MINUTES

Team Safety Meeting

March 25, 2003

- The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room -

MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Christensen, Darby Fuerst, Debby Martin, Cynthia Schmidlin

MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Dickhaut

I. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

OLD BUSINESS

1. IIPP Update: Team Safety members reviewed updates to the District’s Illness and Injury Prevention Plan. These included updates to the Confined Spaces Policy, Field Hazard Analysis listing, the Appendix on Carmel River Water Quality and Employee Safety, and the Emergency Action Plan. Regarding the Emergency Action Plan, it was determined that clarifications be added to the text as follows:

a. In emergencies involving flooding, District staff will provide information to the public to the best of their ability.

b. In the case of an emergency, such as an earthquake or terrorist attack, staff will make all possible effort to call in and notify staff at the Harris Court Office of their location and where they are immediately headed. This information will be provided to District staff and to the families of staff, if requested.

c. If the General Manager determines that the emergency would make normal District operations impossible or inadvisable, he or she will contact the Division Managers, who will in turn contact their staff, advising them to return to or stay at home until further notice.

2. USGS Water Safety Policy: Darby Fuerst provided a description of this policy regarding discharge measurements, water sampling, and related stream gauging activities. However, he did not recommend adoption of the policy, as described, with an exhaustive analysis of each water-related activity undertaken. USGS standards regarding depth and swiftness of water have always been unwritten policy within the Water Resources Division. A modified policy utilizing some aspects of the USGS model, but tailored to District operations would be far more practical while still promoting a high level of hazard awareness and protection. Darby and Thomas will work on this policy to add to the IIPP. Additionally, it was recommended that 2 new personal flotation devices be purchased and kept in the garage for use when staff is working on the Carmel River during high flow conditions. There is a life vest in the District’s small boat, which is occasionally operated on the river. Staff use Cal-Am Water Company personal flotation devices when using canoes at San Clemente Reservoir.

3. Disposal of Excess District Property: Cynthia Schmidlin reported that she and Rick Dickhaut were meeting with Ann Sydes, the owner of A & A Auction Gallery of Santa Cruz next Tuesday, regarding the disposal of office furniture, old tires, and other unused field equipment in the Harris Court Garage and Carmel Valley Shop. A & A Auction has represented several county and city agencies in Santa Cruz for the purpose of property disposal according to governmental code. Ms. Sydes will evaluate the excess property stored in the Harris Court garage and other storage locations in terms of auction potential. They will also discuss possibilities regarding recycling of old computer components occupying District storage space and report back to Team Safety.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Loss Analysis Report for FY 2001-2000: This report shows a total of three claims for FY 2001-2002, with a total cost of only $1,507. The District experienced an average of 2.6 claims annually for fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002. The average annual cost for the same period is $1,027. Due to this excellent safety record, the District has been able to maintain a .75 experience modification rating, helping to keep workers’ compensation insurance costs down.

2. Safety Suggestions: On February 19, 2003, Dave Dettman submitted a safety suggestion regarding loose rubber molding strip on the top step of the front stairs at 5 Harris Court. Cynthia Schmidlin and Rick Dickhaut investigated the report and agreed that a serious fall could occur if the molding strip was not properly secured. A flooring technician was called and the hazard corrected as of February 28^th. Staff is encouraged to be observant as to workplace hazards and not hesitate to report them by use of the Safety Suggestion Program.

II. NEXT TEAM SAFETY MEETING