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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Safety_02/06/1998 G F Tf vP _ r' Gt^J, � � � VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA � Yost Office 13ot 3273 • 3�? "1'equesta Dri��e �� �� o` Tequesta, Ploiicl�� 33/C9-0273 • (j61) 5%7-C�00 ; ��' � o Pax (761) j7>-6?03 @�, � `_. : 4 v 4p Co .�y VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING 1VIINUTES FEBRUAI�Y 6, 1998 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 2he Tequesta Safety Committee held its regular meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Friday, February 6, 1998. The meeting was called to order aL 1:33 P.M. by Chairman Tom Hall, WaLer System Manager. Commizteemembers present were: William Allen, Code Enforcement Officer Sgt. John Irovando, village Clerk Joann Manganiello, 3ob Pieris, Public works Director Gary �reston, and Fire Chief James Weinand. Police Chief Stephen Allison arrived at 1:54 P.M. r�bsent from tne meeting were Joanne Burnsed and Archie Garrett. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA James Weinand made a motion to accept the agenda as submitted. Motion was seconded by Joann Ma.nganiello. The vote on the motion was: Tom Hall - for William Allen - for John Iravanda - for Joann i�iang�niello - for Bob Pieris - for Gary Prestoa - for James weinand - for IZecJ'� led Puj��-�� Safety Committee Meetiag �iautes February 6, 1998 Page � ---------------- IV. OLD BIISINESS )- Revi w . p oyee �3 eo o Jaaua - 2ry '7 ; 19 Chairman Hall explained that the video was a reer�actment of the accident by the employee who had been injured, and who then demonstrated possible ways the accident cduld have been prevented. Chairman Hall commented that he would like the Committee to follow up all accidents in this manner. The video was viewed and discussed. Chairman Hall pointed out that the Sugervisor�s Accident znvestigation Report had been filled out to report what had happened, listed ways the accident might have been prevented, and contained the Supervisor�s comments. This report should be completed after an accident and submitted to this Committee for review. During discussion, Joann Manganiello expressed her opinion that using his left hand might have placed the employee at more risk since he was right-handed, and suggested using gloves as a preventative measure. John Irovando suggested using a swivel socket with an extension. Chairman Hall questioned whether the Committee felt this area needed special training, to which Ms. Manganiello responded in th�.s instance the employees should be made aware of the proper tool to use and gloves should be issued to the employees. Bill Allen commented that gloves had been supplied. B) Discuss Safety 2aspectioa Checklist Chairman Ha11 explained that Fire Chief weinand had previou�l�r commented that he felt the checklist was not proper for day-to-day operations. Chairman Hall explained that Che Chief Operator at the Water Plant filled out the checklist monthly, then submitted it to Water Department Manager Tom Hall so he would know the Safety Committee Meetiag Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 2 ---------------- The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as submitted. III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES Joann Manganiello made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 10, 1997 meeting as submitted. Motion was seconded by John Irovando. The vote on the motion was: Tom Hall - for William .Allen - for John Irovando - for Joann Manganiello - for Hob Pieris - for Gaxy Preston - for � James Weinand - for The nwtion was therefore passed and adopted and the minutes were approved as submitted. James Weinand made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 9, 1997 and the December 5, 1997 meetings as submitted. Motion was seconded by Jahn Irovando. The vote on the motion was: Tom Hall - for �illiam Allea - for Joha =rovaado - for soaaa Maagaaiello - for Sob Pieris - for Gary Prestoa - far �7ames �eiaaad - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the minutes were apgroved as submitted. Safety Committee Meetiag Miautes February 6, 1998 PBge 4 ---------------- inspection had been performed. The checklist was then filed. Chairman Hall commented that at the February 1997 meeting all Department Heads had been asked to review the - ist arid�nak� or a specific checklist for their departments. During ensuing discussion, Joann Manganiello commented that Administration only needed general safety conditions applicable to them. Chief Weinand questioned how a person could check "yes" to item 18 on the checklist regarding personal protective equipment unless they had actually seen the equipment worn. that day. Chairman Hall explained that the Water Department used the list to cover the supervisor's observations over the past 30 days of performance, and when checking this item the supervisor was attesting to the fact that people under him were using proper equipment, and that the point of the checklist was to make people aware of safety and the use of proper equipment. Joann Manganiello pointed out that Administration did not have a supervisor. Bob Pieris suggested that the representative attending the Safety Committee meetings could be responsible for the checklist. Chairman Hall explained that the person responsible to fill out the checklist would be appointed b�r the Department Head. Chief Weinand expressed his opinion that he was not keen on checklists and felt most of the time they were a waste of time. Chairman Hall responded by citing an example of tool guards at the Water Plant which needed to be observed by someone to be sure they were proper and not worn away, for the protection of employees. Police Chief Stephen Allison arrived at this point in the meeting at 1:54 P.M. Chairman Hall commented that if an item was reported the checklist would provide a paper trail to show that it had been inspected periodically and that someone was responsible for oversight of that item. Chief Weinand Safety Cc�ittee