Minutes - 07/19/2001 - Safety Committee VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK EMPLOYEE
SAFETY COMMITTEE Minutes July 19, 2001
UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AS WRITTEN xx
OR AS AMENDED ON September 20, 2001
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The Employee Safety Committee meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. in the Upper
Level Conference Room with the following representatives
PRESENT: Susan Schwartz, Library
Bob Mudra, Police Department
Mark Stevens, Public Works Department
Greg Krob, Sports Core Departments
Michael A. Crotty, Assistant Village Manager
Joyce Resh, Secretary
ABSENT: Administration, Finance & Engineering Departments
Fire Department
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion by Susan Schwartz, seconded by Bob Mudra, to approve the minutes of the
Employee Safety Committee meeting of April 19, 2001 as submitted. VOICE VOTE:
Motion carried. Minutes are to be dated and posted in respective departments.
111. DISCUSSION OF INCIDENTS:
The incident of a chipped tooth of a part-time Golf Club employee was discussed noting
that this claim was submitted by the employee claiming the incident was work-related.
Assistant Village Manager Crotty explained that the definition of a work-related incident
is determined as "performing the function of your job", thus this claim is a general
liability rather than workers' compensation.
A Public Works employee's lower back lumbar strain from lifting and moving a street
light pole was discussed in detail noting that a man-lift was being used by the two people
moving the pole. The Supervisor's Investigation Report indicated that no less than four
employees should lift or move street light poles, and Assistant Village Manager Crotty
questioned if this was indicated in a policy. Public Works Representative Stevens was
unaware of a written policy and recognized that the Department has no good location to
store the light poles. Assistant Village Manager Crotty will check with the Department
Head to see if a procedure has been established.
Employee Safety Committee Minutes Page 1 of 3 July 19, 2001
The wrist injury of a firefighter was discussed noting that the firefighter was using the
handrail while getting into the fire engine, but lost his footing while stepping up into the
engine.
Assistant Village Manager Crotty explained the injuries to two firefighter/paramedics
during a recent fire call. He noted that the fire was on the roof, and there was no smoke
in the house. The men were ready to pull the ceiling when it collapsed and dry wall and
beams fell on top of the men. One firefighter was hospitalized, and the other was treated
and released. One has since returned to work and the other is still at home.
The incident of chlorine splashed into the eyes of a part-time Sports Core employee was
discussed noting that the employee was trying to fix a chlorine feeder tube which was
improperly hooked up by the company previously called to fix it. The employee used a
hose to wash out his eyes, as the eye wash station available was not adequate. The
chlorine was subsequently hand fed to keep the pool open. Assistant Village Manager
Crotty noted that an inspection checklist should be available to follow to be sure all
equipment is working properly and instructions to follow if the chlorine needs to be hand
fed. Representative Krob suggested that two seasonal employees should be trained to
handle mechanical issues.
IV. DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY INSPECTION REPORTS: No Business.
V. TRAINING IDEAS: No Business.
VI. DISCUSSION OF SAFETY SUGGESTIONS: No Business.
VII. GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Assistant Village Manager Crotty again reminded the Committee members that he had
requested a list of loss control objectives and the IRMA Quarterly Membership Loss
Report could be helpful in drafting their objectives. He suggested that they look for
trends in their respective departments and create objectives.
An item of concern discussed by the Committee was:
The disrepair of the deck at the Sports Core Administration Building, noting the fact that
this has been a problem for many years. It was noted that it is dangerous for police
officers who patrol the area at night. Also, the lights need to be fixed for aesthetic
purposes, as there are many varieties and styles. Assistant Village Manager Crotty
suggested that the Sports Core Manager be informed so that funds can be budgeted for
repair and replacement of the deck if warranted.
Representative Krob left the meeting at 10:57 a.m.
Employee Safety Committee Minutes Page 2 of 3 July 19, 2001
Assistant Village Manager Crotty discussed with the Committee the dangerous areas
created by the Municipal Complex building project, noting that the parking lot and
walkway area needs lighting, there are areas where rocks are scattered where people walk,
and the walkway leading to the library is dangerous. He noted that he will see that these
dangerous situations are mitigated.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m.
ATTEST:
Michael A. Crotty
Assistant Village Manager
empsaf
Employee Safety Committee Minutes Page 3 of 3 July 19, 2001