Safety Tip

1. Jeff Kobernick called the meeting to order at 2:03 PM. He welcomed the newest members to the committee; namely, Bob Giering, Mike Sheehan, Danielle Sabulsky and Shannon McGill. He advised all that there are many opportunities for input into committee activities and safety concerns that are driven by the interest and enthusiasm of our volunteers. He thanked everyone for their participation at this and the forthcoming additional five meetings this school year.

2) Safety Moment – Jeff provided an introduction to this agenda item, which is contained on each meeting’s agenda. Aramark, DASD’s Food Service provider, kicks off their employee meetings with a safety moment, which is 1-2 minutes in length and brings awareness to workplace safety, which can take a back seat to an organization’s activities. Jeff invited the members to consider starting their staff meetings with a similar opportunity to bring awareness to workplace safety.

“Food Safety” – September is Food Safety Education Month. Kathy LaMar provided a summary of the FDA’s “Four Steps for Safe Food Handling and Prevention of Infections,” which include proper methods of (1) cleaning, (2) separating, (3) cooking and (4) chilling. FDA’s two-page “Food Facts” document and specific details of these four methods is attached to these meeting notes.

3. There were no comments or amendments to the meeting notes from the last 23-24 meeting held on April 16, 2024, distributed to the 24-25 committee on August 28, 2024. Committee members were invited to send any edits to Kathy. The notes will be posted to the committee’s web site: https://www.dasd.org/departments/facilities/workplace-safety-pub.

4. Presentation – Jeff opened by advising that this agenda item is also contained on each meeting’s agenda, as suggested by the SDIC, and will be discussed further during the latter portion of this agenda.

Presentation: “Fire Doors.” Jeff indicated that the staff at all buildings are notorious for interfering with the proper operation of fire doors. Propping them open is the main infraction, which would allow smoke to migrate through the stair tower or building, thereby preventing a safe egress should a fire start. Jeff believes most people truly do not know of a fire door’s purpose, nor that they are actually propping a fire door open, as they can look like a regular door. He advised that the district could retrofit these doors with magnets, which however would be a timely and costly venture. Perhaps a posting on the committee web site about fire doors will help get the word out. There are no fire doors at DASD Central Office. Attached is a document containing further specific details of the importance of properly maintaining fire doors.

5. Old Business

• Jeff led a review of four workplace safety questions (attached). As a committee outreach initiative, he asked the members of the committee to consider asking one member of their staff in their buildings these four questions prior to each of the upcoming committee meetings. He indicated that these discussions among school staff can increase awareness of the Workplace Safety Committee. To incentivize participation, individuals who have a discussion with a colleague will receive a talking safety stress reliever. Jeff and Kathy provided their overviews of discussions they each had with separate Central Office employees. The result of Jeff reaching out to a staff member about this committee increased the Workplace Committee membership by one; namely, Ms. Shannon McGill. Kathy spoke with the district’s Supervisor of Maintenance, Melford Smith, who himself provides weekly and monthly safety tips and videos to the 18 members of the district’s maintenance team. These valuable discussions will grow workplace safety awareness.
• AED Update – Jeff advised that the district has obtained one grant for AED purchases and has applied for a second grant to replace additional AED’s in our school buildings. He will be working with the district’s nursing staff in confirming a consistent AED location in each building and an appropriate number of AED’s that should be in each building.
• A goal of Jeff and Kathy this school year is to update the Workplace Safety Boards currently installed at each school and the district Central Office. These updates will feature a theme for this year; namely, AED’s – pictorials with step-by-step use, their locations throughout each school, etc. Jeff advised the committee that they will receive a request to assist in updating these boards.
• Last year a Central Office employee suggested they have the opportunity to help keep the entranceways to 540 Trestle Place clear of ice, as the building does not have an assigned custodian. Facilities purchased handheld spreaders that will be filled with Calcium Chloride and offered at Central for its employees’ use. Jeff believes this can be a supplemental offering at each school from the admin offices for spot de-icing outside the entrance door or perhaps in a small area of a parking lot where additional attention is needed. The concept was to have a limited number of these spreaders to try at Central and, if effective, to provide all buildings with one for their administrative offices. These spreaders will be implemented at Central this winter season and proliferate among the schools if effective.

6. New Business

• As indicated above, “Safety Moments” and “Presentations” will be discussion topics at each committee meeting. Jeff offered his and Kathy’s support, but requested committee members to please consider providing their “stories” or moments of interest and safety thoughts for these two agenda items for the 24-25 balance of five meetings. He asked Kathy to prepare a sign-up sheet via a Google doc on which committee members can indicate their interest in presenting a workplace safety matter of relevance to them. A link to this Google document will be forwarded to all committee members. A “Safety Moment” is a 1-2 minute offering, while a “Presentation” is between 10 & 15 minutes. Jeff and Kathy expressed their thanks for members’ anticipated participation in these committee activities.
• Future 24-25 committee meetings via Zoom on Tuesdays at 2 PM: Oct. 22, Nov. 19, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, Mar. 25. Jeff advised that these meetings will always end by 3 PM or prior, realizing the importance of each member’s valuable time.

