UMSC June Minutes
UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
June 2026 Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on June 9th, 2026 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:
Kyle Bushee VA Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance
Cory Ghiringhelli VA Environmental Health and Safety
Darrell Junkins A Landscape Services
David Prellwitz A AFSCME
Keith Pung A Environmental Health and Safety
Juanita Snell A Custodial Services
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 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 previously investigated and gathered necessary information regarding current locations of fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations. Devin Johnson subsequently used the data, along with hand-noted floor prints to create temporary evacuation maps; Jake helped to get them displayed at the necessary CSB locations. The Projects, Design, and Construction division pursued funding resources via the deferred maintenance program for campus-wide updated emergency plans. Cory mentioned that he met with Shannon S. Becker to initiate the efforts, and the related project manager is now Wristen Paschich. Jake shared that Mark Weiss was informed by the PDC team that the project is ongoing.
Previous committee discussion provided an update to the safety issue involving snow and ice buildup in the Hilltop Parking Structure that contributed to a student injury. The structure’s open design and airflows allow snow to enter and accumulate on interior walking surfaces. Affected areas are cleared of snow and treated by Landscape Services but re-accumulation occurs quickly. The first plan of action would be to bring to the attention of FM Engineering before any changes or modifications are made to the structure. Mark Frever will create a warranty work order to initiate and track the efforts. Jake Woods will investigate the warranty work order submission and provide an update.
Devin Johnson previously provided an update regarding ongoing resolution of a safety concern that was introduced to EHS by Maintenance Services personnel. Tradespersons contacted Jake Woods of EHS with an inquiry about air handling unit filter-bank access platforms located in Miller Auditorium mechanical spaces. Jake subsequently met Devin for an onsite meeting where it was determined safety improvements to the ladder-platforms was warranted. Devin has engaged a fabrication contractor for the improvement efforts and also mentioned that funding was secured. Jake will further investigate for a follow up.
Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern involving safe personnel access to the Student Center roof-mounted cooling towers. The units were originally installed without a ladder-platform which would afford a safe working environment for persons completing maintenance and non-routine tasks. Jake Woods had previously contacted the Facilities Management project manager, Matt Danneffel, who confirmed that the access platform would be funded by the Student Center project. Devin previously stated that the ladder and platform materials have been procured, delivered onsite, and will be constructed in the near future. Jake confirmed that the ladder and platform systems were fully installed.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
PROJECT LIST/TABLE
No new projects introduced.
NEW BUSINESS
Juanita Snell introduced a safety concern involving damaged walking surface materials located near the loading dock of the Student Recreation Center. The area of concern recently contributed to a trip and fall incident that was incurred by a Custodial Services employee. Cory Ghiringhelli will investigate and provide a follow up.
SAFETY HAPPENINGS
Juanita Snell mentioned that she will be coordinating annual refresher training (blood borne pathogen, asbestos awareness, and ladder safety) for Custodial Services personnel with the EHS department during July.
Darrell Junkins inquired about EHS department provided training on heat stress, blood borne pathogen, and stormwater pollution prevention for Landscape Services personnel. Jake Woods will reach out to coordinate training sessions.
David Prellwitz reiterated that the continued campus construction and road projects-closures may cause Landscape Services personnel to operate equipment in non-standard areas such as sidewalks, cross walks, etc. Routes of transportation throughout campus which are safest, most efficient, and appropriate will be utilized.
Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council encourages heightened understanding of Heat Stress and Workers during the month of June. The goal of the annual observance is to increase awareness that the human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. Further information can be found at: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/summer-safety/heat.
The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 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: 6/23/2026