UMSC July Minutes

UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

July 2025 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on July 8^th, 2025 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Will Arbogast             A                     Sindecuse Health Center

Darrell Junkins           A                     Landscape Services

Keith Pung                  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

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 recently 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).

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 during discussion that the granite slabs had been removed and that the walkway between Henry/Sangren leading to the Student Center was reopened for pedestrians.  

Jake Woods previously 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.  Parking Services would add re-painting of the aforementioned divider lines to their summer projects.  Jake will investigate progress and provide a follow up. 

Jake Woods previously 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.  According to Jake’s research, the damaged concrete apron is designated as a loading dock (LD) rather than an extension of parking lot #29.  Jake will investigate progress and provide a follow up.  

Jake Woods 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.  The data, along with hand-noted maps, were provided to Devin Johnson who previously offered assistance from Maintenance Services in creating-updating the needed signage.  

Cindy Beebe previously opened a discussion regarding how the 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 will investigate the devices and have her group use them when necessary. 

Jake Woods 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 believed that a FM work order was active requesting removal of the timber but would further investigate and provide a follow up. 

PROJECT LIST/TABLE 

Ongoing pedestrian and green space improvement project (P230196) has mitigated multiple items on the project and damaged concrete/brick areas on campus list. 

NEW BUSINESS

No new business items introduced. 

SAFETY HAPPENINGS

Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council and Cancer Research Institute both recognize July as UV Safety Awareness Month. The goal of the annual observance is to help with decreasing our collective exposure to UV rays and further developments in cancer immunotherapy research. There are over five million annual global cases of skin cancer, and a staggering 90% of diagnoses are a direct result of exposure to UV rays. While there are three main types of skin cancers, melanoma is considered the deadliest, despite accounting for less than five percent of cases. Specifically, melanoma is prevalent in parts of the body such as the face, head, and legs – areas that are exposed to sunlight more often. Further information can be found at: https://www.cancerresearch.org/blog/uv-safety-awareness-month-shining-a-light-on-melanoma-prevention.

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12^th, 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: 7-25-25