Minutes of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Meeting held on October 16, 2012.

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1 Saint Mary s University, 923 Robie Street Minutes of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Meeting held on October 16, Kim Squires opened the meeting at 10:30 a.m. in the Human Resources Boardroom. The following were in attendance: Kim Squires Human Resources Member (Employer) Colin Sutton ITSS Member (Employee) Gary Schmeisser Facilities Management Member (Employer) Paul Turgeon Facilities Management Member (Employee) Kevin Vessey Graduate Studies & Research Member (Employer) Ron Russell Biology Alternate (Employee) Human Resources HR Officer (OHS & Wellness) Guests: Connie Clarke Science Safety Technician Regrets: Roll Call recorded the names of those present at the meeting. 1.0 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting Kevin Vessey moved to accept the minutes of the 18, 2012 meeting, and Paul Turgeron seconded the motion. 2.0 Outstanding Items from Previous Meeting WHMIS Annual Training Review advised that feedback has been received from most of Science, reporting that WHMIS training has been provided to students, researchers and Faculty. The Science Safety Technician is now providing WHMIS training for Science. The Dean of Science has arranged a second one-day WHMIS training for Lab Supervisors course in December, 2012, to cover new lab technicians and other employees who could not attend the 2011 course. All departments covered by the FM/Administration either have provided WHMIS training or will be in upcoming training being provided by the OHS Office. Based on this report, the JOHSC concluded that the University s WHMIS training program is sufficient. No further action required. 1

2 Safety Issue Research Biologist Ron Russell updated the on recent developments. The SMU student encountered a bear while performing field research. The student was accompanied by an armed member of the community. The student has requested that she be provided with bear spray. The JOHSC, after discussion, expressed concern regarding providing bear spray. The JOHSC recommended that the student be provided with training on encountering bears and coyotes, and also she wear hunter orange on field trips. Ron Russell will provide training for the student, advise her to wear hunter orange, and that the University will not provide bear spray. Ron will report back to the JOHSC at the November meeting. Day Camp Safety Paul Turgeon The OHS Office contacted Athletics and Recreation. A meeting to discuss overall issues relating to miniuniversity camps will be arranged by Athletics and Recreation and the OHS Office will be invited. will update the committee at the November meeting. 3. Review of Minutes from the Sub-s Science Sub-committee The Science Safety Sub-committee has not met since the last JOHSC meeting. Facilities Management/Administration Sub-committee The Facilities Management/Administration sub-committee will meet on October 18, 2012 Aramark The October, 2012 JOHSC minutes were posted for review. Aecon (960 Tower Rd) The Safety Summary report was posted for review, including a near miss report. Inspection reports have been posted to a Contractor Inspection reports file on the JOHSC SMUPORT Group. SMUSA SMUSA has not forwarded any minutes. Childcare Facility The August, 2012, JOHSC minutes were posted for review. Discussion followed on the reference in the minutes to the need for an external fire alarm. to contact Mike McCann re fire alarm issue noted in minutes. 2

3 OHS Program advised work has re-started on the draft OHS Program and new material to review will be forwarded before the next meeting. Smoking Policy Working Group advised that two Saint Mary s graduate students have formed a new student society, TARS, (Tobacco and Alcohol Research Society). The Society held a kick-off event on October 5, Representatives from the Department of Health and Smoke Free NS also attended the event. International Travel Kevin Vessey Kevin Vessey advised there are no new updates. 4.0 Injury and Incident Reports The revised August, 2012 incident detail and details and graph were posted for review. 5.0 Workplace Inspection/Hazard Identification advised that the Curie Insurance inspector visited the Campus on 24, and 26 to review the University s response to recommendations made by the inspector in the 2011 Curie Laboratory Inspection Report. The inspector advised that the number of recommendations in the original report was lower than most universities and also that our compliance rate with recommendations is higher than most universities. The Curie Inspector also met with Facilities staff regarding response to recommendations relating to inspection reports from three other buildings on Campus. 6.0 New Business Emergency Procedures Review Gary Schmeisser Gary Schmeisser advised that the Emergency Response Awareness will be meeting on October 23, 2012 to review the annual Emergency Response Awareness Plan. The VP/Administration will schedule a meeting of the Emergency Response to review the policy. Gary noted that all departments are required to have emergency response procedures, and that most Faculties have not developed emergency response plans. No further action required. Fire Warden/Fire Drill Update Gary Schmeisser Gary Schmeisser advised that all drills have been completed. The drills identified a number of issues that have been remedied. There is also a need for new fire wardens in some areas. 3

4 Gary Schmeisser will provide the final report at the November 20, 2012 meeting. OHS Policy Review distributed the OHS Policy to JOHSC, the Science Safety Sub-committee, and the FM/Administration Safety Sub-committee for the annual review. All committee members to review the policy and forward comments to the OHS Office by November 15, Date and Time of Next Meeting The next two JOHSC meetings will take place on November 20, 2012 and December 18, 2012 in the HR Boardroom. 8.0 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m. Kim Squires, Management Co-Chair Colin Sutton, Employee Co-Chair 4

5 Calendar Action Item Person(s) Target Date Actions Responsible Animal Care Ongoing Will continue to provide updates to the. NAOSH Week February/March Get ideas and set session for May. Tri-Council Review and Requirements - Biohazards Kevin Vessey/Valerie Wadman March June December JOHSC to ensure Science reviews protocols on a quarterly basis. Disposal of Chemicals Observations and Concerns Memo Article regarding indoor environment Review of Terms of Reference/ Membership Terms Facilities Management Work Order System Occupational Health and Safety booklet Emergency Management Fire Drills/Fire Warden WHMIS training Review Article regarding winter safety Annual Review of the OH&S Policy / Science Sub on behalf of the / Spring March May Will continue to provide the with updates Review March JOHSC meeting and update any changes. Send out in March. Review at May JOHSC meeting. Run article in This Week at SMU and SMUport in June referring employees to OH&S website. May/June Review Terms of Reference Documents and membership. June Review the Preventative Maintenance Report June Review the OHS Hazard Report August Send to CAID for new Faculty orientation day in August. Send to Cont. Ed for instructors. to Deans and assistants in August an electronic copy. Review procedures. Gary Schmeisser Fire Drills and Warden updates. Review compliance regarding fire alarms. October Review WHMIS Training annually. (Report to JOHSC when completed or if issues arise) October Review at October JOHSC meeting. Run article in This Week at SMU and SMUport in November referring employees to OH&S website. October Review the policy at October JOHSC meeting. 5