Meetiag Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 5 ---------------- commented that the Committee wanted a real safety check, and it might be better for the Safety Committee to divide up and go to different departments quarterly and do a -- ��tter - saf�ty�h�ci�. �urzrrg�rrsuin� Mr :----- -- Pieris suggested that if every department had their own safety checklist, then two or three members of the Committee could check ever� item on that list. Chief � Weinand expressed his opinion that the supervisors would do a better job on monthly inspections if they knew the Committee was going to inspect quarterly. Mr. Preston agreed and commented that his department was inspected by the State 2-3 time� annually. Chairman Hall pointed out that the cord to the podium in the Village Council Chambers was a hazard that had existed for years, and that someone should be responsible for checking that room. Chief Weinand suggested that each department should be responsible to develop forms specific to that department, then 2-3 people from the Safety Committee should go to the department quarterly to inspect the facilities, and pointed out that al1 of the departments would not have to be inspected on the same day. Chairman xall inquired whether the Fire Department had a checklist, to which Mr. Pieris responded that they did not have a checklist but did go through all of their equipment every day to be sure everything was working properly. Chief Allison reported there was no checklist for the Police Department; however, there were directives and policies. Sgt. Irovando commented that the police personnel were in vehicles approximately half the time, and that he believed a generic checklist should cover the building and the offices, and each department should have a specific list. James �Peiaaad made a motioa that iadividual departmeats make a site-specific checklist and briag it back to the next meetfng of the Safety Committee to form a generic list from the individual checklists= thea go iato implemeating iaspectious usfag the cheeklists �vhere a Safety Coam�ittee Meetiag Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 6 ---------------- couple of Safety Comm�ittee members would go out aad iaspect iadividual departmeats. Motioa was secoaded by John =rovando. The vote oa the motioa was: Tom Hall - for William Allen - for John Irovando - for Joann Manganiello - for Bob Pieris - for Gary Preston - for James Weinand - for � The motion was therefore passed and adopted. C) D3scuas vehfcle =aspectio�a Checklist Chairman Hall explained that the vehicle inspection forsn presented to the Committee was in use in the Water Department; and that d,ocumentation was needed especially in case someone was injured who was not an employee of the Village since they would almost certainly sue the Village. Chairman Ha11 commented that the Water Department used this form monthly and that maintenance records were maintained. Sgt. Irovando commented that the Police Department checked their vehicles daily. Mr. Pieris reported that the Fire Department checked their vehicles daily and maintained a paper trail for repairs and maintenance. Chief Allison commented that the Police Department had stopped using a checklist but officers wrote up anything wrong with a vehicle. Sgt. Irovando stated that if a vehicle was written up it was fixed immediately and if there was a safety problem the vehicle was deadlined. Sgt. Irovando reported that maintenance was done according to a mileage schedule, the Police Department kept a paper trial and the supervisor checked for cleanliness and proper operation of ecna.ipment. Chairman Hall stressed the importance of keeping records S�fetg Camoonittee Meetiag Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 7 ---------------- since they could be subpoenaed in a lawsuit. Chief Weinand recammended that the Safety Committee be responsible o es �b�i�h a ��l�c�sta�em�nt — - — Village stating all departments will keep vehicle maintenance records and paper trails in each department, that routine maintenance will be done on a specified basis and all data will be kept to prove maintenance was perfarmed, and every department shall be responsible for implementation. Chief Allison reported that notification had been received from The Hunt Group, a liability insurance company, reporting problems using slim jims for vehicle entry when side impact air bags were present, since the air bags could be detonated by the slim jims. The Hunt Group recommended getting out of the car opening business. Mr. Pieris commented that when side impact air bags were present, the Fire Department cut the battery cables so they would not detonate. Chief Allison reported that locksmiths sti11 used slim jims, which could be dangerous. Village Clerk Manganiello suggested that an item be placed in the Village newsletter warning residents of the danger since many tried to open their own locked cars. Chairman Hall stated at the last meeting no decision had been reached regarding whether an employee had the right to refuse to drive a vehicle they felt was unsafe. Ms. Manganiello suggested that the Village Attorney be consulted on this matter. Chief Weinand suggested using the same principle that applied in the Drug Free Workplace Policy by establishing that a vehicle should not be driven if two or more employees felt it was unsafe, to which the response was that each individual employee had their own rights. Chief Allison commented that the Police Department allowed employees to deadline a vehicle. Chairman Hall stated he would obtain a legal Safetg Coamaittee Meetiag Miuutes February 6, 1998 Page 8 ---------------- opinian on this issue. -- V. - �TEqP SIISINESS - - - --- - --- - - A) First Aid for M�taor =a�uxies Chairman Hall reported that at a Department Head meeting it was suggested that employees injured on the job with non-life threatening injuries should not treat themselves, but should have the paramedics review their injuries and treat them. Because of liability and for workers Compensation purposes, nicks, cuts, and scratches would need to be treated by the paramedics