Persons present:  Jim Erdman, Dean Sankey, Laura Giede, Mark Wenzel, Jim Tenario, Larry Kuester, Kim Hintzman, Jo Johnson, Wayne Argo, Luke Welch, and Arlo Frank

Notes Taken By:  Laura Giede

Jim Erdman called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Jo Johnson reviewed the Worker’s Compensation Summary report for the month of March 2004.  There were no questions or discussion regarding the summary.

Dean Sankey presented the SPP Incident Log for discussion beginning on item dated 3/8/2004.  Regarding the civil rights case, Dean reminded committee members that if an employee of the university must file suit, the university will provide legal representation of the university’s choosing.  One is not to seek legal advice from outside the university.  Other incidents include a university vehicle damage claim for $1,000 and damage to a Cushman vehicle by a garage door closing and striking this vehicle.  There are currently no sensors on the dock doors.  It should have an automatic return when the door strikes an object.  It was suggested that sensors should be installed on dock doors.

Jim Erdman announced that the Near Miss form had been approved.  The form had been made more “user friendly” by decreasing the number of signatures required on the form.  It was suggested that these forms be placed on bulletin boards and/or by the timesheets to assist with compliance of use this form.  Important that supervisors be made aware of the results reported.

Dean Sankey led discussion regarding UW-Stout’s current “No Smoking Policy”.  Currently, we have a 25’ rule-no smoking at least 25’ away from any building in designated areas only.  The Campus Physical Development Committee and the Optimal Health Committee have jointly suggested, “a no smoking permitted on campus grounds” policy.  The members of the safety committee agreed to support this recommendation.  It was agreed that a statement of our support of this policy be forwarded to Diane Moen.

Dean Sankey continued discussion regarding the Safety Attitude Survey that had been completed in October of 2003.  The points of discussion included:

• Proposed penalties for not following safety guidelines or seeking to hold an individual accountable for safety violation-could be suggested to Diane Moen
• No recognition given for following safety rules
• The value of the distribution of future surveys
• Ideas for the presentation of survey results
• Rewording of questions to clarify intent where ambiguity exists
• Make recommendation that administration support initiative and provide funding to promote a safe workplace.
• Staffing and scheduling issues and the effect upon accident/incident rate
• Need to determine to what extent safety rules are followed
• Design future surveys to be specific for each department and then be able to compare that particular department to the similar department on the Eau Claire and River Falls campus.
• Members of this committee were asked to bring specific question to the May 2004 meeting that could be added to a future survey. 
• Suggest one additional question to be added to the survey regarding the degree to which safety rules are followed and the extent in which the individual themselves follows safety rules.

Meeting adjourned 8:00 a.m.

February 10, 2004:

Present:  Marlene Schultz, Jo Johnson, Jim Erdman, Wayne Argo, Jim Tenario,  Laura Giede, Kim Hintzman, Luke Welch and Dean Sankey

Jim Erdman called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Jo Johnson gave the Worker’s Compensation Summary report for January.  There were five incidents listed.  Two of the incidents required medical attention.  An incident was discussed where a custodian injured his shoulder while dumping a garbage can into the dumpster.  Discussed that there had previously been a suggestion to install a handle on the lower side of the container to make it easier to handle.  Dean will check into this.

Dean Sankey reported that there were no new items on the Accident & Property Damage report.

The Safety Attitude survey report was reviewed and discussed.  Further discussion will continue at the next meeting in March.

Meeting adjourned 8:00 a.m.

January 13, 2004:

Persons present:  Marlene Schultz, Jo Johnson, Jim Erdman, Wayne Argo, Jim Tenario, Larry Kuester, Mark Wenzel, Laura Giede, Kim Hintzman and Dean Sankey

Notes Taken By:  Laura Giede

Jim Erdman called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Dean Sankey reviewed the SPP Incident Log.  The three most recent incidents were discussed:  stage curtain damaged, fire extinguisher thrown through windows in Harvey Hall and fleet vehicle hitting a curb with no injuries.  The committee questioned the claim amount of $1000.00.  Claim is pending.

