017 3:30pm

Identification: 1079

The fleet industry has seen massive change over the last 10 years and continues to evolve. We are flooded with new technology, regulations, fuel types and sustainability efforts that have all become mainstream in repair shops.

These changes, along with the retirement of baby boomers and an overall lack of new talent entering the hiring pool, are creating challenges when trying to staff a fleet department with technicians, supervisors and managers.

This discussion offers strategies that are working for other agencies in attracting, compensating and retaining fleet technicians, supervisors and managers. Use this information to compare your team to other government agencies and the private sector.