SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

May 15, 2008

EMU Board Room

 

Attendees:   Michelle Wygle, Anne Mattson, Drew Standridge, Gary Malone, Gordon Burke, Michael Smith, Herb Horner, Kay Coots, Ernie Svensson, Steve Pelkey, Laine Stambaugh,

Bonnie Damewood, Ernie Pressman, Michelle Gillette,

 

April minutes were approved.

 

Accident and injury reports were reviewed and discussed.

There were three time loss claims in April.

 

Gary noted that a high number of strains were reported in April, followed by several slips/trips/falls, and a few lacerations.  He asked if more stretching programs were instituted, if the amount of strains would dramatically go down and also, inquired if staff is sufficiently trained in first aid to treat the increased number of lacerations that have been reported.  Kay shared that an effort is being made to increase the amount of time that Michelle Gillette can devote to ergonomics and that training for First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens is currently available through the Environmental Health and Safety office.  Departments that tend to experience a higher incidence of lacerations are strongly encouraged, and in some cases are required, to take First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens classes.  Gordon said that at the Athletics Department, they keep first aid supplies in a treatment center.  Bonnie shared that Housing trains employees to clean and cover wounds and also provides first aid kits.

 

Time loss claims are down and Kay believes that this is partially due to a lessened severity of injury.  With Michelle Gillette’s assistance, supervisors have also become more aware of the availability and importance of the return to work program.

 

Subcommittees

OR-OSHA requires that the committee conduct building inspections.  A sign up sheet will be available at the next meeting for those interested in serving on this subcommittee.  In the past SAC has also formed a policy review subcommittee and may decide to continue this practice.

 

New Business

Gary has discovered that there are two radio frequencies which will work better in the tunnel systems compared to the one currently in use.  Telecom has modified two antennae to provide more reliable communication.  He has given the information to Randy Collins, Utilities Operations Supervisor at Facilities Services.  Kay will meet with Randy to discuss this possibility of switching to a different frequency.

 

The election for the Safety Advisory Chair election will be held at the next meeting.

 

 

Next Safety Advisory Committee meeting:  9:00 a.m. on June 19 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