HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafety Committee Minutes (31)
Safety Committee Meeting – June 16, 2021, 11:00 AM
Council Conference Room
In Attendance: Justin Baker, Karen Courtney, Thomas Henry, Nathan Herman, Kurt Markegard, Matt
Wheeler, Nancy Schmidt (11:04), Jay Hatton, Stan Langve, HP Nuerberger, Mandi Crable
Absent: Brent Peters, Nick Altonaga, Fran Schweigert
Meeting called to order @ 11:00 AM
Approval of minutes – July 21, 2020, meeting minutes
o Motion to approve made by Stan Langve, seconded by Justin, Committee voted
unanimously to approve – motion passes.
Old Business
o Employee Safety Concern from 11/9/2020 concerning the medical supply cabinets
needing to be restocked. The concern was noted and had been resolved after received
by plant supervisor.
Review of Injury and Liability Claims – 4 claims from 2021 to be reviewed
o Due to length of time since the last meeting, because of CoVid, the claims that had been
received in 2020 will not be reviewed. Discussion will only be on those received in 2021.
While driving city vehicle hit a pothole, struck head on roof of truck – causing
neck to hurt. No Treatment. Matt stated he had heard nothing more since
turning in report to Karen. Karen stated she has not seen a claim come through
MMIA at this time. Justin asked where the pothole was so that it could be
addressed, Karen stated it was at the Billings landfill.
Fell backward out of city truck, hooked ankle during fall causing employee to
land on back. – Dr. ordered off work for 4 days. This included the weekend so
two days of work were missed, and employee returned to work following week
with no further issues. This happened on the Tommy‐Lift while doing can work.
Foot slipped while getting into City vehicle, putting full weight on other knee –
causing reoccurring pain. No Treatment. Has not came up on claims at this time.
While closing door at main shop, wind gust caught door and smashed finger
between door and frame – laceration and injury to finger. Medical treatment.
Door has been rebuilt and redone so that there will be no further issue with
possible injury. Door was reconfigured so that the knob is not so close to the
frame removing pinch point and there was a bracket placed on door to control
closing speed so that it prohibits slamming of the door during high winds.
There were 2 property Liability claims that Karen is aware of filed with Bethany,
however she has not received copies of those claims for review by committee.
Justin stated one of the claims was when he had backed into a car when
on a call at night. Was not turned into insurance was paid to have
vehicle fixed.
New Business
o Workplace hazards Report – Karen had been asked about the forms and wanted
everyone to be aware that the forms are in the back of the Safety manual and can be
copied or a PDF of the form can be sent so that they can be printed as needed. If
someone sees a hazard, such as the door for example, they can write that in on the form
and it can be given to Karen or their supervisor. Reports are reviewed to see if it is
something that the Safety Committee needs to review and make recommendation on
fixing or if continuing issue, such as medical cabinets being short stocked, to reset
scheduled times for refilling or adding a second or larger one than what is provided.
o Self‐Inspections – Safety Audits: State came through on inspection and they are having
this as a focus item. Created safety Audit form – Karen will be sending out to everyone
there should be at least one per year per building. Department Heads will receive the
form should have someone do the audit and then bring the inspection to the safety
meeting. We have done one already at the cemetery building. Very simple yes/no
questions, supervisors sign off and we keep on file for the State of Montana.
o Safety Policy Acknowledgement forms – Still have several people that we have not
received from. Karen brought a list showing who has not given her one. Also, with PD
and Fire do not have all the names of people so unsure who she may be missing. The
problem is when people are getting hired, they are not being sent to Safety Officer to
get their policy and safety orientation materials.
Other Concerns or comments
o Library – Have some doors that they took the closers off because they were not working
correctly and do not have the know how to reinstall them correctly. Matt stated that if it
did not need to be done right away, he can find someone to come over and take care of
it for her. Justin said they may be able to get it taken care of this afternoon.
o WWTP – Large pothole that needs to be fixed. Kurt stated he will see if it can be added
to the budget to get it repaired, currently there is a candle where the pothole is.
o PD – The issues are on a grander scale, due to lack of space at PD. Attic ladder is rickety
and they have no alternative but to use it for storage. Also, the fire hazard of having so
many officers and desk packed into one room is a hazard. Stan stated they do not even
have space to install a first aid kit due to the overcrowding.
o Fire Alarm companies have gotten back to Karen and are ready to go over their quotes
to install.
o Kurt shared story from recent interview where someone had been asked – “If you saw
something that would cause another employee’s safety to be compromised would you
do anything?” and his response was “If it was safe for me to do so.” So wanted to
reiterate to everyone is do not put yourself in danger and cause more issues and 2
people now at risk rather than one. You are responsible for your own safety.
o EMS – Mandi stated that they are working on the sleeping quarter space and addressing
the concern of egress that Karen had brought up.
Next Meeting
o Karen stated she would look at dates for September and December on a Wednesday at
11:00 am
Adjournment – Meeting Adjourned at 11:25 AM
Karen Courtney, Safety Officer