News

The winter edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available.

Walking to and from parking lots or between buildings at work during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. Slips and falls are some of the most frequent types of injuries – especially during the winter months.

TOIRMA Members have access to our web-based portal containing information and technical resources that can assist in the prevention of network, cyber and privacy losses, and support you in the timely reporting and recovery of losses if an incident occurs.

According to Berkley Cyber Risk Solutions, multifactor authentication (MFA) is “a best practice for security, but now it is effectively a prerequisite, minimal practice for digital security.” This helps protect online accounts by using the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics or a unique onetime code that is sent to your phone or mobile device.

The Illinois Technology Transfer Center/ LTAP is excited to partner with Ameren Illinois in offering Live-line Training to our LPAs. This in-person training course is from safety expert, Steve Hancock, an experienced utility lineman, and now an instructor. Steve presents how to stay safe around high-voltage overhead powerlines, and what to do and not do near them. This live demonstration of a 7,200-volt distribution system is timely. Well-suited for public works departments and first responders, this training provides good lessons on how to respond in an emergency when dealing with fallen power lines/wires, whether they’re on the road or if maintenance equipment accidentally encounters them overhead.

TOIRMA has recently added new Risk Reminders and Video Training to the Members Only section of toirma.org.

The Three-Point Contact sticker is available to TOIRMA Members. Always remember to maintain three points of contact – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand when mounting and dismounting equipment.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - Protect Your Information Learn more about ways to better protection your electronic information and files.

The Fall edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available.

Any TOIRMA member that joins IPWMAN for the first time, TOIRMA will reimburse that member the IPWMAN membership fee.

The summer issue of "TOIRMA News" is now available to view in the Members Only section.

The “Members Only” section of toirma.org is a true resource available to members.  Township officials have access to our ever-growing video trainings, free safety item ordering, past newsletters, claim reporting, and other helpful resources.

The TOIRMA Team receives numerous questions from our members on a regular basis. Questions relating to the use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on road district roads are becoming more and more common. Members are inquiring as to whether these types of vehicles, known by Illinois Statute as “non-highway vehicles,” are permitted on township/road district roads, or if officials have the ability to allow such use.

The Technology Transfer (T2) Program is a nationwide effort financed jointly by the Federal Highway Administration and individual state departments of transportation. Its purpose is to transfer the latest state-of-the-art technology in the  areas of roads and bridges by teaching it for local and state highway or  transportation personnel.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has issues a circular letter relating to the upcoming Solar Eclipse.

The spring issue of "TOIRMA News" is now available to view in the Members Only section.

The Winter edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available.

TOIRMA has a new "Risk Reminder" focusing on preventing vehicle and equipment fires.

The Fall edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available.

The TOIRMA summer newsletter is now available.

TOIRMA has recently added new "Know Your Coverage" information. These short videos and one-page explanations are designed to assist our members in better understanding common coverage questions.

The TOIRMA spring Newsletter is now available to download.

The winter edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available.

According to the CDC, everyday sounds typically do not damage your hearing. However, many people participate in activities that produce harmful sound levels, such as attending loud sporting events and music concerts, and using power tools, which repeated over time will cause hearing loss. Loud sound (noise) can damage sensitive parts of the ear, causing hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus), and increased sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis). Repeated exposure to loud noise over the years affects how well you hear later in life and how quickly you develop hearing problems, even after exposure has stopped.

The fall edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. Please take a moment to read helpful information for township officials.

Summer is upon us and the time of year when Road Districts tackle warmer weather projects. Please keep the following items in mind while working to help prevent claims.

The summer edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available.

The TOIRMA “Members Only” section of the TOIRMA website offers members access to training videos, risk reminders, helpful resources, and safety items.

TOIRMA periodically experiences claims relating to tailgates. There have been a variety of circumstances and conditions that have contributed to these claims. Tailgates not closed properly and leaking materials, tailgates suddenly opening due to not being closed correctly, and tailgates simply falling off into oncoming traffic were the most common occurrences.

Electrical and other Main Hazards in Roadway Construction The Illinois Technology Transfer Center announces the addition of a 4th class on May 17th. This virtual course focuses on the leading cause of fatalities in the roadway construction industry, especially electrical safety. It helps workers be safe when working outdoors near power lines, underground utilities, electrical tools, and other electrical sources.

