03/20/2015 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARTICLE 15 - SAFETY AND HEALTH The County Administrator is proposing the status quo. Based on recent conduct of the County. the Union is proposing changes to Article 15.01 as follows: The County agrees to provide a safe and healthy working environment irrespective of Article 10.2I. The County agrees to comply with all applicable laws related to safety, health, sanitation, and working conditions, as may be required under all State, Federal, and local laws. Article 15.01 (attached). The Union has had and still has substantial concerns regarding the manner in which the County Administrator and Fire Administration address safety and health issues. • In February 2014 through June 2014, the Union was unable to arrange for a health and safety meeting until Director King scheduled a meeting in June at the time Union officers were attending the convention of the Florida Professional Firefighters. When a safety meeting finally took place, Director King limited the agenda to three issues. • The Union has grave concerns regarding the "span of control" for battalion chiefs. In this department, one battalion chief supervises 12 stations. According to an incident command system, the recommended span of control for a chief is 1:5. • There are growing concerns regarding John Wallace, who after complaining about the failure of the County to properly "fit test" SCBA masks, has been subject to retaliation including being placed on administrative leave. • The Union had to prepare a written legal opinion regarding "fit testing" which is required under federal and state law. The Fire Administration had taken the position that fit testing is a guide not a requirement. After testing, a significant number of employees had to have their masks replaced. Recently, the Fire Administration introduced a respiratory protection system for the first time in years. The model utilized by the Fire Administration indicated that the fit testing should be conducted annually. • In May 2014, the Union requested access to stations to conduct inspections relating to various health and safety issues including, but not limited to, air quality, structural integrity, mold, and infestation of pests and/or rodents. Access was denied and, instead, the County issued its own request for proposal to perform inspections at Stations 1, 7, 10 and 11. 92