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(Photo: CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest congratulated Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier for the County winning the CIS Excellence in Safety Award.)
County leaders from across Oregon gathered in Eugene on Nov. 20 for the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Annual Business Meeting, where CIS honored three counties for exceptional safety leadership. As a member-owned risk pool, CIS operates solely for Oregon cities and counties — not shareholders — and for 45 years has stood alongside local governments like family, offering unwavering support in good times and challenging ones. These awards celebrate how counties are turning that partnership into real-world improvements that protect employees and strengthen communities.
“Creating safer workplaces means creating stronger communities,” said CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest. “These counties set the standard for what it looks like to lead with intention.” AOC President and CIS Board Chair John Shafer joined Patrick in presenting the honors.
Wallowa County — Excellence in Safety
Wallowa County earned the Excellence in Safety Award for its outstanding record in reducing injuries and preventing hazards. Over the past four years, the county logged just nine time-loss days and $60,960 in total paid workers’ compensation claims — an exceptional achievement for any local government employer.
The Safety Committee, led by Ashley Immoos, drove improvements that focused on rapid response, preparedness, and access to safety resources. Safety kits and grab-and-go first aid supplies in county vehicles support faster response to injuries in the field, while escape ladders and emergency paging improve evacuation and communication during emergencies. A centralized SharePoint site ensures employees can quickly access safety procedures and training materials, reinforcing consistent practices across departments. Commissioners Lisa Collier and John Hillock accepted the award. Wallowa County sets the standard for safety leadership, proving that proactive planning pays off.
Umatilla County — Excellence in Best Practices
Umatilla County earned the Excellence in Best Practices Award for transformational progress in reducing claims and strengthening safety systems. The county scored 82% on CIS’ Best Practice Survey and cut workers’ comp losses dramatically: paid claims dropped from $229,176 in the 2022-23 coverage year to $83,225 in 2024-25, and time-loss days fell 75%, from 425 to 108. Key initiatives focused on preventing injuries and strengthening day-to-day safety practices. Ergonomic assessments helped identify and correct workstation hazards, lowering the risk of repetitive-motion injuries and strains. Expanded CIS training reinforced safe work practices across departments. Upgraded building security — including fob access and cameras — reduced the risk of workplace incidents, while an electronic hazardous materials system ensures employees can quickly access critical safety information during emergencies. The County also installed an air-filtration system to help alleviate smoky indoor air caused by a nearby building fire. Director of Administrative Services Dan Lonai played a pivotal role for the County’s improved safety efforts, and Commissioners John Shafer, Cindy Timmons, and Dan Dorran accepted the award. Umatilla County’s results show what happens when prevention becomes a priority.
Wasco County — CIS Innovation Award
Wasco County received the CIS Innovation Award for its creative, collaborative approach to safety. Since joining the CIS Servicing Group powered by SAIF, the county has kept workers’ comp losses exceptionally low — just 22 time-loss days and $15,515 in total paid workers’ compensation claims over the two most recent coverage years. It also scored 92% on the Best Practice Survey and cut its experience mod from 1.31 to 0.70. Innovations included department-level safety committees, biannual safety reports, a new Health and Safety Manual, countywide safety bulletin boards, quarterly in-person training, and a formal Fleet Management Program. Together, these efforts embedded safety into daily operations, improving hazard recognition, reinforcing accountability, and reducing preventable injuries across departments. HR Director Fiona Ferguson accepted the award, reflecting a culture that prioritizes employee well-being — even in collective bargaining agreements. Wasco County’s innovative approach reflects a culture of resilience and care for its workforce.
Congratulations to Wallowa, Umatilla, and Wasco counties. These achievements show that safety leadership isn’t just compliance — it’s about building resilient organizations and stronger communities. CIS is proud to stand with AOC and its members in this work, continuing a partnership built on trust and shared responsibility. Together, we’re building safer, stronger, and healthier communities.