UMSC June Minutes

UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

June 2024 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on June 11^th, 2024 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Kathy Cain-Babbitt     A                     AFSCME

Devin Johnson            A                     Maintenance Services

Justin Keech                A                     Custodial Services

Chad Lenczycki          A                     Dining Services

Lindsey Myers            VA                  Sindecuse Health Center

David Prellwitz           A                     Landscape Services

Keith Pung                  A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Juanita Snell                A                     Custodial Services

Mark Weiss                 A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Jacob Woods               A                     Environmental Health and Safety

In-Person Attendance:        (A)

Virtual Attendance:            (VA)

OLD BUSINESS

Devin Johnson 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 steps are rapidly deteriorating and require repair-replacement.  The interior stairwell just off of the dock were also in need of stair tread repair-replacement. Devin stated that the interior stair tread has been repaired/replaced and that Residence Life approved a project for this summer which involves repair to the loading dock.

Kathy Cain-Babbitt previously introduced safety concerns via email submission involving potential trip hazards in the Paper Pilot Plant and campus building mechanical rooms.  An AFSCME employee recently incurred an injury after tripping over an unmarked edge/barrier.  Kathy requested that STH personnel be assigned to survey for these trip & fall issues in low traffic and low-lit spaces; paint and/or high visibility tape could be installed to help personnel identify the areas of concern.  Devin Johnson will investigate, open dialogue at upcoming shop input meetings, submit necessary FM work order(s), and provide a follow up. 

Darrell Junkins previously provided an update to the safety concern regarding condition of large trees near the parking lot located west of the Goldsworth Valley I complex.  A recent near-miss accident involved a fallen tree which struck and severely damaged a parked Maintenance Services vehicle.  An employee was outside of the building and in close proximity at the time of the incident; fortunately, no personal injuries were incurred.  The fallen tree was cleaned up but it appeared that no further action was taken at that time.  Vince Renda requested that a safety assessment be performed of the trees which surround the parking lot and nearby pedestrian areas.  Darrell stated that Tom Sauber and Devin Johnson have been working through the situation.  A thorough inspection of the area was performed by an arborist which resulted in a recommendation of additional trees being removed.  A large tree adjacent to the vehicle parking area was scheduled to be cut down on the 3/12/24.  Additional trees, located deeper into the wooded area, were also identified for removal. Darrell mentioned that the smaller trees had been recently removed and that a thorough assessment was performed by a WMU arborist.  No further imminent issues are present at this time.

Mark Weiss provided an update to the safety concern regarding the prevalence of birds and bird feces in the Seeyle Center. Judy Slumkoski previously mentioned that the large exterior overhead doors are being left open resulting in birds entering the facility.  Accumulated feces have been observed on the catwalk and other elevated building components; these materials present a possible pathogenic hazard for building occupants and student athletes.  It was mentioned during the May meeting that power-wash cleaning of the affected building areas has not been completed in a couple of years. Mark Weiss investigated the historical issue and is in the process of surveying potential contractors who could provide a falconry service; where a bird of prey is used to remove unwanted birds. He will continue to work with University Athletics in developing a mitigation plan and provide a follow up.

Devin Johnson provided an update to the safety issue involving sharp edges on Dunbar Hall lower level entryway and 3^rd floor handrails.  Juanita Snell previously mentioned that a Custodial Services employee recently incurred a hand laceration after touching the affected building component(s). Devin stated that he investigated and subsequently coordinated necessary modifications which were completed in a timely manner.   

COMPLETED/CLOSED

Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern involving damage to walking/structural components of the Ellsworth Hall parking structure (#1) and associated crossover walkway.  Deteriorated concrete elements of the building structure were recently observed by Landscape Services personnel, who forwarded along photographic documentation of the situation.  Jake shared an update from University leadership regarding closure of the parking ramp in question on 6/10/24.

COMPLETED/CLOSED 

PROJECT LIST/TABLE 

No updates.

NEW BUSINESS

Chad Lenczycki re-introduced the safety concern involving a need to apply new paint to a concrete curb located in between parking lots #81 and #60, just West of the Valley Dining Center.  The curb was painted yellow during construction of the facility but has since faded.  Dining Services personnel have observed passenger vehicles being damaged while attempting to exit parking lot #81 by driving over the curb.  Devin Johnson will investigate and provide a follow up. 

Chad Lenczycki introduced a safety concern involving the lack of emergency evacuation and building information signage at The Student Center. Jake Woods investigated similar concerns in September 2023 and informed the Capital Projects and Projects and Construction divisions at that time of the situation.  Mark Weiss will investigate and provide a follow up. 

Justin Keech introduced a safety concern involving deterioration and spalling of concrete on the exterior stair system located in between Shaw-Gilmore Theatre and Brown Hall.  It was also mentioned that the handrails were observed to be loose or corroded through at their base.  Jake Woods will investigate, bring to the attention of Facilities Management, and provide a follow up. 

David Prellwitz introduced a safety issue involving multiple locations of damaged concrete walkways that have been observed by Landscape Services personnel.  The committee discussed the situation and encouraged members to document (photos, map, description, etc.) the areas of concern and forward the information to FM Service for further assessment/repair by responsible department(s). 

SAFETY HAPPENINGS

David Prellwitz encouraged vigilance during the upcoming extremely hot weather.  It is important to maintain proper hydration and self-monitoring alone is not adequate; keep an eye on each other.

Mark Weiss reminded the Committee that there will be increased large truck and construction equipment traffic on campus road ways this summer due to the ongoing projects throughout campus.  Slow down and practice defensive driving techniques.  

Juanita Snell stated that 8 newly hired Custodial Services personnel recently had completed their initial safety training with the EHS department. 

Jake Woods via an email from Laura Weber shared that our property insurance engineer will be on campus July 18th and 19th for WMU’s annual campus visit.  If you have any building safety concerns, please feel free to share those concerns with Laura Weber in Risk Management.  You can email her at laura.weber@wmich.edu, or call her at 387-4825.   

Kathy Cain-Babbitt stated that WMU uniforms should not be worn or utilized by non-WMU persons or contractor who are working on-campus.  A public safety and/or public relations issue may result if criminal activity takes place where non-WMU persons commit acts while wearing WMU uniforms.

Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council recognizes June as National Safety Month.  Since 1996, NSM has provided a month’s worth of free safety resources to highlight leading causes of preventable injury and death.  Points of emphasis for 2024 include Safety Engagement, Roadway Safety, Risk Reduction, and Slips/Trips/Falls.  Further information can be found at: https://www.nsc.org/workplace/national-safety-month.

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9^th, 2024 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: 7/1/2024