UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
July 2022 Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on July 12th, 2022 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:
Kathi Cain-Babbitt A AFSCME
Kelly Duncan A Landscape Services
Connor Kirkpatrick A Maintenance Services
Keith Pung A Environmental Health and Safety
Laura Weber VA Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance
Jake Woods A Environmental Health and Safety
In-Person Attendance: (A)
Virtual Attendance: (VA)
OLD BUSINESS
Jake Woods previously provided an update to the trip and fall concern involving a stormwater drain located near Rood Hall and Everett Tower. The drain is surrounded by stone aggregate and is in a depression relative to the surrounding walkway. A trip and fall risk is present due to the immediate and unprotected elevation change. Clara Davis previously performed an onsite survey and opened a dialogue regarding the situation with Laura Weber and the Disability Services for Students department. A recommendation of having additional aggregate brought in to help reduce the immediate elevation change was communicated to the Landscape Services leadership for creation of work order, LW-100339. A subsequent onsite meeting between Maintenance Services, Projects and Construction, and EHS resulted in a follow-up meeting with Landscape Services and the design contractor. Various mitigation actions were discussed and a decision to install additional aggregate of a darker color was determined to be the plan of action. Additional aggregate will help to lessen the elevation change and contrasting color stone will help to indicate a transition from sidewalk to the stormwater depression. Jake previously contacted Landscape Services management and was given the following update: “It is in the work order system. Waiting on estimate and funding source. Not sure the date of completion”.
Kelly Duncan previously provided an update to the concern involving concrete walkways and stairways that need repair due to damage and/or degradation. Kelly mentioned repairing and fixing of issues throughout campus is currently taking place and that she will wait until the completion to finalize the list. The list will then be reviewed by Landscape Services management for further action and the areas will also be added to the UMSC Damaged Concrete / Brick Areas on Campus list.
Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern involving damaged walking surface bricks located near the lower level entry of the Dalton Center underneath the raised bridge entry. Jake investigated and found multiple bricks to be in damaged/loose condition as was described by Landscape Services personnel. FM work order LW-100448 was submitted on 6-15-2022.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern involving slippery and possibly damaged expansion joint caulking located on the walking surface of Parking Structure #2 (Miller Auditorium). Jake Woods investigated and provided a follow up email with material/location specific information to WMU Parking Services.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
Jake Woods provided an update to the concern regarding abandoned bikes at the Western View Apartment complex. Kelly Duncan previously mentioned that there are a number of rusted and damaged bikes, some missing essential components such as tires, that have been locked to bike racks for multiple years. In the past, abandoned bikes left on-campus were periodically removed. Jake contacted DPS and was informed that abandoned bikes were picked up from all campus bike racks on 5/23/22. Only bikes not picked up were identified as being actively used; approximately 17 bikes were removed from campus.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
PROJECT LIST
No updates to Project List.
NEW BUSINESS
Kelly Duncan expressed a concern involving possible improper storage location of herbicide/pesticide materials by the Landscape Services department. She also mentioned that additional training and support is needed by staff; a situation involving unsafe chemical application by a newly hired employee was described. Kathi Cain-Babbitt stated that personnel used to get hands-on internal training that was beneficial, but this is no longer offered. Mark Weiss commented that the EHS department received a request from Landscape Services management to perform a full compliance audit; the audit is in process and a follow up regarding findings will be provided.
Kathi Cain-Babbitt expressed concerns involving response by staff during the armed robbery incident at the West Hills Athletic Club. She mentioned that the facilities personnel could benefit by attending an Intruder Response Training session offered by WMU-DPS. Jake Woods will open a dialogue between the two parties regarding the training opportunity and provide a follow up.
SAFETY HAPPENINGS
Connor Kirkpatrick mentioned that the Maintenance Services department and EHS are facilitating a project involving removal and replacement of damaged asbestos containing floor tile from Rood Hall. Overall condition of the materials may warrant consideration for a deferred maintenance full replacement project.
Connor Kirkpatrick is in the process of coordinating and scheduling safety training for newly hired Maintenance Services personnel with EHS.
Laura Weber shared that Keith Hahn has accepted the position of General Counsel for WMU within the Office of Legal Affairs Risk and Compliance.
Kathi Cain-Babbitt and Juanita Snell stated that Custodial Services personnel are scheduled to attend Intruder Response Training with WMU-DPS during the week of July 18th.
Jake Woods shared a spreadsheet developed by Stacy Emery regarding AED device location, contact, training dates, etc. The spreadsheet can be found as an attachment with the July minutes distribution email.
Jake Woods mentioned that the Kalamazoo Stormwater Working Group, which WMU is a member, is promoting a Rain Barrell sale that is being facilitated by The City of Battle Creek. Information on the sale can be found at: Battle Creek - Upcycle Products Inc. (upcycle-products.com) or https://upcycle-products.com/mi-programs/bc/.
Jake Woods mentioned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes July as Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. Points of emphasis include: taking your vehicles keys, closing and locking windows and doors when parking, parking in well-lit areas if possible, and never leaving valuables in your vehicle especially if they can be seen from the outside. Laura Weber mentioned that the University’s insurance does not cover personal belongings left in company vehicles. Further information can be found at: Vehicle Theft Prevention | NHTSA or https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention.
The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 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: 7/20/2022