Workplace Safety Committee Meetings

WORKPLACE SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2022-2023

• Jeff Kobernick, Supervisor of Operations & District Workplace Safety Coordinator 
• Kathy LaMar, Meeting Notetaker, Admin Assistant to Facilities Department
• Dr. Rob Reed, Assistant Superintendent
• Dr. Caroline Duda, Director, Human Resources
• Kim Gardner, Assistant Director, Human Resources
• Carol D’Andrea, Human Resources Assistant
• Tom Mulvey, Principal, Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center
• Shelda Perry, Principal, Lionville Elementary School
• Dr. Nick Indeglio, Principal, Downingtown Middle School
• Jonathan Ross, Principal, Lionville Middle School
• Matt Barr, Assistant Principal, Downingtown High School West
• Gary Gittis, President, Downingtown Area Education Association
• Cory Sigle, Athletic Director
• Renee Harty, Assistant Athletic Director, Downingtown High School East
• Michelle Goss, Assistant Athletic Director, Downingtown High School West
• Allison Gangl, Communications Manager
• Lisa Anderson, Science Curriculum Leader
• Jennifer Mikulich, Nursing Curriculum Leader
• Tim Hubbard, Chief Security Officer
• Mike Balik, Technology Department
• Cynthia Newlin, Admin Assistant to Business Office

MEETING NOTES
Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
2:00 PM

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Rob Reed, Alex Medlar, Mike Balik, Tim Hubbard, Will Van Patter, Cynthia Newlin and Kathy LaMar.
1) Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.
2) Safety Moment – Kathy presented a YouTube video on bicycle safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_iJIq5yTcA.
Jeff presented a YouTube video on safety in the office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8N3L_aERg.
3) There were no questions about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on March 17, 2022, previously distributed.
4) Presentation – Jeff reviewed the 2021-2022 year of Workplace Safety Committee meetings and commented on the positive response and action on the part of committee members in contributing to each of the six meetings with either a “Safety Moment” (1-2 minutes) or a “Presentation” (5-10 minutes). A review of the meeting notes can be found on the committee’s web page.
A 21-22 committee action was the purchase of the Talking Safety Stress Relievers, thought to be offered to new employees at orientation to elicit their awareness of workplace safety. Because orientation is going through a transition, this was put on hold. Could this be considered for 22-23?
Also, a work in progress is the creation of a maintenance task in FMX for the head custodians’ completion of the existing safety inspection form, which is manually completed monthly by all 16 head custodians. This will be again reviewed for the 22-23 program.
Jeff then asked the committee to consider additional ideas for the 2022-2023 Workplace Safety Program. It was suggested to update the existing Safety Bulletin Boards that were installed at each school and at DASD Central Offices. If anyone has a theme, email Kathy. We would ask the committee to assist with the creation of artwork anticipated for these boards.
Building safety walk-throughs were then brought up, which had been put on hold due to COVID. Much of the basis for a building walk-through evolved from the district’s insurance underwriter site visits, but these have not taken place since COVID. Jeff mentioned that there are Fire Marshall reviews in each building. Should these building safety walk-throughs continue as one of the six required committee meetings?
5) New Business - Next year’s committee meetings should be consistent (date and time).
The meeting concluded at 2:40 PM.

MEETING NOTES
Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Thursday, March 17, 2022
2:00 PM

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Rob Reed, Alex Medlar and Deb Alvord for Kathy LaMar.

1)    Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.  

2)    Safety Moment – Deb recanted a slip and fall accident she had during an icy day in January.  She was following her sons to the van parked in their driveway, and she realized the macadam was icy and warned her boys to walk carefully, but in an instant she herself slipped and fell on her arm, fracturing her elbow… the strongest bone in one’s body!  The point of retelling this story is that she was aware of the icy driveway and thought she was being careful enough, with proper rubber souls on her shoes, but one needs to remember ice can be a treacherous hazard, even when aware!

3)    There were no questions about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on February 15, 2022.  These notes will be posted to the Workplace Safety Committee’s website.

4)    Presentation – Jeff presented an overview of proper workplace ergonomics, including instructional photos for standing, sitting, and use of cell phone, table or laptop.  This one-page educational instruction will be used in a future HReminder/posted to the committee’s web site.

