Minutes
February 18, 2002

Present: Irene Jerome, Helen Moore, Sue Cain, Linda Overlock, Sue Rayburn, Jeff McDonald, Bob Gilmore, and Bill Benson

Absent: John Barresse, Vickie Lee, Rob Cashell

NEW BUSINESS

Minutes from last meeting approved as submitted.

Irene introduced new committee member, Bill Benson.

Rob Cashell has been able to attend only four meetings since he became a member in October 2001. The Safety Committee unanimously agreed that an active participant from Athletics is needed. Irene will pursue.

New 801s (Workman Comp report)
-Last fall, an employee fell, grabbed a handrail, and bent his wrist back on the steps going to the second floor of Inlow (west end). A co-worker and supervisor were notified, but no paperwork was filed when the accident occurred. There was no time loss, but there were medical expenses. No determination has been made by SAIF at this time. Irene stressed the importance of completing the proper paperwork in a timely manner, whenever ANY accident occurs.

Non-801s
-Employee slipped and fell on mud on the 8th Street Hill sidewalk. No time loss. Mike Rhodes has been notified and the mud was washed off. Mike will look into solutions to prevent similar hazards in the future.

There was a report of a fall due to a slick spot at the northwest entrance to Inlow Hall. Irene will complete a Safety Gram and make sure that the employee who fell completes the proper paperwork.

There has been another complaint regarding the "dip" in the Badgley Hall parking lot. The "dip" has been outlined with fluorescent paint, but it is still creating a hazard. Irene expressed concern about what can be done. The new parking lot will be finished in the next few months and the University and the construction companies are both reluctant to spend much time trying to find a solution to a problem that will go away on its own in a short period of time.

New Safety Grams
-None

An ODFW employee fell in the restroom in BH. The floor was dirty due to mud being tracked in from the construction areas. Question was raised about whether EOU or ODFW was responsible if a SAIF claim was filed. It was determined that it is EOU's responsibility to eliminate the hazard and that ODFW is responsible for the SAIF claim.

Helen reported that a student in the Pierce Library computer lab had a seizure. A lab assistant called 9-911 and an ambulance was dispatched. The student was treated by paramedics and released. The student was embarrassed and wanted her name kept private. The committee discussed whether or not the building manager needed to be informed of these types of incidents. It was agreed that the lab assistant had acted appropriately and that these incidents were outside the scope of the building managers' duties. Irene will review the building manager's duties with the building managers.

Note was also made that the EOU EMERGENCY PROCEDURES brochures has the Police-Fire-Medical Emergencies phone number incorrectly as listed as 911. It should be 9-911. Irene will pursue getting that error corrected.

Sue Cain noted that volunteers (especially students) are not covered by the university's Risk Management Program. The university needs to be careful that volunteers are not involved in any hazardous activities. An example of inappropriate use of volunteers was to have student volunteers hang lights in McKenzie Theatre.

OLD BUSINESS

Old Safety Grams
-"L" Street sidewalk issue has been referred to Mike Rhodes. Mike will investigate whether EOU or the City of La Grande is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk below the grand staircase.
-Free Parking lot exit hazard has been referred to Mike Rhodes. Mike will contact La Grande Police Department for assistance and possible additional signage on Sixth Street.
-Irene sent a note to eastalk asking the campus community to respect safety cones and safety tape around work areas.

Committee members will be handling future building inspections. The first inspection will take place immediately after the next Safety Committee Meeting. We will tour Loso Hall with special emphasis on the safety improvements implemented by Bob Gilmore in the Loso Shop areas. Irene will bring the building inspection checklist to the next meeting.

Due to budget shortfalls and the governor's moratorium on travel, it is unlikely that committee members will be able to attend any off campus trainings this academic year. Sue mentioned that the OUS Risk Management Officer might be coming to Eastern sometime in the near future. She will find out if the Safety Committee can participate in some of the meetings/trainings held while the officer is on campus.

Next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2003 at 2:00pm.

Minutes Submitted by Helen Moore