The meeting concluded at 2:50 PM.

Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Robyn Spear, Garry Gittis, Carol D’Andrea, Allison Gangl, Lisa Anderson, Jennifer Mikulich, Tom Fortmann, Mike Balik, Cynthia Randell, Anne Fisher and Kathy LaMar.

1. Jeff Kobernick called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM and welcomed everyone to the final committee meeting for this school year.
    
2. Safety Moment – “Summer Security.”  Tom Fortmann, the district’s Chief Security Officer, is a retired police officer and detective with the Uwchlan Township Police Department.  He shared his knowledge and insight in the area of securing one’s home and possessions, especially during the summer months when going on vacation.  His list of do’s and don’ts will be posted to the Workplace Safety web site.
    
3. There were no comments or amendments to the meeting notes from the last meeting held on March 19, 2024. The notes will be posted to the committee’s web site.
    
4. An SDIC Claims Summary Report for DASD for the period July 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 was not readily available from the SDIC, but will be forwarded to the committee when received. 
    
5. Presentation - “Distracted Driving.”  Jeff opened his presentation with a review of the five “presentation” topics presented this school year.  He indicated that April is “Distracted Driving Awareness Month,” and felt it apropos to review this topic as we all drive to and from our jobs daily and qualifies as a workplace safety topic.  Distracted driving is labeled as, “Any activity that diverts attention to driving.”  He asked us to think about some of these related activities: phone use; eating; drinking; conversing with another in the vehicle; tuning the radio; adjusting the app screens in newer cars – to name a few.  Any activity that takes your eyes off the road for five seconds is compared to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.  He reminded us that it’s not just YOU behind the wheel, possibly with your eyes closed, but others around you driving distractedly! 

A statistic to realize: every day nine people are killed and more than 1,000 people are injured because of distracted driving.  Remember, while driving you are doing an important job of operating a motor vehicle, a real task that deserves the respect we should provide to it.

6. Old Business
   1. Review Workplace Safety Questions of District Employees.  Kathy related her discussion with a member of the Facilities maintenance team.  His first contact when seeing a safety issue would be the school’s head custodian, and follow up with a Facilities Supervisor.  A few of his observations/concerns about workplace safety include:
      1. While plowing, he notes inappropriate footwear on school staff as they go from their cars to the school.
      2.  The maintenance team runs a sewer machine to clean out pipes.  Matter sprays from the pipes during this process.  Shouldn’t shots be provided for potential bloodborne issues, like HIV?  Same with custodians who clean up students’ waste. Could appropriate shots or vaccines be considered?
      3. He is not aware of CPR training having been offered to the teams of maintenance and custodians.  The amount of people they see during a day warrants their knowledge of this life-saving tool.  But on the other hand, he questions his liability for trying to help someone.  Carol D’Andrea advised that the Good Samaritan Act applies to everyone, no matter where you are.  Also, if the issue is in a school, they have access to the nurse.
      4. He works on roof top units where bees build hives.  The team is not allowed to use bee spray because the odor is sucked into the building through the RTU.  Is there an alternative?  He uses WD-40, but wonders if another product can be researched.
      5. The positives he sees:  teachers do ask for stepladders or footstools to hang items in their classrooms, and the maintenance team is provided PPE for all specific areas of work, and they all receive a stipend toward safety-tipped shoes. 
   2. AED Update – Additional AED’s and AED Training – Jeff advised that there are two grants DASD is applying for; one would pay for 16 additional AED’s, while the other would be used to replace outdated AED’s and purchase additional ones, as most schools are insufficiently stocked with a suitable number of AED’s. Jeff will review with Jenn Mikulich, the Nursing Curriculum Leader, where the AED’s will be located in the buildings.  Jeff is also meeting with staff from Children’s Hospital of PA (CHOP), who provide guidelines for numbers and locations of AED’s within a building. 
      
      There is no formal process of tracking AED’s, so Jeff is creating a program within the FMX app to assist with tracking of AED locations, the ending dates of pads and batteries, and inspections. 
   3. Jeff advised that there are no further committee meetings this school year.  With this meeting’s conclusion, the committee will have met the required six times per the SDIC guidelines.  Jeff indicated that we will plan the dates for next year similarly to this year and we’ll continue with meeting via Zoom.  One in-person meeting may be held; this will be reviewed during the summer months.
   4. Gary Gittis asked if there were any further movement for a recycling program, which had been in existence in the district years ago.  Jeff indicated that there is interest, but there are conceptual hurdles to overcome.  He knows we need to get more of the trash stream into the recycling stream.  If anyone has ideas, please forward them to Jeff.  In the interim, Jeff will follow up with Gary about this.
       
7. New Business                                 
   1. Anne Fisher brought to the committee’s attention that DMS recently had lovely new windows installed, but they do not open wide enough for a person to climb through in the event of an emergency.  While her classroom is on the second floor, it is not a far drop to the ground below.  Jeff will contact Anne about her concern.
   2. Lisa Anderson advised that hazardous materials/chemicals have not been removed from the storage areas in the secondary schools.  Jeff indicated that the contractor DASD uses had been to the high schools but possibly not the middle schools.  Jeff will contact Lisa about this.