Jo Johnson gave the Worker’s Compensation Summary report for December.  There were six incidents listed, four of which were slip/fall on ice.  It was surmised that the claim for a broken tooth would be costly.  Jo also provided the committee with a bar graph comparing the worker’s compensation statistics for the years 2001, 2002 and 2003.  The numbers for 2003 were low in all six categories.  The categories include:  recordable incidents, incidents with lost days, incidents with temporary restrictions, injuries with lost time, returned with restrictions and participation in RTW program. 

Dean Sankey discussed the Near Miss Form.  Each section of the form was reviewed.  The committee discussed what the definition of a “near miss” could be.  Larry Kuester suggested the forms be placed in a readily accessible place such as by the time clock.  It was agreed that the supervisors would be asked to implement this form and to make this form available to everyone on campus.   Dean will send this form to Diane Moen for final approval.  After the form has been approved,  Jo will post the form on the supervisor’s listserve and Dean will send a hard copy to each supervisor with a cover letter.

Jim Erdman presented a draft of the “Children in the Workplace Policy”.  The draft has also been sent to Diane Moen.  The committee reviewed the wording and agreed that under section 2.1 ‘athletic facilities’ should be added.  In addition, the word “or” should be placed after 3.2.1 and after 3.2.2 to indicate that any of these instances would be considered an exception to the policy.  Under 3.2.3, the committee agreed that written documentation should be from the building supervisor and this section would be stated to indicate the change. 

Dean Sankey reviewed the Campus Smoking Policy. He shared with us the policy that the River Falls campus had implemented.   Currently, our policy is that the building supervisor was to designate a smoking area that was not by a main entrance or air intake and was 25 ft away from the main entrance or air intake.  The committee proposed that a greater restriction should be stated in the policy.  The committee will propose to the Campus Development Facilities Committee that the policy should state that all smoking be restricted to 25ft away from the building, no matter what entrance.  Also, smoking will be prohibited in all university vehicles.  Residence halls are not covered by this policy as they develop their own rules.  The committee agreed that this should be proposed in a timely manner.

Dean Sankey presented information regarding Safety Committee Training.  Basically, we should set goals, prioritize the goals and implement the goals.  There is an individual from Milwaukee who does provide this type of training.  This individual has presented to the Wisconsin Safety Council as well.  The cost would be $650.00 per half-day or $900.00 per day plus expenses and mileage at 0.37 per mile.  Dean could provide us with a brochure of the training session that this person offers.  It was agreed that we would need to go to Diane Moen for funding.  Marlene suggested that we request funding under “Special Project” funding.  The details can be found under the Vice Chancellor’s web page.  Dean agreed to complete the necessary paperwork to request funding. 

Meeting adjourned 8:00 a.m.

August 12, 2003:
Persons Present:  Jo Johnson, Wayne Argo, Kim Hintzman, Dean Sankey, Luke Welch, Martin Ondrus and Jim Erdman.

Notes Taken By:  Martin Ondrus

Jim Erdman called meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Dean Sankey introduced Jim Hubbard (Voc Rehab), a visitor to the meeting.

1.  Jo Johnson gave the Worker’s Compensation Summary report for July.  There was only one incident.  A file cabinet in the Chancellor’s office fell off another on which it was stacked.  In the process an office worker’s wrist was injured. 

2.  Dean Sankey reviewed the SPP Incident Log. Four items were highlighted.  (1) 7/21/03, a set of bleachers (value $950) was missing after being used by Menomonie High School.  Since the bleachers were not marked, they are difficult to find, but Sankey suggested that they might have been transported to the High School by accident.  (2) 7/22/03 a maintenance truck backed into a post in a parking lot sustaining about $500 damage.  (3) 7/24/03 professional-grade tools valued at about $5000 were stolen from a maintenance truck being serviced by the Menomonie Chrysler Center.  Luke Welch said that the thief entered the locked vehicle by removing the lock cylinder from the door.  Sankey said that the University is trying to get Chrysler Center to cover the cost of the loss.  (4)  10/20/02 a student was injured in an H&R class when hot soup was spilled.  The cost of this injury was $161.

