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Minutes 12-09-96 MINUTES OF THE SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE FIRE/POLICE TRAINING ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1996, AT 10:00 A.M. PRESENT Michael Rumpf, Chairman, Planning Chuck Magazine, Risk Management Eve Eubanks, City Clerk's Office Specialist Eric Falstad, Golf Course Bill Coup, Library John Wildner, Parks Robert Lee, Public Works Tom Fitzgerald, Utilities Bob Borden, Fire Wally Majors, Recreation Michael Collin, Facilities Chris McAlpine, EWTP Mark Bobich, Utilities Sgt. Marlon Harris, Police ABSENT Ken Hall, Vice Chairman, Development Hugh McCaffrey, Communications Brandi O'Neil, Finance Jim Patterson, Recreation I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Rumpf called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. Mr. Wildner, Mr. Borden, and Mr. Collin were not yet present. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 18, 1996 REGULAR MEETING No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. Motion Mr. Coup moved to approve the minutes of the November 18, 1996 meeting. Mr. Lee seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. For Discussion: Safety Shoes Mr. Magazine advised that Dominic DeMauro, the Warehouse Supervisor, will bring safety shoes to the February or March meeting for the Safety Committee's inspection. Mr. Magazine will work with Mr. DeMauro to bring in a couple of other companies so that we will have a bigger selection to choose from. He has already spoken to Lee High and asked if anybody has had any experience with them. Mr. Lee said he used to have their shoes at a previous company, and they were pretty good. Mr. Magazine is also going to look at some of the discount stores, such as Wal-mart, to see what they have to offer. When we start looking at budgeting for the next year, we will look at changing the program. The City is responsible for providing the employees with the right safety shoes as needed. Therefore, we may have to budget a little more money, and we need to consider the quality of the shoe, and the warranty. At this time, Mr. Wildner arrived. B. Safety Awards - Safety Suggestions Program Mr. Magazine advised that he received input from only two people. One of them made seven suggestions. We are already looking at some of the suggestions they made. Some of their suggestions cannot be done, and some are basically safety problems that we need to address internally. The suggestions were as follows: ? A simple brochure and training class be held with regard to the blind zone and using the driver side rearview mirror. Mr. Magazine pointed out that this is covered in the defensive driving course. ? Speed bumps at the driveways to City Hall, as well as the employee parking lots and garage. Mr. Magazine felt that if we do this, we are going to get claims for alignments and adjustments to steering, etc. ? A crosswalk, either with stop signs or a crossing light, between City Hall and the school. Mr. Magazine pointed out that people seldom use crosswalks. He did not know if we could put a stop sign in the middle of the road, and he was not sure there is much of a problem in MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 this area. ? Have only one entrance to the City Hall parking lot, giving those of us who have to cross the street numerous times throughout the day more time to run as fast as we can from one side of the street to the other. Mr. Magazine felt the number of accidents in this parking lot would triple if we only had one entrance and exit. We would have to barricade one entrance, and the people who have been using that entrance will probably run into the barricade. At this time, Mr. Borden arrived. ? Mangrove Park School building smoke alarms - Restricted electrical outlets make it necessary for numerous extension cords. The hot smell that electrical appliances give off is a daily event. Having smoke alarms would give us more of a clue if there was a serious problem. Mr. Magazine advised that putting in smoke alarms is not the solution to this problem. We need to get rid of the extension cords and improve the electricity in the building. He will talk to Facilities Management about this. ? Exit lights need to be fixed. One out of six is lit. Mr. Magazine wondered why this has not been reported to Facilities Management so that they can fix the lights. ? Fire drill procedures and maybe a couple of easier-to-locate fire extinguishers. Mr. Magazine stated that if there are not enough fire extinguishers, this is a fire safety issue that should have been dealt with a long time ago. ? Telephones should be labeled with 911 stickers. Mr. Magazine stated that we already have 911 stickers, and they are waiting to be distributed by Hugh McCaffrey. 3 MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 At this time, Sgt. Harris arrived. Mr. Magazine gave the Safety Committee the option of awarding the clock radio and telephone/clock radio to the two people who submitted suggestions, or holding onto them for a future contest. Mr. Wildner recommended recognizing these two people with a lesser award since the response has not been great. Chairman Rumpf suggested formulating a response to them explaining that they have not been awarded the prizes because the response has not been great, one issue is being handled through the driving program, and the other issues are typical safety issues that should be addressed. Mr. Magazine suggested having another contest next year or using the prizes for something else at that time. Mr. Borden disagreed. He felt if that even though only two people responded, they should be awarded the prizes. He pointed out that everybody else in the City had the same opportunity. Mr. Lee pointed out that the purpose of the contest was for a program that we could implement. He suggested sending these two people letters thanking them for their concerns and advising them that these issues have already been addressed. Mr. Magazine agreed that their suggestions do not meet the criteria and are not programs that we can implement. Some of them are already in the process of being implemented or they deal only with a very small section of the City. In addition, some of the suggestions are not very practical, and a good number of them are safety violations which should be reported to the appropriate department for handling. Regarding the hazards in the school building, Chairman Rumpf stated that he documented the lack of fire extinguishers; however, he was not aware of the smell. He advised that we have shorted out some fuses, but through trial and error realized what it takes to void doing that. Mr. Borden advised that the employees were moved into that building against the Fire Department's recommendation. Mr. Magazine, Chairman Rumpf, and Mr. Borden will do a walk-through of that building within the next few days. It was the consensus of the members of the Safety Committee to extend the contest deadline to February 28th in the hopes of getting suggestions that more closely match the criteria. Chairman Rumpf suggested publicizing the contest. 