Facilities Services Employee Newsletter
July 2015
Can you pass the accountability test?
1. Are you on time and present for your full working hours/shift?
2. Do you complete any tasks within a reasonable timeframe?
3. Do you communicate any problems about tasks, processes or expected outcomes to the proper supervisor?
4. Are you responsible for all specific duties defined within the scope of your job description?
Georgeann Smith Carlos Villarreal
5. Do you consistently, honorably, trustworthily complete all aspects of your job?
6. Do you work with others toward common goals for the University?
As individuals, we are constantly adapting to changes in needs or requirements. Changes in our lifestyles may be required by our family members, supervisors/peers
or even the government. Change is inevitable but accountability is not.
Accountability will always be a personal choice. It is taking responsibility for one’s decisions and actions. Moreover, it encompasses the duty to report, explain and be
answerable for the resulting consequences. A commitment to accountability shared by both staff and management is a giant step towards growing an organization.
And Facilities needs to grow!
Over the past twenty-five years the University has grown from 79 buildings and 6.1 million square feet to 135 buildings and 13.5 million square feet. Detailing
all of the technological changes over those years would be staggering. For many of you, your job has evolved to meet those changes in technology but your official
job descriptions have not. Over the next six months, each area director will be asked to update all job descriptions in their areas. Since we want this effort to be
comprehensive we will be asking you for your input. These updated job descriptions should reflect the University’s current needs and known future needs. After all
have been approved, your supervisors and managers will work with you to be sure that you have the necessary training, skills and licenses/certifications to do the job.
So, on January 1st, 2016, will you make the resolution to be accountable?
To those of you who have already made that choice, we commend you.
To the others…don’t wait until January!
Heat Illness Awareness Heat Stress/Heat Illness
Article By Roger Warner
Understanding the causes and symptoms of heat stress will help prevent serious injury or illness when working in our hot weather
months.
Last year there were over 100 worker heat related deaths in the US according to the Occupational Safety & Health Organization
(OSHA).
Heat Rash - small red bumps or blisters on the body,
Treatment - keep the area dry as possible and move to a cooler work environment.
Heat Cramps - painful, brief muscle cramps
Treatment - water and/or electrolyte drinks should be consumed every 15-20 minutes
Heat Exhaustion - headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and a body temp above 100.F.
Treatment - Move the person to a cool area and give them liquids to drink. Cool the head, neck and face with a cool cloth. Take the person to a
clinic for evaluation.
Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency that can result in death. - confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and a body temp 104ºF.
Treatment - Immediate medical attention and call 911. Move the person to a cool location and remove as much clothing as possible. Cover the
person will cool water and circulate air to speed up evaporation. Cover person with cold wet cloths, wet towels or ice all over the body or
soak the person’s clothes with cold water.
Other strategies include:
• Wear light colored, lightweight, breathable clothing
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Drink several cups of water before starting outdoor work
• Eat lunch, food helps replace electrolytes
• Drink 3-4 cups of water. Drinking sports drinks (Gatorade, etc.) is not a substitute for drinking water.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned space
• Keep an eye on other staff to monitor for heat illness symptoms
MRO Supplies Management Contract *Update*
On August 14th, 2013 a contract for the MRO supplies management was authorized.
The contract was executed on November 11th, 2013, paving the path to a more
streamlined accountable inventory management system within Facilities Services.
PDME was awarded the contract which includes 100 core items at a reduced fixed price
and an approximate 32% discount off MSRP for all other items.
The core list of items has grown to over 250 since PDME has come on board.
PDME has partnered with the supplier Fastenal to provide an in-plant location. This
partnership is providing total cost savings in the following areas:
• vendor and PO consolidation inventory
• labor & freight reduction
• material hard cost reduction
These produce a combined hard and soft cost savings of approximately $90,000.00 per
month.
Upcoming MRO Projects:
• Vending pilot - 24/7 access to some standard parts - currently engaging our staff
for feedback as to what material will be used in vending once we’ve completed the
pilot.
• DEMO DAYS - vendor sponsored events that directly connects our staff to numerous
manufacturers.
• Satellite location at Moody Towers - greater support to our staff in that area. More
details to be released in July.
For any information about the MRO supplies management program please contact Mr.
Rufus Kemp MRO Program Manager at rdkemp@central.uh.edu or 713-743-5519
Employee Spotlight
Jerry Bogna - Senior
Construction Project Manager
What I like best about UH:
The amazing diversity of people.
Personal Motto: Attitude is everything!
Proudest of: Helping people to build their
dreams.
Bucket List: Visit all the continents at least
once.
If I could do it over I would: Do it all the same.
Favorite memory: The smell of nitro-methane
at the drag races.
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