The instance of the unmarked bleachers being lost caused some discussion of the need for adequate marking of moderately expensive equipment such as LCD projectors.  Individual departments will have to be more careful about engraving or stenciling new purchases.

The committee agreed by consensus that it should recommend to Dr. Sedlak that faculty be asked to close and lock classrooms whenever theirs is the last class of the day.

3.  Dean Sankey provided copies of tables containing WC statistics from other campuses across the state.  The sheets were a bit difficult to read due to copying problems, but Sankey highlighted the fact that Stout seems to be high compared to similar campuses in “strains and sprains” injuries.  For example, Stout had 37, Eau Claire had 25, Platteville had 17, and River Falls had 16.  Wayne Argo pointed out that we are more in line with the others than the statistics suggest due to many more employees in our food service.  The other campuses hire outside food-service contractors.  Sankey said that 90% of WC dollars go to Physical Plant and Auxiliary Services injuries.  He said that 80% of the strains and sprains are to custodians.  In the last four years, claims in Physical Plant custodians have risen.  There was a great deal of discussion.  This will be continued at the next meeting.

4.  Jim Erdman brought up the issue of one-way streets on campus.  Jim Hubbard said that nearly every day he sees vehicles going the wrong way on the street next to Voc Rehab and Fryklund.  There was general agreement that signage for “no right turn” and “no left turn” needs to be improved.  Dean Sankey said he would contact the city to have signs installed before the semester begins.

5.  Martin Ondrus said that he has completed his term as faculty representative to the committee.  Dr. Sedlak is aware of this and is looking for a replacement.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 a.m.  The next meeting is scheduled for September 9.

July 8, 2003:
Persons Present:  Jo Johnson, Wayne Argo, Jim Erdman, Larry Kuester, Laura Giede, Dean Sankey, Luke Welch, Arlo Frank, Mark Wenzel, and Marlene Schultz

Notes taken by:  Marlene Schultz

Jim Erdman called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Jo Johnson gave the Worker’s Compensation Summary Report for June.  There was a discussion on the allergic reaction to mold claim.  It was indicated that everyone has a right to file a claim.  Madison will determine if the claim is collectible.

Dean Sankey reviewed the SPP Incident Log.  There was nothing new since the last report.  However, there was an incident at graduation where a lady with a walker slipped and fell.  No claim filed because there was no negligence on our part.

Anderson Window Safety tour was discussed.  Dean asked the committee how they felt about these tours.  Are we doing them for tour purposes or educational?  It was proposed that Safety Issues should be added to all supervisors’ position description.    Dean will check with other universities on back strains and sprains.  Also, a couple of suggestions were having pre-shift meetings to go over the day’s activities, discuss safety and also post visual information.  We will discuss further at the next meeting.

Next the security in the Physical Education building was discussed.  They now have a building manager on duty and the PE building is supposed to be the first with card access.  The safety policy that was recommended to Diane was discussed.  Jim will check with Diane on this policy.

WC stats from other campuses was deferred until the next meeting.  Dean will talk to Stevens Point about why their EMF is low.

Next meeting will be August 12 at 7:00 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 a.m.

March 11, 2003:
Persons Present: Luke Welch, Marlene Schultz, Marty Ondrus, Stan Goetz, Mark Skutley,  Jo Johnson, Wayne Argo, Kim Hintzman, Larry Kuester, Laura Giede, Dean Sankey, Arlo Frank and Jim Erdman.

Notes Taken By:  Jo Johnson

Jim Erdman called meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Jo Johnson gave the Worker’s Compensation Summary report for January.  There were six incidents reported.  Two of which resulted from employees falling on the ice.  One employee was injured by drilling overhead which resulted in a particle falling into his eye.  The committee thought that sending out some information to the supervisors reminding them to stress the importance of using the side-shields on their safety glasses.  This will be sent out via the safety list serve.