5)    Old Business

a)    Status of 21-22 Committee projects:

i)    Talking Safety Stress Relievers have been ordered and will be distributed to new employees at their orientations to promote the committee’s desire for a culture of safety. These clever safety novelties were inexpensive yet are hoped to be effective in directing attention to a safer workplace.  The pop-up yellow cones to advise about wet floors were costly.  After speaking to the Custodial Supervisor, it was determined that the schools have the inventory they need for spills and wet floors.  Staff needs to contact the head custodian after a spill to quickly “label” the area as a wet danger.

ii)    Creation of a maintenance task in FMX for the head custodians’ completion of safety inspection forms is a work in progress.

b)    On March 4, Jeff and Kathy observed an intruder drill at DHSE, overseen by the Uwchlan
Township Police Department.  The PD was well represented.  Also participating were Tim Hubbard, DASD Chief Security Officer; Paul Hurley, DHSE Principal; Eric McComsey, DHSE Assistant Principal, and members of Signal 88.  The drill lasted about 10 minutes.  They take place regularly throughout a school year, providing the students situational awareness of actions to take should an intruder enter the school.

c)    The sixth and last committee meeting will take place virtually on Tuesday, May 24 at 2 PM.

6)    New Business

a)    There were no new business items.

The meeting concluded at 2:30 PM. 

MEETING NOTES
Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
2:00 PM

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Kim Gardner, Alex Medlar, Tom Mulvey, Frank Flanagan, George Tucker, Tim Hubbard, Mike Balik, Cynthia Newlin and Kathy LaMar.

1)    Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:02 PM.

2)    Safety Moment – Kathy provided background regarding when a bump becomes a concerning head injury.  She referred to the recent death of Bob Saget, at first having bumped his head, but via an autopsy finding out later it was severe head trauma.  However, bumps can be concerning, but serious head trauma can happen from a forceful hit to the body or whiplash as well.  Read about what to look for when such trauma inflicts one’s head or body, contained in the attachment.

3)    There were no questions about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on January 20, 2022.  These notes will be posted to the Workplace Safety Committee’s website.

4)    Presentation – Tom Mulvey, Principal of the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center, presented a PowerPoint entitled, “Utilizing Health Advocate,” the district’s advocate for all employees and their families, assisting with personal and work-related concerns.  Their services include a wide range of resources - in person, over the phone and online - to help with physical, emotional, social and financial challenges, and challenges in navigating the healthcare system.  Tom promotes and enforces the use of Health Advocate to all his staff.  Tom’s presentation will be placed on the “Resources” page of the Workplace Safety Committee’s website.   

5)    Old Business

a)    Status of 21-22 Committee projects:

1)    The committee had been reviewing the offering of something physical to hand out to new employees at their orientation that would promote safety.  Kathy provided information about purchasing 100 Safety Talking Stress Relievers, details contained in an attachment.  Further discussion provided consideration of handing these out at the schools, which would result in ordering more, or possibly spending the money on other workplace safety items, such as pop-up yellow cones, advising “Slippery Floor,” a sample of which Alex showed to the committee received from SDIC. Jeff indicated the original idea was to promote a culture of safety among DASD staff by providing something thought-provoking re: safety.  The committee thought perhaps the yellow cones could be provided for the classrooms, not just head custodians’ use at entry ways. Jeff and Kathy will speak with John Campbell, Custodial Supervisor, to understand the district’s inventory of cautionary wet floor cones.  Cynthia will look into further competitive pricing for the stress relievers.  More consideration will be given to these ideas.  

2)    Jeff will keep the committee updated on the creation of a maintenance task in FMX for the head custodians’ completion of safety inspection forms electronically, which would automatically go to the principals.  This is a work in progress.

b)    Tim Hubbard had invited the committee to observe an intruder drill at one of the schools.  The options are February 23 at LES at 2:45 PM or March 4 at DHSE at 10:15 AM.  Jeff and Kathy will participate at one and in turn will provide any insights learned with the committee.

c)    Future Meetings:

1)    Thursday, March 17
2)    Tuesday, May 24

6)    There were no New Business items.

The meeting concluded at 2:55 PM.
 

