RPSS - November
Health and Safety Committee Meeting
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Date: November 28, 2024
Place: In person -Physical Plant meeting room
Time: 1:05 p.m.
Present: S. Girvin, H. Spivak, D. Carlin, T. Moore, Stan Nemec, F. Sgambelluri
Regrets: S. Elsey, T. Falcigno
OLD Business:
A. Steve reported that the floor in the Powerhouse is breaking. There are no vehicles allowed inside. The area is cordoned off with signs advising of the danger, until such time as a decision is made how the floor will be fixed. There are no updates at this time on this project.
Nov.18, 2021 update – a design is being developed in anticipation of the project going to tender
Feb.24, 2022 – no change, Feb.16, 2023 still no change, the area is blocked off
May 16, 2024- no change
Nov 28, 2024 - No Change
B. Steve has advised that he is scheduling “driver training” for his staff. There have been some unfortunate incidents recently with vehicles on campus. No updates at this time. Probably will wait till Spring 2022
Feb.16, 2023 - Steve advised that they planned to have this training completed in the spring of 2023. Security would like to be part of this training as well.
May 16, 2024 - This training is to be scheduled soon. S. Girvin
Nov 28, 2024 - No change
C. February 9, 2024 - Greg Croft the representative of the Security team has raised two issues;
request for body armour (vests) – approved and samples have been ordered
request for training for the Security team
May 16, 2024 - vests have been purchased and are in process of branding. Follow-up with the Security Manager to confirm they have been issued to guards and they are wearing them.
Nov 28 - Security advised that minimal personnel are wearing their assigned vests. Will forward to H&S the wording of the roll-out to determine next steps.
D. Question regarding safety for step ladders. Previous safety training has indicated that 3 point contact has involved feet and arms only. This is problematic for work completed from a step ladder such as changing light bulbs that requires overhead work and two hands. Can we get clarification and training for step ladders?
Nov 28 - Steve advises that the body is considered as a point of contact.
Injury Report:
Physical Plant - Medical Aid - Worker injured back while unloading ~100 40 pound bags from the shipping vehicle. Worker was on modified duties briefly and has now returned to regular duty. Plant has conducted a review, heavy loads will be required to be a two person lift.
Physical Plant - Medical Aid - After several days of a large move, worker noticed arm pain while moving a large object with another worker and loss of function. Modified duties briefly and have now returned to regular duty.
Security - Medical Aid - Worker was conducting patrol, and missed a stair, resulting in an injury to the ankle. Modified duties briefly, and has now returned to regular duty.
Residence - Lost Time - Worker was walking on sidewalk outside of Avila, and injured foot on broken asphalt. Two days were missed as a result of the injury, and symptoms increased with use. Medical attention was not sought until several weeks after the injury and lost time. Lost time was reinstated following medical review and worker is currently off work.
Near Misses:
None
NEW Business:
D. Workplace Violence Policy is now approved, please review.
E. Lab Safety Policy is now approved, please review.
F. Working for workers five - Bill 190 now approved. Definition of workplace harassment has been expanded to include virtual harassment and Section 3 of the Act has been expanded to include private residences where remote work is being conducted.
Roundtable:
H. Security truck has been removed from service due to safety concerns.
I. Stop signs have been removed from campus roadways.
J. Parking lot conditions have continued to deteriorate. Recommendation: A parking lot renewal plan to be created to be forwarded to VP Administration and Finance and Security Director.
Inspections Outstanding;
Avila – Heather
Rural Resources Center – Steve G and worker
Balmoral Street Center - Stan & Fred
Building Maintenance
Shipping and Receiving
874 Tungsten Street
NEXT MEETING: December 20 at 1:00 p.m. Physical Plant meeting room