Dean Sankey reviewed the SPP Incident Log.  Two new incidents were reported in February.  One resulted in damage to a windshield wiper supposedly by a parking ticket.  The other involved the “Parking” department’s vehicle hitting another vehicle in a parking lot.

A safety tour has been arranged with Anderson Windows for April 8^th at 8:30 a.m.  The tour

should take about two hours.  Committee members are to meet at Mark Skutley’s office (130 University Services) at 8:00 a.m.  A travel authorization needs to be completed by each member of the committee that will be going on the tour.  Suggestions for future tours were Luther Hospital and Bauer Built Tires in Durand.

Dean Sankey has drafted a Near Miss Form that was reviewed by the committee.  Mark Skutley will take the form to be reviewed by the Vice Chancellor’s Council.  It was suggested that the form be made available on-line and to inform the campus that the new form is available.

Luke Welch brought a safety issue to the committee that involved installing mirrors on the Southwest corner of the General Services Building so you can see what is coming from around the corner.  Jim Erdman will send a recommendation to Ted Hendzel.

On-line safety training will possibly be included into our current safety training by next fall.  The committee members were encouraged to try out the training for themselves and bring their thoughts to the committee.

Meeting adjourned 8:00 a.m.

February 11, 2003: 
Persons Present:  Jo Johnson, Wayne Argo, Kim Hintzman, Larry Kuester, Laura Giede, Dean Sankey, Arlo Frank and Jim Erdman.

Notes Taken By:  Arlo Frank

Jim Erdman called meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Jo Johnson gave the Worker’s Compensation Summary report for January.  There were four incidents reported but nothing serious or out of the ordinary. 

Dean Sankey reviewed the SPP Incident Log. The biggest accident was a semi driver backing down at the Commons loading dock and hitting the dining delivery truck causing $5500.00 in damages.  Laptop cabling and docking systems were discussed also.  Two laptops have been taken from locked offices.  Key control was discussed.  A suggestion was made that all keys should say “do not duplicate” on them.  Sending out a reminder to department heads about the key policies may also be a good idea.

In the past, there has been some trespassing in the area of the climbing tower.  A motion- activated light may be helpful to keep trespassers out during the night.

Larry Kuester brought up a light fixture on campus that was a safety hazard and has needed repair for about three years.  Dean stated that the light has now been fixed.  A discussion followed about the timeliness of follow up on these types of issues.

Wayne Argo checked into the policy for minors in labs and other work areas on campus.  Children are not allowed to be left unsupervised in any campus area including the labs.  Our committee will send out a reminder to the departments and possibly put the information the Community News.  Jim and Dean will try to make arrangements to meet with the Provost’s Council to inform them of the importance of this issue.

Planning is under-way for two CPR training sessions.  An email will be sent out with the information to the campus.

A safety tour has been arranged with Anderson Windows for April 8^th.  The final details will be

worked out in the March meeting.  

Meeting adjourned 8:00 a.m.

September 10, 2002:

I.                    Jim called the meeting to order at 7 am

II.                 Brian Hitchcock, Dunn County Coordinator was guest at the meeting to discuss emergency weather watches and warnings.

a.       High School and local industries have a plan for warnings.  Spotters watch the sky and assemble people to secure areas. 

b.      These facilities use judgment before reacting to siren.

c.       Schools have emergency plans.  Brian will share these with us.

d.      City may begin sounding sirens for terrorism and chemical releases

e.       Concern expressed by committee regarding how campus would handle evacuation due to chemical release

f.        Ways to establish a central contact system with each building were discussed

III.               New members of the committee were introduced.

IV.              Jo Johnson distributed the WC Report and reviewed the current cases.

V.                 Dean Sankey distributed and reviewed the Accident and Property Damage Report.

VI.              Jim Erdman reviewed the Charge to the Committee

VII.            UW System on-line training was discussed.  Dean noted that this training is intended to supplement hands-on training.  It may work for new employees.  This will be discussed again at the next meeting.

