Occupational Safety and Health Data Collection and Injury Prevention Work Group

  • May 16, 2007:

Minutes:

Occupational Safety and Health Data Collection And Injury Prevention Work Group

Minutes

Bureau of Labor Standards Central Maine Commerce Center Marion Martin Conference Room May 16, 2007

Present: William Peabody, Chair (Maine Department of Labor); John Rioux (Maine Department of Labor); Kim Lim (Maine Department of Labor); Louise Morang (Maine Association of Occupational Nurses); Leslie Walleigh (Workplace Health); and Brad Brown (Maine Bureau of Insurance).

Absent: Brian Doe (Hannaford); Jeff Levesque (Workers' Compensation Board); Peter Doran (Maine Occupational Research Agenda); Stephanie Jazlowiecki (McTeague-Higbee); Al May (Bureau of Health); Steve Minkowsky (Workers' Compensation Board); Kathy Schulz (Workers' Compensation Board); Vanessa Santarelli (Maine Department of Labor), and Dave Wacker (Maine Department of Labor).

Staff Present: Linda Nickerson and Ted Bradstreet

Call to Order: Bill Peabody called the meeting to order at 10:24 a.m.

March 21, 2007 Minutes: Leslie Walleigh stated that she thought she was in charge of two groups, Maine Health Data Organization and occupational disease reporting system. Bill confirmed. Motion made by Louise Morang to accept the minutes. Seconded by Leslie Walleigh. Vote, unanimous.

Items III and IV: Bill stated that these two agenda items are pretty much the same thing. Bill stated that they would do a formal report for October 2007. Advised members to keep in mind ideas for the next legislative process.

There are four areas groups coded to concentrate on. Take each individually and set up a working schedule so that we can maintain a tracking system.

Item A & B: Small Business survey prevention group - Dave Wacker was not present. Bill referenced a survey that was circulated but that it did not really give detail or explanation.

Bill asked if it made sense to have meeting where anybody can show up and look at it as a group. (Not set up a specific group and then determine).

John stated that he will have the data available for the next meeting.

Bill suggested having 4 or 5 date options and picking one where most people can attend. It was asked to have meetings on Wednesdays.

John discussed value stream mapping on workers' compensation and results (John explained value stream mapping). The data costs are three times more if it's "dirty" versus "clean." They need to look at alternatives, specifically a separate reporting system where [they] could get a form directly from the employer; reviewed ways to solve issues of getting workers' compensation data. John circulated a BLS/WCB coding quality data sheet and explained what each column meant.

Brad asked if it would be easier to use a more simplified system and that it might be something to think about in saving time and work.

John discussed problems with the coding sheet. Discussion of coding followed.

Bill suggested that workers' compensation should do an analysis of where coding information source is coming from. There appears to be two difference issues. More coding discussion followed.

Next Steps - John has created an action plan which includes a number of steps and will make it available.

Items C & D: (C - Occupational Reporting) Leslie stated that they previously worked on a plan for a reporting program. Bill stated that they need to get the former group working on this and suggested a meeting of the group within the next month, possibly within the next week or two. (D - Maine Health Data) Leslie stated that MHDO developed a chart on carbon monoxide and has been waiting to get information compiled. Bill asked if this was a one-person committee? Leslie stated that she would try to get Al to assist her.

Legislative Update: Bill reported that this session has been a little different than in the past. LD's that effect safety and health:

LD 592 - OSHA 10-hour training - Dead. LD 955 -Temporary Workers as "Applicants" under Substance Abuse Testing - OTPA LD 1086 - Clarify Clothing and Equipment Costs - OTPA LD 88 - Use of Safe Chemicals in School - Passed into law LD 24 - Seat Belt use - Passed into law SETF bill - Dead

Other Items: Bill advised that he was reviewing the feds proposed changes to employment standards. Bill will be sending a report to this group and MORA for comments.

Next Meeting - Was not discussed but is scheduled to be held June 20th at the Central Maine Commerce Center.

Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda B. Nickerson Recording Secretary