Minutes - 02/21/2002 - Safety Committee ,Shd - /'►'I//V- A - P / - Ad ° �`
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK EMPLOYEE
`.. SAFETY COMMITTEE Minutes February 21, 2002
UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AS WRITTEN x
OR AS AMENDED ON May 16, 2002
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The Employee Safety Committee meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. in the Upper
Level Conference Room with the following representatives
PRESENT: David Zima, Administration, Finance& Engineering Departments
Susan Schwartz, Library (exited meeting at 9:45 a.m.)
Norm Nemec, Police Department
Mark Stevens, Public Works Department
Greg Krob, Sports Core Departments (exited meeting at 9:55 a.m.)
Michael A. Crotty, Assistant Village Manager
Joyce Resh, Secretary
ABSENT: Fire Department
Il. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion by Susan Schwartz, seconded by Greg Krob, to approve the minutes of the
Employee Safety Committee meeting of November 15, 2001 as submitted. VOICE
VOTE: Motion carried. Minutes are to be dated and posted in respective departments.
Representative Nemec questioned the determination of a previous incident involving an
employee who injured her foot. Assistant Village Manager Crotty indicated that the incident was
determined to be"avoidable".
11I. DISCUSSION OF INCIDENTS:
Assistant Village Manager Crotty discussed the incident of a Firefighter's knee injury
while kneeling on a carpeted floor during office (light duty) filing. It was noted that
filing could be done on a desk or table, either sitting or standing, rather than kneeling on
the floor.
Police representative Nemec discussed the incident of a Police Sergeant's broken tooth
while stepping up into a police vehicle noting that he spoke with the employee and
viewed the vehicle. He indicated that the step had a plastic strip that was covered with a
coating of ice at the time of the incident. He noted that this strip was slippery even when
not ice-coated and that this was reported in the past. Assistant Village Manager Crotty
noted that this should have been taken care of and questioned when it was reported and
by whom. He also noted that an Incident/First Aid report form was used and explained
that when doctor costs are incurred, the correct form to use is the Form 45: Employers
First Report of Injury or Illness.
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The incident of a Firefighter/Paramedic's bruised and strained back due to a fall on the
ice on a front stoop while backing down stairs assisting a patient was discussed noting
that employees need to be aware of their surroundings. Many times fire personnel do not
have control of the area, but use of a spotter could be helpful.
The front-end damage to a fire vehicle that struck a concrete abutment was discussed
again noting that employees need to be aware of their surroundings.
Assistant Village Manager Crotty discussed the incident of a Fire Lieutenant's back strain
incident while lifting a stretcher into the ambulance noting that fire personnel have had
training on the proper techniques of lifting. It was suggested that additional personnel
should be enlisted to help with lifting or perhaps the use of a support worn by fire
personnel would be helpful. Assistant Village Manager Crotty noted that IRMA has not
taken a position regarding the use of supports because of weakening of muscles due to
over-reliance on the support. He will follow up with the department to see if supports are
available or have been suggested for use.
IV. DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY INSPECTION REPORTS:
Assistant Village Manager Crotty indicated that he is beginning to receive departmental
safety inspection reports and reminded the Committee that these reports are due on the
second Friday of each month.
V. TRAINING IDEAS: None.
VI. DISCUSSION OF SAFETY SUGGESTIONS: None.
VII. GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Assistant Village Manager Crotty again requested Committee representatives to submit
their departmental Loss Control Objectives.
Representative Krob indicated an objective for his department is to post a sign on the
maintenance road on Sports Core property indicating "authorized vehicles only", since
this road is being used by the public.
Representative Stevens noted areas of the Village's bike path system that cross roadways
are potential hazards and suggested signage for those areas. Assistant Village Manager
Crotty indicated this is a good objective suggestion.
Assistant Village Manager Crotty discussed the information in the Committee's packet
regarding IRMA's DRIVE FOR 25 PROGRAM noting that like the previous program,
STRIVE FOR 25 to reduce slips/trips/falls, this program stresses reduced vehicle
�- accidents with a Village goal of thirteen (13) or fewer vehicle accidents during each year
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of the program, 2002-2004. He suggested that Committee members read through the
information that discusses the program strategies. He will be distributing further
information in the near future.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mark Stevens, seconded by David Zima,to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
ATTEST:
Michael A. Crotty
Assistant Village Manager
empsaf
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