SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

February 15, 2007
EMU Board Room

Attendees:   Michelle Wygle, Janice Radcliff, Sue Martinez, Bob Beals, Kay Coots, Hall O’Regan, Dana Winitzky, Michelle Gillette, Anne Mattson, Gary Malone

January minutes were approved.

Accident and injury reports were reviewed and discussed.

There was one time loss claim in January. 

Michelle Gillette reported on a trip accident near PLC.  A sidewalk repair order has been submitted to Facilities Services.  The injury occurred in the early morning hours and poor visibility attributed to the situation.

Subcommittee Reports

Kay Coots, Ernie Svensson, Michelle Wygle, and Michelle Gillette met with Jerry Dominy and Tad Lueck to discuss reducing dumpster related injuries.  Jerry submitted a detailed, five-page report listing all the incidents that have occurred over the last few years and information about the dumpsters. He said that all the wheels on each of the dumpsters were replaced within the last three years. During his analysis he did find that they need to do a better job at holding their monthly safety meetings.  He has made a commitment to improve both the garbage and night maintenance crew meeting schedule.

Jerry reviewed materials that Michelle Gillette had sent regarding tools to help move dumpsters.  As an alternative he is seriously looking at equipping the two garbage trucks with winches.  When performing a push-weight test it generally requires 20 to 30 pounds of push to get a dumpster that is on a pad moving.

Bob asked if Jerry has considered replacing the large dumpsters with smaller ones, such as a three yard size.  Michelle said that Tad Lueck is requiring that a crew radio for help when they find over-loaded dumpsters or ones that are stuck. 

Inspections:  Michelle Gillette reported that during the Hamilton inspection the subcommittee went through Fire & Spice, Grab and Go, and the loading dock area.  There were many recycling bins and products on the dock and this made it difficult to maneuver.  Kay said that after mats are washed off they are hung on ramp rails for lack of another place to hang them.  The kitchen and cooler area is small and it is difficult for employees to move around.  Sue said that the Hamilton operation has grown a lot and storage is in short supply.

Progress Report – in the two weeks since this inspection most of the problems that could be fixed have been remedied.  Storage and adequate working room on the dock and indoor spaces will continue to be a challenge.

Old Business

OR OSHA has accepted UO’s response to the complaint filed at Friendly Hall.  Part of the explanation included the fact that capital budget funding was already planned for excavation around the building including installing a new drain this summer.

New Business

A new OR OSHA complaint about a classroom in Lawrence Hall was filed.  Kay explained that two days before classes were scheduled to begin, she was informed that the ventilation system would be up and running by Thursday of the following week.  Three weeks later students were complaining that the room smelled very bad, and Kay learned that the ventilation system had not been installed.  In addition to some elevated CO2 levels due to improper ventilation, there was off gassing from treated lumber, fabric coating on the walls, and upholstered new chairs. 

Kay found out that the problem still existed two days prior to receiving the OSHA complaint and had already arranged to keep doors propped open and brought in some fans.  A temporary exhaust system was installed.  A wiring issue has caused further delays in completing this project; however, the air quality has significantly improved.

The next Safety Advisory Committee meeting will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on March 15^th in the EMU Board Room.

S.T.E.P. Team Minutes: http://facilities.uoregon.edu/safety/step/minutes.html

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Contact:

Kay Coots R.S., CSP
Environmental Health and Safety Director
Phone: (541) 346-5421
E-Mail: kcoots@uoregon.edu