Health and Safety Committee Meeting

Lakehead University

955 Oliver Road

Date:  January 16, 2025

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, T. Falcigno, S. Elsey

Regrets:

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

Jan 16, 2025 - 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

Jan 16, 2025 - no change

C. February 9, 2024 - Greg Croft the representative of the Security team has raised two issues;

1. request for body armour (vests) – approved and samples have been ordered 

2. 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.

Jan 16, 2025 - no update

D. November 28, 2024 - 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.

Jan 16, 2025 - no update.

Injury Report:

Slip and fall was reported to work order desk between RB and Library, but accident report still outstanding.  Follow-up found a slow leak from fire hydrant that requires repair in spring, causing ice.  Grounds will inspect on a regular basis to make sure sanding in the crosswalk is sufficient to reduce risk of slip.

Near Misses:

None

NEW Business:

E. Physical Plant updates

- Final backflow shed almost complete.  Work will begin inside buildings in the future.  This will be a large project.

-Braun will require a change-over in transformer in the summer.  This will require most of the building to be without power for a period of time.  Plan for access will be developed and communicated prior to the work.  Many keys for the exterior doors are issued, so will require lock changes to secure the building.

- Prettie Residence will have the fire panel upgraded this year.

F. H&S Websites for employee injury, illness and accommodation have been updated.  please review and communicate within your unit.

G. Hazardous waste - Residence and Plant have items to go for disposal.  Residence may need access to Llumin.  Tiffany to check.  Arno K. organizing battery and fluorescent light disposal.

H. Reminder - Security to be notified when there is a fire alarm in residence.

I. Reminder - Natural gas protocol to be followed when security receives reports of NG smell.

J. Residence Update

- Furnaces catching fire in townhouses.  Plan to replace this style of furnace, currently shutting down furnaces and electric heaters being provided where needed.

-Roofing project on-going, with signage, fencing, caution tape to mark area of work.  Concern regarding scaffolding not being fully tied off.  Steve E to address with contractor.

K. At start-up after holiday break, mechanics encountered a malfunction in the deep fryers in main cafe which resulted in the fryers being removed from service until replaced.  Upon further inspection it appeared that a previous malfunction occurred that was not reported to physical plant.  Tiffany to follow up with Aramark.

L.  Tiffany to create an inspection schedule - listing 2 areas per month for inspections.

Inspections Outstanding;

Avila – Heather

Rural Resources Center – Steve G and worker

Balmoral Street Center - Stan & worker

Building Maintenance

Shipping and Receiving 

874 Tungsten Street 

NEXT MEETING: February 20 at 1:00 p.m. Physical Plant meeting room

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;

1. request for body armour (vests) – approved and samples have been ordered 

2. 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

Labs and Studios Minutes –February 19 2025

AC 147 and zoom

Present:   M. Sorokopud, G. Oba, M. Moore, A. Diochon, T. Moore, B.Huska

TIME Commenced: 2:32 PM hybrid by zoom

Agenda :  MOTION G.O. SECOND M.M. Carried. 

November 2024 Minutes :  MOTION M.S. SECOND A.D. Carried

January 2025 Minutes: MOTION M.S. SECOND A.D.

Injuries/Incidents

None

Inspections - 

Powerhouse - M.M. and H.F. - Eyewash caps missing. Propane stored indoors, was moved at time of inspection. One flammables cabinet was messy, recommended to go through cabinet and remove unneeded items to provide more space.

Biology (CASES) - M.S. and H.F. - Some eyewash station checks missing. Yellow signs need to be stuck on, was reported there were some issues with the tape they were using and they would not stay on. 

Outstanding

Fire Lab

Old Business

• Mechanical Engineering - Exhaust fan and missing ceiling tiles

• Structures Lab - Issues with old items and equipment being left in space and causing clutter. Shared SOPs were reviewed.

New Business

• New website for illness/injury shared with committee. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/hr/health-safety/tb/occupational-health/workplace-injury-or-sick-from-work-

• New website for medical accommodations shared with committee. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/hr/health-safety/tb/occupational-health/medical-accommodations-employee-

• Workplace Violence Prevention Program

• Service Animal Policy being developed. Suggested committee members speak to colleagues at other institutions to see if there are any ideas of how we can handle service animals in laboratory environments. 

• Committee was informed of the MOL inspection that occurred the previous week after an anonymous complaint of unsafe chemical handling around the pool and lack of training and PPE. MOL was satisfied with the area, PPE provided, and training. No orders given, report is posted on health and safety bulletin board.

• Committee was informed of an ergonomics program being developed. For laboratory spaces the program will most likely take the form of information about how to work in a more ergonomic manner.

