IMWCA University
Ongoing training is critical to employee safety, a cornerstone of IMWCA’s mission. Our annual IMWCA University offers training on a broad range of topics aimed directly at Iowa’s local government employees: safety coordinators, managers, municipal staff, elected officials, and agents.
Save the date for IMWCA University 2025, April 23-24!
Check back for details.
IMWCA University 2024
Thank you for joining us April 24-25, 2024 for IMWCA University
2024 Agenda
Wednesday, April 24
1 p.m. | Grimes Public Works/Park Facility Tour
Tour the Grimes facility and see what they have included in their design and how it helps them maintain safety in the workplace.
2:15 – 4 p.m. | Active Shooter Drill Urbandale City Hall
The Urbandale Police Department will take the group through three simulated scenarios at the Urbandale’s City Hall. Please note that this workshop will require movement.
5 p.m. | Social Hour – Hilton Garden Inn, hosted by IMWCA
Join IMWCA at 5 p.m. for a social hour at the Hilton Garden Inn to connect with IMWCA staff and other members of the pool. Lite apps and beverages will be provided. Pre-registration required.
Thursday, April 25
Hilton Garden Inn | 8600 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
8:30 a.m. | Registration
9:15 a.m. | Opening General Session: The Power of Leadership
Leadership principles can be applied in various aspects of life, but they are especially important for creating a safety culture that ensures everyone returns home safely. Garfield Coleman, Risk Manager for Pottawattamie County will describe what leadership is, different approaches to leadership and getting to the heart of change.
Speaker: Garfield Coleman, Risk Manager for Pottawattamie County
10:30 a.m. | Break
10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions
- Changing the Narrative – Supporting Those Who Support Us
Is your city currently having trouble recruiting and retaining staff? Does your city have issues with attendance and employee productivity? Have you ever stopped to wonder how you could address and correct these issues versus just dealing with them as they arise? Did you know the most stressful work sector is the public sector? Learn how to identify, address, and improve your workplace and management style to recruit and retain the best employees.
Speaker: Pete Ungaro, Guardian Institute - Claims 101
Join us as we explore the workers’ compensation system, the employer’s role in the process, the importance of Company Nurses, and the investigation process as we share practical insights to ensure your employees get the care they need.
11:45 a.m. | Lunch
12:45 p.m. | Round Table Options
Round tables are designed to facilitate open discussions and encourage questions and ideas among attendees.
- Underwriting
Join us to discuss the experience mod factor, how it affects your premium, and ways to control your premium costs. - When & Why/How to Set-Up Pre-Employment Physicals
Trying to understand when an employer can request their applicants/employees perform a physical assessment or physical exam can be very confusing and hard to navigate. Attended the Human Resources Round Table to learn how to utilize IMWCA tools to create/bolster your pre-employment and return-return-to-work physical assessments. - Making Safety Committee Meeting and Incident Reviews an Effective Use of Time
Join the discussion as members describe how they have made their safety committees and Incident Reviews a more effective use of time while reducing claims and making their workplaces safer. - Safety & Risk
Learn and share with others how to start a safety program, set goals, overcome obstacles, and build a resilient safety culture. - LEARN Training Solutions
Come discuss how your entity can utilize IMWCA’s free online university LEARN. Learn about the perks of the system, and ways your entity can get the most out of this free service to all of our members.
1:45 p.m. | Break
1:50 – 3 p.m. | Closing General Session: Seatbelts Save Lives if You Give Them a Chance!
Listen as our three panelists share their experiences with seatbelt usage and why they think having and enforcing a strong seatbelt policy is essential for any local government.
Speakers: Andy Godzicki, Sheriff, Boone County, Mitch Hanson, Administrator, Clear Lake Sanitary District, Ben Hull, County Engineer, Lee County
Training Videos
