Tripping hazards, unlabeled chemicals and workplace injuries among concerns during forum
By: SPENCER GLEASON
Editor in Chief
Potential hazards on campus were the focus of STLCC-Meramec’s Safety Forum Tuesday, Feb. 18 in BA 105. Kim Mueller, a representative from the Human Resources office at the Cosand Center, and Marcy Cline, from the Risk Management Office, presented the forum to faculty and staff.
During the forum, pictures of Meramec and other STLCC campuses and buildings, were shown to point out possible dangers within warehouses, closets and offices.
According to Mueller and Cline, there were 64 trip hazards at Meramec in 2012. That was 32 fewer than STLCC-Florissant Valley (96) and 11 fewer than STLCC-Forest Park (75). Trip hazards included uneven concrete sidewalks, carpet tears in doorways and poorly marked curbs and stairways.
“Don’t block fire exits and don’t put combustibles below stairways,” Cline said. “Also, pay attention that signs or other obstacles aren’t covering fire extinguishers.”
In the education and health services departments, the national average of workplace injuries was 4.7 injuries per 100 workers, according to Mueller. At STLCC, the average was 2.2 injuries per 100 workers.In 2009, STLCC spent $330,445 on workers’ compensation.
“Not every injury at work is work related,” Mueller said. “Wearing the wrong kind of shoe, like heels, and the shoe gives out underneath is not work related. However, if it is slick and you’re wearing the correct type of shoes, it is. If any employee or student has an injury, you should direct them to Campus Police.”
According to Cline, payment for emergency situations is not always guaranteed.
“The school doesn’t pay for every scenario,” Cline said. “It is important to fill out the police report. It documents what happened. In flustered moments, 911 calls on campus to the Kirkwood Police Department transfer to Meramec Police.”
According to Cline, STLCC will provide specific space heaters during the winter and extension cords are only good for 90 days.
For students, Cline and Mueller suggest not to text while walking and to wear backpacks with both shoulder straps and a strap around the waist, if possible.
“Backpacks shouldn’t weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the student’s body weight,” Cline said. “Pick a pack and wear it correctly — two shoulder straps and a waist strap, too, if possible.”
Safety Forums are open to students, staff and faculty and are presented every semester.