MEETING NOTES
Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Thursday, January 20, 2022
2:00 PM

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Kim Gardner, Alex Medlar, Rob Reed, Frank Flanagan, George Tucker, Jennifer Mikulich, Tim Hubbard, Cynthia Newlin and Kathy LaMar.

1)    Jeff Kobernick called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

2)    Safety Moment – Frank Flanagan highlighted the importance of Fire Prevention and Safety.  Given the recent house fire tragedies in Quakertown and Philadelphia, where lives were lost, Frank featured statistics about the leading causes of home fires from the National Fire Protection Association, which include cooking, faulty heating and lighting equipment, and smoking products.  Also featured were prevention recommendations from the American Red Cross.  The committee asked to have the slides featured in a future HReminder.

3)    There were no questions about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on December 14, 2021.  These notes will be posted to the Workplace Safety Committee’s website.

4)    Presentation – Jennifer Mikulich, Nursing Curriculum Leader, presented highlights of “Stress” – it’s many detrimental effects on mind and body and ways to manage it. Jen’s PowerPoint presentation also featured issues that would cause an individual to seek help to control stress and resources for alleviating it.  Jen did indicate that stress also can prompt positive responses in people, such as the arrival of a new baby or a work promotion.  Jen’s PowerPoint will be posted to the Workplace Safety Committee’s web site as a safety tip.

5)    Old Business

a)    Status of 21-22 Committee projects:

1)    Kathy spoke about some stress relieving “squishies” that would prompt one to think about safety and would be distributed to new employees at their orientation.  There was no unanimous feeling on this idea.  Jeff said a survey would be sent to all committee members to collect ideas.

2)    Jeff advised that he had started the creation of a maintenance task in FMX for the head custodians’ completion of safety inspection forms, which would alleviate the manual completion of these forms and also be automatically shared with each head custodian’s building principal.  He’ll keep the committee apprised of his progress within FMX.

b)    Jeff provided background on why the committee was asked to prepare for a potential staff member’s need to stay overnight at Trestle Place in the event of adverse weather.  Because of flooding from Hurricane Ida, a couple staff members had to stay overnight, so it was strongly suggested to prepare for this possible need again.  The Quiet Room at Trestle Place will fit the need well, as there are already two nurse’s beds in that room.  Facilities purchased six sleeping bags, two of which will be placed in the Quiet Room, and the balance will be held in inventory.  A case of water was also purchased for the room.  

Jeff asked if schools might need to plan similarly.  Tom offered that perhaps the custodial night shift might benefit from similar planning, possibly using the nurse’s office, and Frank agreed with this thought.  Jen indicated that nurse’s offices are equipped with a cot or two and some blankets and pillows.  Jeff said he’d speak with John Campbell, Custodial Supervisor, about this.

c)    Future Meetings to begin at 2:00 PM:

1)    Tuesday, February 15            
2)    Thursday, March 17
3)    Tuesday, May 24

6)    New Business

a)    At the last meeting, Tim Hubbard invited the committee to observe an intruder drill at a DASD school.  These are scheduled in advance, but not confirmed until closer to the date, so he was unable to provide a specific date or school at this time.  These would be drills with DASD staff only and not ones that could possibly include the police or a SWAT team.  Tim asked that interested individuals email him (thubbard@dasd.org) with their interest.

b)    Jeff appreciated committee members having offered to provide a “Safety Moment” and a “Presentation” as part of the committee’s agenda.  He would like to ask other members of the committee to participate in this way.  He and Kathy will reach out to others for their support.

The meeting concluded at 2:45 PM.

MEETING NOTES
Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
2:00 PM

Participating were Kim Gardner, Alex Medlar, Rob Reed, Frank Flanagan, Tim Hubbard, Will Van Patter, Cynthia Newlin and Kathy LaMar.

1)    Kim called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

2)    Safety Moment – Cynthia presented a Power Point presentation about the safety of one’s pets in winter weather.  The committee found the information very valuable and recommended it be included in the next HReminder for December 17.  

3)    There were no questions about or amendments to the meeting notes from the committee meeting held on November 11, 2021.  These notes will be posted to the committee’s web site.