• A.D. asked about funding of ergonomic purchases in research labs, raising concerns that grant funding may not allow the purchase of those items.

Other Business

• Committee agreed to have a week each month for inspections to take place.

• A.D. raised concerns about lab garbages not being emptied as frequently and becoming overfilled. Directed to talk to Stephanie about this issue.

• G.O. indicated that next week when classes resume he will not be able to join the meeting as he has teaching commitments during the meeting time. Suggested to send around a Doodle poll around to see if there is a better time. B.H. will send doodle poll to all committee members

• The Committee thanks Heidi Forsyth for her work as she departs 

• The Committee welcomes Brenda Huska, HR Officer - Safety

Adjournment:  3:07 pm

NEXT REGULAR MEETING: March 19, 2025 time 11:00am 

Labs and Studios Minutes –Nov 27 2024

Present:   T. Moore, M. Moore, A. Diochon, C. Surette, M. Sorokopud, H. Forsyth, S. Azarhazin, K. Bhatia

TIME Commenced: 3 PM by zoom

Agenda :  MOTION C.S. SECOND M.M. Carried. 

Sept 25, 2024 Minutes :  MOTION M.S.  SECOND M.M.  Carried.

Injuries/Incidents

Hydrology Lab CB0043. Cut on hand working with gabions (wire wall filled with rocks) without hand protection.  No incident report submitted, so student information is sparse. Cut resistant gloves on order, but no list of all users of the space and work being done. Structures Lab CB1044 - Currently the space is closed for access after hours until training and access lists can be created and proper SOPs can be formed for training. Further details are being sought. 

Anthropology

Awaiting incident report on trip and fall during field training that resulted in a minor scrape to the knee with no medical aid required. Full report will be shared with the committee at the next meeting.

Inspections - 

NRM - Eyewash station not working, water in lights, ceiling tile damaged in BB-1016, BB-1071A ceiling tile down, roof damaged/leaking in BB-1061

LUIL - No issues

CHEM - generally okay  - One eyewash needed to be tested.

LUEL - Table in front of electrical panel

ANTH - Mixed storage 

Science Workshop - External contractor moved through active workspace without PPE or notice/asking about work being done (machines in use in the machine shop).  Similar issue with CHEM (Campbell lab in CASES)

KINE - Cylinder storage need caps, fire pull station too high (previously accessible with stairs), basketball nets in front of exit, eyewash tag needed

LUARS - smoke detector needs battery, guards missing from mower, flammable storage, buildup boxes/bags of stalks, fire extinguisher blocked. 

NURS - water leak from roof (repeat issue).  Cold complaint (seemed fine upon reinspection). 

PSYCH - generally fine, but lead paint peeling in storage room (1002A). 

Student H&C - No Issues

Mech Eng - CB-1010 key issue (piece broken in lock). Propane stored in the lab, cylinder storage issues. ESA certification marks not visible on some items. Door signs to update, eyewash to be checked regularly - some eyewash needing resecured and dust covers replaced. Cord end replacements. Loose shelving needing re-secured. Some lifted tiles. 

BRI - eyewash cards illegible. Compressed gas cylinder storage issue.

PALEO DNA - safety shower close to electrical outlet. To follow up to ensure GFCI or distance to closest receptacle.  

Outstanding

Biology CASES

Outdoor Rec

Powerhouse

Fire Lab

Old Business

Biosafety Inspections – Sudip Rakshit

Autoclave logbook, SOP update, lab signage update

TA Training Site

Not much feedback so far. General notice to go out.

Labs Unsecured Report

Decreased since September (10), October (2), November (1).

Chemical Waste Pick Up

Waiting for quotations.  Pickup will be scheduled once a vendor is selected.

New Business

Lab Safety Policy

Approved and on website

Decommissioning of Laboratories and Laboratory Equipment Policy

Q. What about moving into areas with residues in cabinets/fumehoods/etc. A. Whomever has control of the space when vacating, has the proper knowledge to decontaminate the materials before they go to a new order. A2 Before moving into a new space, identify any decontamination safety concerns to your appropriate Chair/Dean/Director so that work can be done before you move materials into the space. There are many challenges if this is left until after a faculty member leaves the university.

Reminder that lab decommissioning should be done before members leave/retire even if they are returning as Emeriti. This should also be done whenever members move spaces. 

The committee will review and submit any additional comments on the updated Lab Decommission Policy by Dec 3, 2024.

Workplace Violence Policy

Received approval. Other policies. Given issues occuring at other institutions, members are recommended to review the policy.

Lab Decommissioning – Phil Fralick/Roger

Plan for materials in place and decommission actions will begin soon. 

