VPP Accomplishments
Since beginning to pursue VPP, the University has achieved the following accomplishments:
- Partnered with Indiana OSHA and Indiana VPP Special Government Employees (SGEs) to tour campus and identify any opportunities for improvement.
- Partnered with Eli Lilly, our VPP mentor; coordinated several visits.
- Attended VPPPA participants association which gives us access to VPP seminars and other VPP members.
- Hosted Purdue University safety personnel.
- Attended the Indiana Best Practices meetings with other VPP sites.
Notre Dame Success Stories
Maintenance Department
Great use of visualizations with safety tape to draw attention in mechanical spaces. Huge thanks to John Kuczmanski in Zone 4.
Duncan Student Center
Nick Ratkay, Dock Administrator Notre Dame Stadium Complex, did a great job in adding pipe rail barriers and floor markings in DSC's storage/mechanical areas.
Monthly Contractor Safety Meetings
Tony Polotto and Chip Farrell with FDO have implemented monthly mandatory contractor safety meetings. These meetings, which include all contractors currently performing work on campus, cover the following topics:
- Specific training expectations
- Policy and procedure refreshers (e.g., confined space, excavation permits, etc.)
- Safety topic of the month (e.g., contractor parking, ATV policy, roof safety)
- Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)
- Opportunities for question and answer
Washington Hall
Paige Dooley, Production Manager for Washington Hall and Stepan Center, has incorporated the use of QR codes for Machine Shop pre-use equipment inspections making inspection requirements highly visible to shop users on each piece of equipment.
Building Services
Jeff Edgerly kept safety and ergonomics in mind while searching for new cleaning equipment. The new equipment is lightweight, reduces reaching and bending and is battery operated to eliminate cords and trip hazards.
University Enterprises & Events
St. Michael’s Laundry coordinated with NDFD to enact an unannounced fire drill with a twist. Staff acted as the fire, blocking exits, requiring decision making under pressure. Evacuation was achieved in 2-3 minutes.
The Huddle staff was recognized with the 2021 UEE Safety Team Award for one of the greatest reductions in recordable injuries and a very low first aid injury rate,100% completion of safety modules and proactively identifying potential safety concerns.
Notre Dame Police Department
Tim Virgil, Safety & Inspection Technician for NDPD has excelled in his position with intensity and capability. He has become the liaison and point person for NDPD inspection responsibilities. His work has included ~ 75 tents inspected weekly in 2021, 90 building inspections for FY20-21 and 21-22 and escorting the Indiana State Fire Marshal for tent inspections.