VIII.         Follow up to our request for crosswalks on Broadway.  The city has improved the marked crosswalks.  Within crosswalks, pedestrians have the right of way.  Outside crosswalks, vehicles have the right of way.

IX.              Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 am

May 14, 2002:
I.  Jo gave the WC report

            A.  Four back injuries were noted

                        1.  Some follow-up here is indicated to emphasize back safety

            B.  One repetitive injury occurred

                        1.  Work station here has been evaluated twice

                        2.  Recommendations have been given to the employee

II.  Dean discussed the property loss record

            A.  Unsecured property loss deductible is $2500; lock it up!

            B.  The VDC steam leak loss value was corrected to $6400-6500 by Don Moats

III. Don Moats discussed emergency lighting

            A.  Exit signs are lighted

B.  A program is underway to install one light on emergency system in each of large, tiered, interior rooms

IV.  Jim Erdman discussed hazardous chemicals used in cooling towers

            A.  Concern is if spilled in building

            B.  Dean has obtained MSDS for these materials

            C.  Henry will evaluate MSDS & develop plan for spill control/emergency procedures

D.  Don said that areas with difficult access have been, and could be, retrofitted with tap feeders to allow a safer method of administering chemicals

V.  Dean discussed the laptop ergonomics furniture fair

            A.  Event was well attended with many vendors

            B.  Many positive comments were received

C.  This could and should be repeated after the campus has developed some additional history with laptops

VI.  Dean raised the issue of how to recognize exceptional cleanliness and safety occurrences

            A.  Possibility of grievances for discriminatory actions was raised!

            B.  Suggestion was to put positive comments into inspection reports/report cover letters

VII. Dean raised issues of committee membership and rotating terms

            A.  Several members opted to renew their participation

            B.  Dean suggested that safety & WC personnel should not assume the chair due to bias

                        1.  All members urged to consider renewal or nominate a replacement

                        2.  Any member willing to take the chair should respond to Dean

VIII.  Concerns were raised regarding minors in labs and studios

            A.  Enforcement seen as difficult

            B.  Existing campus policy covers this per Wayne’s advice

            C.  Dean will draft memo to publicize existing policy and submit to Wayne and Diane

IX.  Severe weather emergency response is inadequate

            A.  Historical reaction is zero when sirens sound

                        1.  Sirens are really for outside

            B.  The concept of putting a weather radio in each building was discussed

                        1.  Henry will draft a committee recommendation for the next, June, meeting

X.  Dean gave out examples of recently acquired safety stickers – more available upon request

Meeting was adjourned at 8:07am

February 12, 2002:
Present: Dean Sankey, Marty Ondrus, Jo Fruit, Jim Erdman, Scott Wolfe, Lisa Miller, Rodger Bourget,  Arlo Frank, Mark Wenzel, Henry Grote; Luke Welsch, Wayne Argo

Visitors (later): Annette Taylor & Keith McCarten

Dean Sankey called the meeting to order at 7:04 am.