Alternate Designate for CUPE

Elected from CUPE at AGM. 

The committee welcomes Maral Ghaedibardeh, phD candidate from Civil Engineering Department.

Acid Bath Safety Resource

Available to the committee or workers to use for reference.

Other Business

Adjournment:  3:47 pm

NEXT REGULAR MEETING: 

Labs and Studios Minutes –Sept 25, 2024 

Present: M. Moore, M. Sorokopud, S. Azarhazin, J. Gao, K. Bahatia, S. Girvin, H. Forsyth. TIME Commenced: 3:04 PM by zoom 

1.0 Agenda : MOTION SG. SECOND MM, Carried.  

2.0 Aug 28, 2024 Minutes : MOTION MM. SECOND SG. Carried. 

3.0 Injuries/Incidents 

NRM – Student felt dizzy with difficulty breathing and standing after working with malt agar.  Student was transported to hospital for treatment. By the time transport to hospital arrived,  student was on the mend. Just an FYI for committee, not anything lab related, medical incident. Structures Lab – Student caught working alone in structures lab. Structures lab requires buddy  system. Student was asked to leave by Security. It was later found that student was not on valid  access list at Security – they said they were let in by a professor. When people request access,  Security ensures the buddy system is known and student needs buddy to sign out keys. 

4.0 Inspections 

NRM – Jarrett – not present/no report submitted – tabled to next meeting 

LUIL – Jarrett - not present/no report submitted – tabled to next meeting 

Physics – M. Moore – major issues were cylinders stored on cart/tilted back – not ideal for storage  and multiple height straps, old chemicals in decent quantities that need to be disposed of,  equipment not clear if ESA approved. H. Forsyth reminded committee that it is illegal to use  electrical devices that do not meet electrical code certification requirements. 

Biology – Kailash – It was noted that CASES rooms were missed so will need to complete. H. Forsyth asked how to proceed in booking remaining inspections - There are 9 left and 2 months  left to inspect. It was agreed that times/dates will be booked and sent to the group to sign up for.  

5.0 Old Business 

Biosafety Inspections – NOSM Research – nothing major, needs records for fume hood – SG  confirmed that this is scheduled for next week, needed lab signage, needed eyewash/shower testing  tags 

TA Training Site - Sent out to science grad coordinators – waiting on reviews – have not received  any yet – will follow up via email for comments. M. Moore asked to be added to course to review. 

Labs Unsecured – Up tick in labs found left unlocked – 5 in the last couple of weeks

Chemical Waste Pickup – Will be seeing emails regarding waste requests - H. Forsyth will be picking  up some chemicals and bringing to storage area. You will need to sign off on what is removed working on this over the next couple of weeks. H. Forsyth will be sending all waste requests in the  system so far – please confirm if anything is missing. SG inquired about PACI chemicals – Faculty of  Education giving up labs – in the chemical store area – abandoned chemicals – H. Forsyth has had  the chemicals boxed up and will be organizing with Shipping to bring to campus. SG let committee  know there is 1 surplus flammables cabinet if anyone is interested. Biology potentially interested. 

6.0 New Business 

 Prescription Safety Glasses – Cen Can expo – cheap prescription safety glasses – if anyone wants  contact information please let H. Forsyth know. 

 New Chemical Engineering Tech – They have hired someone for the position – Mr. Hughroy Staple.   

7.0 Other Business 

Eye Wash Tags - H. Forsyth has eyewash tags if anyone is lacking. 

8.0 Adjournment: 3:27 pm 

9.0 NEXT REGULAR MEETING: October 23, 2024 3:00 pm

Present: H. Forsyth, A. Diochon, M. Sorokopud, S. Azarhazin, M. Moore, C. Surette, S. Girvin, G. Oba

TIME Commenced: 3:02 PM by zoom 1.0

Agenda : MOTION AD. SECOND CS, Carried.

2.0 July 24, 2024Minutes : MOTION CS. SECOND AD. Carried.

3.0 Injuries/Incidents None

4.0 Inspections MVA - Completed by Gabriel – Major issues were a roof leak in UC-1022A and cluttered room. Elect Eng – Completed by Gabriel – Nothing major, carpet needed fixing. NRM - Completed by Jarrett – tabled to next meeting as Jarrett not present, no report submitted ATRC - Completed by Jarrett and Heidi – No issues – needed outer door signage hung up Physics - Completed by M.Moore – tabled to next meeting as M. Moore entered meeting late Biology – Completed by Kailash – Major issues - unlabelled bottles, cylinders needing proper straps, leaning shelf, report submitted. Kaliash not at meeting – can provide more details at next meeting. Chem Eng – Completed by M. Moore and Heidi – Major issues – missing straps on cylinders, confirm ESA certifications on machines BAF/LUACF – Completed by Jane and Heidi – No major issues

5.0 Old Business TA Training Site - created online – will be sent out to grad coordinators for review this week. Biosafety Inspections – Biology Biosafety Inspection completed – no major issues, lots of door signage needing to be updated Civil Lab Structures – Tiffany discussed with new technologist awareness of additional training required. Update on the crane controls – the controls were switched over to a remote system this spring/summer.