The spring edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available for TOIRMA Members.

According to the National Weather Service "Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. "

The winter edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. The newsletter has helpful information for township and road district officials.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting an online training focusing on Snow and Ice Control.

The fall edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. Included is helpful information to townships and road districts.

Don't miss out! Video Training, Safety Items, Risk Reminders & Helpful Resources Please visit the new Members Only Section of the TOIRMA Website.

Keep up on helpful news, information, and upcoming events. Remember to like us on Facebook.

The summer edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. Included is helpful information to townships and road districts.

Test your TOIRMA knowledge! These questions can be answered if you paid attention to the Summer, Fall, and Winter 2020 TOIRMA newsletters. Answers appear at the end. How do you rate?

The spring edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. Included is helpful information relating to: NEW Members Only Website, Claims: Theft of Township Property, Risk Reminder: "Slips, Trips & Falls," Risk Reminder: "Mounting & Dismounting Equipment," TOIRMA Tidbits, TOIRMA Calendar, TOIRMA Test, Claim Reporting Hotline, and Human Resources Help Line.

TOIRMA’s Annual Renewal Packets are due March 1st. If you haven't returned your packet to our office, please review it and return it ASAP. We encourage at least the township supervisor and highway commissioner review the packet. Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) TOIRMA received some very good questions from our members on numerous topics relating to coverages for townships and road districts.

Perhaps the harshest condition you and your equipment will face occur in the winter months. Prepare yourself and your equipment now.

Many employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses (certain low-risk entities are exempt) using the below forms. Minor injuries requiring first aid only do not need to be recorded.

With winter fast approaching, the following checklist may be helpful when your Township/Road District begins plowing roads and removing snow and ice. Inspect all trucks and plows, immediately before and after each use, and document the inspections.

Slow Moving Vehicle Are you wondering if you need a Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem? While farm equipment is typically where you see SMV emblems, some other vehicles may require one, too — and here are some good guidelines to follow.

Scott's Law - The "Move Over" Law When approaching any vehicle that displays flashing emergency lights, including commercial trucks and cars remember to: - reduce your speed - change lanes if possible - proceed with due caution

On Thursday, November 19, 2020, TOI President Danny Hanning presented Simphi Lenover, TOIRMA Account Manager the 2020 President's Award.

(Almost) Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Discretionary Immunity (But Were Afraid to Ask) The Illinois Supreme Court has said that discretionary immunity is the most significant protection afforded to public entities for tort claims. However, what kinds of actions or omissions are entitled to discretionary immunity, and how townships can avail themselves of that protection, is not susceptible to an easy explanation.

Winter is just around the corner, and with it, snow and the need to plow the streets. While you may be new to plowing or have years of experience, here are some reminders to help keep you, your employees, and the public safe.

The winter edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. Included is helpful information relating to: Claims: Snow Plow Safety, FAQs, Seen & Noted: Cybercrime, TOIRMA Tidbits, TOIRMA Calendar, Illinois Interchange Newsletter and Educational Opportunities, Snow Loading Roofs, OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting, Claim Reporting Hotline, and Human Resources Help Line.

The fall edition of "TOIRMA News" is now available. Included is helpful information relating to: Claims: Theft of Township Property, Risk Reminers: Intersection Accidents & Signaling Techniques, FAQs, Welcome Tyler Knight, TOIRMA Members, TOIRMA Cyber Liability Coverage, Renting/Leasing of Equipment, TOIRMA Safety, IPWMAN Partnership, Claim Reporting Hotline, and Human Resources Help Line.

TOIRMA has re-designed its Cyber Coverage to better protect townships from losses and exposures. While the historical focus of cyber policies has been the theft of data, policies have evolved in the last few years to be significantly broader in scope. Through an expansive search of the insurance marketplace, TOIRMA has partnered with DUAL Cybersecurity to provide enhanced coverage this year.

To prepare businesses and employers to implement new and updated safety guidelines in Phase 4, the State of Illinois has developed a toolkit with signage, posters, and other resources to ensure business activities are conducted in accordance with the latest public health recommendations.

Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like coronavirus disease 2019. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has released new safety guidelines designed to assists in bringing people back to work safely.

