MEETING MINUTES - JULY 2002

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Association held in July 2002 at the Best Western on Smokey Park Highway.  Should you have any questions, comments or corrections, please contact Bridget Downey, our Chapter Secretary.

BUSINESS MEETING: 
Chapter President Terry Clark, SPHR opened the meeting and welcomed new members and guests.

Featured Vendor:
Frank Pomeroy introduced Jon Cobin and Mike Jones of The Buyer’s Agent of Asheville.  This business is focused on showing prospective homebuyers available properties with an unbiased eye.  They present a seminar monthly at the library entitled, “How to Buy a House in the Asheville Market.”  They will also present this class at no expense for employees. 

July Program Presentation: 
Susan Thompson, Programs Chairperson, introduced Bob Boyd, the Director of Occupation Health for the Sisters of Mercy.  He presented updates on OSHA and Ergonomics.  Those who did not receive handouts on OSHA Reporting Requirements, the proposed Safety and Health Program Rule, and the proposed Ergonomics Standard will be able to pick them up at the next meeting.

 Mr. Boyd noted that he did not know everything about OSHA, but he does have many good sources for information.  One of the most useful is the OSHA web site: http://www.osha.gov   The site contains extensive information and links to other useful sites.

 A new OSHA proposal would require all employers (even those with less than 10 employees) to have:
            Safety Plan
            Safety Leader
            Documented Employee Input
            Hazard Assessment
            Safety committee

Mr. Boyd recommends that every business have a contingency plan with a spokesperson designated in advance to deal with emergencies. 

New standards are being developed for recording hearing loss.  These are more stringent than the previous standards.  The focus is on reducing hearing loss, not on accountability.

 Although the Ergonomic Standard was not adopted, new industry-specific guidelines are being developed.  Mr. Boyd suggests the OSHA web site for information on your organization’s industry.  Compliance on these guidelines will be via the General Duty Clause.

Chapter Announcements:

The WNC Human Resources Association’s fall meeting will feature a full-day workshop on a variety of topics.  Discounted rates are available for early registration.

The NC State SHRM conference begins Wednesday October 16.  There are several other events in town on that date, so it is important to make hotel reservations early.

On September 6 there will be a golf tournament at Kenmure to benefit Work First.  More information will be sent as the date approaches.

Carol Rovello is looking for contact people for each section of the newsletter:
            Legal Update
            Career Connection
            Member News
            Timely Issues
            FAQs
            New Sections
            Upcoming Events

Carol is open to member suggestions for content.  All member contributions are welcomed.

Rick Cupp is working with the EPICS group through the Employment Security Commission.  Unemployed professionals meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of each month.  Staff being downsized can be sent to help in outplacement.  The monthly flyer that is distributed at each of our meetings is a good source of professional staff.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.