UMSC May Minutes

UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

May 2025 Meeting Minutes

The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on May 13^th, 2025 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:

Cindy Beebe               A                     Custodial Services

Kathy Cain-Babbitt     A                     AFSCME

Cory Ghiringhelli        VA                  Environmental Health and Safety

Pat Lem                       A                     Maintenance Services

Greg Macleery            A                     Dining Services

David Prellwitz           A                     Landscape Services

Vince Renda               A                     Maintenance Services

Judy Slumkoski           A                     Custodial Services

Andrew Sprague         A                     Dining Services

Laura Weber               VA                  Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance

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 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. 

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, Chris Nord-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 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 provided an update to the safety concern involving a trip and fall hazard at the loading dock ground surface of the Student Recreation Center.  It was previously mentioned that this location is a clock in/out spot for Custodians and has a lot of 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. Pat Lem will investigate and provide a follow up. 

The committee held an open discussion and confirmed that the do not enter signage and parking bollards were re-installed in between lots #60 and #81 near the Valley Dining Center loading dock.  The notification signage was used in lieu of repainting the walkway curbing located between the two lots. 

COMPLETED/CLOSED

PROJECT LIST/TABLE 

No updates

*Bernhard Center site restoration and upcoming walkway improvement project (P230196) may impact multiple items on the project and damaged concrete/brick areas on campus list. 

NEW BUSINESS

David Prellwitz introduced a 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 Weiss will investigate and provide a follow up. 

Cindy Beebe 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.

SAFETY HAPPENINGS

Cindy Beebe expressed appreciation for recent EHS department provided training that was attended by the Custodial Services Special Projects group. Topics covered included:  ladder safety, aerial lift, hearing conservation, asbestos awareness, confined space entry, and lock out / tag out. 

Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council and American Academy of Audiology both recognize May as Better Hearing Month. The goal of the annual observance is to encourage Americans to make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. Hearing loss impacts a large number of Americans with 1 in 8 people in the United States (13%, or 30 million) ages 12 or older has hearing loss in both ears, based on standard hearing examinations. While age is still the greatest factor in hearing loss, many younger people also experience hearing difficulty due to exposure to loud music and noises including occupational noise. Subtle changes in hearing may not be immediately noticeable but can make a big difference in quality of life. Audiologists can check our hearing and make recommendations for improving hearing health and function and can offer tips for protecting your hearing to make sure it can serve you well for a lifetime Further information can be found at: https://www.audiology.org/practice-resources/public-awareness/may-is-better-hearing-month/.

The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10^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: 5/22/2025