Chancellor’s University Safety Committee (CUSC) Meeting
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
3:00-4:00 p.m.
UNLPD 300 N. 17th
Call–in @ 2:50 p.m.: (888) 820-1398, Code 3646181#
(*0=operator help, *6=mute/unmute own line)
AGENDA
1. Introductions & Welcome
Lynn Doser
2. Fiscal Year 2013-14 (4th Qtr.) Injury/Illness
Yoko Smith
3. Fiscal Year 2013-14 (4th Qtr.) Safety Audit
Brenda Osthus
4. Old Business
A. Emergency Planning update
B. Progress toward CUSC goals
C. Interest in Defensive Driving Course
D. Other old business
Mark Robertson
Brenda Osthus
5. New Business
A. Welcome (SCs) representatives
B. Other new business
Lynn Doser
6. Adjourn
Lynn Doser
Upcoming Meetings (at UNLPD, 300 N. 17th St. unless otherwise specified):
 September 16, 2014 OPEN FORUM Nebraska City Union
 November 18, 2014 (Injury/Illness & Safety Audit reports (July-September 2014)
 January 20, 2015 (Injury/Illness & Safety Audit reports (October-December 2014)
 March 17, 2015 OPEN FORUM Nebraska East Union
 May 19, 2015 (Injury/Illness & Safety Audit reports (January-March 2015)
 July 21, 2015 (Injury/Illness & Safety Audit reports (April-June 2015)
Goal FY 2013-14:
To help foster UNL employee awareness of the individual’s role in their own personal safety,
that of their co-workers, and safety/injury prevention in general at UNL. To foster completion
of safety training by UNL employees, using the EHS Employee Training Needs
Assessment, as a first step.
Chancellor’s University Safety Committee Meeting
Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2014  3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
UNLPD Conference Room
The meeting was convened by Chair, Lynn Doser (Sheldon Museum of Art).
Attendees introduced themselves.
Members: Greg Maguire (Housing), Mark Robertson (UNLPD), Beth Whitaker
(School of Biological Sciences), Chanell Carpenter (UHC), Deb Pearson (Libraries),
Jolene Deinert (Custodial Services), Allan Henrichs (Shared Services), Kyle Hansen
(Campus Rec), Brenda Osthus (EHS), Yoko Smith (EHS support).
Safety Committee Chairs: Raul Barletta (VBS). SC Chair Attending Remotely:
Tamra Jackson-Ziems (Plant Pathology).
FY 2013-2014 (4th Quarter) INJURY INCIDENT REPORT
Forty-two (42) First Reports of Injury (FRIs) were received by EHS for injuries
occurring between April 1 and June 30, 2014. Twenty-six (26) or 62% were
classified as OSHA-Recordable, considered potentially more serious. All reports
were sent to members for review prior to the meeting.


Brenda Osthus stressed awareness of two categories of incidents: falls and
overexertion. These types of injuries occur across all worker classifications,
tend to be serious, and tend to be high dollar claims. Often injuries from
overexertion can be avoided simply by using the correct mechanical
assistance, e.g., carts for moving heavy items rather than hand
carrying. Falls often can be avoided with a few simple strategies, e.g., avoid
hand-carrying items while traversing steps, maintain awareness of terrain,
avoid rushing, wear sturdy footwear, be sure to clean up spills/liquids, etc.
There were a number of animal-related injuries. Osthus explained that
occupational safety is one portion of the AALAC (Association for Assessment
and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care) accreditation that UNL is
currently seeking in the animal care program. To assist in evaluating their
occupational safety program, EHS provides regular reports of animal-related
injuries to the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee) so that
they can evaluate if different handling techniques or additional training is
necessary to minimize the risk of injury in the future.
FY 2013-2014 (4th Quarter) SAFETY AUDIT OVERVIEW
Safety Audits are conducted of all spaces at UNL on a schedule, based on identified
hazards and regulatory requirements. The quarterly safety audit report was sent to
members for review prior to the meeting.

Brenda Osthus highlighted selected deficiencies: (1) Machine guarding in
shops which poses a high risk of injury and (2) Electrical safety (particularly
extension cords and power strips), which continues to be a area of deficiency
noted over and over again. Osthus encouraged members to stress safety in
these particular areas within their reporting units.