because of the possibility of infection ],eading to more serious situations. Discussion ensued regarding whether the employee should go to the paramedics or whether the paramedics should be called to the scene of the injur�r. After a suggestion was made that bleeding be stopped, a bandaid applied, and the employee sent to the paramedics, Chief weinand explained that liability problems could arise from a person bandaging someone when they had not been trained to do so. Chief weinand suggested that dispatch be called to assure paramedics were on premises before sending an employee. Sgt. Irovando objected that employees deserved the same treatment as residents in having the paramedics go to them, which seemed to be a cor�sensus of the Committee. Chief Weinand commented that then there would be a paper trail. After further discussion it was decided the best policy would be to call to see if paramedics were on premises, and if not, � to call dispatch for a routine response upon their return. Mr. Preston commented that if the employee felt their injury was serious they should have the right to go beyond only seeing the paramedics. Chief Weinand responded that the garamedic� would make that decision. Chairman Hall s�ated he would formulate a policy statement for consideration at the next meeting, and that Safety Comm�ittee Meeting Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 9 ---------------- the polic� statement approved by the Committee would be sent to the village Manager for approval. - - "$ � QbIIC� ttfAJ_ - ACII�iHA��AfIIt"�t8�f�� to the Committee Chairman Hall explained that reporting and followup through the Safety Committee was needed far employee accidents and discussed establishing procedures. In the case of two-vehicle accidents, Chief Weinand commented that Finance Director Kascavelis had the completed insurance forms and he couid provide a copy to the Committee. Sgt. Irovando commented that FHP reviewed all vehicle accidents and questioned wl�ether the Co�nittee planned to review their investigation. Chairman Hall responded that their report could be reviewed to spot developing trends, create awareness, and decide whether defensive driving training was needed. Sgt. Irovando stated the report would establish fault, whether it was the operator or faulty equipment. Chief Allison explained that if fault was charged to the operator that was cause for disciplinar�r action in the Police Department. Chief Weinand stated that was also the Fire Department's policy. Public Works Director Preston pointed out that Police and Fire personnel were trained in driving, while Public Works personnel were not. Chief Allison pointed out that defensive driving training might reduce insurance premiums. Chief Weinand suggested vision checkups. During further discussion, Sgt. Irovando suggested that empioyees should be checked for valid driver's licenses. Village Clerk Manganiello agreed and pointed out that restrictions on driver�s licenses should also be known, such as whether an employee was required to wear glasses while driving. Chief Allison verified that restrictions would be shown on the printout when the annual driver�s license check was done. DUI offenses were discussed. Chairman Hall pointed out that the Village had no policy that a DUI Safety Committee Meetiag Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 10 ---------------- should be reported, and no one would know until the annual driver�s license check was made. Chief Allison questioned whether a policy had ever been established -- tlrat �mp3ay�es have� Fiorida driver's license. The response was that no such policy had been estab3ished, and discus�ion ensued regarding whether an employee should be required to have a valid driverjs license if they never drove a car on the job, whether an employee's medical treatmen,t would be covered by workers Compensation if the� were injured while conducting Village business in their own vehicle, and whether an accident on the way to an "all call" would be covered. va . ANY OTBgR MATT�RS Chairman Hall r�ported that he had spoken with Occupational Health Center in Palm Beach Gardens and RISCORP and had learned that injured employees could be sent directly to Occupational Health Center and then a call made to First Call to report where they had been sent. Since drug testing for the Drug Free Workplace was performed at Occupational Health Center, if drug testing was required in connection with the accident, the employee would be at the proper facilit�r. Chairman Hall explained that after the Drug Free Workplace Policy had been adopted that Occupational Health Center would provide proper forms to Jupiter Hospital, who would then become NlRO for the village. Problems were reported wit�. Jupiter Hospital losing blood samples after hours. Chairman Hall reported that anabolic steroids were being added to the drug test under the Drug Free workplace program; and that Occupational Health Center had informed him that use of Vicks inhalers would make a drug test positive for amphetamines. The next meeting time was announced as April 3, 1998. Safety Committee Meetiag Minutes February 6, 1998 Page 11 Chairman Hall stated he would send a memo to each Department Head requesting a list of designated alternates to the Safety Committee and requesting that each Department Head - — --- -- — ��e ��n�cierrt�ous effortrtz�as�ur�that Saf�t Committe� Y -- - -- representatives were in attendance at the meetings of the Committee. VII. ADJOIIRNMENT Josr�a Maagaaiell.o wade a motioa to adjoura the meeting. The awtion was secoaded by sim �Peiaaad. The vote oa the motion was: Tom Hall - £or �illiam Allea - for Stephen Allison - for John Irovando - for Joana Maagaaiello - for Sob Pieris - for Gary Prestoa - for James �Pe�aaad - for The motion aras therefore pas6ed aad adapted and the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, �GZ�:.�/�J ��/� Betty Laur Recording Secre�ar�r Safety Committee Meeting Miautes February 6, 1998 Page 12 ---------------- ATTE T: \ . 1/�' `� - - -- - - - -- -- Kim Bodinizzo Chairperson DATE APPROVED: a �