The meeting concluded at 2:55 PM.

Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Dr. Nick Indeglio, Gary Gittis, Allison Gangl, Lisa Anderson, Tom Fortmann, Mike Balik, new committee member, Ashley McIvor, a nurse at BHES, and Kathy LaMar.

1. Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.
    
2. Safety Moment – Workplace Safety in the eyes of a Principal.  Dr. Nick Indeglio provided a video of the many variety of ways safety comes into play on a daily basis for any principal.  The clips featured activity in the stairwells, gym class, hallways, snow removal, staff slip and falls, even a snapshot of Nick falling backward while unloading a school item from the back of his truck.  He indicated that on any given day the potential for a safety hazard can happen.  It’s something in the back of his mind 24 x 7, but one must learn to handle it methodically and to count on one’s staff to help with the oversight of activities throughout the building.
    
3. There were no comments about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on February 27, 2024.  The notes will be posted to the Workplace Safety web site.
    
4. Presentation -  “Situational Awareness in the Workplace”  Jeff provided a slide show about the importance to  perceive, assess and decide relative to successfully handling a situation of safety – at work, at home or out and about.  Awareness is the key ingredient; be in the present moment; be mindful!  Know where you are; what surrounds you; anticipate a challenge; tune into your senses and emotions.  Be vigilant; expand and enhance your senses.  Should you speak or be silent?  Step forward or back?  Summary:  Situational Awareness is the ability to see clearly what is happening around you, providing the ability to develop a plan within a split second; it gives you the ability to see from the bottom up with more perspective, and that perspective allows you to clearly assess the situation to make a practical and informed decision.  The document, obtained from East Coast Clinical Consultants, is available from the Committee.
    
5. Old Business
   1. Jeff welcomed Ashley to the committee and reviewed the background of the questions we’d like each committee member to ask of a colleague, with the goal of increasing awareness of workplace safety and our committee’s existence. He encouraged all committee members to have a conversation with a colleague about workplace safety.
   2. AED Update – Jeff indicated that DASD was contacted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) about their Youth Heart Watch Program, Project ADAM, and the resources they offer to schools, including annual AED training.  Jeff will be in touch with the program’s administrator.
      
      Jeff also advised that through a grant, DASD has qualified for 16 AED’s, and he is applying for another grant for additional AED’s.  He indicated that a review of the district’s AED’s shows that ¾ of them are beyond their life expectancy.  He’ll report on the status at the next meeting.
   3. Recycling – Jeff had provided an overview of the district’s newest recycling company and their physical plant processes at the last committee meeting.  While it was mentioned that the district, school by school, had been actively involved in recycling, the program no longer exists.  Jeff wondered if recycling were a function of this committee, but if there were anyone desiring to be more involved in enhancing a recycling program please reach out to Jeff and he will inquire about such a function.
   4. Noise Safety – Jeff researched this topic that came up under “new business” at the last meeting.  The issues with teachers are not only noise levels, but vocal cord strain to speak over the noise.  He found that there are personal devices one can wear like a purse, accompanied by a headset and microphone that seems effective.  This is a niche problem that probably will need to be addressed on an individual basis, not on a district level.
   5. There is one more meeting, Tuesday, April 16, which addresses the six required committee meetings per the SDIC guidelines.
       
6. New Business – there were no new business items.

The meeting concluded at 2:40 PM.

Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom 

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Dr. Rob Reed, Kim Gardner, Carol D’Andrea, Gary Gittis, Allison Gangl, Mike Balik, Cynthia Randell, Kathy LaMar, and new committee member, Anne Fisher, teacher at DMS.

1. Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:04 PM. 
    
2. Safety Moment – Kathy asked the question, “What unsafe act would you do that would excuse you from not coming home to your family?”  What would someone do purposely that is not safe in order not to get home to their family?  One wouldn’t do something purposely BUT when we are not thinking about what we’re doing, a foolish act possibly has a negative impact on reaching one’s family.  This is how accidents occur.  Kathy stressed the importance of being cognizant of one’s actions and surroundings in the present.  Jeff commented that this is what our committee tries to espouse.
    
3. There were no comments about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on January 23, 2024.  The notes will be posted to the committee’s web site.
    
4. Presentation – “Recycling” – Jeff apprised the committee that he had received an email from a student at STEM asking about the district’s recycling program, which prompted his presentation today.  He indicated the district recently contracted with a new recycling company, J. P. Mascaro & Sons, which operates a single stream recycling facility with its own landfill, which promotes the precise sorting and processing of recyclable materials and accelerates waste degradation.  Jeff shared two documents that offered WHAT to recycle and  what NOT to recycle.  These are attached to this set of meeting notes and can be posted to the web site featuring a section on recycling.
   
