Joint Health and Safety Committee Minutes of Meeting #127

Transcription

1 Joint Health and Safety Committee Minutes of Meeting #127 Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 Place: Senate Room, Robertson Hall Present: C. Bartley, B. Billings, P. Currie, K. Gallinger, T. Giles, T. Lackey, M. MacGuigan, R. Mutton, C. Neely, G. Poole, L. Rossman, D. Saraswat, J. Simpson, C. White, E. Zalok Absent: M. Bell, L. Boudreault, A. Castonguay, W. Cook, L. Copley, I. Fiser, E. Kane, D. Pfeiffer, T. Sauve, The meeting was chaired by G. Poole. Item 1: Meetings and Minutes: Action: 1.1 Co-Chair Introduction It was reported that C. Neely has been appointed as the Worker Co-Chair. In addition, it was reported that R. Desormeaux, representing USWA, has resigned from the JHSC. 1.2 Approval of the Agenda The agenda was approved, as presented (K. Gallinger / P. Currie). 1.3 Approval of Minutes The minutes of the November 19, 2002 meeting were approved (C. Bartley / T. Giles). 1.4 Call for agenda items There were no additional agenda items. Item 2: EHS Report: 2.1 Workplace Inspection Summary C. White reported that all workplace inspections have been completed for the School of Engineering and Design for No other inspections have been conducted to date for Injury Report Summary A summary of all injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour for 2002, was distributed at the meeting, as well as a summary of all injuries to date for It was noted that there was only one critical injury in 2002 and that the number of reports had increased in 2002 over those reported in This indicates

2 that more incidents are being reported, in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act. In addition, it was noted that one critical injury has been reported so far in The injury occurred in Industrial Design and the accident investigation has been completed and action is being taken to prevent further incidents of this nature. With regards to this incident, it was noted that the victim lost consciousness and once regained, was offered transportation to the hospital, via ambulance, by University Safety Staff; which the victim repeatedly declined. Subsequent to the this, a staff member offered transportation to the hospital, which the victim accepted. It was noted that the University Safety policy upon refusal of ambulance service is to direct victims to Health Services however, it was pointed out that it is incumbent upon the victim to determine treatment. After discussion, a request will be made that University Safety review the policy for response to critical injuries to include an automatic request for ambulance by Safety Officers. 2.3 Upcoming Training and Events Summary A training summary was distributed at the meeting. It was reported that Certification Training has been completed and four additional JHSC members are now certified (three worker members and one management member). This training will be offered again in the spring C. White also reported that effective March 1, 2003, ESAO has been contracted to provide training for the next year and that training will continue to be offered including First Aid, WHMIS, Workplace Inspection and Accident Investigation. In addition, ESAO will be providing WHMIS Train the Trainer sessions to facilitate on-campus trainers for this program. C. White also reported that an on-line registration process has been developed and will soon be available for all health and safety related training. In addition, it was noted that room 506TB is available as a training room, for primary use by EH&S and Human Resources. 2.4 Departmental Safety Coordinators Program C. White reported that a review of the Building Health and Safety Committee Program has been conducted and that a new approach is being developed, which is currently in use at various universities throughout Ontario. The Departmental Safety Coordinators Program will establish one person (minimum) from each department to act as the liaison between the department and University Safety. This individual will also be a member of the workplace inspection sub-committee and conduct workplace inspections of their respective departments. C. White estimates that approximately 170 Departmental Safety Coordinators will be identified and that these individuals will all receive appropriate training. A draft of this program will be provided to the JHSC for review. C. White 2.5 WSIB Safety Groups Program