4)    Presentation – Tim Hubbard presented two YouTube videos regarding safety in the workplace.  The first, entitled “Run Hide Fight,” recommends using the best course of action when an intruder enters a building.  One must empower her/himself to make the right decision.  Can one run (evacuate the building?); can one hide (blockade yourself somewhere?), or must one fight (the last resort)?  If you need to be quiet, you can text 911 to alert the authorities.  The second video, entitled “ALICE,” also provided recommendations when an intruder enters the building.  These start with “Alert” (the building); “Lockdown” (blockade yourself into a room); “Inform” (anyone about the aggressor); “Counter” (arm yourself/throw anything that can deter the aggressor), and “Evacuate” (the building).  Tim advised that three lockdown drills per school year are done in each of the 16 DASD school buildings.  He suggested one should prepare oneself, even in a restaurant, and consider the OODA Loop:  Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.  A situation can change moment to moment.  Tim invited the committee to observe an intruder drill at one of the schools.  Kathy will review this possibility with Jeff.

Kim questioned the action of breaking a window to escape.  Tim recommended this be low on the option list.  Most windows now are double paned and very difficult to break, but he did give a helpful hint if this might be an option when you can’t barricade yourself into a room; namely, attempt to shatter the glass in a corner, where it would break easier versus in the middle of the pane.

Rob strongly stated that there are “NO RULES” when it comes to an intruder.  Do whatever is necessary to protect oneself.

5)    Old Business

a)    Discussed at the last meeting was the potential for a “Slips, Trips & Falls” virtual presentation by
SDIC to the teachers on January 5, 2022 during a professional development hour.  Alex had
reached out to SDIC about the logistics, but this topic was deemed not appropriate by
Curriculum for the venue.  There is another PD opportunity to present to the teaching staff in 
April.

b)    On behalf of Jeff, Kathy reviewed two possible projects for the Committee’s 21-22 agenda:

1)    Provide something physical to new employees during their orientation.  New employees
are already directed to a page on the DASD web site that contains valuable “New Hire” information, including “Workplace Safety Committee” information.  Jeff was thinking of possibly providing a magnet with a reminder to make safety a priority.  The committee felt that something more “functional” might be a better tool, such as a stress ball, or a small first aid kit, or a small bottle of hand sanitizer - any one of these inscribed with a few words about safety.  Kathy will speak to Jeff about this.

2)    Create a planned maintenance task in FMX for the completion of monthly building safety inspections, currently completed manually by each school’s head custodian.  This will automate this valuable tool and copies would go to each building’s principal for their awareness.  The committee agreed this project is a worthwhile undertaking.

c)    Kathy updated the committee on her findings at Trestle Place relative to planning the 
potential for a few staff members to stay overnight in the event of a major weather event.  The Quiet Room, located in the corridor down from the Superintendent’s Conference Room, is equipped with two nurses’ beds with bedding, one recliner and two wheelchairs.  Needed would be extra blankets (possibly the tin foil blankets) and emergency lighting should the electric go off (flashlights?).  Non-perishable food items and beverages (water, protein shakes, etc.) could be stored in the Superintendent’s kitchen.  

The committee questioned the purchase of the additional items, and Kathy indicated that the committee has discussed in the past possibly using some of the money saved on the Workers Comp insurance premium discount.  These savings for 2020-2021 were $19,000.  Kim asked if these savings and a general overview of the Workplace Safety Committee activities could be written up in a Board Update.  A paragraph was subsequently included in the Facilities Board Update for December 16, 2021.

d)    Future Committee Meetings:

1)    Thursday January 20            3)   Thursday, March 17
2)    Tuesday, February 15            4)   Tuesday, May 24

6)    There were no New Business items.

The meeting concluded at 3:05 PM.

MEETING NOTES
Workplace Safety Committee Meeting
Virtual via Zoom
Thursday, November 11, 2021
2:00 PM

Participating were Jeff Kobernick, Dr. Rob Reed, Kim Gardner, Alex Medlar, Frank Flanagan, Dr. Nick Indeglio, Dr. Caroline Duda, George Tucker, Cynthia Newlin and Kathy LaMar.