   Gary stated that the district used to have a viable Recycling Committee and program, but they no longer exist.  He also commented that there is a big problem at the secondary level with students simply throwing all trash, garbage and recyclables into the trash, which makes it impossible for the custodial staff to sort it.  Anne posed an observation that trash and recycling containers have the same bags, so they look the same.  Could this be changed?  She also suggested that we just focus on the “must” recycling list – glass, paper, cardboard – and launch a program that could include parent volunteers in the cafeterias/lunchrooms to assist in spreading awareness about the importance of tossing trash and recyclables into appropriate containers.  The committee agreed it is important to also have student involvement.  We can do better than not recycle at all.  Jeff will keep the committee updated on progress in this area.
    
5. Old Business
   1. Review  Committee Questions (attached) of District Employees.  Jeff shared that he spoke to a staff member about recycling.  No one had any additional feedback.
   2. AED Update – Jeff commented that we have a large number of AED’s in the district, but many are beyond their useful age.  And the distribution of AED’s throughout the district currently has little oversight.  He is trying to increase the number of AED’s districtwide and have consistency among the buildings relative to how many are available in each building.  Jeff is applying for a grant that will assist in getting rid of the old AED’s and provide new ones.
      
      Also, on the horizon is an update of the existing Safety Boards in the schools, with a goal of featuring floor plans showing where AED’s are located in the buildings. There is an AED video on the Workplace Safety web site which provides knowledge of the use of an AED. 
   3. Facilities purchased calcium chloride shakers that will be provided at Trestle Place for the staff’s use on snowy/icy weather days, as there is no custodial service at Central.  A few shakers will also be provided to the admin office staff at three of the elementary schools to see if this might be an additional helpful resource for maintaining front entrances on inclement days.
   4. Jeff admitted that real-time communication during a snow/ice event is difficult to upkeep, given the more important responsibility of the custodial and maintenance staffs for clearing sidewalks and parking lots respectively.
   5. Future Meetings, 2 PM via Zoom:
      Tuesday, March 19
      Tuesday, April 16.
       
6. New Business
   1. Anne commented on noise safety.  Students now carry very heavy insulated water bottles that create an extremely loud noise when they are dropped.  For Anne, this loud bang triggers a migraine, which makes her classroom activities difficult to carry on.  She believes this noise safety issue is detrimental to teacher health, specifically to teachers’ heads and vocal chords.  She provided the scenario whereby the student iPads have no stands so they prop them up with their water bottles.  These bottles fall to the floor, causing the disturbance.  A solution would be a protective sleeve around the bottle.  Jeff asked Gary if he were able to obtain feedback from the teachers about this noise safety issue.
      
      The second part of the problem is the need for teachers to speak above a normal voice in order to provide instruction.  Suggestions included real tech audiology where speakers are used in the classroom, such as the Redcat Access Classroom Audio System, which fills the classroom with the teacher’s natural voice without the need to speak above a normal voice.  Mike Balik was asked if he had knowledge of this technology.  He responded that sometimes these special channels of communication impact negatively with wireless microphones.
      
      Jeff indicated that perhaps the district could look into a pilot program of utilizing some real tech audiology.  He suggested that he and Mike speak about this and provide some feedback at the next meeting.
   2. Carol commented that the electronic SDIC Newsletter would be a valuable resource for the committee to receive and she asked if we’d please email these bi-monthly editions to the committee.  They may also be of interest to DASD employees and should be posted on the Workplace Safety web site.  Gary will make this information known to the teachers.
   3. Carol also receives monthly SDIC workers comp reports, and this will be added to the agenda for the next meeting. 

The meeting concluded at 2:50 PM.

Attachments

WHAT TO RECYCLE

​​​​J.P. Mascaro & Sons is committed to protecting our environment. We offer cutting-edge technology that makes recycling easier and more efficient. Single-Stream Recycling requires no sorting at all. Customers can combine all recyclable items listed below and place them in a single container for collection.

• Glass: Clear, green, or brown bottles and jars (food and drink only) can be collected. Remove all caps and rings. Please rinse.            
• Paper: Materials that are collected include newspaper, magazines, advertising inserts, catalogs, junk mail, envelopes, waxed paper, paper bags, phone books, and wrapping paper (remove metallic paper, bows, etc.) Place all paper in heavy brown bag or tie together with twine. Do not use wire or plastic bags.      

Cardboard and Corrugated Paper: Cardboard boxes and items such as cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and gift boxes can be collected, as well as milk and juice cartons.  Please flatten cardboard.     

• Cartons: Food & beverage cartons such as Milk, alternative dairy, juice, soup, flavored drinks, broth, both gable-top and aseptic cartons, are recyclable at J.P. Mascaro’s Total Recycle facility. If your municipality’s recycling is picked up by or goes to Total Recycle, these items can be included in your curbside bin. Please empty and replace any caps. For more information on recycling cartons, visit www.recyclecartons.com.

High-grade paper: Manila envelopes, file folders, fax and copy paper, and computer print outs are collected for recycling. Please place in paper bags or box (no plastic bags). 

• Aluminum Cans and Foil: Rinse cans and place in the recycling container. They may be flattened or left intact. Labels do not need to be removed.                  

