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UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

December 2024 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on December 10^th, 2024 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Josh Balfour                A                     Dining Services

Cindy Beebe               A                     Custodial Services

Kathy Cain-Babbitt     A                     AFSCME

Mark Frever                A                     Landscape Services

Cory Ghiringhelli        VA                  Environmental Health and Safety

Devin Johnson            A                     Maintenance Services

Greg Macleery            A                     Dining Services

Lindsey Myers            VA                  Sindecuse Health Center

David Prellwitz           A                     Landscape Services

Keith Pung                  A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Juanita Snell                A                     Custodial Services

Laura Weber               VA                  Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance

Mark Weiss                 A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Jacob Woods               A                     Environmental Health and Safety

In-Person Attendance:        (A)

Virtual Attendance:            (VA)

OLD BUSINESS

 Devin Johnson previously provided an update to the safety concern regarding condition of stairwell/steps located at the central loading dock of Goldsworth Valley #1.  Maintenance Services personnel from the Region Shops located in the basement utilize this dock and building entry point. The concrete exterior steps are deteriorating and require repair-replacement.  Devin mentioned that necessary repairs to the stair tread of the interior stairwell steps were recently completed by Maintenance Services and that they will further investigate the exterior steps. 

Committee discussion provided an update to the safety concern involving a need to apply new paint to a concrete curb located in between parking lots #81 and #60, just West of the Valley Dining Center.  The curb, painted during construction of the facility but since faded, had been observed by Dining Services personnel to damage vehicles that attempted to drive over it.  Permanent parking bollards were installed near curbing of parking lot #81 in late summer but caused some issue with recent snow removal efforts.  Discussions indicated that the bollards, placed near the center of the curb-walkway, should be relocated to the edge of the parking lot. This change will facilitate unimpeded access for snow removal efforts of the curb-walkway.  Maintenance and Landscape Services will investigate and provide a follow up. 

Mark Weiss provided an update regarding the safety concern involving the lack of emergency evacuation and building information signage at the Student Center.  It was mentioned during the July meeting that said signage was only present in some of the employee-only corridors and entryways.  Mark has received the necessary signage and is now working to get them installed in areas where they were not hung during building construction. 

Mark Frever provided an update to the safety issue involving the granite walkway slabs located outside of the Student Center becoming uneven.  The developing trip and fall hazard observed by employees, seemed to be increasing in severity.  It was mentioned during previous meetings that the nearby water feature incurred a water leak that subsequently caused soil erosion under some of the walkway slabs.  Mark mentioned that a contractor has been engaged by Facilities Managed to reset the affected slabs.  Repair efforts, previously scheduled for the Thanksgiving Break, were postponed due to inclement conditions.  Completion is expected pending a break in the weather. 

Mark Frever provided an update to the issue involving large trees near the parking lot located west of the Goldsworth Valley I complex, an area that is frequented by Maintenance Services personnel.  Vince inquired whether the situation had been fully resolved or if further assessments by an arborist will be completed. Mark stated that the area in question is actively being monitored by Landscape Services Arborists. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

 

Darrell Junkins previously informed the committee of a recent situation that involved two white-tailed deer which jumped off of the Lawson Dr. vehicle bridge; both animals died on impact in the Howard St. median. Darrell mentioned that Landscape Services / Facilities Management are opening a dialogue to investigate installation of a fence-cage system; similar to what was installed on the pedestrian walking bridge. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

PROJECT LIST/TABLE 

No Updates, Bernhard Center demolition and site restoration project nearing completion. 

NEW BUSINESS

No New Business

 SAFETY HAPPENINGS

David Prellwitz encouraged everyone to maintain adequate distance from snow removal and treatment vehicles.  Some of the vehicles afford minimal sight lights and it can be hard for operators to be fully aware of their surroundings. 

Mark Frever mentioned that Landscape Services has begun testing of concrete repair materials such as Concrete HD. The pre-mixed, semi liquid-based, repair materials have returned great results and may be used to repair damaged concrete curbing and sidewalks.

Devin Johnson stated that he is working with the EHS Department to schedule annually required safety training for Maintenance Services personnel. 

Juanita Snell mentioned that Custodial Services employees are scheduled to attend Active Shooter training with É«É«À²-DPS and she is also working to schedule make-up refresher training with the EHS department. 

Cory Ghiringhelli informed all persons to be aware of the upcoming forecasted winter storm.  Utilizing safe walking practices and defensive driving techniques are strongly encouraged in order to prevent accidents and injuries.  Two slip and fall accidents were experienced by É«É«À² employees during the week of 12/2-12/6/24.

Cindy Beebe inquired about the process regarding spent light bulk pick up procedures.  Cindy mentioned that these materials have been observed to have accumulated on some building loading dock areas.  Committee discussions revealed that a request for pickup to Logistical Services should be submitted.  The EHS department can also assist with individual pickup locations if efforts are not being completed in a timely manner. 

Jake Woods shared that the National Highway Traffic Administration recognizes December as Drive Safe or Get Pulled Over Month, a national high-visibility enforcement drunk-driving prevention campaign that urges drivers to understand the importance of sober driving and is supported by increased law enforcement.  Driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana is dangerous to drivers, passengers and everyone on the road.  Although impaired driving is dangerous and prevalent year-round, the winter holiday period is particularly deadly. Further information can be found at: .

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 14^th, 2025 in the shared conference room located on the ground floor of the E.W. Building at 10:00 a.m.; an invitation to attend via video conferencing platform (WebEx) will also be sent out with these minutes.  Please send a substitute representative if you are unable to attend.

Published: 12/16/2024