1. Workers Compensation Report, Jo Fruit

1. December and January were light months w/ no lost time reported

2. One strain reported – LTE high school student - horseplay

2. Accident & Property Damage Report, Dean Sankey

1. Significant steam leak damage on 1/14/02 – value not firmly established yet

3. Dean discussed the Wal-Mart trip

1. Very interesting

2. They use incentives which are not applicable in our universe

3. Possible future trip would be to Cardinal Glass

4. Dean discussed the Bowman loading dock height concern

1. Measured 46.5-50.5”

2. Railing was described as “on its way”

5. Dean reviewed the ergonomic furniture for laptop issue

1. Vendor fair is set for April 23

2. Jo suggested that the WC/Safety Committee should have a presence – possible demonstration

6. Dean reviewed a summary of the SWOT process

1. Legal consul should provide liability info to faculty

2. Our Blood-borne Pathogen policy should be reviewed

3. Strategic plan should be created

7. Safety concern was raised regarding eye wash stations not being regularly tested

1. Dean informed the committee that testing was a departmental responsibility

8. Scotty pointed out a concern with a smoking coffee pot on the third floor of Millennium Hall

1. Dean will investigate

9. Marty pointed out a need for a hall phone for emergency use outside science labs

1. Henry described a successful installation of red phones at UW-EC for this purpose

10. Annette and Keith presented their findings regarding pedestrian safety – crosswalks – and traffic

1. City is willing to install new crosswalks w/in state parameters

2. Problem is there is no clear “ideal” location for a new crosswalk

3. Weather permitting the existing crosswalks will be repainted

                                                             i.      White paint is required

4. Additional pedestrian crossing signs will be added – fluorescent green likely color

5. Flashing yellow lights would not be paid for by state

                                                               i.      City is low on funds

                                                              ii.      Try cheaper signs first

6. Enforcement issues were discussed

                                                               i.      Traffic enforcement could lead to more problems such as jay-walking fines!

                                                              ii.      Safety Department could send out brochures – attempt to educate campus personnel

7. Light timing too short for walking across was discussed

                                                               i.      Annette and Keith will bring to city’s attention

11. Meeting adjourned around 8:15am

Mark Skutley called the meeting to order at 7:06 am.

1. Workers Compensation Report, Jo Fruit

1. The Workers Compensation Summary report through 10/31/01 was distributed. Jo noted the only unusual case was that of a Voc Rehab employee who was struck by a client – fortunately with apparent little damage

2. Accident & Property Damage Report, Dean Sankey

1. Unusual claim was of a windshield reportedly damaged by a football

2. Claim was reported about two months after alleged event

3. Dean emphasized the importance of prompt reporting

4. Also emphasized was the necessity to not make statements admitting liability or stating that the University would cover costs

3. Mark Skutley discussed the crosswalk recommendations draft

1. Wayne Argo had commented that the draft should make clear that the University needs to work with the city and state since we do not have jurisdiction over the roads

2. Recapitulated suggestions were:

                                 i.      Better, brighter, wider crosswalk marking

                                ii.      Yield for pedestrian signs

                                iii.      Flashing lights

                                iv.      Enforcement

                                 v.      Additional crosswalk between parking lot north of U. Services and Admin. Parking lot

3. Emphasis on flashing lights was urged

3. Dean dissussed the proposed visit to Wal-Mart

1. Mark said that Diane will accompany the committee – schedule permitting

2. Jan 4 and Jan 14 are tentative dates

3. 8-10 am is proposed time frame

4. Goal is to have tour and short meeting to discuss safety and what works and what does not work for Wal-Mart

5. Dean will revisit time/date and confirm to committee via E-Mail

4. Dean reviewed the ergonomic furniture for laptop issue with a demonstration for committee

1. Similar issues for desktop ergonomics apply for laptops

                                    i.      Neutral posture; 90 degrees for knees, hips, and elbows

                                   ii.      Feet on floor or supported

                                   iii.      Wrists straight

                                   iv.      Monitor straight ahead & slightly down

                                   v.      Document holder next to monitor

                                   vi.      Schedule work in short stretches w/ breaks between

                                 vii.      Files & other needed items should be close to hand

1.        avoid twisting & awkward reaching

                                 viii.      lighting/windows to sides; minimize glare

2. Full size keyboards where possible are keys to better laptop ergonomics

                                i.      Docking stations a plus

                               ii.      Keyboards can be plugged into laptops directly

                                iii.      Under table keyboard supports help obtain the best posture

1.        Need to be wide enough to accommodate a mouse

3. Need document holders for laptops

4. Suggestion that the committee sponsor a workshop combined with a furniture show

6. Mark briefly discussed the SWOT review

1. Final report not yet available

2. Tri-campus meeting later this week to discuss common themes

3. After final report recommendations will be brought to committee

4. In general, the review is viewed as a success

7. Bowman Hall loading dock issue

1. Possible that the dock needs a railing

2. If fall or four feet is possible, a railing is required

3. Dean will review loading dock heights around campus

8. Meeting adjourned at 8:00am