Steel & Bi-Metallic Cans: Any food container such as coffee cans or soup cans can be recycled.              

• Plastics #1. PET (E): Soft drink bottles, peanut butter jars, and toiletries are collected. Lids and caps should be removed and bottles should be rinsed. 2-liter bottles should be flattened.     
• Plastics #2. HDPE (clear or colored): Clear plastic items such as milk or juice jugs are collected. Colored plastic bottles include laundry and dish detergents, bleach bottles, and fabric softener bottles.             
• Plastics #3. PVC: Mineral water bottles, salad and vegetable oil bottles, floor polishes, and mouthwash containers are collected. 
• Plastics #4 – LDPE (low density polyethylene): Bread bags, food wrapping, and shopping bags are some examples of this type of plastic. LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs. Plastic shopping bags can be returned to many stores for recycling. 
• Plastics #5 – PP (polypropylene): This type of plastic is found in yogurt containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws, and medicine bottles. Curbside recycling of these materials will vary depending on your area. Please rinse.
• Plastics #6 – PS (polystyrene): Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, and compact disc cases may be recycled through curbside recycling depending on your area.
• Plastics #7 or “O” – Mixed : Three and five-gallon water bottles, 'bullet-proof' materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, and nylon are examples of this type of plastic. Number 7 plastics are difficult to recycle and are typically not collected through curbside recycling. 
• Flexible Packaging Materials - Plastic grocery bags, garbage bags, Film, Foil, Snack and chip bags, inside bags from cereal boxes, mail bags like fed ex, drink pouches, sandwich and freezer bags, frozen food bags, candy and ice pop wrappers, the film around a case of bottled water and so much more.  These materials are a large part of the consumer waste stream and JP Mascaro is the only company with the ability to recycle them in a single stream system. 

WHAT IS NOT COLLECTED/RECYCLED

Styrofoam
Scrap Metal
Hazardous Waste
Disposable Diapers
Paper Towels or Tissue Paper
Textiles, Fabric or Clothing
Ceramics, Chinaware Porcelain or Pyrex Dishware
Books
Toys
Liquids
Mirrors
Window Glass
Light Bulbs
Batteries
Syringes/Needles
Computer and Electronic Equipment
Garden Hoses, Ropes, Chains, Extension Chords, Christmas Lights
Automotive Parts
Wood, Trees
Household Electronics & Appliances
Construction & Demolition Debris
Tarps
Tools, Nails & Building Materials
Propane Canisters
Plastic & Metal Banding/Strapping

 

Workplace Safety Committee Meeting via Zoom
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Dr. Rob Reed, Carol D’Andrea, Dr. Nick Indeglio, Gary Gittis, Lisa Anderson, Tom Fortmann, Cynthia Randell and Kathy LaMar.

1. Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.
    
2. “Safety Moment” – Cynthia provided a story of her life as a mom, wife, pet owner, full-time employee, and all the nuances with life’s many household tasks and responsibilities that take precedence daily.  She stressed the importance of taking time for oneself; take a walk, gather your thoughts, relax, do what is needed to assist in quieting the inner anxieties.  Many committee members appreciated Cynthia’s message as mirroring their own and the importance of taking care of oneself.
    
3. There were no comments about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on November 28, 2023.  They will be posted to the committee’s web site.
    
4. Presentation – AED Use and Training.  Jeff asked Matt Barr, Principal at MC, to explain the nuances of a program that provides annual AED training to the students at the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center.  Matt indicated that the program is a partnership with Aidan’s Heart Foundation, founded and managed by a MC teacher, Christy Marshall-Silva, whose son passed away at age seven from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.  A cause for the arrhythmia that “short-circuited” Aidan’s heart is still unknown. Aidan’s Heart Foundation provides awareness, education and support to create heart-safe communities for youth, which includes the prevention of and/or response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, which impacts 23,000 youth a year.  One valuable tool in addressing SCA is the availability of and knowledge of the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator).
   
   Christy’s presentation prompted a unanimous agreement among the committee for more education about and training in the use of an AED for both teachers and students. Gary wondered if districtwide training could be offered on Professional Development days, perhaps one each quarter, or at the district’s annual “Learning Summit.”  It was stated that the training on AED use is an educational tool that is only needed once, while CPR training would be a recurring two-year certification.  Dr. Reed indicated that he is open to ideas and suggestions for the availability of more AED’s in the district’s facilities and for training of these devices.
   
   Jeff advised the committee that he was appointed by Dave Matyas to be the coordinator with the IU in overseeing a grant for 16 additional AED’s for our district.  Jeff indicated he’s been in contact with the Nursing Curriculum Leader, Jennifer Mikulich, in reviewing the current number of AED’s and their locations throughout the schools. Jeff offered to be in touch with Christy to see how Aidan’s Foundation might assist in this endeavor.  He also indicated that the Workplace Safety Boards in each school will be updated with each school’s floor diagrams, showing where existing AED’s are located.  This is a work-in-progress.
    
