Keeping it short and sweet this week, I'd like to encourage everyone in the OPP main building to take one minute (literally, 60 seconds) to fill out the No Can Do Survey. 

I also want to encourage everyone to sign up for the PSUTXT service. It's the best way to be notified of campus-wide alerts.

Have a great week,

We had two unfortunate slips this week.

 

One worker was badly bruised after wet mopping in a backward motion and sliding on coffee that was spilled on the floor. 

 

Another worker slipped and fell after exiting a rooftop and crawling back through the access window. His feet were wet. 

 

Unguarded wet floors are one of many causes of the slips and slides that result in nearly 20 percent of all Worker's Compensation cases each year.

 

Please be sure to review the safety tips on protecting yourself from wet surfaces, leaves, etc., particularly as we move into the winter season.

 

Taken out by the Trash 

 

While emptying a trash container at Gate B at Beaver Stadium, a worker was injured when the container lid fell and cut his finger. 

 

The hinge was broken on the lid, and the trash can will be repaired or replaced.

PSU TXT

 

PSUTXT is a service designed to alert the Penn State community via text messages to cell phones when situations arise on campus that affect the ability of the campus to function normally. Subscribers also can elect to have alerts sent to an e-mail address. 

 

Particularly as severe weather season approaches, please sign up for this important service. 

  

No Can Do Survey Can Be Done (in 60 Seconds)

 

The No Can Do Program has already helped to avoid thousands of pounds of waste as recycling rates jump an average of 20% upon implementation. 

 

University Park generates around 13,000 tons of waste annually and waste audits tell us we can recycle or compost 88% of that amount.

 

If you work in the main OPP building, please complete this SHORT survey (just 6 multiple choice questions and 2 for comments) by Friday, October 12.

Cheers to Mark Linsley, Andrew Phillips, Yuanqing Guo, Dave Bertocchi, and Bonnie Auman from Environmental Health and Safety. They made possible the 11th "Radiation Safety Roundtable" from September 24-26.   

This annual meeting brought together 45 radiation safety professionals from universities, hospitals, and radioactive waste disposal vendors in nine states. Over two days, attendees discussed everything from pending regulations to the trials, tribulations, and expense of a widespread radioactive contamination incident.

For more information about radiation safety, contact Eric Boeldt or visit EHS's Radiation Protection page.   

Congratulations to Beth Clark in Administrative & Financial Services who was elected to another two-year term as Vice President for Annual Meetings for ERAPPA, the eastern region of the professional development organization for leaders in educational facilities. Beth also received a Certificate of Appreciation for her service as Chapter President of KAPPA (Keystone APPA). 

Meanwhile, Greg Scott of Commonwealth Services completed his one-year term as ERAPPA President but will continue to work with the Board of Directors on a new strategic plan for the organization. 

Welcomes

 

Please take a moment to send a welcoming e-mail to our new OPP employees, all of whom started on Monday. 

 

Michael Daniel is the new Operator Mechanic in Utility Services. He began work on Monday.

 

June Sandrick is the new Custodian in District 43. 

 

Ken Tyson is the new Custodian in District 12.

 

Farewell

 

Please also be sure to send a note to Bob Fry who is retiring from OPP after more than 32 years at Penn State. Bob has been a member of the landscape team for years, most recently maintaining the areas around the Natatorium, Wagner, Shields, Bigler Fields, and Jordan Center. 

 

As his supervisor said, "You won't find anyone with a stronger work ethic than Bob. He is a fixture on the landscape crew and will be missed by his coworkers and the customers he served."

 

Bob's last day will be next Friday, October 19.