To: Workplace Safety Committee
From: Donald Bergmann, Chair
Date: June 11,2013
RE: Minutes of the March Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
The June meeting of the Workplace Safety Committee was conducted June 11, 2013 at 10:00am in the Public Safety Conference Room. Gordon Smoko (PMA) was in attendance as a guest and to conduct the Ergonomics Sub-Committee meeting immediately following the Workplace Safety Meeting. The following members attended:
Mike Baltrusaitis (advisor)Jim GaffneyMary Ellen Pichiarello
Don BergmannRay GayletsCathy Schneider
Michelle BoughtonBill HurstHugh Sentivan
Frank CardamoneRick Noel (advisor)Pete Sakowski
Mark CarmodyPatti Tetreault
The following committee members were unable to attend the meeting:
Sam AlbaAnnie BarnoskiMegan Davitt
Open Issues
Lock Out/Tag Out Audit –Mike observed application of the procedures during actual projects as well as simulated projects and found protocol was being followed. Mike will meet with Jim Gaffney to discuss some recommendations of a housekeeping nature.
Ergonomics/Back Safety – Report and discussion tabled until the July meeting. The Ergonomics Sub-Committee will meet immediately following the Workplace Safety Meeting with nothing new to report until after they meet.
Physical Plant Safety Manual/SOP –Mike provided Mark Carmody and Jim Gaffney with a draft version earlier. This is a Workplace Safety Policy – not procedure. Procedures and protocols will be reviewed and revised as a next step. Jim and Mark are tasked with looking at internal procedures and topics to learn whether items are missing or whether something is no longer being done. Comments should be sent to Mike.
Emergency Response Plan – Cocciardi is working on a more inclusive procedure for various emergencies. Member of the committee were sent, via e-mail, a draft copy of the plan today. Committee members are asked to review and forward any comments/concerns to Mike. Do not wait until the next meeting to send him information. Don Bergmann informed the committee that a draft copy of this plan was sent to the Emergency Response Team for their review and input. Don also reported that the Library Website has a plan they adopted, it appears to be general but consistent with what the University is doing. Don will send a link to this site to the committee members. A meeting is scheduled for later today to discuss annual table-top exercises. Future plans for the table-top exercise may expand to include others from various University departments not currently included. Don provided information that plans are in the preliminary stage to conduct an Active Shooter Exercise on campus with University and Scranton Police involved. Rick Noel offered that St. Joe’s has done this type exercise and Don might want to reach out and use them as a resource. Pete Sakowski suggested that IMT is mentioned in the plan and it might be a good idea to add a sheet listing the names of the members. Pete also questioned how many of the IMT team members have completed the necessary training. Don will check on the training at the meeting scheduled for later this date.
Occupancy Postings – Karl (University locksmith) will meet with Bill from Cocciardi to go over the project. The meeting is being set up for next week. Update on this project will be provided at the July meeting.
McDade Inspection Update – Bill Hurst reports that everything he could do on his end was completed. Basement is still not clear and items noted for correction are still not in compliance. Mike will notify those involved in McDade that he will re-inspect on Monday (June 17). Discussion took place on next steps to get compliance with no real answer.
Accident Investigation –
Loyola Science Center – Summary provided that housekeeping cleaning the classroom, with the lights off, got her foot caught in a gap between the raised platform and window. No serious injury from this incident but the potential was there that the injury could have been serious. Discussion on preventative measures to take included awareness (notify employees that work in the building), reminder they should work with lights on. Control options discussed included addition of a buffer in the area.
Gavigan Ladder– Employee fell off a ladder as he was descending. Mike spoke to the supervisor and learned that the ladder kicked out when it was extended to the height needed and was also on a slightly wet smooth surface. No faulty equipment issue was involved. Task was done without waiting for assistance to support the ladder. No OSHA violation since the ladder was less than 24 ft. high. Mark Carmody had a conversation with all supervisors to emphasize safety. Discussion took place on 6 ft. fall protection. Mike said it didn’t apply since that regulation deals with platform and the need for railings. Jim Gaffney recommends looking at areas around campus where ladders are frequently used to install bunting etc. and see whether tie-offs should be installed. Mark Carmody reported he supplied supervisors with Ladder Fact Sheets and asked them to review with employees. Suggestion was made for supervisors monitor ladder use for a few months. Rick Noel provided information that PMA has good information on safety and training on their web site. Mike said that Harvard University is also a good resource.
NEW BUSINESS.
No new business brought to the table.
Meeting Reminder –
Next meeting of the Workplace Safety Committee will take place at 10am on Tuesday, July 9, 2013in the Public Safety Conference Room. NOTE: Please print a copy of the minutes and bring them to the next meeting.
Distribution
Sam Alba*Jim DeversGill Murray (advisor)
Mike Baltrusaitis (Cocciardi –advisor)Kathleen DwyerRick Noel (advisor)
Annie Barnoski*Jim Gaffney*Mary Ellen Pichiarello*
Don Bergmann*Ray Gaylets*Pete Sakowski*
Michelle Boughton*Renee GiovagnoliCathy Schneider*
Vince CarilliBill Hurst*Hugh Sentivan*
Mark Carmody*Barb KingEd Steinmetz
Frank Cardamone*Jim LovenPatti Tetreault*
Megan Davitt*Dave MarxRick Trygar
*member of committee