1)    Jeff called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

2)    “Safety Moment” – Jeff related his experience when recently traveling to New York City.  The City requires all individuals to show a COVID vaccination card anywhere indoors.  He offered that there is an application that features information about all of an individual’s vaccinations.  One just needs to show a driver’s license to prove the information in the app belongs to the individual presenting the information.  It was recommended that details about this application be included in the next HReminder as a noteworthy resource.

3)    There were no questions about or amendments to the meeting notes from the last committee meeting held on April 13, 2021.  These notes will be posted to the committee’s web site.

4)    Workers Comp Claim Summary, First Quarter, July 1 to September 30, 2021 – Alex Medlar presented the statistics he received from the SDIC for the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year.  This information is attached to these meeting notes.  Two interesting findings were noted:  

(a)    There have been 18 claims within the first quarter versus only 12 incidents combined during the first quarter of the last two years’ first quarter reports.  Jeff said he would review the incidents concerning slips, trips and falls this year to ascertain if there may be a Facilities issue to address.

(b)    A third of the 18 claims were in the category of “slips/trips/falls.”  SDIC claims that 32% of school district claims are in this category, and DASD is now within this statistic, and we’ve not yet entered the snowy, icy time of year.  

5)    Presentation - The above report led to Alex’s planned presentation of “Safety Initiative: Slip/Trip/Fall Prevention.”  Alex asked if the committee would be interested in learning more about prevention of slips, trips and falls, as SDIC is offering free training on this topic.  The committee believed it would be beneficial if all staff, professional and support, were to have an opportunity to receive this training.  Kim mentioned that teachers have one hour on January 5, 2022 for professional development, and perhaps a video could be provided during this time period.  Alex will reach out to SDIC to learn more about their training processes to see if this might be provided to the DASD staff in January.

Nick reminded the committee of the Workplace Safety Bulletin Boards that were installed in the schools prior to COVID, which currently feature slip, trip and fall facts and prevention.  Jeff commented that he and Kathy would discuss updating these boards during this school year.  Information can be easily updated on-site with assistance from each school’s administrative office staff.

6)    Old Business

a)    Jeff reviewed the question of the Workplace Safety Committee niche, versus School Safety &
Security and the Wellness Committee.  These are three separate “entities” explained on the
district “Safety and Wellness” website.

b)    The committee has reviewed in the past the possible use of the Workers Comp discount
savings and whether these funds would be available to put toward workplace safety items, although identifying such safety needs has been difficult.  A possible use for such funds is reviewed in the New Business Item (b) below.

7)    New Business

a)    Jeff presented a list of five proposed projects for the Committee’s 21-22 agenda, which refer to the district’s Workplace Safety Manual.  Jeff suggested the following three ideas be considered:

1)    Part F of the Manual, Hazard Identification Methods

Creation of a planned maintenance task in FMX for the completion of the building safety inspection electronically, currently performed monthly by head custodians and recorded manually on paper, which they send to Facilities via inter-office mail.  Implementing this monthly reporting into FMX would automate the process and provide immediate information to not only the Facilities Department, but to the respective building principals.  

2)    Part I of the Manual, Prevention Program Training

Provision of general safety information to new employees, preferably at their orientation.  Alex indicated that this has been implemented.  New employees are directed to a link on the HR web site that contains “New Hire Orientation” information, specifically for new hires, and includes “Workplace Safety Committee” information.

3)    Part K of the Manual, General Safety and Health Rules

Creation of building maps, electronic and hard copy, showing the location of emergency safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and AED’s.

b)    Kathy referred to a suggestion she received from Melford Smith, Supervisor of Maintenance, for the committee to consider planning for a major weather event, such as Hurricane IDA, or other safety incident which would require a temporary housing need within a building of a handful of individuals unable to get home and who may need to spend a night.  This did happen during IDA, as the Transportation Department staff was unable to depart in time due to rising flood waters.  What do nurses’ offices contain?  What is available at the Administration building?  Are there blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food items that could be utilized by a small number of employees and for a temporary period of time?  These items could be purchased through the savings of the Workers Comp discount savings mentioned above.

c)    Future Meetings will continue via Zoom and will take place as follows:

1)    Tuesday, December 14            4)  Thursday, March 17
2)    Thursday January 20            5)  Tuesday, May 24
3)    Tuesday, February 15

The meeting concluded at 2:45 PM.