Town of Newton
Safety Committee
P.O. Box 378
(603) 382-4405
Committee Members:
Trisha McCarthy, Chairperson
Nancy Wrigley
Larry Foote
Mike Pivero
Terry Casewell
Rebecca Bergeron
Sue Mears
Michael Jewett Kevin Jolicoeur
Chief William Ingalls
Chief Lawrence Streeter
Bill Laundry
Ron LeMere
Robert Leverone
Tina O’Rourke
Kim Hughes
Mary Winglass
Safety Committee Minutes for September 22, 2010
Attendance:
Trisha McCarthy, Nancy Wrigley, Kevin Jolicoeur, Terry Casewell,
Chief Ingalls, Chief Streeter & Bill Laundry.
I. Call to Order
Trisha called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.
Kimberly Lowther recorded the minutes of the meeting.
II. Review Policies and Forms
Trisha began the meeting by reviewing the Safety Policy that was revised in July of 2009. She was hopeful to have a power point presentation, however she was having technical difficulty. Members viewed copies as Trisha reviewed the policy.
- Page 3, Section II: General Rule Regarding the Safety and Loss Prevention Program. While reviewing this section members agreed to add the following sentence. “The only exception would be any department where more stringent rules are in place.” Chief Streeter suggested adding, “Reviewed and approved by the board of Selectmen.”
He then began to site examples as to why he felt this sentence was necessary.
- Page 4, Section III- Responsibilities: Safety and Loss Prevention Committee. Adding, “Town Administrator and Emergency Management Department" as permanent members in addition to those previously written.
- Trisha emphasized the importance that all departments receive copies of the amended Safety Policy. Suggesting sending copies via email to all Town employees, and returning the final page, signed and delivered to Town hall, in effort to cut financial cost. Nancy was not sure if this was the best idea since all employees may not comply with the request.
- Page 5 Section III Responsibilities (Continued.) Department Head/ Supervisor( Continued)
ii This clause refers to any town employee that may be on Workmen’s Compensation while working another job, and not the Town of Newton. Adding the sentence, “Any employee out on Workers’ Compensation and/ or (whether or not the incident happened while working for the Town), must inform their supervisor, who must then inform the Town Administrator. Documentation must be provided to the Town Administrator.”
Nancy addressed her concerns of town employees whom may receive an injury while not working for the town or another job. For instance, receiving an injury at their home. The employee’s must let their supervisor know, not putting themselves or the town at risk.
There was a brief discussion about Fraud.
- Page 16 Section IV- Safety Policies (Cont): Disciplinary Policy- NSC-0309-5. Bill Laundry reviewed the Disciplinary Procedures. The Safety Committee decided not to amend this section of the policy.
- Page 6 Section IV- Employee Safety Education And Training:
Discussed adding refresher courses for Hazardous Communication and Safety Training will be instructed as needed. Kevin suggested that Each Department would receive training as needed per Department head due to the exposure each department head will undergo. Nancy needs to have access to all Training Certificates from all employees in all Departments. The certificates will be in each employees personnel file.
- Page 7 Section IV- Town of Newton, NH Safety Policies: First Aid
Policy: (NSC 0309-1)
For restocking purposes, Trisha would like to remind Department Heads, or other designated employee, to regularly review the Record/List located inside the safety kits.
- Page 11 Section IV- Safety Policies Continued. Personal Protective
Equipment: NSC-0309-3. Under the Highway Department and Transfer Station clause Trisha questioned if it would be appropriate to add locking the gate at the Transfer Station. Kevin thought that this clause should be added elsewhere.
- Page 31 and 33. All members agreed to remove the 2009 date.
- Page 41 Section IV:Evacuation Plan. Trisha coordinated this plan with
The Emergency Management Department plan. Adding in the event of an emergency to notify, “Town Administrator, EMD, or a Selectman.”
- Page 42 Section VI: Evacuation Plans Continued
Discussed the Gale Library Evacuation Plan. In the event of an emergency, after the fire alarm has sound, a representative of the Gale Library must contact the Town Administrator, EMD or a Selectman immediately.
- Page 15 Section IV: Contractor Requirements:
Nancy emphasized the importance of obtaining a Certificate of Insurance prior to any contractor beginning a job on town property. Naming the Town of Newton as the Certificate Holder. Nancy will check with Office Manager, Mary Winglass to see how she would like to handle the Workmen’s Compensation Certificates and the Liability Insurance Certificates.
- Terry departed the meeting at 7:10 pm.
- There was a brief discussion to hire a Town Maintaince Employee to handle small jobs.
III. Trainings
Discussion of Recommended Trainings for Employee’s. Trisha would like some of the Conservation members to receive a Chain Saw Safety Training. Local Government Center offers a Hazardous Communication Training that the Town could look into. Bill Landry suggested circulating a sign up sheet for those interested, and then schedule a meeting based on the amount of responses.
IV. New Business
The Gate at the Transfer Station needs to be locked if an attendant is not on duty. Kevin discussed the amount of dumping after hours.
V. Other Business
1. Discussion on Town Fire Extinguishers. – The Fire Department is in need of another Fire Extinguisher. Bill Landry motioned to purchase a Fire Extingisher from the Government Building Fund. Kevin Second. All in Favor.
Need to check on the Fire Extinguisher at the Town Beach.
- Kevin motioned to accept the Safety Minutes as amended and allow Nancy Wrigley and Mary Wingless to revise the Certificate of Insurance Section. Bill Landry Second. Unanimous Vote.
- Kevin moved to accept the Safety Minutes of May 7, 2009. Bill Landry Second. Unanimous Vote.
Nancy discussed her safety concerns regarding Town Hall. During the winter, the icicles hanging off the building are large and extremely dangerous, especially near the entrance. Also she addressed her concerns regarding the white curbs along the parking area of Town Hall. Nancy corresponded with the Town Road Agent, Mike Pivero to discuss an alternative to the curbs. The existing curbs are in poor condition and do not allow larger vehicles enough room to park.
Announcement: Another Safety Committee meeting will be scheduled before the end of the year.
VI. Adjourn.
The Safety Committee meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kimberly Lowther
| 
