Safety Committee Minutes - September 27, 2023

Items for Discussion

• Welcome: We welcome Amber Summers who will be replacing Brandon Bredy as representative for CompSource and JD Talbert who will be replacing Rusty Dye as representative at Insurica.
• Update & Discussion on Workers’ Compensation Injuries: The Safety Committee continues to closely monitor, review, and investigate Worker’s Compensation claims. One of the top claim reasons we see is slips/trips/falls.
• Safety Meeting Topic for October/November: The question was posed “what do we want to send out to the managers to discuss?” The subject Slips, Trips, Falls was selected as the discussion topic due to this being a top contributor for worker’s compensation claims.
• New Work Comp Claim/Investigation Form: New forms are now being used when filing claims. There has not been any feedback yet as it has only recently been implemented.
• New Safety Checklist Forms for Departments: The Committee still wants to extend the use of these checklists for each of the departments in the system. Jeff & John have a meeting scheduled to discuss this on September 28, 2023.
• Fire Drills/Evacuation Plans:
  • ​Dennis is making progress on this project and working with the Fire Departments. It is taking coordination as branches are in different cities (not all are in Oklahoma City limits). He has already connected with OKC and Bethany Fire departments and is in process of scheduling those fire drills. Connecting with other cities is in progress. More details to come. The goal is to formalize fire drills and evacuation plans for the System.
• Bloodborne Pathogens:
  • There was an unfortunate situation at Capitol Hill Library which resulted in the spill of blood. Another situation was also brought up where there was a blood spill at another location a few months ago. Staff do receive bloodborne pathogen training upon hire and annually. Spill cleanup kits are provided, and staff are trained at their location where these are stored.
    • However, not all staff are comfortable with cleaning a blood spill and the situation would call for someone who could stay calm and focused. It is recommended that the locations ask for several volunteers who would be willing to receive additional practice training, so they are prepared when the situation presents itself. Having multiple staff members that span several shifts would be ideal. This is being researched.
• Ergonomics Assessments:
  • Recently an ergonomic assessment was completed at the Wright Library. We are in the process of implementing recommended changes. It is recommended that Jeff Cover be included in meetings for new branch locations and redesign to provide an ergonomic perspective. Members of the safety committee will be aware more of the ergonomics in their areas and encourage awareness among their staff.
• Audits/walk-through: A walk-through safety audit was conducted at the RE location. The following suggestions/comments were made:
  • Good: have safer paper cutter (slide style).
  • Good: newer book bins (no sharp edges).
  • Good: have 3 step ladder with bar.
  • Good: yellow paint on exterior curb to warn of ledge.
  • Improvement: high area at circulation desk with higher chair to match. Consider taller footrests for those areas.
  • Improvement: propane tank is currently stored inside. Review if propane tank is needed. If yes, then find outside storage.
  • Improvement: move paper towel dispensers closer to the sink when able. This minimizes water drip and possible slip/fall accident. Meeting Room A has a sink where there is room to move the towel dispenser closer.
  • Review: storage area – review that heavy boxes are on bottom with light boxes on top. This minimizes risk of strain/injury.
• Next Safety Committee Meeting: Confirmed and scheduled for November 29, 2023, at 2:00pm at Village Library.