5. Old Business
   1. Jeff and Kathy reviewed their discussions regarding Workplace Safety, each with a staff employee with different responsibilities, but each with similar responses to the three questions being used to bring awareness of workplace safety to DASD staff; namely, they were aware of the Safety Boards, but didn’t realize they were a product of the Workplace Safety Committee, nor were they knowledgeable about the Workplace Safety Committee or its web site. Were each committee member to ask one individual the three workplace safety questions (attached), an awareness of workplace safety could become inherent in the day-to-day activities of the staff, and Jeff prompted committee members to reach out to one person for the next meeting. 
       
6. New Business
   1. ​​​​​​​Promote Knowledge of AED’s – Jeff commented that this item is now front and center for the committee’s work in this school year, including the update of each school’s Workplace Safety Board mentioned above, posting a video on the web site featuring the use of an AED (completed), and possibly procuring additional AED’s for the schools.
       
   2. Jeff announced that Facilities has purchased hand-held containers to spread calcium chloride on inclement weather days at the entrances at Trestle Place, a workplace safety suggestion by a staff member.  Jeff also indicated that a few of the hand-held spreaders will be provided to elementary school administrative offices as a beta test.  At the schools, the custodians clear the sidewalks, but there may be a need for additional assistance at the front entrance.
       
   3. Real time communication during a snow/ice event may be difficult to stay on top of for our maintenance team in the trucks. The committee questioned if a custodian could do a quick overview of the parking lot and make a call to request another round of plowing or salting if/where needed by the maintenance team.  If there is a specific area that is known to need additional attention, this should be brought to the attention of Facilities, as there are ways to address localized freezings.Carol commented that there have only been two employees who experienced an injury during the recent inclement weather events, one was on a sidewalk and one was in a parking lot.  The extra effort to clear the schools’ public access areas on the part of the Facilities teams of custodians and maintenance are to be commended.
       
   4. Future Meetings, 2 PM via Zoom:
      Tuesday, February 27
      Tuesday, March 19
      Tuesday, April 16
       
   5. There were no additional New Business items.

The meeting concluded at 3 PM.
 

Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Dr. Rob Reed, Kim Gardner, Carol D’Andrea, Robyn Spear, Lisa Anderson, Tom Fortmann, Mike Balik and Kathy LaMar.

Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM.

• “Safety Moment” – Jeff spoke about a slip and fall accident that took place at Downingtown High School West.  A teacher slipped on a pressure-treated wooden ramp that had been constructed for general access during the expansion of the high school.  There was no precipitation that morning, but the unusual weather prompted a foggy mist that became icy because of the drop in temperature and made the wood very slippery.  Facilities was not immediately made aware of this situation, so it was untreated.  Jeff indicated that such a hazard should be brought to the attention of the administration and custodial staff as soon as possible so it can be addressed.  Additionally, after watching the video footage, the individual who fell had both hands full, was walking quickly to enter school, and did not notice the slippery condition.  Facilities addressed the matter later that morning by placing roof roll on the entire ramp, providing a non-stick base which will not freeze up as the wood had done.  Jeff reminded the committee about the need for “situational awareness” when walking anywhere, and the need to keep a hand free to hold a railing on any set of steps or ramps.
   
• A committee member questioned if staff is aware of how to reach a Facilities individual when there is an immediate need to address for workplace safety.  Kathy then linked to the Workplace Safety website at the following URL:  https://www.dasd.org/departments/facilities/workplace-safety-pub.  The first “Resource” is a reference to “Facilities Emergency Contacts” with a click to the listing of individuals and their cell numbers.  If the need is not as immediate yet should be addressed by Facilities, staff can go to the FMX web site, available on the top tool bar in Classlink, and place a new “Maintenance Request” by clicking on “Workplace Safety” within the “Request Type” drop down box. Such work orders go directly to Kathy, who will assign them appropriately.  The committee was asked to please spread the word.

It was mentioned that sometimes there is a fine line between workplace safety and workplace security.  Security items are to be shared with the district’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Tom Fortmann, email address wfortmann@dasd.org.

There were no comments about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on October 24, 2023.  These notes will be posted to the committee’s web site.

• Presentation – Kathy provided an overview of one of the presentations at the SDIC Fall Seminar; namely, “Addressing Workplace Risks and Sharing Resources.”  The slide show, presented by Erin Rymsa, Director of Health and Safety Services at CMI, a consultant to SDIC, will be made available on the Workplace Safety website.  Topics included winter preparedness and the risks of, and signs and symptoms of, wind chill and cold stress if not dressing properly or wearing the proper PPE while working outside.  Snow shoveling and snowblower safety techniques were included to prevent injuries.  The committee highly recommended that the Facilities teams of custodians and maintenance workers be made aware of the valuable recommendations within the presentation.  Jeff and Kathy indicated they’d share this information with John Campbell, Supervisor of Custodial Services, and Melford Smith, Supervisor of Maintenance.
   
