August 21, 2009

Mr. Mark Bisaccia

Risk Manager
City of West Haven
355 Main Street, 3rd Floor
West Haven, CT 06516
Re: Observation / Viewing Deck
Dear Mr. Bisaccia:
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you Wednesday, August 12, 2009. The purpose of the meeting was
to conduct a risk assessment of the observation / viewing deck at the West Haven Board Walk area (Oak Street).
It was discussed that during the spring and summer the observation area is used for weekly music performances
by DJ’s. As a result, groups of people dance while listening to the music. Further discussion noted that the
observation / viewing deck was not designed to be a dance floor and was made of typical decking material.
During the tour of the observation / viewing deck it was noted that multiple areas of the decking were “wavy”
and could potentially create trip and fall hazards for the individuals dancing, leading to injuries.
During the risk assessment the area electrical boxes were observed unsecured to the railing posts creating an
electrical hazard to people and equipment. Additionally, the benches installed around the permanent flower box
structures where deteriorated and could lead to potential claims of injury and or property damage.
As discussed, a risk management action plan should be created to address the potential hazards indentified
during the risk assessment. A risk management action plan is a tool used to plan methods of mitigating the
identified risks. CIRMA is available to assist in creating and provide guidance on the implementation of this
risk management action plan.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss the importance of a risk management
action plan and to discuss any of the issues identified during the risk assessment. I look forward to supporting
the City of West Haven’s risk management goals and objectives. If you have any questions or would like to set
up a meeting, or if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 203.535.3774, or
via email at jbarbera@ccm-ct.org.
Regards,

Joey Barbera
Senior Risk Management Consultant
CIRMA Risk Management Services
cc: Ellen Parker, CIRMA Senior Underwriter
Hon. John Picard, Mayor
Annemarie Paone-Mullin, Director, Personnel and Labor Relations

All Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) inspections and recommendations are purely advisory and
intended to assist our members in risk control and safety procedures. The implementation of recommendations made by
CIRMA is the sole responsibility of the member. Observations and recommendations of CIRMA are based on practices and
conditions observed and information made available to us at the time of our visit, and do not imply or guarantee full
compliance with Local, State or Federal regulations that may be applicable to such practices and conditions. These
inspections, reports and recommendations do not signify or imply that other hazards do not exist.

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