Minutes
May 13, 2003

Present: Irene Jerome, Helen Moore, Vickie Lee, Ryan Platt, Bob Gilmore, and Bill Benson, John Barresse, Sue Rayburn, Sue Cain, Linda Overlock

Absent: Jeff McDonald, Steve Wadner,

MINUTES

NEW BUSINESS

Minutes from last meeting approved as submitted.

New 801s (Workman Comp report)
-None.

Non-801s
-Employee fell in basement area at the west end of Inlow Hall. There is a ramp built over part of the steps, but not all of them. The employee stepped off the ramp, lost her balance, fell and bruised her shoulder. She did not see an doctor and there was no time lost.

New Safety Grams
-Ramp in the basement area at the west end of Inlow Hall needs to be redesigned. See Non-801 above for details. Helen submitted a Service Request to address the hazard.

-Irene attended a Safety Officer Meeting last month. She learned that Eastern is the only institution in OUS that doesn't have a full-time Safety Officer.
-There was discussion regarding whether or not Eastern is required to do earthquake drills. Irene asked other Safety Officers how they notified people that an earthquake drill was occurring and discovered that most campuses notify people via the Broadcast feature on AUDIX.
-There is a Power Point training available on how to be prepared for the West Nile virus. Irene will obtain the materials and present the training to the grounds crew and other interested employees.
-Several Safety Officers requested materials for coping with SARS. Training options were discussed.
-A student at U of O ran his arm through a window reinforced with safety wire and sustained major injuries. There is a bill going through the legislature to outlaw the glass in all public buildings. We have some on campus. Irene will follow-up with recommendations if the bill passes.
-She noted that personal vehicles are not covered by the University's insurance, even if you are using it for official business. Since some private insurance companies don't cover vehicles when they are used for official business, employees are encouraged to check with their private insurance company before traveling. It was suggested that a statement to that effect could be added to the bottom of the travel exception form.
-Irene reported that all state agencies are updating their disaster plans and thanks to this committee's work over the past few years, ours is pretty much up to date. Irene will review it, to determine if any updates or changes need to be made.
-Irene asked other Safety Officers how they handle building inspections and received a variety of answers. A number of campuses have the building managers do the inspections. A suggestion was made that building managers along with one (or more) safety committee member(s) conduct monthly inspections of each building. Irene will contact the building managers to see if they are willing to take on this responsibility.

-Irene noted that Elizabeth Dickenson, from OUS Risk Management will be here in June for consultation on some Risk Management issues and might be available to meet with the Safety Committee as well.

Dara Decker from Union County Emergency Operations Center has invited Eastern Safety Committee members to participate in two upcoming trainings. The first is to be held on May 28th, 9:00-10:00am and the topic will be All Hazards Emergency. The second will be held on May 29th, 9:00-12:00n and will be a tabletop exercise on Biological Emergencies. Ryan Platt and Sue Cain will plan to attend if their schedules will allow it. Irene will be out of town.

OLD BUSINESS

-Ryan Platt reported on some of the options he found for improving the safety of the cement border surrounding the new sand volleyball court. One option would be to purchase mats, cut them into strips and attach them around the border - cost is about $1000.00. Another would be to paint the border (possibly in Eastern's colors) to make it more visible. Ryan is waiting on pricing for several other options. He will continue to pursue and will report back with his findings.

-Irene will pursue the missing fire extinguisher in the kiln and jewelry area of Loso Hall. She is also in the process of doing an inventory of all fire extinguishers on campus.

-Irene talked with other OUS Safety Officers regarding the unlimited student access to our woodshop and welding areas. Western closes their entire area at a fixed time every evening, so they are not dealing with the issues that we have. OIT does have the same concerns as we do, i.e. students have 24-hour access to hazardous material and equipment, with no supervision during the hours of 5:00pm - 8:00am, M-F and on holidays and weekends. OIT would like to know if we are able to reach a resolution to the issue. This committee will plan to have recommendations to the administration by the beginning of fall term.

-Building inspection of Inlow Hall is scheduled for 2:00pm on Thursday, May 15th. Sue and Helen will lead the inspection and meet in front of the Registrar's office. All interested committee members are encouraged to participate.

Next meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2003 at 2:00pm.

Minutes Submitted by Helen Moore