University Health and Safety Committee Minutes

University Health and Safety Committee Minutes

9/7/17

Attendance: Steve Nixon, Carolyn Bosley, Jennifer Chrisohon, Justin Carver, Becca Miller, Charlie Wallin, Shante Mathes, SamuellaSigmann

LEGAL:

Last meeting Jason discussed the active shooter training from May. We scored well. Found areas where we could improve

PHYSICAL PLANT:

Needle sticks came up at last meeting – landscape found several needles.
Athletics have moved their pole vaulting poles and mats against the wall in Varsity– blocking off emergency exit and closets (Steve and Justin will go check after meeting)

HR:

122 incidents – 112 actually ones that had injuries. Climbing, but still on low side of reportable. Closed another long going claim.

RESEARCH:

Finished turning in Animal Welfare requirements- worked with Jason to find what type of training, and other things were needed

CHEMISTRY:

Big weakness on campus for lab safety – research lab safety (hard to get the research people here – they need to be involved).
We went to Research University without having things in place.
Not sure what we need until we get input from other areas – biology, art, etc…. Sam can lead it.
Charlie suggested that Sam and Shante and Robin from Biology get together and figure out what we need – subcommittee?
Example – labs are left unlocked – card readers are very expensive. Interconnected labs – so if one is unlocked, several are vulnerable. Can we get support from administration to get card readers? No simple solutions. SECURITY is vital.
Get list to Jennifer regarding Deans who don’t have a presence on this committee.

EHS&EM:

Last month talked about Crystalline Silica – Steve spoke to most of the staff at Physical Plant – found very little exposure. Ex. Joint Compound is low Silica based. We are in good shape. However, always be observant – ex. If you see someone with jackhammer on sidewalk with a big cloud of dust encircling them – that is a problem.
Safety day yesterday was wet, therefore we didn’t have turn out we wanted plus it was cut short because of rain.
Sharps and Lap Coats update – ordering items for first 4 buildings for Sharps containers. Lap Coats have stalled for the moment - waiting on funding.
August: 12 incidents reported – evenly distributed. 12 incidents was up significantly from July….probably due to people being back on campus running around hectic-like getting ready for students.
Slip, trips and falls – being struck by items has surpassed slips/trips/falls incidents.
Financial impact: workers comp - $150K year to date.
Topic for this week
Yearlong campaign on “Slips/trips/falls” – help raise awareness to surfaces being not flat.
This brought up an ADA issue within the group– physical plant vehicles parking on sidewalk – this needs to be addressed again.
Need to get traffic and police representation here in this meeting.

Next month we will address seasonal slip/trips/falls – leaves on ground.
Suggestion: get lighting in Justice parking lot – awareness for students to wear light colored clothing.
Also riding bicycles – need to obey traffic laws and cars need to be aware of bikes also.
(SGA) Suggestion for student safety group – have peer campaign regarding situational awareness of walking on campus, across streets, and riding bicycles.