The summer edition of our newsletter, "TOIRMA News," is now available.

Measures for protecting workers from exposure to, and infection with, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), depend on the type of work being performed and exposure risk, including potential for interaction with people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and contamination of the work environment. duties broken down by exposure risk level.

In response to COVID-19, IL-LTAP/T2 is working to provide digital resources to help in your day-to-day operations. This week, we've posted a series of online training and videos to help support the work you're doing remotely. 

Everyone plays a role in work zone safety. National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) highlights the deadly dangers of inattention at highway work areas. The week of April 20-24 brings attention to the risks. Let’s put an end to the tragedies and provide “Safe Work Zones for All.” If everyone pitches in, “We Can Do It!”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCA) was signed by the President on March 18, 2020. The Act expands the Family Medical Leave Act and enacts the Emergency Sick Leave Act (ESLA). This applies to all public employers and some private employers.

The TOIRMA Spring 2020 Newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available.

The TOIRMA Winter 2019 Newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available.

We have recently noticed a disturbing trend in Governmental/Municipal Lease Purchase Agreements and Rental Contracts. We have always reviewed the Insurance portion of the agreement/contract which spells out what is required of our members (loss payee and/or additional insured). We now have to read the fine print in the Indemnity/Hold Harmless portion of the agreement/contract as the Lessor is asking our members to cover their negligence!

TOIRMA added Cyber Liability coverages effective June 1, 2017.  Included with this coverage is a access to a service, breachsolutions.com, a proprietory risk management website containing valuable resources, such as sample privacy policies and procedures, breach response and preparedness materials, and state and federal regulatory updates.  The website also provides trending cyber topics and timely data security news and updates.

When an individual is injured by a dangerous condition under township control or on township property, liability for injuries suffered by the individual might hinge on whether the township had notice of the dangerous condition. A plaintiff cannot recover under the Tort Immunity Act unless it is proven that the township had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition.

In 2018 TOIRMA experienced an increase in tailgate related claims. There have been a variety of circumstances and conditions that have contributed to this increase. Tailgates not closed properly and leaking materials, tailgates suddenly opening due to not being closed correctly, and tailgates simply falling off into oncoming traffic were the most common occurrences.

TOIRMA's Fall 2019 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for townships & road districts.

During calendar year 2019, for any TOIRMA member that joins IPWMAN for the first time, TOIRMA will reimburse that member the 2019 IPWMAN membership fee. Whether it’s for road maintenance, snow removal, or construction projects, townships/road districts, through intergovernmental cooperation, are increasing efficiencies and saving taxpayer dollars while getting the job done. In the spirit of planning ahead with intergovernmental cooperation and written agreements, TOIRMA is partnering with the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN).

The TOIRMA Summer 2019 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for townships & road districts.

Remember the days when we used phones that were physically attached to our walls? I can even recall when my aunt and uncle had a rotary phone. For you young ones reading this article, a rotary phone required you to put your finger in a dial and turn it, and depending on which number you desired, the phone then clicked off the corresponding digit.

The TOIRMA Spring 2019 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for townships and road districts.

With Winter here, the following checklist may be of help when your Township/Road District begins plowing streets and removing snow and ice. Inspect all trucks and plows, immediately before and after each use, and document the inspections.

The TOIRMA Winter 2018 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for townships & road districts.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Signing of Road District and Township Highways manual: “All traffic signs should be kept in proper position, clean, legible, and should have adequate reflectivity at all times. Damaged or deteriorated signs should be replaced without delay.”

The Three-Point Contact sticker was added in 2017. Always remember to maintain three points of contact – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand when mounting and dismounting equipment. You can find a Risk Reminder on Mounting & Dismounting Equipment at toirma.org/loss-control/toolbox2/Risk-Reminders/. If you need Three-Point Contact Stickers, please contact Debbie Prentice at (217) 444-1204 or dprentice@ccmsi.com.

For motorists, signs are a great tool for helping them drive safely. For the township, they are often a nuisance and major expense. Listed below are maintenance suggestions for consideration provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Townships of all sizes benefit when a clear, concise, and easy to understand employee manual is provided. Everything within the manual should be applied consistently and fairly to all employees.

The TOIRMA Fall 2018 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available.  Included in this edition is helpful information relating to Townships, Road Districts, and MTADs.