6.0 New Business Labs Unsecured Report - 51 labs since March left unlocked. The worst month was May. The number has gone down significantly from May to July. It was mentioned some maintenance staff leave doors open. Report is unable to provide information on who is leaving doors unlocked, however, Tiffany reaches out to maintenance staff, housekeeping, and those occupying the labs to be vigilant of locking the doors. This appears to have resulted in less doors being left unlocked.

7.0 Other Business CB 1016 Exhaust Fan – Replacement fan on order. Older Chemicals – M. Moore gave reminder to replace unreadable/faded labels. As people retire, we will not know what they are – there is a cost to identify unknown chemicals so that they can be disposed of. Fume Hoods – S. Girvin gave update on fume hoods in lab spaces. 6 fume hoods did not pass – varying stages of repair. 2 Controllers failed – working on replacing. 2 in Chemistry Dept had rotten ducts – duct work being replaced. Autoclaves – S. Girvin gave update on autoclaves. Pressure relief valves replaced. Believes they can be certified – not out of date.

8.0 Adjournment: 3:18 pm

9.0NEXT REGULAR MEETING: September 25, 2024 3:00 pm

Minutes

October 9th, 2024.

Start 10:30 am

Zoom 

Present

Carolyne Stevens (COPE)

Élaine Doiron (COPE)

Gabriel Oba (LUFA)

Patrick Larin (Schedule II)

Sue Viitala (Schedule II)

Tiffany Moore (Human Resources)

1. Approval of Agenda –Approved as written.

2. Acceptance of Minutes (19 April 2024) –
   Moved: Gabriel / Seconded: Carolyne / Approved as written.
   
   

3. Outstanding Business –

A) September 11, 2024: Please note this JHSC meeting was tabled due to conflicting schedules and unforeseen circumstances.

B) Violence in the Workplace Policy: The form is now live. It is regarding the reporting of domestic violence.

4. Inspections – Update that workers group do inspections so Schedule 2 is omitted. Priority buildings are Bora Laskin, CASES, Ryan Building, School of Nursing and Student Central. During the summer, the following buildings were inspected: Centennial Building, Hangar, Nordic Sports Institute/ Wolf Den and Sanders Fieldhouse.
   Action: Élaine to send a Doodle Poll and will follow up with Tiffany regarding the buildings inspected so far.
   
   

5. Injury and Accident Reports – None.

6. New Business/Open Discussion – 

1. LUSU office: In the summer of 2024, LUSU has expressed interest in getting their office inspected.
   Motion: Gabriel moves that this committee conducts inspections of the LUFA office on the 4th floor of the Centennial Building with the condition that a LUFA member is present at the time of the inspection.
   Seconded: Carolyne
   Approved
   Action: Tiffany will reach out to LUFA.

2. Management Co-Chair is needed for this committee: Patrick will be chairing the meetings.

7. Next meeting – in-person in December 2024 at 10:30am.

8. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 am.

Present:   T. Moore, C. Surette, M. Sorokopud, S. Azarhazin, K. Bhatia

TIME Commenced: 2:31 PM by zoom

Agenda :  MOTION S.A. SECOND K.B. Carried. 

November 2024 Minutes :  Deferred to next meeting.

Injuries/Incidents

Biology - trained student received a steam burn when unloading autoclave forgetting to put on heat resistant gloves.  First aid was applied, medical attention was not required.  Re-training to be conducted.

Inspections - 

ORPT - S.A. and H. F. - nothing to report

Powerhouse - M.M. and H.F. - deferred

Biology (CASES) - M.M. and H.F. - deferred

Outstanding

Fire Lab

Old Business

None

New Business

Structures Lab SOPs - shared with the committee, please review and provide comment before the end of the week.

Lab Safety Officer - full time position recruitment in process.  Competition has closed and interviews conducted.  

Other Business

Lot 5 building grad offices hear beeping.  Beeping is the result of a faulty sensor on an alarm that is due to be replaced. 

K.B. Office very cold, and ceiling tiles missing.  T.M. to follow up with physical plant

Exhaust fan for welding not replaced and hole not covered.  11C in shop. T.M. to follow up with physical plant.

