UMSC June Minutes

UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

June 2025 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on June 10^th, 2025 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Cory Ghiringhelli        A                     Environmental Health and Safety

Devin Johnson            A                     Maintenance Services

Darrell Junkins            A                     Landscape Services

Vince Renda               A                     Maintenance Services

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 previously 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.  Jake reached out to Maintenance Services and was informed that the repairs to the stair tread of the interior stairwell steps were completed this past winter.  It was also mentioned that their intent is to have concrete repair contractor, Vandermay, further pursue the exterior steps this spring.  Jake will further investigate the situation and seek potential alternative solutions. 

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 believed that the granite slabs will be removed and replaced with a poured concrete walking surface. 

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 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.  Devin Johnson will investigate and provide a follow up. 

Mark Weiss provided an update to the safety concern involving the lack of, or missing, tornado shelter and evacuation maps for the Landscape Services work areas in the Campus Services Building.  The maps are typically located on walls, approximately 5’ high, near building entries.  Mark investigated, observed that the signs are missing, and will continue working with Facilities Management to get signs installed.  Devin Johnson offered assistance in creating/updating the maps and Jake Woods will gather necessary information regarding existing fire extinguisher and potential tornado sheltering locations. 

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.

PROJECT LIST/TABLE 

No updates

*Upcoming walkway improvement project (P230196) may impact multiple items on the project and damaged concrete/brick areas on campus list. 

NEW BUSINESS

Vince Renda introduced a 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. 

SAFETY HAPPENINGS

Darrell Junkins expressed appreciation to the EHS department for recent training that was attended by Landscape Services employees.  Topics covered included:  heat stress injury prevention and stormwater best management practices.  

Cory Ghiringhelli discussed a recent workplace fatality involving lawnmowing that had occurred in the State.  On May 28, 2025, a 32-year-old laborer was operating a riding lawnmower along the edge of a steep embankment with a 10-foot drop to a drainage ditch. The lawnmower overturned, pinning the victim at the bottom of the ditch for about five minutes before being removed by coworkers. The victim was transported to the hospital and died from their injuries on May 31, 2025.

Mark Weiss mentioned that the EHS Department continues to monitor daily the Air Quality Index issued by the US EPA for air quality in the Kalamazoo area, with particular emphasis due to the recent smoke caused by Canadian wildfires.  We will be following our previous listed criteria for warnings/work adjustments and up-to-date further information can be found at: www.airnow.gov.

Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both recognize June as National Safety Month. The goal of the annual observance is to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace.  In 2022, preventable work deaths totaled 4,695, and workplace medically consulted injuries totaled 4.53 million underscoring the importance of risk reduction. Tried and true injury prevention approaches like hazard recognition, job safety analysis and risk assessment are crucial to curbing workplace injuries and deaths.  Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of workplace injury and death, and although a persistent challenge, they must remain top of mind.  Further information can be found at: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2024/06/05/safety-month-2024.

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 8^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: 6/24/2025