Osthus also reported EHS's emphasis on establishment of a safety manual
(Virtual Manual) and completion of training by faculty and staff. EHS
emphasis on these items complements the goal established by the
committee. Osthus reported that when a safety manual is a cited deficiency,
EHS staff creates a basic manual for the user and advises them to review the
content.
Lynn Doser asked about the deficiency cited by EHS related to leaving a helium
cylinder on a cart. Osthus explained that compressed gas cylinders not in use are to
be secured to an immobile structure with the valve cap in place. Carts are intended
only for transport.
OLD BUSINESS
Emergency Planning & Preparedness Update
In his report, Mark Robertson noted that UNL’s emergency alert system is moving to
a new vendor (Rave Mobile Alert). The new vendor will provide enhanced features,
such as the ability to send alerts to UNL’s web page, Twitter, Facebook, and other
social media. It also provides the ability to send “pop up” messages to computers,
and will support digital signage (“Alert Us”). Details of what features will be
used/costs to departments, etc. are pending.
UNL’s Emergency Planning & Preparedness web site is in the process of being
upgraded and re-formatted. The building emergency plan template should be
available on this web site after the upgrade. There are also efforts occurring to
establish methods of stressing emergency preparedness using social media.
Robertson has received the standard template for tornado posters from University
Communications and will now be the keeper of this information. He is transitioning
the posters from specifying a particular room to be more generic (e.g., lower level,
interior room). Mark will complete a poster for any building upon request and email
the poster to the requester as a pdf file. Generally, requests are placed through the
BMR and posters are placed near elevators and stairs.
The EOC (Emergency Operations Center) has been involved in a number of tabletop
exercises, the most recent being a simulated release of anhydrous ammonia in
Walter Scott Engineering (WSEC). One interesting outcome of this most recent
exercise was the “interconnectedness” of several UNL buildings. In this case, the
simulated event impacted WSEC, the Link, Othmer Hall, and Nebraska Hall since all
are physically connected. It was also noted, that steam tunnels can serve as a
conduit for “interconnectedness” of UNL buildings. This is a consideration in
emergency planning.
Progress Toward the CUSC Goal
To help foster UNL employee awareness of the individual’s role in their
own personal safety, that of their co-workers, and safety/injury
prevention in general at UNL. To foster completion of safety training
by UNL employees, using the EHS Employee Training Needs
Assessment, as a first step.
Several members reported on their department’s activities relative to the CUSC
goal:
 Beth Whitaker reported that annual training for the TAs in Arts & Sciences has
been scheduled with EHS.
 Doser reported emergency preparedness training for their tour guides, who
are responsible for the safety of their tour groups.
 Kyle Hansen reported that Campus Rec has reinitiated their efforts to conduct
self-audits throughout all Campus Rec departments. It is time-consuming, but
valuable.
 Deb Pearson reported that the Libraries has reestablished their New
Employee Orientation and have incorporated completion of safety training into
that program.
 Yoko Smith reported that Museums and Business Services have requested
training records to determine who has not completed training, and are
reviewing the EHS Training Needs Assessment.
 Jolene Deinert reported that Custodial Services has adopted a monthly theme
for focusing on safety. This month’s topic is building evacuation and fire
extinguisher training.
Interest in Defensive Driving Course
Members confirmed their continued interest in driver safety training, expressing their
interest in both web-based and hands-on. There was also interest in focused
training, e.g., high profile vehicles, vans, trucks. Campus Rec reported that their
drivers are required to take driver training, which they currently do through
Southeast Community College. Campus Rec would be very interested in a similar
training program through UNL. Doser offered two ideas that would encourage
departments to participate: discounted rental rates and no charge for the class.
Other Jolene Deinert introduced herself as the Custodial Services representative and was
welcomed to the committee.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
CLOSING REMARKS
The next meeting will be held on September 16, 2014, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the
Nebraska City Union. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Lynn Doser.
CUSC Workers Compensation Incident Report (April – June 2014) As of June 30, 2014, forty‐two (42) FRIs were received for injuries occurring between April 1 and June 30, 2014.  Seven (7) or 17 % were “report only” (no medical treatment sought).  Nine (9) or 21 % were not OSHA‐recordable, meaning they were minor in nature (requiring only one visit to clinic without prescription medication).  Twenty‐six (26) or 62 % were classified as recordable, and are considered potentially more serious. Of those recordable incidents, ten (10) or 24 % were lost time incidents that required the employees to be off work, to be transferred to a different job or to be under restricted duties. Trailing Reports: Five (5) FRIs were received for injuries occurring prior to April 1, 2014. One (1) did not require medical treatment. One (1) was not OSHA‐recordable, meaning it was minor in nature. Three (3) were classified as OSHA‐recordable, and are considered potentially more serious.  Building Service Maintenance. Date of Accident (DOA): October 17, 2013. Strained left shoulder while lifting a motor in a tight spot. Engineering control not used.  Education Media. DOA: January 1, 2014. Left tennis elbow due to repetitive nature of work with computers. Fatigue/stress.  Campus Recreation. DOA: March 26, 2014. Strained lower back while lifting cabinet. Housekeeping. Breakdown of OSHA Recordable Incidents (Events and Causes) 04/01/2014 – 06/30/2014 Food Service Construction Custodial
Fall 1
(Improper tool usage) Bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting Overexertion in Lifting 1
(Deviation from protocol) 2 (Fatigue/stress, deviation from protocol) Caught in/crashed by Other contact with objects or equipment 1 (PPE not used properly) Exposure to harmful substance or environment Totals 2 1 Overexertion in pushing/ pulling Struck against or by Maintenance/ Utilities Agriculture/ landscape 2
(Uneven terrain) Animal Handler
1
(Deviation from procedure) 1
(Location) 1
(Inadequate procedure) Office
Shop/ Mechanic Other
Totals 4
(Inattention, material failure, location, housekeeping) 1
(Location) 8 1
(Engineering control not used) 4 3 1
(Fatigue/stress) 1 1
(Location problem) 1
(Engineering control not used) 1
(Inattention) 1
(Personal – other) 2
(Location) 2 1
(PPE not used properly) 1
(Unable to determine causes) 3 1
(Location) 3
2
4
4 1 5
7
1
1
26 Age (OSHA Recordable)
Apr. ‐ June 2014
18 ‐ 25
26 ‐ 40
41 ‐ 55
56 ‐ 65
+65
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Safety Audit Overview (April 1 – June 30, 2014)
Safety Audits are conducted of all spaces at UNL on a schedule, based on identified hazards and
regulatory requirements. A ‘space’ is defined as an area on the official IRP map with a number
and/or word designation and includes areas such as secondary rooms, corridors, storage areas,
etc.
Laboratory spaces
Kitchen spaces
General spaces
(Office/Common/Classroom/Storage)
Shop/Custodial & Utility spaces
477
24
392
203
Areas audited (within 41 buildings):
Agronomy/Horticulture Physiology
Agricultural Warehouse No. 1
Agricultural Warehouse No. 2
Animal Sciences Complex
Architecture Hall West
Ag Implement Outstate Test Shed
Beadle Center
Bessey Hall
Cather/Pound Food Service
Chase Hall
East Stadium
East Thermal Energy Storage
Entomology
Food Industry Building
Filley Hall
Henzlik Hall
Harper Dining Center
Harper Residence Hall
Insectary Building
Kauffman Academic Residential Center
Kiesselbach Crops Research Laboratory
Manter Hall
Morrison Life Science Research Center
Natural Resources Research Annex
Plant Science Hall
Poultry Building F
Pound Residence Hall
Schramm Residence Hall
Selleck Food Service Bldg.
Selleck Quadrangle
Smith Residence Hall
Splinter Labs
Teacher’s College
The Village
Theodore Jorgensen Hall
Transportation Services
University Health Center
Utility Plant – City Campus
Utility Plant – East Campus
Veterinary Basic Science Building
Water Sciences Laboratory
Deficiency Recap
One ‘lab/office/shop’ may consist of multiple, connected spaces with the same use/same room
owner. Most prevalent deficiencies for each space type are listed in order of predominance.
Deficiencies in Laboratories

