Redding Safety Committee Meeting
Minutes
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Town Hall Hearing Room
The meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m.
Present: Mark O’Donnell (co-chair), Jeff Hanson (co-chair), Krista Gramer (secretary), Marc Deluca, Mark Lubus, Ken Larkin, Willie Roman, Michelle Stillman, Rob Blick, Helen Gore, Alice Smith, Jim Miller, Zachary Smith
Minutes of the May 31, 2018 meeting were approved. (Blick/Larkin)
The Committee welcomed Marc Deluca (Police Department), Jim Miller (Water Pollution Control Commission) and Zachary Smith (Finance Department) to the Committee meeting.
Old Business
Willie Roman reported that the installation of new carpeting at the Redding Community Center has been completed.
New Business
Board of Education:
There was no information of injuries or issues reported for the schools.
Town Hall:
Krista Gramer reported five non-preventable injuries:
– A park and recreation employee sustained a neck/whiplash injury on a camp bus trip due to bus stopping short at an intersection.
– A facilities employee sustained a tick bite from field work. Willie Roman confirmed that employees wear the required gear and repellant when doing outdoor work.
– A highway employee sustained shoulder injury from picking up a hand jack.
– A highway employee sustained a contusion to the back when a truck tailgate fell pushing the employee into a garage door.
– A police officer sustained a neck injury when struck by a vehicle while directing traffic causing the officer to stumble.
Jim Miller questioned the Committee as to the timeliness of reviewing these incidents. Krista Gramer explained that the claims are immediately addressed at the time of the incident when the claim is filed with the insurance carrier. Marc Deluca noted that at the Police Department the incident is reviewed and a police report is created. Jeff Hanson indicated that the insurance carrier, CIRMA, follows up immediately after the incident with questions relating to the injured employee and the details of the incident. Rob Blick also explained that this Committee is a State-mandated body that is to review these incidents again and take any measures, as necessary, to correct a situation from reoccurrence.
Three general safety concerns from recent claims reports were addressed:
– Report of flash flooding issue causing damage to property. Jeff Hanson reported that this was due to the extreme rainy weather in the summer. The drainage is currently adequate for normal rainfall.
– Report of pothole on Poverty Hollow Road causing damage to property. Jeff Hanson reported that there are key cuts in the road for the paving project. There is signage in place for the ongoing paving project.
– Report of injury caused from a fall from a performing stage. Rob Blick explained that there was an 18 piece band on the stage and some of the chairs were close to the edge. Marc Deluca suggested a reflective tape along the edge of the stage. A suggestion was also made for the installation of a vertical border along the edge although that could also pose a trip hazard. Rob Blick indicated that most performing groups have four or five members and this 18-piece band was an unusual situation.
The police, highway and facilities departments indicated that they are ready for winter weather. Alice Smith raised a concern regarding snow piling at the JRMS parking lot that interfered with traffic flow. Jeff Hanson indicated that the operators of the snow plows are instructed to plow the snow to the back and the sides of the building away from the front parking and drop-off/pick-up driveway.
Jim Miller reported that the paint has worn off on the speed bumps on Hopewell Woods Road. Jeff Hanson indicated it will be painted in the spring as the paint will not adhere in the cold weather. Proper signage is in place.
Helen Gore reported that the Historical Society now has a second ADA ramp to be used on the barn or the house. Helen noted that the stage flooring has been replaced and structurally reinforced. As well, the barn basement has been cleared out of obstructions.
Helen Gore reported a cracked concrete well head located left of the barn. It is currently covered by a wooden bridge and blocked by traffic cones. Jeff Hanson will evaluate and estimate for repair.
Jim Miller reported on behalf of the Water Pollution Control Committee that in the last eight days there has been a conversion from analog to digital whereas the plant was shut down for four days. During the entire process there were no incidents arising involving the workers or contractors at the plant.
Alice Smith reported downed heavy branches along the Parade Path walkway. There are trees along the pathway that are tagged for removal. Jeff Hanson indicated the trees will be removed once the ground is cold enough to support the machinery on the Green.
Alice Smith reminded Willie Roman that the Town Hall front stairs require attention during the winter months as the ice and snow will cause the metal guards to buckle and can potentially be a trip hazard.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, March 7, 2019 @ 4:00 PM – Redding Police Station
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 p.m.
Submitted by Krista Gramer, Secretary