• Old Business – Jeff reviewed the Committee Outreach Program instituted last school year and includes committee members inviting another staff member to participate in a committee meeting and provides three questions (attached) the committee members are asked to please discuss with one district employee before each committee meeting. He offered the fact that such communication prompts workplace safety awareness throughout the district and can produce a great idea for workplace safety. Kathy and Jeff shared their  conversations with a Central Office staff member and an elementary school staff member respectively.  Neither were aware of the committee, but were grateful to now be armed with information about workplace safety, the web site and FMX resources, etc.  The committee is asked to please try to reach out to one individual prior to the balance of the committee meetings.
   
• New Business

1. Promote knowledge of AED’s, including their use and building locations, which was a suggestion at the last committee meeting.  Jeff indicated how this can be done through the opportunities below:
    
2. Update Workplace the Safety Board in each school and direct the reader to the Workplace Safety Committee web site.
    
3. Post a video on the Workplace Safety web site featuring the use of an AED
    
4. Post school’s floor plan indicating the location of AED’s
    
5. SDIC offers free training on the use of an AED and CPR. Discuss best options for in-house training, which are 3.5-hour courses for a maximum of 10; two sessions a day.  The committee was asked to contact Kathy if interested.
    
6. Through the suggestion of a Central Office staff member, Facilities will work on providing calcium chloride in a small bucket with a scoop at the entrances to Trestle Place. Discuss similar possible provisions at the school buildings.
    
7. The committee asked if more “real time” communication could be developed during a snow/ice event that would provide an update or status of the Facilities snow/ice removal to school staff.  Jeff indicated he and Kathy would meet with John Campbell, Supervisor of Custodial Services, and Melford Smith, Supervisor of Maintenance, to discuss possibilities.  Jeff also wondered if head custodians could keep the maintenance teams aware of additional plowing or de-icing needs after the first “sweep” of a school’s lot has been accomplished.  Further information will be provided at the next meeting.
    
8. Future Meetings, 2 PM via Zoom:

• Tuesday, January 23
• Tuesday, March 19
• Tuesday, February 27
• Tuesday, April 16

9. Other New Business

A committee member asked what was the process or procedure when someone takes a fall on school property.  The injured individual goes to the school nurse, who contacts the main office staff, who in turn is to contact the building head custodian.  That individual will look at the issue and address it or contact the Facilities offices at Central for assistance. Then a work order is placed in FMX if further work is necessary to correct the challenge. 

              The meeting concluded at 3 PM.

Workplace Safety Committee Meeting Virtual via Zoom

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Kim Gardner, Carol D'Andrea, Robyn Spear, Allison Gangl, Tom Fortmann, Mike Balik, Cynthia Newlin and Kathy LaMar.

1. Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM and welcomed the newest member of the committee, Robyn Spear, Principal at Springton Manor Elementary School.
    
2. "Safety Moment" - Jeff indicated that October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. He indicated how important it is for parents to speak to their children about substance abuse, and presented a 5 Conversation Goals advisement (attached) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which parents can use as a guideline in their conversations. The SAMHSA recommends beginning these conversations with youngsters as early as 9 years old. More can be learned at the SAMHSA web site: https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week/voices-of-youth/substance-use-prevention-resources-youth-college-students
    
3.  There were no comments about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on April 18, 2023, previously distributed . Kindly forward any edits or comments to Kathy. These notes will be posted to the committee's web site.
    
4. Jeff shared with the committee the Workers Comp Claim Summary Report from the School Districts Insurance Consortium (SDIC) for the previous school year , July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, attached to these meeting notes. There were 53 claims with the majority coming under three categories: "Struck/Injured," "Fall/Slip" and "Strain/Injury." This compares to 58 claims the previous school year, July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, with the majority again falling into these same three categories. Carol explained that the "Struck/Injured" category pretty much represents young students running into teachers accidentally. This report is attached for your interest.
    
5. Presentation - Jeff provided an overview of the district's fire alarm procedures, as well as a background about fire alarm basics. He indicated how very important pull stations are in alerting everyone in a building of the potential of a fire within. If a test has not been scheduled, and the alarm goes off, everyone must evacuate the building, except the head custodian and the principal, who should attempt to ascertain the source of the alarm. After checking the fire panel, if no one knows the cause or source of the alarm, then all staff need to evacuate and let the Fire Department arrive and do their investigation. The explanations of the types of fire alarm conditions and the procedures a staff should follow when an alarm has sounded are provided in the attachment.
    
6. Old Business
   
   Jeff reviewed the Outreach program started last season, which is two-pronged; namely, (1) committee members asking one or two colleagues certain questions about workplace safety (questions attached), and (2) inviting colleagues to participate at one or more of the six meetings held during the school year. There can be great ideas that come out of a discussion about workplace safety, and asked Kathy to advise of her discussion with a new employee in the district central office.  The individual had no idea about the committee and was happy to know of the ability to communicate a safety issue via email safetycoordinator@dasd.org and via FMX.
   
   On the flip side, the individual provided a great idea to prevent slips in the wintry weather by suggesting we provide a bucket of calcium chloride and small scoop by each entrance. Jeff thought this was a good suggestion and advised the committee that we'd look into this for the coming season.
   
