UMSC October Minutes
UNION-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE
October 2025 Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting of the Union-Management Safety Committee was conducted on October 14th, 2025 by the Environmental Health and Safety department with the following individuals in attendance:
Darrell Junkins A Landscape Services
Mark Frever A Landscape Services
Cory Ghiringhelli VA Environmental Health and Safety
Greg Macleery A Dining Services
Keith Pung A Environmental Health and Safety
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 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 previously investigated and gathered necessary information regarding current locations of fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations. Devin Johnson mentioned that the data, along with hand-noted floor prints, are being used by Facilities Management to create updated evacuation maps. The Projects, Design, and Construction division is seeking funding resources to have updated emergency plans for campus buildings as this is a need in numerous areas due to the campus changes.
Cindy Beebe previously introduced a safety concern involving observations of damaged asphalt located near the East entrance of the Bill Brown facility. Committee discussions recommended forwarding photos and description of the damaged walkway materials to the FM Service Center for their awareness of the issue and resolution.
Jake Woods provided an update to the safety concern regarding safe work access and environment for the Custodial Services Special Projects division. The group recently encountered work locations, predominately newer on-campus construction, where safe access to rooftops/certain exterior locations was not provided or engineered into the building’s design. Jake met with Cindy Beebe at The Student Center and Sprau Tower and helped identify the fall protection protocol and how the spaces could be safely accessed. Both locations had prior systems in place; a roof access gate padlock’s core was changed to a 2-49 following a request to WMU Public Safety.
PROJECT LIST/TABLE
No new projects introduced.
| Damaged Concrete/Brick Areas on Campus | |
| Location on Campus | Actions |
| Damaged bricks located behind a bench-seating fixture near SW#1 of the Miller Auditorium Parking Structure (#2) | FM work order, #LS-103090 / LW-100020, was submitted on 8/13/19 |
| Damaged bricks at Dalton Center, exterior near entry #3 | FM work order, LW-100448, was submitted on 6/15/22. |
| Waldo Stadium, walkways near sections D/E | FM work order, LA-100111, now FM Project #P-220189. |
| Faunce Student Services, stairs/walkway near front entry | FM work order, LW-100634 |
| SRC Loading Dock | FM work order, LN-100775 |
NEW BUSINESS
Mark Frever stated that Landscape Services is investigating a recent situation involving a Ventrac mower that went into neutral while on a slope that was within the manufacturer’s guidelines. The incident caused minor injuries to the operator and the mower had been operated for over 8 years with no prior issues. Investigations are underway to determine the cause and follow up will be provided.
Jake Woods mentioned that he helping to coordinate painting of the cubing directly outside of the Stadium Club main entryway. The tapered curb sections were not required to be painted by code but Athletics is pursuing the efforts to increase safety for users of the walkway. Jake is working with Parking Services and will provide a follow up.
SAFETY HAPPENINGS
Mark Frever shared that Laura Kirkendall and the FM Service Center will be helping with a social media campaign focused on snow and ice safety. He also mentioned that Landscape Services will be hosting their annual safety review with staff in October.
Darrel Junkins shared that his region crew recently attended fall protection and Dunbar Hall green roof safety that was conducted by the EHS department.
Mark Weiss reminded the Committee of the WMU Benefits Expo on November 4th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
Greg Macleery shared that Dining Services are planning meetings regarding employee and food safety topics.
Jake Woods shared that the National Safety Council recognizes October as National Protect Your Hearing Month. Hearing loss is a significant issue in today’s workplaces, especially in environments with loud machinery or constant exposure to high decibel levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels each year. In light of these concerns, the National Protect Your Hearing Month serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to take proactive measures to protect hearing health. Further information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/.
The next UMSC meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 11th, 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: 10/22/2025