Orange County Grand Jury
• 2000-2001
The Emergency Operations Center…. the County Must Do Better
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
Dispatchers assigned to all shifts experience illness, stress and fatigue that compromise the ability of the EOC to function at maximum performance levels. Because of dispatcher shortages, selected personnel are required to work overtime. This situation is causing morale problems for dispatchers and budgetary problems for the EOC.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Recruit, hire and train thirteen radio dispatchers, an additional radio dispatch supervisor and four additional Centrex operators.
F2
The overall working environment, which includes computer consoles, keyboards, monitors and chairs, is not “ergonomically friendly.”
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Replace existing computer console workstations with new workstations to conform to Federal OSHA standards and guidelines and consider the implementation of height adjustable tabletops.
F3
Cramped conditions within the dispatch area have contributed to stress and fatigue. Additionally, lighting and sound are not conducive to an ideal working environment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Expand the existing facility to accommodate additional workstations and support personnel. Improve lighting and acoustical characteristics.
F4
Well-trained staff dispatchers have resigned in large numbers to accept jobs in the same field throughout the County where the pay and working environment are better.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Adjust pay scale levels to be equivalent to comparable positions within the County of Orange.
F5
Because of personnel shortages, dispatchers do not take mandated rest and meal breaks as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, 1998-2000, with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department, County of Orange, and The Orange County Employees Association. This practice causes stress and fatigue and is a major factor in the problems at the EOC.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Enforce rest and meal breaks as outlined in the current Memorandum of Understanding, 1998-2000, with the Orange County Sheriff- Coroner Department, County of Orange, and The Orange County Employees Association.
F6
The County Executive Office, Division of Risk Management, was not consulted when the new computer equipment was considered for purchase in August of 1998. 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Consult the County Executive Office, Division of Risk Management when new equipment is being considered for purchase and seek advice from Safety Officers.
Commendations 2
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CM1The cooperation of staff dispatchers, supervisors, and management was instrumental in the collection of facts for this Report. Executive Office, Division of Risk Management
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CM2The cooperation of personnel was instrumental in providing data used in the preparation of this Report.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Orange County
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