   Gary did relate a recurring concern from the teachers about icy parking lots at OMS and asked whose responsibility it is to clear the lots.  Jeff explained the roll of the custodial staff clearing the sidewalks and the maintenance staff clearing the parking lots. Jeff indicated how important communication is between the staff at the schools and the maintenance team in their vehicles about building conditions, but it was questioned if there could be a more major roll in communicating with the school staffs at certain buildings, in real time, what issues they should be alerted to. Jeff said we will bring this up with the Facilities management team to discuss the process of salting and plowing and whether second loops are done after the earliest first passes are complete, and possibly other ideas to better treat all surfaces, and the possibility of communications to the teaching staff at affected schools. Perhaps it's possible for the head custodian to monitor the parking lots in order to know when it needs to be treated again.
   
   Jeff's discussion with a DASO staff member prompted a discussion about the Workplace Safety Bulletin Boards that are at all school buildings.  These boards' messages should be updated and Jeff believed this was a good project for the committee this season.
   
   Also discussed was the need for providing new employees information about the Workplace Safety Committee at their orientation, which prompted feedback from Robyn and Gary about other opportunities for existing staff to be educated about workplace safety at the schools.
    
7. New Business
   1. The discussion about new projects for the 23-24 Committee activities included:
      1. Providing calcium chloride in buckets at building entrances. Central Office and all schools? What entrances?
      2. Updating the Workplace Safety Bulletin Boards.
      3. Committee website update with training videos, such as use of an AED.
      4. Advising new employees of the Workplace Safety Committee.
   2. Other New Business
      1. It was mentioned that valuable information to all building staff would include where AED's and Fire Extinguishers are located in each building.
      2. Future Meetings, 2 PM via Zoom:
         Tuesday, November 28
         Tuesday, January 23
         Tuesday, February 27
         Tuesday, March 19
         Tuesday, April 16

Meeting concluded at 3:00 PM.

ATTACHMENTS

• This year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their "Talk. They Hear You." Campaign.
• This campaign aims to reduce underage drinking and other substance use among youths under the age of 2 I  by providing  parents and caregivers  with  information  and  resources they need  to address these issues with their children early and often.

They suggest to start talking to your children about drugs as early as 9 years old and provide the following guidelines.

Fire Alarm Basics

A fire alarm system is a crucial part of the fire and life safety of a building and its occupants. A fire alarm system is comprised of three different components: the fire alarm panel, the initiating devices (such as heat/smoke detectors, water flow switches, and pull stations), and the notification devices (such as horn/strobes or speaker/strobes). The fire alarm panel serves as the brain of the fire alarm system by monitoring all of the initiating devices and controlling all of the notification devices. The different types of conditions that can be seen at the fire alarm panel are Alar m, Supervisory, and Trouble, these conditions are also sent to the 24/7 monitoring station.

Alarm -An alarm condition means there is an immediate threat to life and property. When an alarm condition is detected the horn/strobes are activated notifying occupants to evacuate the building. Also, the fire department is immediately dispatched when the monitoring station receives an alarm condition. An example of this would be a smoke detector sensing the presence of smoke.

Supervisory- A supervisory condition means there is an issue with a system or equipment that is monitored by the fire panel. An example of this would be a sprinkler system valve being closed.

Trouble - A trouble condition means there is an issue or fault with the fire alarm system. An example of this would be a dirty smoke detector .

Note: Calling the monitoring station and placing the building on "test" will only keep the fire department from being dispatched. The fire panel will still go into alarm and the horn/strobes will still go off if an alarm condition is present. If an actual emergency occurs while the building is on "test" it will be necessary to call 911 to send the fire department.

Fire Alarm Procedures 

Alarm - When an alarm condition is detected and the horn/ strobes are activated all occupants MUST evacuate immediately. If safe to do so, the custodian in the building should:

1. Go to the fir e panel or a remote annunciator and document the displayed notification indicating what initiating device triggered the alarm condition - Take a picture of the panel with a phone, and send to Jeff Kobernick and Chris Stefani.
2. During school hours : call the building principal to discuss the nature of the emergency and determine whether it' s appropriate to call the monitoring station and report a false alarm .
3. After hours: if the custodian was present for the alarm activation and is 100% certain of what triggered the alarm condition (i.e. overspray from painting ceiling tiles) then call the monitoring station and report a false alarm, otherwise evacuate the building and wait for the fire department.
4. When the fire department arrives, if requested, escort them to the fire panel and then to the initiating de vice that triggered the alarm.
5. Notify the principal when the fire department indicates it ' s safe and have the building occupants return to the building.
6. In the case of an actual fire, notify the custodial supervisor after speaking with the building principal.

Supervisory - A supervisory condition means there is an issue with a system or equipment that is monitored by the fire panel. An example of this would be a sprinkler system valve being closed.

Trouble • A trouble condition means there is an issue or fault with the fire alarm system . An example of this would be a dirty smoke detector.

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
• Show you care about your child's health, wellness, and success.
• Show you' re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
• Show you' re paying attention and you'll discourage risky behaviors.
• Build your child's skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use.