click here for a printable copy (PDF)

MINUTES
HEALTH and SAFETY MEET & CONFER COMMITTEE MEETING
May 26, 2010

Members present: Leon Bowman – Chair, Unit 2; Mike O’Dea, Unit 6; Dennis Blumke, Unit 7; Mike Keapproth, Unit 8; Dave Gorghuber, Unit 3; Rhonda Haugstad, Unit 4; Jill Kielblock, Council 5 Staff Liaison (Jo Pels attended in Jill's place)

For the State: Todd Christenson, Luke Waller, Joy Hargons, Terry Lahti, Don Beckering, Reena Abraham, Joe Piwoschuk, Todd Haglin

Agenda
1 Training for local safety committees
2 Purpose of Statewide Safety Committee

1. Training for Local Safety Committees
DNR, DOT, DHS, DOC and MnSCU management representatives outlined the training that is being provided to local safety committees at the respective agencies. Union representatives indicated training pertaining to safety committees has been conducted for their members by the international Union, DoLI and the MN Safety Council. The question was raised as to why this committee was discussing this topic. As was mentioned at the March 24, 2010 meeting, at one time this committee had put together training materials for use by local safety committees. The purpose of this conversation was to ensure agencies were still on track with providing this type of training. 

2. Purpose of Statewide Safety Committee
The purpose of this committee was discussed. It was mentioned that this committee discussed this topic at its May 27, 2009 meeting. In general the committee provides guidance on safety issues that have a statewide impact. The committee also hears issues that have not been resolved at the local level with the intent that this committee may be able to help resolve the issue. There was some conversation about the contract language pertaining to this committee and the history of that language.

3. WC Claims
T. Christenson distributed a graph of the State’s workers’ compensation claim count for fiscal year 2010. Through April, there has been a 7.9% reduction in the number of reportable claims compared to fiscal year 2009.

4. Mantoux Tests (Tuberculin Skin Test)
The Union asked if there was a statewide policy pertaining to mantoux tests (Tuberculin Skin Test). There is not a statewide policy, as this test is only applicable to facilities (e.g. healthcare and correctional) that have a probability of exposure to tuberculosis. Agencies that have this exposure have a policy in place regarding these tests. DHS and DOC management representatives summarized the policies for their agencies. As was mentioned these policies follow the recommendations of the MN Department of Health. The following link is to the MN Department of Health’s information pertaining to tuberculosis: http://www.health.state.mn.us/tb
 

Click here to visit our archive page of State Health & Safety Committee minutes