Written safety procedures are lacking or incomplete (e.g., Virtual Manual/Chemical
Hygiene Plan and lab-specific written protocols as appropriate/applicable).


Required training has not been completed.
Emergency shower and/or eyewash were not immediately available, accessible, and/or
operable in areas where any material can have an adverse effect on the health and safety
of humans is used. Eyewashes and showers have not been tested regularly.
 An accurate inventory or hazardous chemicals stored/used in the area is not available.
 Chemicals were not stored in a safe and proper manner, e.g. segregated by compatibility;
unnecessary compressed gas cylinders were being stored in the laboratory; compressed
gas cylinders were not properly restrained; flammables were stored outside of rated
cabinets/stored in household refrigerators; etc.
Deficiencies in Kitchens
 Three feet of clearance is not maintained in front of electrical panels or breaker boxes; or
emergency shut-off controls to equipment are blocked/inaccessible.
 Entrances to areas where hazardous chemicals are used/stored are not identified with a
door placard.
 Compressed gas cylinders (helium) are stored on carts; uncapped.
 Fire doors are propped open with a door stop.
Deficiencies in General Areas (office, classroom, storage, break room/lounge, etc.)
 Extension cords are not restricted to temporary use, or multi-plug adaptors are used as a
substitute for permanent wiring or receptacles.
 Re-locatable power taps or similar devices are not UL or FM approved, or are not used
solely for low power applications.
 Re-locatable power taps, power strips or extension cords are not plugged directly into a
permanently installed electrical outlet.
 A guard was missing on a portable fan.
Deficiencies in Shops
 There is no Virtual Manual/Hazard Communication plan. Workers have not completed
required training such as the basic safety training required (e.g. Core-Emergency
Preparedness, Core-Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, Chemical Safety) or other training
required based on their job tasks (e.g. Lockout/Tagout).
 Three feet of clearance is not maintained in front of electrical panels or breaker boxes; or
emergency shut-off controls to equipment are blocked/inaccessible.
 Chemical containers are not adequately labeled (labels missing, illegible, or incomplete).
 Chemicals were not stored in a safe and proper manner, e.g. segregated by compatibility;
compressed gas cylinders were not properly restrained; flammables were stored outside
of rated cabinets; etc.
 Other: Welding cart cylinder valves gauges showed pressure on the gauge; There is a
torch set-up on a wooden bench; Soldering occurring w/o waste being properly collected
for disposal through EHS; No handrails on steps; Grounding cable on MIG welder left
attached to the work table when not in use.
Audit statistics reviewed are Occupational Safety findings and do not include specific program
audits, such as Radiation Safety or Biosafety.