UMSC May Minutes
UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
May 2026 Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on May 12th, 2026 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:
Kyle Bushee VA Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance
Cory Ghiringhelli A Environmental Health and Safety
Devin Johnson A Maintenance Services
Darrell Junkins A Landscape Services
David Prellwitz A AFSCME
Keith Pung A Environmental Health and Safety
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. Mark Weiss will reach out for an update.
Devin Johnson previously 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 Woods or Devin will investigate progress and provide a follow up.
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. Devin Johnson will investigate the warranty work order submission and provide an update.
Devin Johnson 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.
Committee discussion provided an update to the safety concern regarding the potential installation of a pedestrian crossing located between the intersection of W. Michigan Avenue – Howard Street and the roundabout; directly North of the Parking Services building. David Prellwitz previously mentioned that Landscape Services personnel expressed safety concerns for themselves servicing the crosswalk and future pedestrians due to observed vehicular traffic behaviors in this specific area. It was also mentioned that Parking Services have echoed the same concerns and that John Seelman is the WMU Project Manager for the summer campus roadway improvements. Information was provided to the committee stating that the new crosswalk in question was removed from the roadway improvement project and will not be installed.
COMPLETED/CLOSED
PROJECT LIST/TABLE
No new projects introduced.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business items introduced.
SAFETY HAPPENINGS
Mark Weiss mentioned the upcoming weather change into summer like conditions and reminded committee members to be extra mindful of heat stress exposure. Heat stress can lead to heat-related illness symptoms such as heat rash, cramps, fatigue, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or life-threatening heat stroke. Further information regarding the WMU Heat Stress Plan can be found at: https://wmich.edu/ehs/policies/heat-stress.
David Prellwitz mentioned that the 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. David also advised heightened awareness while operating personal vehicles and walking on campus during the summer construction season.
Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council recognizes May as National Electrical Safety Month. The goal of the annual observance is to increase awareness of electrical hazards and promote safe practices at home and on the job. Electrical safety is also critical for a wide range of professionals. The latest data from National Fire Protection Association shows that 147 workers died from exposure to electricity in 2023 – a slight increase over the 145 deaths reported in 2022. Further information can be found at: https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2026/national-electrical-safety-month-highlights-safe-practices-in-an-increasingly-electrified-world.
The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 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: 6/2/2026