Summer is finally here! This is the perfect time to review our tree removal coverage before the storms start rolling in. Please keep this coverage in mind when you have a downed tree on township property. TOIRMA provides coverage up to $2,500 for the cleanup, removal, and replacement of downed trees on township property due to lightening, wind, rain, or ice storms. The $2,500 maximum amount applies to all trees that may be damaged during any continuous 24 hour period. The Tree Removal coverage does not apply to trees that are the normal responsibility of the Highway Commissioner.

The TOIRMA Board of Trustees has voted to increase the towing limitation from $250 to $750 per occurrence. This new limitation is effective June 1, 2018.

How young can our summer help be? Can we cover our contracted assessor with TOIRMA? If the township hires a contractor, do we need proof of insurance? Are individuals that have been ordered by the court to perform community service covered when working for a township? These are questions that we have received from our members. Learn the answers.

The TOIRMA Summer 2018 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for TOIRMA Members.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has developed this guide for the convenience of road district highway commissioners and others who may be concerned with proper signage on highways under the jurisdiction of Illinois road districts.

The TOIRMA Board of Trustees declared a dividend during its February 2018 meeting. The dividend is being mailed today to each eligible member's TOIRMA Contact. This marks the 27th consecutive year that a dividend has been declared.

The increased number of cell phone towers, with related fiber optic cable, has generated questions and conflicts when telecommunication companies seek to use township road right-of-way for laying of fiber optic cable to service cell phone towers. Disputes may arise over the depth at which cable is buried; the location of connection boxes that may project above grade level, and the repair of excavated or bored road surfaces and roadside right of way.

The TOIRMA Spring 2018 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information relating to: Safety Apparel with the Right-of-Way, Notice of Dangerous Condition, and much more...

The Technology Transfer (T2) Program is a nationwide effort financed jointly by the Federal Highway Administration and individual state departments of transportation. Its purpose is to transfer the latest state-of-the-art technology in the areas of roads and bridges by translating the technology into terms understood by local and state highway or transportation personnel.

Throughout the year, we receive some very good questions from our members. Please take a moment to read some of these "frequently asked questions and answers."

December 2017 is almost over! That's right, were are finishing the final month of the year, it's getting colder outside, and winter is definitely setting in. TOIRMA began the year with recently updated and newly created resources available to our members.

Public Act 100-554 requires that by January 15, 2018 all local governments, including townships, and road districts adopt an ordinance establishing a policy to prohibit sexual harassment. The Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) has prepared a model ordinance and policy that is available at: www.toi.org. TOI recommends that a separate policy be adopted individually by the Township, Road District and Assessor.

Winter is just around the corner, and with it, snow and the need to plow the streets. While you may be new to plowing or have years of experience, here are some reminders to help keep you, your employees, and the public safe.

The TOIRMA Winter 2017 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for Township Officials relating to Risk Management.

Perhaps the harshest conditions you and your equipment will face occur in the winter months. Prepare yourself and your equipment now. TOIRMA has two checklists available designed to use in anticipation of the cold months ahead.

As we move into the holiday season (fall and winter), please keep in-mind TOIRMA's Risk Reminders emphasizing workplace safety. TOIRMA began offering our one-page Risk Reminders in October of last year. These easy-to-read documents are wonderful tools available to TOIRMA Members.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 Local Rail / Highway Grade Crossing Safety Program (Section 130 Funds). Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically. Information on the submittal process is provided with the form instructions.

RISK REMINDER The chain saw is one of the most efficient and productive portable power tools used in the industry. It can also be one of the most dangerous. If you learn to operate it properly, and maintain the saw in good working condition, you can avoid injury as well as being productive.

Mowing is a major activity for highway maintenance organizations from spring through fall. Highway mowing is important to motorist safety, as mowing prevents tall grass and weeds from obscuring the visibility of motorists. There are several key areas highway agencies should focus their training on to ensure their workers are safe in mowing.

As a part of our Loss Control efforts, TOIRMA offers Risk Reminders to our members. These single-page Reminders are designed to address safety in the workplace with an easy-to-read concise format. Please share the Risk Reminders with other elected officials and your staff. Posting them on your bulletin board is also helpful.

