To Make a Health and Safety Complaint
Local 3621 Health and Safety Report
September 2010 General Membership Meeting
Command Car Temperature Grievance
Step 3 Grievance for Air Conditioning in Command Cars is scheduled for October 21, 2010. The goal is to establish an agreement between the City and Department to maintain the current and spare vehicles used by the Officers of the local. Heat and Air Conditioning is vital to the comfort and safety of the Officers of this local, especially after operating in personal protective equipment during periods of a high heat index or extreme cool temperatures. The Local would like to extend a “Thank you” to the members that provided the information and specifics to allow us to file this grievance.
World Trade Center Notice of Participation, Rescue, Recovery and Clean-up Operations Filing
The filing of the application (WTC Notice of Participation, Form #622) through NYCERS has a deadline of September 11, 2010. If you have not filed in the past, this form is available through the Union Office, Executive Board or any delegate. Protect yourself and your rights to file for disability under the WTC Disability Law. In addition the local has had presentations by various Compensation and Disability Law firms, which are available to our members.
Medical Equipment Committee Meeting
The Medical Equipment Committee (MEC) met on August 25, 2010. President Variale represented the local and the following items were discussed:
- In regards to the King Airway Devices, the vendor is still awaiting 501K approvals through the Federal Drug Administration.
- The Stair Chair field test is completed, however the Department is awaiting some final evaluations to be submitted by various members, which used the devices.
- The MEC has been asked to evaluate a new style Laryngoscope which is lighter and is disposable after a two year usage cycle
The next scheduled meeting is tentatively set for September 22, 2010.
EMS Boot(s) Field Testing
The field-testing of the four styles of PPE Boots is on going and requires each of the boots to be worn for a month’s time. The field testing members enter the evaluation data directly into the TRAQS system.
Span of Control Grievance
This topic will be discussed during Presidents meeting report.
Bed Bug Infestations
There has been an alarming increase in the presence of “bed bugs” within New York Cities Five Boroughs. The New York City Housing Authority has written some 4, 084 violations during the past year. Now consider this does not account for private homes and business’s that do not report or falling under the reporting mechanisms. As Officers an agency, which oversees Pre-Hospital Care Providers, most of our business is within homes and businesses. While research from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates these bugs are not directly attributed to the transmission of disease, although bites produce an irritating itchy rash.
The following recommendations will lessen the chance of encountering an exposure:
- Change out uniforms at work, including work shoes.
- Do not launder uniforms at home
- Maintain a clean locker and work space.
If you believe you have had an exposure please follow the proper reporting procedure for an infectious control exposure.
Emergency Vehicle Operations
As we come to a close of summer, Schools open meaning more pedestrian traffic especially in residential neighborhoods. With the introduction of MP3 music players and cell phones (of which many students carry) causing them not to be aware of their surroundings during their travel to and from their destination. While prompt response to assignments is necessary to our operation, Officers on all tours must maintain a sense of situational awareness while responding to incidents. Operators must monitor intersections and especially between cars on residential streets. Do not expect pedestrians especially school age children to hear your siren.
Wear your seat belt and arrive alive.