4 MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 C. Exposure Control Program Mr. Magazine advised that he received this document from the Fire Department; however, he has not had a chance to look at it yet. He will meet with Mr. Borden and review it to see if we really need to implement anything further on a City-wide basis. He and Mr. Borden will also review the existing City Plan to see if any major changes are needed. We may need to send out copies of this Plan to all the departments, advising them to make sure that their plans are in conjunction with the City plan. D. Accident Review Board Referrals 1. Untarping the roll-off on sanitation trucks Mr. Magazine will follow up on this matter. 2. Ensuring safety of greenskeepers while mowing fairways Mr. Falstad explained that the golf course employees who mow the fairways were getting hit by golf balls. However, the problem has been resolved by rescheduling the mowing times. At this time, Mr. Collin arrived. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Eligibility of part-time employees for safety awards Chairman Rumpf advised that he received a few calls about why part-time employees did not receive movie tickets. Mr. Magazine advised that he talked to Wilfred Hawkins, the Assistant to the City Manager, about this and the policy has been extended to include part- time employee who have been here for over one year and have worked at least 1,000 hours (20 hours a week/50 weeks a year). We are in the process of purchasing more movie tickets and are working with ITS to get a list of the employees who will be eligible for them. Mr. Coup felt all employees should get movie tickets, regardless of how many hours they work. He pointed out that if they have an accident, it counts against them as much as it 5 MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 does everyone else. Mr. Wildner felt we should take morale and incentive into consideration. He pointed out that it will not cost that much more money. Mr. Borden asked if it would cost the City any more or less if a part-time employee were involved in an accident than it would if a full-time employee were involved in an accident. Mr. Magazine said it would not cost the City any more or less for medical; however, any lost time would be based on the amount of time. Motion Mr. Coup moved to recommend to Mr. Hawkins that the policy be extended to include all part-time employees, regardless of how many hours they work. Mr. Wildner seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Chairman Rumpf advised that he received numerous compliments regarding the movie tickets and felt we should take this into consideration for the upcoming year. He inquired about the cost of the tickets and was told they cost $4.00, which is a little more expensive than previous safety awards. Mr. Magazine pointed out that at the last meeting, the Safety Committee already decided on insulated bottle bags. Chairman Rumpf suggested that in the future, we consider something that the employees can equate with money, such as restaurant discounts. Mr. Magazine stated that we probably could put together a little book of discounts from local merchants; however, Mr. Falstad felt the employees would rather receive something for free as opposed to a discount. Chairman Rumpf asked Mr. Magazine to see if he can enhance this year's safety award. B. Other 1. Videos Available from Risk Management Mr. Magazine advised that several videos, including Managing Employee Hostility, Responding to Violence at Work, and Defusing the Explosive Customer, are available from Risk Management. He will prepare a complete list of the videos available and bring it to the next meeting. Mr. Borden suggested that if departments are not checking out the videos, they should be sent to the departments for viewing and comment. Mr. Magazine would rather leave it up 6 MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 to the individual departments, but will make the material available. 2. Back Belts Mr. Magazine showed the Safety Committee a new back belt made by MediForce. He was not impressed with the back belts that are currently being used because they are not used properly. The belt made by MediForce is made of firm plastic, can be worn over clothing, has a support in the back as well as the front, is comfortable, washable, comes with a two year warranty, and costs approximately $20.00. The belts currently being used cost about $10.00, last about one year, and are not washable. Mr. Magazine advised that these new belts can be worn by people at their desks in front of the key board. Chairman Rumpf advised that any department, whether industrial or not, that moves into the school is going to have to lift boxes. He has some boxes that weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. Mr. Borden believes some of the employees like the current belts because they do not have to strap them around their waists all the time. Mr. Magazine pointed out that you do not have to take off the new back belt. It is fairly comfortable, which makes it a more effective back belt. If you constantly take a back belt off, you have to be sure you put it back on properly every time. Also, it is a good idea to keep your back belt on in case something happens and you need to react quickly. Mr. Wildner thought that if you wear a belt constantly, it weakens the muscles because you rely on the belt. Mr. Magazine said it depends on what you do. If you sit in front of a computer, the belt will tend to keep your posture better. Therefore, it would strengthen your muscles because you are sitting up rather than leaning back. Mr. Magazine advised that Fire or Police personnel would not be able to wear this belt because of the other gear they wear. Mr . Borden advised that the Fire Department has been trying to figure out for years how firefighters in full bunker gear can wear some kind of back support. They have 60 pounds of gear on their body, then they pull hose lines full of water that weigh a lot. Chairman Rumpf felt the employees should be trained on how to use the back belt correctly. Mr. Borden suggested wear testing the back belt. Mr. Magazine stated that a department 7 MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 may want to use the money in their own budget to test the new belts, or we could just make it available and leave it up to the individual department whether they want to go with the original back supports or the new one. Mr. Lee will see if the Sanitation Division Supervisor would be interested in testing the belts. Mr. Magazine advised that the straps on the belt may have to be replaced occasionally. The new belt will be rotated to the various departments for them to test it and provide their opinions. 3. "How's My Driving" Program Mr. Bobich inquired about the "How's My Driving" program. Mr. Magazine stated that the policy is in the City Manager's Office waiting to be signed. Once it is signed, he will make copies of the brochures and start the program. 4. Fire Drills Mr. Bobich thought the Fire Department was supposed to schedule fire drills. Mr. Borden will try to start scheduling some fire drills. 5. Date, Time, and Location of Monthly Meetings Mr. Magazine stated that instead of having to send a separate memo advising everyone of when and where the Safety Committee meeting will be held, it will be printed on the agenda. VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fire/Police Training Room. 8 MINUTES SAFETY COMMITTEE BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 9, 1996 VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 9