REVELSTOKE
WORKPLACE
HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – JANUARY
8, 2004
Held:
January 8, 2004, Revelstoke, B.C.
Co-Chairman:
Bob Gardali
Members in Attendance:
Management: Tim
Marinier, B Riches
Union Reps : A. Stewart (BMWE), B. Gardali
(UTU), J. Meloro (BMWE), R. Williams (BLE), D. Hoffman
(B&B),
Guests: Brian Black, R. Sobon (S&C), S. Miller (S&C)
Meeting called to order 0850. Minutes
of December 11, 2003 meeting read and adopted.
Introduction of guests and new BLE Rep Roy Williams.
Tim Marinier advised Committee that E/S will be holding a H&S Committee meeting at 0815 on the same day as the
Revelstoke Workplace H&S Committee. The Revelstoke Workplace
Health & Safetey Committee meeting will now
commence at 0900.
SAFETY ACTION PLANS
Field Ops – 2003 Safety Plan complete. Working on 2004 Safety &
Action Plan.
E/S – 2004 Framework developed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item 0305-02: P. Bede
inquired about stretchers in deployed position – can’t get person on stretcher
off unit.
Action (0401) Sergio Sabatini advises
item is being examined by National H&S Policy Committee.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0310-03: P. Bede brought forward several
concerns at Kamloops.
Action (0312): R Merritt replied
12.11.03:
MOTION TO DELETE
- Several RTE’s have
reported finding an alarming number of used syringes in the yard (Kamloops) and in areas adjacent to the bunkhouse.
Action: We have not
received any new complaints on used syringes in the Kamloops
Yard since this item in October. We also have a procedure in place to have
the syringes removed when reported.
- Room #36 evidently the roof is leaking. Reported repaired this summer but is again leaking
Action: Roof was repaired again 2 weeks ago and room
# 36 have no signs of any problems. All repairs done and
completed.
- Fire extinguishers in the bunkhouse – can they be stored in a tamper
proof container
Action: Fire Extinguishers are checked by the Kamloops H&S committee on a regular basis and no we will
not be applying tamper proof containers at this time.
- Condition of road at the Mile 7 dump crossing – taxi cabs will not drive
down this road because of its condition – requires grading? Action: Roadway at
mile 7 checked and seemed to be in good driving condition
- Apparently a turnstile has been installed at the pulp mill crossing.
Crews carrying backpacks, SBU’s to not fit through – suggested a gate be installed.
Action: Gate is installed at pulp mill crossing not a turnstile
Item 0311-01: P. Bede reported smaller
bridge (last shed) at Flat Creek, Mile 94.5, has no walkway.
Action (0401) Tim Marinier indicated
there are many bridges across the system without walkways. Screens or cables are in place for bridges without
walkways. Discussion concerning this
bridge indicated at this location it is deemed a higher risk for train operating
issues, ie separations. Tim suggested a business case be developed in
order for E/S to request monies to install a walkway.
Bob Gardali
to investigate
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0311-02: P. Bede
advised about more concerns with the Kamloops: new blinds for rooms, lack of lockers and furniture
is worn.
Action (0401) Manager Operations Road R. Merritt advises
12.11.03: MOTION
TO DELETE
-Rooms
check on Nov 25 with Bruce Solomchuk and all rooms
passed for darkness as long as the blinds are adjusted onto the Velcro strips
properly.
-
No plans at this time to install more lockers at Kamloops.
-
No plans at this time to purchase new furniture.
Item 0311-04: B. Gardali
inquired regarding possible application of slip-proof paint being applied
on stirrups, handrails and platforms during regular M/S maintenance on cars,
starting with coal fleet. Stan advised
the new re-sprayer facility should resolve this problem with sprayer technology
that will only spray inside the coal car.
Action (0401) Committee discussed and agreed as the new spray
facility should alleviate this problem, and as it not operating during winter,
facility will be site inspected in spring. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0311-05: Al Stewart advised of
a recent concern regarding a broken rail at Tappen
within limits of Rule 42. Flags were
not in place and E/S forces experienced resistance from RTC to issue TOP.
Action (0401) T. Marinier will
follow up with Phil Tataryn, Bill Cowie
and Doug Cassell. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0312-01: Sam Minhas advised stress levels are increasing among ES forces
in anticipation of ES changes expected in New Year. Requires more communication from management
where we’re going in six months..
Action (0401) Tim Marinier confirmed
there is a reorganization coming within E/S. Budgets are frozen for the next 2 to 4 years
which results in a reduction of costs, ie implementation
of 2-man crews with light vehicles and 3-4 man crews with BTMF trucks.