Throughout the year, we receive some very good questions from our members. Please take a moment to read some of these "frequently asked questions and answers."

The TOIRMA Fall 2017 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information for Township Officials relating to Risk Management.

TOIRMA continues to work with Townships and Multi-Township Assessment Districts by providing coverages for assessors that contract their services to other Townships and MTADs – as long as all entities involved are members of TOIRMA and there is a written contract or agreement

Throughout the year, we receive some very good questions from our members. Please take a moment to read some of these "frequently asked questions and answers."

For motorists, signs are a great tool for helping them drive safely. For the township, they are often a nuisance and major expense.

It should come as no surprise that the correct placement of traffic control signs on road district roads helps ensure traffic safety by providing for orderly and predictable movement of traffic. When considering the installation of traffic control devices and signs, it is critical that traffic conditions and other technical considerations be evaluated/studied first. This evaluation/report should be conducted by a qualified engineer.

The TOIRMA Summer 2017 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information relating to: TOIRMA Adds Cyber Liability, Workers' Compensation, Personally Identifiable Information, TOIRMA Risk Reminders, Rod Beck In Memoriam, TOIRMA Calendar, What is TOIRMA?, Human Resources Help Line, and TOIRMA Contacts.

TOIRMA is pleased to announce the addition of Cyber Liability Coverage for its members. TOIRMA's new coverage is designed to better protect townships from losses and exposures not otherwise covered.

When spring arrives, it's time to prepare for the severe weather that comes with it. Tornadoes, thunderstorms and windstorms can dame or destroy weather that comes within minutes. This is a great time to review your Township's severe weather safety procedures.

Spring weather in Illinois is just unpredictable, but being prepared is something we can all do for ourselves and our community. The National Weather Service (NWS) has some excellent resources available for local governments to use to educate the public on the dangers of materials to public service announcement in the form of audio and video clips.

A key part of transitioning into office is not only preparing to work with other elected officials, but making important staffing decisions for your township and road district. These choices will help set the tone for the next four years. TOIRMA has just the tool to assist with staffing decisions—the Human Resources Help Line.

Whether you are retiring or remaining as a township official, TOIRMA needs your help in making the transition a smooth one. One of the items we would like to focus on is the supervisor’s bond.

TOIRMA has announced its upcoming schedule of Loss Control Meetings. Our planning agenda will cover TOIRMA coverages, loss control, claims, and safety training.

The TOIRMA Spring 2017 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information relating to: Rights and Duties of Telecommunications Companies, TOIRMA Risk Reminders.

According to the National Weather Service "Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water."

A federal judge recently granted an emergency preliminary injunction filed by the State of Nevada, twenty other states, and several businesses, blocking the new Fair Labor Standards Act Overtime Final Rule from taking effect. The Rule was scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2016 and increased the current annual salary threshold from $23,660 to $47,476 in order to be exempt from overtime.

The TOIRMA Winter 2016 newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information relating to: 24-Hour Claim Reporting Hotline, TOIRMA Risk Reminders.

TOIRMA members can now report claims 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with our new Claims Reporting Hotline

In an ongoing effort in keeping our members informed, and providing users with a fresh updated tool, TOIRMA is pleased to announce the launch of our new website.

TOIRMA has launched a new safety program designed to promote a safer work environment for township officials and employees. This interactive program is educational, entertaining, and will change the way highway department personnel approach their next work task.

Will you be starting an addition or remodeling project on your township building this summer? If so, did you call TOIRMA to report your project? Maybe you put up a new building; did you call TOIRMA? If not, please call or e-mail your changes to Debbie Prentice...

Effective June 1, 2016 TOIRMA is increasing the Premises Medical limit from $5,000 per person to $10,000 per person at no additional charge. Under the General Liability coverages, TOIRMA will pay medical expenses for bodily injury caused by an accident on premises that the member owns or rents.

The summer 2016 TOIRMA newsletter, TOIRMA News, is now available. Included in this edition is helpful information relating to: Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards, Workers' Compensation Claim Types, Summer Reminders.

The TOIRMA Board of Trustees has voted to issue a dividend to all eligible members of the TOIRMA Program. This is the 25th consecutive year a dividend has been issued by the Board of Trustees. TOIRMA Members participating in the Program for the previous five consecutive years are eligible to receive a dividend...