UMSC August Minutes
UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
August 2025 Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on August 12th, 2025 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:
Cindy Beebe A Custodial Services
Cory Ghiringhelli VA Environmental Health and Safety
Devin Johnson A Maintenance Services
Darrell Junkins A Landscape Services
Greg Macleery VA Dining Services
David Prellwitz A Landscape Services
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
Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern involving a trip and fall hazard at the loading dock ground surface of the Student Recreation Center. This location is a clock in/out spot for Custodians and has significant pedestrian foot traffic on a daily basis. A custodian had recently tripped and fell in one of the gaps while accessing the building; some of the gaps are nearing 6" or more in depth. FM work order #LN-100775 was previously submitted, and is still open, regarding the historical issue. Jake investigated, found the conditions to be as described, and subsequently brought to the attention of Landscape Services, Engineering, and Parking Services. Jake shared that Landscape Services determined the current condition of the existing concrete requires removal and replacement. The current intent is to present the safety concern at the upcoming October asset renewal meeting/presentation.
Devin Johnson provided an update to the safety concern involving the lack of tornado shelter and evacuation maps for the Landscape Services and ROTC areas in the Campus Services Building. The maps are typically located on walls, approximately 5’ high, near building entries. Jake Woods investigated and gathered necessary information regarding current locations of fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations. Devin mentioned that the data, along with hand-noted floor prints, are being used by Facilities Management to create updated evacuation maps.
Jake Woods previously provided an update to the safety concern involving the Britton-Hadley Hall elevated entryway. Tradespeople recently observed some damage to the structure and were unsure if its structural integrity was impacted. Committee discussions revealed that historical repairs had been made to the entryway in question and that there may be an open work order to remove temporary bracing that had been used. Devin Johnson will investigate and provide an update. Jake recently met with Devin Johnson and Vince Renda onsite for a review of the situation. The walkway structure was found to be in good condition but some timber framing from a past repair was not removed and is now leaning down. Devin Johnson will investigate if a FM work order was active requesting removal of the timber and provide a follow up.
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. Mark Frever previously 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 had been expected pending a break in the weather. April meeting discussions indicated that an upcoming project (P230196, Wristen Paschich-PM), involving removal of West Michigan Avenue and sidewalk improvement at Sangren and Henry Halls will likely impact the walkway slabs. It was mentioned during the July meeting, and confirmed at the August meeting, that the granite slabs had been removed and that the walkway between Henry/Sangren leading to the Student Center was reopened for pedestrians.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
Jake Woods 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. Maintenance Services confirmed that the repairs to the stair tread of the interior stairwell steps were completed this past winter. Jake met with Devin Johnson and Vince Renda onsite for a review of the exterior steps; it was determined that installation of additional hardware on loose stair tread would mitigate the safety concern. Jake subsequently submitted FM work order request (S2-174430) that was completed by Maintenance Services on 7/18/25.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern involving Arcadia Loop and Parking Lot #28. It was previously mentioned that there's considerable concern about having a designated roadway traverse a parking lot with no discernable or physical separation, particularly with the increased traffic due to the temporary closure of Ring Rd. The designated roadway lane and traffic markings on the asphalt are faded or worn away. Additionally, the location of the stop sign in Lot 28 makes it difficult to see traffic coming from the Seibert Administration Building direction; especially if any cars are parked in the middle of the lot. Jake investigated the situation and brought to the attention of WMU-DPS/Parking Services. They agreed that the stop sign location and current use of the combined roadway/parking lot is not ideal but does meet applicable codes; it was also thought the current design may be temporary depending on Hilltop Village development. Jake confirmed that Parking Services recently completed re-painting of the aforementioned divider lines.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
Cindy Beebe provided an update on how Custodial Services Special Projects group could increase their safety and minimize the likelihood of accidents-injuries. Of particular concern is when the group is working in/near roadways or other high traffic areas while performing loud work activities. During these efforts, such as power washing, employees utilize the appropriate hearing protective devices which may limit their situational awareness. Committee discussions revealed that Facilities Management temporary barricades that could be used to control or designate a work area. The barricades are composed of plastic, relatively light weight, and are interlocking. It was believed that they are currently stored in the Upholstery Shop and possibly near the Salt Dome. Cindy stated that the Special Projects group have been successfully using the barricades and were appreciative of them.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
PROJECT LIST/TABLE
No new projects introduced; one project removed from the list had been mitigated by the Bernhard Center demolition and site restoration.
| Damaged Concrete/Brick Areas on Campus | |
| Location on Campus | Actions |
| Damaged bricks located behind a bench-seating fixture near SW#1 of the Miller Auditorium Parking Structure (#2) | FM work order, #LS-103090 / LW-100020, was submitted on 8/13/19 |
| Damaged bricks at Dalton Center, exterior near entry #3 | FM work order, LW-100448, was submitted on 6/15/22. |
| Waldo Stadium, walkways near sections D/E | FM work order, LA-100111, now FM Project #P-220189. |
| Faunce Student Services, stairs/walkway near front entry | FM work order, LW-100634 |
| SRC Loading Dock | FM work order, LN-100775 |
NEW BUSINESS
David Prellwitz inquired the Committee regarding their knowledge of a new 72-hour rule with respect to tree cutting. Darrell Junkins clarified that the newly developed 72-hour guidance will not impact emergency removal (fallen in roadway/sidewalk, dangerous condition) but is to allow time for review and planning for selective cuttings.
Cindy Beebe opened a Committee discussion involving recent road closures and how they may impact emergency responses on campus. Mark Weiss mentioned that he and the Planning, Design, and Construction department met with representatives from local jurisdictions earlier this spring regarding the same topic. Upcoming projects and how they would impact campus road and walkways, along with alternative response routes were discussed.
Cindy Beebe introduced a safety concern involving damaged concrete stairs at Waldo Stadium that were recently observed by the Custodial Services Special Projects group. Cindy shared photos with the committee and also mentioned that the situation was brought up to her supervisor. Committee discussions recommended forwarding the photos and description to the FM Service Center for their awareness of the issue and resolution.
SAFETY HAPPENINGS
Juanita Snell shared that Custodial Services personnel recently completed their annual active shooter, blood-borne pathogen and asbestos awareness / ladder safety training. Juanita also mentioned that she will be hosting a practical blood borne clean-up training event.
Mark Weiss reminded the Committee to be mindful of increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic due to the upcoming student move-in. Continued construction equipment traffic on campus road ways is expected with ongoing projects throughout campus; demolition of Vandercook Hall is near completion. Slow down and practice defensive driving techniques.
Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council recognizes August as Back to School Safety month. Many school-related injuries are completely preventable. Further information can be found at: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home.
The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, 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: 8/20/2025