3 C. White reported that Carleton University, along with all other Ontario Universities, is now a member of the WSIB Safety Group Program. This group consists of EH&S representatives from universities across Ontario and meets quarterly. The mandate of this group is to achieve five goals annually which are aimed at improving health and safety on campus; four of the goals are specific to each university and one of the goals is common. C. White reported that the one goal of Carleton University would be to establish regular and continuous workplace inspections. Additional suggestions and feedback regarding these goals can be forwarded to C. White. It was noted that membership in this program may provide a WSIB premium rebate to the University which can then be used for safety programs on campus. In addition, while a member of this group, the University will not be subject to a Workwell Audit by WSIB, however, it was noted that the ESAO would perform this audit for internal purposes only. Item 3: Business Arising from the Minutes: 3.1 Athletics Catwalk G. Poole reported that an additional option is now being discussed which allows for construction of an entrance at the west-end of the pool deck, with stairs to the floor level. This option would allow the use of equipment to access the catwalk and would also serve as an entrance for emergency personnel. With this option, the catwalk would remain in place. However, its use would be decommissioned. 3.2 Signage in Loading Docks It was reported that Physical Plant has installed signage at the Tory/Unicentre loading dock and is continuing the installation of these signs at other locations across campus, which should be complete within four to six weeks. There was discussion surrounding enforcement and it was noted that University Safety will continue to enforce in No Parking areas. In addition, it was suggested that individual departments contact regular suppliers to request their cooperation. K. Gallinger will draft a message for distribution to the community in Today at Carleton. K. Gallinger 3.3 Scented Products in the Workplace Guidelines C. Bartley reported that Human Resources is willing to include this in the Human Resources Policies and Procedures as a guideline and noted that the guidelines will be reviewed and amended as per discussions at the last JHSC meeting. 3.3 Working Alone It was reported that University Safety and Human Resources are working together to develop a policy and noted that it can be developed to include

4 workers and students. 3.5 Revision of Terms of Reference It was reported that the sub-committee has met and progress is being made. Draft revisions will be reviewed by the Certified Members and will then be presented to the JHSC for review and approval. 3.6 Personal Safety Committee and the role of the JHSC It was reported that the terms of reference for the Presidential Advisory Committee on Personal Safety does not provide for a JHSC representative, however it was noted that memberships overlaps in several areas. In order to increase communication between these committees, an exchange of meeting minutes will begin, as soon as possible. 3.7 Walkway and Crosswalk Safety It was reported that Physical Plant and University Safety have reviewed the main pedestrian pathway that travels from Athletics to Minto. It was noted that although there is increased traffic due to road closures, the problems could be alleviated with increased education to both pedestrians and motorists. It was suggested that University Safety staff could increase visibility at high volume crosswalks during peak times. K. Gallinger reported that there is decreased visibility of road markings throughout the winter months, which is unavoidable, but noted that these markings will be repainted in the spring. It was also reported that traffic and pedestrian patterns will be reviewed as part of the Master Plan Review which is currently being conducted. Item 4: New Business: 4.1 Nominations for Health and Safety Award C. White reported that, as recommended by the Carleton Community Health and Safety Committee, an annual award will be instituted to recognize an individual on campus that has contributed to improving health and safety in the workplace. There was discussion surrounding the presentation of this award on the National Day of Mourning, which commemorates victims of workplace accidents. C. White will request further details regarding a ceremony on campus. C. White After discussion, it was decided that a sub-committee will be struck to determine the nomination process and criteria for selection, and make recommendations at the next meeting. This sub-committee will be comprised of C. Bartley, T. Lackey, and L. Rossman. 4.2 Worker Member Duties It was reported that the worker members held a meeting and it was decided that

5 T. Giles will report on Accident Investigations and D. Saraswat and T. Sauve will report on Workplace Inspections. 4.3 Smoking near Entrances It was reported that several complaints have been received regarding smoking near entrances of buildings. After discussion, it was decided that M. MacGuigan will provide further information to the JHSC at the next meeting regarding Ontario and Municipal statutes and Carleton s duties within them. M. MacGuigan Stair closure between Steacie and Herzberg K. Gallinger reported that these stairs have in fact been removed from that location. Item 5: Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2003 in the University Board Room, 6 th floor, Robertson Hall.