There will be manpower reductions. At this time, it is Tim's understanding that there will be some Article 8’s issued. Tim indicated he does not know the numbers involved.
Roll out in the next few weeks with a completion target for the end
of May. E/S reps will take that information
back to the employees. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0312-02: Paul Bede suggests conversations with Diesel Dr take place on a
channel other than standby or
CP 14, which is used by ES – prevents ES communication.
Action (0401) S. Bell
to advise.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0312-03: CMC are not calling crews
in Field.
Action
(0401) No particulars available. Bob Gardali and Roy
Williams indicated this is not a serious problem, at times employees may not
be found immediately, etc.
MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0312-04: Additional winter plan
units to provide cab hop ability. Current winter plan unit used on plow.
Action (0401) S. Bell
to advise.
MOTION TO CARRY
CORRESPONDENCE &
BUSINESS ARISING
B. Black discussed the
positive changes to CROR Rule 105 and 40.1.
INCIDENT REVIEW
Incident Location Cause Prev. Measures
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (Incomplete)
SHR0212-03: MU cables laying around on the ground at Ducks, Chase and Squilax
Action (0401) Item brought back to table account unsure of status of installation of brackets
at various locations.
Chase rack has been installed. Al
Stewart will check at Squilax and Ducks.
Bob & Roy will determine status for Moberly, Greeley, Donald, Stoney Creek and Rogers.
MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0305-03: Unit 9013 – poor seating
resulting in sore back. Should not be used as leaders.
Action (0401) Modifications of seats is proceeding.
MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0306-03: DE9520 – no guard around
MU engine emergency shut down switch – easy to trip accidentally
Action (0401) Bob Reynolds, Manager Locomotive Systems, advises
the problem was noted on the CP1 locomotives 9500-9582. CP is performing a modification to replace the
switch with a guarded toggle switch (same as on other newer GE units). The modification number is 2111 and to date
– 19 out of 83 units are now complete. No
update available. MOTION
TO DELETE
SHR0310-07: Issue with VRU – being
rested for duty
Action (0401) K. Sali advised that
MTPL is an ongoing issue and will try to have OM’s
update to reflect a more accurate lineup.
Bob indicated he would like to push this issue to a higher level. Stan Bell indicated he would forward to Sergio
to possibly pursue through National Policy Committee.
MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0311-03: Tailend
remote on grain trains – the need for mid train SBU is needed even on these
trains – it is different from coal.
Action (0401) S. Bell
to advise.
MOTION TO CARRY
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS
(New)
SHR0401-01: Revelstoke
Yard – snow buildup, tripping hazard, difficult for switching and detraining.
Action (0401) E/S forces are aware and indicate will be cleaned
Jan 13th.
MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0401-02: Yard engine 5900 has
wired up operating lever on tail end – not safe for switching and also bad
brakes.
Action (0401) K. Sali has sent
request to change out unit 5900 and repairs made. MOTION TO CARRY
REPORTS OF SUB-COMMITTEES
Tunnel – Darcey Hoffman reported annual tunnel clean to start Monday,
January 12th.
Evacuation Plan – Bob
and Roy to investigate for Kamloops,
Revelstoke and Field.
DISTRICT SAFETY ADVISOR
REPORT – Nil
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 0401-01: Rogers
access road – there is a sign posted ‘contact grader operator’ before descending.
Recently a van went down the hill without contacting the grader first
and met the grader on the road resulting in a ‘near miss’.
Action (0401) As the sign is posted,
the instructions should be adhered to. A
bulletin will be issued to remind crews and in the event of a ‘dry’ taxi –
taxi company will reminded to ensure they call ahead
to the crew to contact grader operator.
MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0401-02: Bob Gardali advised Committee of a meeting that was to take place
with the Field Bunkhouse Committee and Real Estate – second phase renovation
- that was
cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled.
There are items that need to be finalized. Tim Marinier also
advised Committee that these meetings must involve E/S in the event there
is contract or maintenance work. Real
Estate has been informed that they must involve Neil Higgins. Bob has noted.
Action (0401) S. Bell
to advise.
MOTION TO CARRY
*Discussion Item
J. Meloro
advised the Laurie Shed has ice build up on either side which makes it difficult
for walking .
Tim Marinier advised to coordinate with TMS E
Palasz and J Creighton for a gradall
to clean. Committee discussed procedures
to follow when employees have a concern – they are to advise their immediate
supervisor, if
the item is not acted upon in a timely fashion, then it should be brought
forward to the H&S Workplace Committee.
Meeting adjourned 1110.
Next meeting 0900 – Thursday, February 12, 2004.
L. Sali
For S.
Bell/ B. Gardali