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UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

October 2024 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on October 8^th, 2024 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Kathy Cain-Babbitt     A                     AFSCME

Josh Balfour                A                     Dining Services

Cindy Beebe               A                     Custodial Services

Devin Johnson            A                     Maintenance Services

David Prellwitz           A                     Landscape Services

Keith Pung                  A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Juanita Snell                A                     Custodial Services

Mark Weiss                 A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Laura Weber               VA                  Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance

Jacob Woods               A                     Environmental Health and Safety

In-Person Attendance:        (A)

Virtual Attendance:            (VA)

OLD BUSINESS

Devin Johnson 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 rapidly 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. He will further investigate resolution to the exterior steps. 

Devin Johnson 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 was painted yellow during construction of the facility but has since faded.  Dining Services personnel have observed passenger vehicles being damaged while attempting to exit parking lot #81 by driving over the curb.  Devin stated that Maintenance Services have procured permanent traffic control bollards and will be installing them in the near future.

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 currently present in some of the employee-only corridors and entryways.  Mark stated that he is continuing the process of working with Barb Vader of Facilities Management in procurement and installation of signage in areas where they were not installed during building construction. 

Previous committee discussions 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. Discussions revealed that a contractor has been engaged by Facilities Managed to reset the affected slabs.

Keith Pung provided update to the concerns regarding a manhole cover located in Ring Road near Ellsworth Hall.  It was previously mentioned that the immediate areas surrounding the manhole were recently repaired by the pavement contractor but that outstanding concerns remain involving whether the root cause was resolved or if the issue will reemerge next year.  Keith investigated the site and opened a dialogue with Kevin Agema of FM Engineering.  He was informed that they are aware of the root cause and that temporary repairs had been completed.  Full repair involving replacement of the curtain structure is being coordinated and it was unknown if this area of concern had been on the deferred maintenance list. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

Keith Pung provided an update to the concerns regarding ongoing soil erosion that has been observed by Landscape Services personnel near the exterior stairs adjacent to lot #30.  Sand and other soils have continuously accumulated at the bottom of the stairwell for multiple seasons and personnel are concerned about the structural integrity of the stair system.  Keith investigated and brought the issue to the attention of Kevin Agema of FM Engineering.  He was informed that the situation was not known, will be brought to the attention of his director, and a further assessment would be performed. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern regarding student athlete pedestrians crossing Stadium Drive.  The safety concern involves observation of multiple instances where student athlete pedestrians were observed to cross the intersection of Stadium Drive and West ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ Avenue haphazardly.   The student athletes in question did not use the designated crosswalk and some close calls incidents involving motor vehicles were noted.  Jake first brought the issue to the attention of the University Athletics who then requested an email/note that could be forwarded to student athletes and coaches encouraging the importance of pedestrian and traffic safety.  

COMPLETED/CLOSED

PROJECT LIST/TABLE 

No Updates

NEW BUSINESS

Laura Weber introduced a safety concern involving a large pot hole located in the North facing lane of Van De Giessen Rd. The pot hole has been present for some time and has been noted to be growing in size and depth.  Devin Johnson investigated and was informed that the pothole is known and that a pavement contractor will be completing necessary repairs soon. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

Cindy Beebe inquired about the process of scaffolding systems and usage training.  Cindy stated that the equipment will be utilized next year during efforts within the SRC swimming pool by Custodial Services to facilitate a safer working environment.  Committee discussions recommend scheduling of scaffold construction with Maintenance Services and usage training with the EHS Department.

COMPLETED/CLOSED

David Prellwitz opened a dialogue regarding the ongoing use of traffic safety cones that are demarcating damage to the French style stormwater drain located in parking lot #16.  Committee discussions revealed that there are currently ongoing administrative discussions regarding future planning of the parking lot and needed repairs. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED 

SAFETY HAPPENINGS

David Prellwitz encouraged everyone to familiarize themselves with the Landscape Services Annual Snow Removal Plan that can be found at /facilities/landscape/snow-removal.

Cindy Beebe mentioned that the Special Projects division of Custodial Services recently acquired new poles and equipment for cleaning items at tall heights.  The devices are much lighter and more ergonomically designed which will help to reduce body stresses on personnel performing the strenuous work activities. 

Mark Weiss reminded the Committee of large truck and construction equipment traffic on campus road ways due to the ongoing projects throughout campus. Slow down and practice defensive driving techniques.

Juanita Snell stated Custodial Services personnel are scheduled for annual refresher asbestos awareness and ladder safety training.

Laura Weber stated the campus’ property insurance engineer, David Tiller of Zurich, will be on campus October 29 and 30 conducting annual assessments of campus buildings.

Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council recognizes October as National Protect Your Hearing Month, the annual campaign to raise awareness about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss results from sounds in the environment that are too loud and can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear, even with a brief exposure. This type of hearing loss can result from occupational noise exposures, leisure activities such as sporting events or concerts, or use of personal listening devices. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and cannot be reversed.  Further information can be found at: .

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 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: 10/14/2024