HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Safety Committee Meeting 120601CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
MEMORANDUM
TO: Department Heads, Assistant Department Heads & Supervisors
DATE: December 19, 2001
FROM: Phyllis Stirparo, Risk Management
SUBJECT: Safety Committee Minutes — December 6, 2001
SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MEETING DATE: December 6, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT:
CALLED TO ORDER: 10:08 a.m.
ADJOURNED: 10:54 a.m.
Chris Brown, Fire - Vice Chair
Bud Brown, Building
• Jay McKee, Public Works
Ketty Labossiere, Finance
John Hatten, Police
Fred Rodgers, Parks
Phyllis Stirparo, Risk Mgmt. - Chair
OLD BUSINESS
■ A review of the medical treatment and auto accident costs listed below were
discussed.
2001 -02 Dollars Spent
Medical Treatment Citywide $ 352 Days Lost 24
Auto Accidents Citywide $1,197 Light Duty 8
2000 -01 Dollars Spent
Medical Treatment Citywide $224,382 Days Lost: 415
Auto Accidents Citywide $126,567 (37) Light Duty: 506
1999 -00 Dollars Spent
Medical Treatment Citywide $211,521 Days Lost: 725
Auto Accidents Citywide $ 47,848 (16) Light Duty: 548
•
SET THE PACE...
-SAFE TYINTHE
'`.��, WORKPLACE.
• NEW BUSINESS
• The Safety Slogan Contest winner was Geri Molle in Administration. Geri's winning
slogan was "Safety Is Cool ... So Follow The Rule ". A big thank you to all the
employees who submitted slogans. The Committee will look at designing a logo
around this slogan.
• The Committee Members need to come to the January 2002 meeting with 8 topics for
2002 safety meetings in their respective departments.
• There will be a Be Safe Bagel Breakfast on January 17, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. for all
employees. The Police Department and a martial arts instructor will be
demonstrating hands -on techniques to defend yourself, as well as how to secure your
home and work areas. Also, an introduction to the WOW (Workers' On Watch)
program will be given.
Incident #1
A Fire Department employee was removing a roof from a vehicle accident when glass
flew up into his eyes. Employee had safety shield down at the time.
Outcome: Preventable
• 9
Reasoning: Committee members agreed that other similar incidents have occurred that
make it practical for the Fire Department to look at buying goggles for employees to use
when the potential for liquids or broken glass may be present when responding to
vehicle accidents.
•
Incident #2
A Fire Department employee was washing R64 and in stepping off the ladder his foot
slipped. When his foot hit the wet ground his ankle rolled.
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: Committee suggested the use of brushes to wash the trucks. Traditionally
they are done by hand. Employees working around wet surfaces need to be more
cautious in coming down off of ladders, trucks, etc.
0 SET THE PACE...
C_. ,,SAFETY IN THE
'``':y�, WORKPLACE.
Incident #3
40 A Police Department employee was parked in a swale for a traffic investigation on PGA.
When he went to leave, he backed up and struck a speed limit sign. Cost of repairs to
vehicle was $667.
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: Employee should have been aware of his surroundings before backing up
his vehicle.
Incident #4
A Police Department employee slipped and fell on wet floor located outside of
Administration on the 2" floor.
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: Committee member Jay McKee stated that he investigated this further
and found that it was raining that day and the floors were not wet. All Committee
members felt that the long -term solution for the repeated slip and falls would be to
carpet them.
Incident #5
isA Public Works employee walking from the entrance of the tennis facility twisted his foot
on the bricks, which were loose.
•
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: The bricks in this area are repaired routinely, however, because this is a
lower lying area where water tends to collect, they tend to move out of place. The long -
range solution would be to install a sidewalk to prevent a more severe injury to
employees or players.
Incident #6
A Parks employee was laying sod in a swale area and was bitten numerous times from
carrying the sod on his arms, which caused a rash and swelling.
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: It was not known what type of bugs where in the sod. The employee had
insect repellant/sunscreen on at the time. It was suggested that if an employee has a
susceptibility to certain insects that long sleeves and longer gloves could help avoid the
insect bites.
SET THE PACE...
SAFETY IN THE
'`.��, WORKPLACE.
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•
Incident #7
Three Fire Department employees were injured during training exercises.
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: The Committee suggested that before doing the training sessions,
employees limber up and stretch thoroughly. If it were a real -life situation, employees
would have the advantage of adrenalin giving a source of strength. However, when
simulating dragging victims out of a smoke - filled area while in full gear, you have to
prepare physically ahead of time. You can't just go into the training exercise without
preparation.
Incident #8
A Fire Department employee cut his finger while cutting potatoes.
Outcome: Preventable
Reasoning: Be more careful. Wire mesh kitchen gloves would be a good addition to
the kitchen area to prevent knife cuts in the future.
SET THE PACE ..
, _SAFETY IN THE
'`U�, WORKPLACE.
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