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UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

February 2024 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on February 13^th, 2024 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Kelly Duncan              A                     Landscape Services

Cory Ghiringhelli        A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Mark Heeres               A                     Dining Services           

Devin Johnson            A                     Maintenance Services

Darrell Junkins            A                     Landscape Services     

Justin Keech                A                     Custodial Services

Lindsey Myers            VA                  Sindecuse Health Center

Vince Renda               A                     Maintenance Services

Judy Slumkoski           A                     Custodial Services

Laura Weber               VA                  Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance

Mark Weiss                 A                     Environmental Health and Safety      

Jake Woods                 A                     Environmental Health and Safety

In-Person Attendance:        (A)

Virtual Attendance:            (VA)

OLD BUSINESS

Mark Weiss previously stated that an employee injury at the Valley Dining Center resulted in an onsite inspection by MIOSHA and issued citations.  The source of injury was immediately rectified following the incident and the University posted the required abatement - correspondence documentation. EHS completed efforts by submitting necessary documents to MIOSHA. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

Jake Woods shared an update from Pat Lem regarding transportation of waste materials and access through a locked space at Hadley Hall.  It was previously mentioned that access to the locked space would afford greater safety to Maintenance Services personnel who are transporting materials to the outdoor waste roll-off container.  Pat investigated and determined that necessary key (R-4) for the Hadley Hall storage room is available for use via the key-set sign out cabinets located in the Maintenance Services region shops. Devin Johnson will send out a notification informing Maintenance Services personnel of the situation. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

Jake Woods provided an update regarding improper storage of construction materials in Miller Auditorium and the Gilmore Theatre Complex. He investigated the situation and was able to determine that building materials from an ongoing restroom renovation project had been improperly stored in front of the lockable-fence crossing located in the basement level.  Jake met with the Project Manager and he relocated the materials to a safe location that was not blocking the egress pathway. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED 

PROJECT LIST/TABLE

No updates.

NEW BUSINESS

Vince Renda introduced a safety concern regarding access to overhead mounted air handling units located in the Paper Pilot Plant.  Vince stated that air handling units 1 and 2 are suspended from the ceiling and do not have a catwalk leading to them.  An articulating aerial lift is kept stored in the Paper Plant or the loading dock of Floyd Hall that would facilitate safe access to the mechanical equipment, but operations within the Paper Plant would need to be paused to allow for usage. Committee discussions involved potential installation of a catwalk system or communication between Maintenance Services and the Paper Plant regarding temporary interruption of operations. Jake Woods will investigate, open a dialogue, and provide a follow up. 

Vince Renda introduced a safety concern regarding condition of large trees near the parking lot located west of the Goldsworth Valley I complex.  A recent near-miss accident involved a fallen tree which struck and severely damaged a parked Maintenance Services vehicle.  An employee was outside of the building and in close proximity at the time of the incident; fortunately no personal injuries were incurred.  The fallen tree was cleaned up but it appeared that no further action was taken.  Vince requested that a safety assessment be performed of the trees which surround the parking lot and nearby pedestrian areas.  Darrell Junkins stated that he would help to ensure Landscape Services completes an inspection and will provide a follow up.

Mark Heeres introduced a safety concern regarding snow and ice removal near the Student Center.  Mark mentioned he arrived on campus during the early morning hours for work with Dining Services and observed appreciable ice and snow that had yet to be removed.  Devin Johnson stated that there had recently been a set-point issue with the walkway snow melt system and it was believed that necessary adjustments had been made. Darrell Junkins also mentioned that Services is still learning all of the new walkways surrounding the building and some of them may not had been serviced during the recent precipitation event. A review of the site with the plow and shovel crew had already taken place.  A similar situation was introduced by Judy Slumkoski at a Seeyle Center entryway. It was recommended that employees inform the Facilities Management Service Center of campus areas requiring snow and ice removal as soon as they are observed. 

SAFETY HAPPENINGS

Lindsey Myers shared that Narcan kits (medicine that quickly reverses the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose) are now located in AED cabinets throughout campus locations; instructions for proper use are provided.  It is important to call for 911, or have someone else if they are available, before administering the AED or Narcan.  The committee also discussed the RSV illness symptoms, control, and preventative methods.  Lindsey mentioned a RSV vaccine is available for persons over 60 years of age; research local pharmacies and medical providers for availability. 

Jake Woods shared that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes February as American Heath Month. American Heart Month is an annual observance held each year highlighting a time when all people—especially women—are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health.  This Heart Month, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is encouraging women to listen to their hearts and speak up for their health. Women in the United States are experiencing unacceptable and avoidable heart-related illness and death, and nearly half of U.S. women do not recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.  Further information can be found at: .

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12^th, 2024 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: 2/19/2024