In 1984, the name of the TML Insurance Pool was changed to the TML Risk Management Pool as loss control efforts and services are a fundamental part of the comprehensive program to reduce risk, and to minimize or eliminate losses.

A successful loss control program is a combination of elements - loss education, reduction, and prevention. Loss education teaches the common sense approach to safety and liability management and the need to recognize exposures that may be created by actions taken. Loss prevention is the action or policy directed at preventing an accident or injury from occurring. Loss reduction, on the other hand, is the action taken to reduce the severity of a loss should an accident or injury occur. Most losses can be prevented or at least minimized with the implementation of a strong loss control program. Not only do strong commitments to loss control save insurance dollars, they help each member better protect the safety and welfare of its employees and citizens.

The TML Pool Loss Control program, developed specifically for Tennessee municipalities, includes regular on-site exposure surveys with written findings and recommendations. The information gained from these surveys then becomes an important part of the underwriting process. The loss control staff provides the underwriter with accurate and current information about the exposures and operations of each Pool member. Members that refuse to respond to surveys or to implement minimum recommendations can have coverage cancelled. Since the Pool is a partnership of shared risks, unresponsive, poor risk entities cannot be allowed to drain the Pool of needed resources.

Loss control services and activities include regional and on-site workshops and training programs, reference manuals, special bulletins, and an audiovisual library for use by municipalities. Loss control training programs can be designed for a specific group of employees (supervisors, police officers, maintenance personnel, etc.) or for a specific topic (back injuries, trenching safety, police liability, etc.).

The department also administers the "Safety Partners" Loss Control Matching Grant Program. This annual program provides 50:50 matching grants (subject to predetermined maximums) to members with approved applications for employee safety equipment and liability reduction materials, such as police body armor, respirators, work zone safety devices, etc.

Whether establishing a new loss control program or evaluating the effectiveness of an established program, the loss control program offered by the TML Pool can help you in your efforts to control all types of losses.