Adjournment:  2:44 pm

NEXT REGULAR MEETING:  February 19 at 2:30 pm

Lakehead University

Joint Employee-Management Occupational Health & Safety Committee

Office and Classrooms

Minutes

Start 10:00 am

HR Meeting Room (UC 0003I)

Present

Carolyne Stevens (COPE)

Élaine Doiron (COPE)

Gabriel Oba (LUFA)

Sue Viitala (Schedule II)

Ursula MacDonald (Human Resources)

Regrets

Patrick Larin (Schedule II)

1. Approval of Agenda –Approved with additions.

2. Acceptance of Minutes (September 29, 2023) – Approved with modifications.

3. Outstanding Business –Inspections were done in October and December of 2023 with the University Centre now complete. 

4. Inspections – As of 2024, the Braun Building and Regional Centre were completed in February.
   Action: Elaine to resend the link to Ursula for the inspection photos.
   
   

5. Injury and Accident Reports – One Easter break situation.

6. New Business/Open Discussion – 

1. Air quality testing for asbestos has been paused. This test was conducted each year as an ad hoc duty. For the last 15 years, there were no positive results. Adam White is the contact for abatement inquiries. Physical Plant work environment are prioritized for abatement.

2. Visual Arts is concerned with tables falling apart and needing repairs.
   Action: Ursula will follow-up if tickets are submitted for the tables.
   Action: Élaine to send Gabriel the link to Physical Plant for tickets.

7. Next meeting – To be determined once the new person arrives.

1. Meeting adjourned at 10:51 am.

Health and Safety Committee Meeting
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road

Place: In person -Physical Plant meeting room
Time: 1:11 p.m.

Present: Ursula MacDonald, Steve Girvin, H. Spivak, D. Carlin, T. Moore, Stan
Nemec
Regrets: F. Plank, 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
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

C. February 9, 2024 - Greg Croft the representative of the Security team has raised
two issues;
a) request for body armour (vests) – approved and samples have been ordered
b) 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.
Injury Report:
Athletics - worker was presenting graduates award at Fort William Gardens on the
ice. Carpet was placed for walking on the ice surface, worker slipped on older
carpet and fell. Various injuries. Committee recommends that an alternate or
newer surface be used to prevent the slip for next year’s ceremony. Additionally,
the committee would like a representative from Athletics to participate on the
committee. Tiffany will reach out.

Security - guard injured wrist when trying to open a jammed parking meter.
Security - guard hit their head on the security vehicle when entering/exiting.
Near Misses:

Physical Plant - a member of Physical Plant tripped and fell over a large piece of
asphalt while working in the parking lot behind the library. This did not result in an
injury. Worker reports that many large pieces of asphalt are loose and present a
tripping hazard. Tiffany and Steve G. will take a walk and report back on those
conditions to the committee.
Natural Gas call protocol - A gas smell was reported to security in the hanger on
May 13 or 14th. Plant was contacted to investigate, but if gas was suspected,
Enbridge should have been contacted. Plant did attend, and found the source to be
sewer gas. Training on mercaptan to be arranged for Security and committee
requests that new personnel have more visible access to protocol to avoid future
incidents.

NEW Business:
D. A large HVAC project will occur this summer in the library that will require ventilation
to the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors to be shut off. The floors will be unoccupied for the duration
of the work, and entry will be locked out. There will be key access for elevators available
from the front desk at the library and also one set of keys issued to Security and Physical
Plant. Work is projected to finish by 1st September 2024. The Service road adjacent to
the library will be closed at times to facilitate equipment movement. Security will be
advised so they can route the fire department around the closures.
E. Lot 5 Backflow prevention shack will be constructed starting soon. As this will be
adjacent to the side walk, the contractor will be responsible for substantial fencing to
prevent unauthorized access.
F. Renovation will begin this summer for the ceremony room in the old computer lab
on the second floor of Bora Laskin. This project will involve minor changes and is not
expected to be very disruptive.
G. Site has been selected for the Animal housing for the veterinary school, behind the
Bora Laskin building. Construction is anticipated next spring/summer. Additional
laboratory and student support spaces will be required, but not yet determined.
Roundtable:
H. 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?
I. Safety training record for new employees. Form on the web is old. Tiffany will
contact web services and make sure that old form has been scrubbed!

Inspections Outstanding;

Avila – Ursula & Heather
Rural Resources Center – Steve G and worker
Balmoral Street Center - Stan & Fred
Building Maintenance
Shipping and Receiving
874 Tungsten Street

NEXT MEETING: June 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Physical Plant meeting room