UMSC March Minutes
UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
March 2026 Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on March 10th, 2026 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:
Cindy Beebe A Custodial Services
Mark Frever A Landscape Services
Cory Ghiringhelli VA Environmental Health and Safety
Devin Johnson A Maintenance Services
Darrell Junkins A Landscape Services
Greg Macleery VA Dining Services
David Prellwitz A AFSCME
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
Cory Ghiringhelli previously 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 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. Previous committee discussions revealed that initial efforts were possibly underway to determine construction feasibility. Jake contacted the Facilities Management project manager, Matt Danneffel, who confirmed that the access platform would be funded by the Student Center project and was in the process of being constructed.
Mark Frever provided an update to the issue involving damaged exterior concrete steps-landings at Moore Hall entry #7. The issue had been submitted to the FM Service Center and Landscape Services immediately placed a safety cone in the areas of concern. Mark confirmed that a contractor was engaged and that the repair efforts to the front main entrance had been completed. Repairs to damaged materials located at the entry near the loading dock will also be completed as weather allows.
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.
PROJECT LIST/TABLE
No new projects introduced.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business introduced.
SAFETY HAPPENINGS
Greg Macleery shared that in response to the recent SCD fire event, Dining Services is planning on conducting large scale Class-K fire response training with their employee group during the upcoming summer.
Mark Weiss encouraged everyone to practice safe walking and driving techniques, of particular importance is being extra mindful of potholes or other damaged walkway surfaces. Slip and fall accidents are the biggest category of incidents that result in personal injury on campus.
Jake Woods mentioned that annual safety refresher training (asbestos awareness, hearing conservation, and ladder safety) has been scheduled with Custodial Services Special Projects group. The EHS department had also completed initial training with new hires from the Custodial Services department.
Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council recognizes March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a national effort to increase awareness of the importance of preventing eye strain, injuries, and vision problems caused by digital screens and hazardous work environments. Wearing the proper eye protection at work is important for keeping eyes safe at job sites. In the most recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers suffered 18,510 eye-related injuries and illnesses in 2020. Further information can be found at: https://preventblindness.org/2025-workplace-eye-wellness-month/.
The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 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: 3/17/2026