AP Assembly
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Reitz Union Auditorium
Call to Order - Allan Preston, President
Program - Todd Morrone, Coordinator of Risk Management for UF Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management gave a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Ergonomics: Human Sustainability." Mr. Morrone began the presentation with an explanation that ergonomics is a scientific discipline with the goal of making the workplace more comfortable. A working definition of ergonomics is the act of fitting the task, workstation, and environment to the worker. Mr. Morrone explained that sustainability is a key component of ergonomics because of the costs associated with work-place injuries. Such costs are attributable to lost work time and the need to hire temporary employees. Muscular injuries constitute the largest job-related injury in the U.S. and account for 50% of lost workdays. At UF, strains and other muscular-related injuries are the highest cost category - 1/3 of which are attributable to strain-related injuries at workstations. Common risk factors at workstations include: overreaching, leaning, contact stress, awkward postures, frequency, static postures, and duration. Tips to minimize workstation injuries include: adjustable chairs, keyboard trays, and work environment design; employee awareness and education; and work process modification. Mr. Morrone also discussed the advantage of implementing work-rest cycles where employees take a five (5) minute break for each hour worked. The benefit to the employee is a decrease in workstation discomfort and eye strain. The benefit to the employer is a decrease in risk and potential injury to the employee without sacrificing production rates. For more information or to set up a free ergonomic evaluation for your workstation, you can complete the form online at http://www.ehs.ufl.edu or email Mr. Morrone at tmorrone@ehs.ufl.edu. Mr. Morrone agreed to post the entire PowerPoint presentation and handouts on the APA website at a later date.
APA President's Report - Allan Preston reported that the meeting was again being videotaped and will be available on the APA website (www.apassembly.ufl.edu) in an effort to increase member participation. The videos have been well-received and viewed by several members.
Mr. Preston reported that the APA's Cost Reduction Taskforce had distributed a survey to solicit feedback on cost-cutting and revenue generating ideas. To date, 300 responses have been received. The last day to complete the survey is Friday, October 26, 2007.
Mr. Preston reported that Dr. Marc Hoit has requested the participation of an APA member on the Campus Infrastructure Committee. If anyone is interested in serving on this committee, please email Allan at allanp@ufl.edu.
Mr. Preston reported that the APA Member Survey Committee will meet at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th prior to the next APA Business Meeting.
Mr. Preston reported that the APA will have a holiday party in December to celebrate the APA's five (5) year anniversary. More information will be forthcoming. If anyone has any planning ideas, please email Allan at allanp@ufl.edu.
Mr. Preston reported that the APA will host a joint event with the AAW entitled "UF Budget Cuts and Impacts on Programs" on Tuesday, November 27th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Rion Ballroom, Reitz. The confirmed panelists are as follows: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Janie Fouke; Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, Douglas Barrett; Senior Vice President for Administration, Kyle Cavanaugh; Dean of the Warrington College of Business, John Kraft; Faculty Senate Chair, Richard Yost; and Vice President for University Relations, Jane Adams. Coffee and cookies will be provided.
HR Committee Report - Wendy Thornton reported the HR Committee met today to review past discussions.
Adjournment - Allan Preston, President