The Leader Winter 2018 - Women in Safety

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1, WINTER 2018INWOSAMFEENTY

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LTHEEADER CONTENTSVOL 5. ISSUE 1 WINTER 2018features12 Attending the 2 0 Personal Protection 22 A History of Energy Executive Equipment for Powerful Women inWomen’s Program Women: Hot Stuff™ Construction Safetywear LaunchesRecently, I had the opportunity to travel First Collection In the construction industry, it’s safe toto Roberts, LA, to spend a week at the say that women are underrepresented.Shell Robert Training and Conference Hot Stuff™ Safetywear, an upscale Even when compared to traditionallyCenter (RTCC). This state-of-the-art brand of Flame-Resistant Clothing male-dominated sectors, women havefacility is situated on 35 private acres, (FRC), has launched its first collection of yet to break through in many areassurrounded by woods, located in the jumpsuits and separates in the United of construction. Just nine percent ofheart of the Gulf-South region between States. The brand is poised to disrupt the United States construction workersBaton Rouge and New Orleans, LA. Every male-dominated safetywear space, an are female. I find it disturbing that asyear, thousands of men and women industry unreflective of the changing an industry we miss out on this hugecome to the Shell Robert Training Center STEM demographic. Founded by Jaime pool of talent. Let’s look back onto prepare themselves for the ever- Glas, a Petroleum Engineer out of Austin, some of the powerful women in historyincreasing challenges of working in oil and TX, Hot Stuff™ offers safe, comfortable, that helped to pave the way for thegas operations. My invitation to this facility functional and flattering FRC options for women today who want to be givenhad a very different purpose. I was one women, a rarity in the market. Hot Stuff™ a chance.of thirty women business owners invited to Safetywear uses current fashion trendsthe facility to attend the inaugural Energy with hopes to revolutionize the image ofExecutive Women’s Program underwritten personal protective apparel for the nextby Shell Oil Company. generation of working women.16 A Woman in Safety Every woman who chooses safetyas their profession has their own storyto tell. As a young girl in the Midwest, Igrew up hearing my mom and relativestalk about how her father tragicallydied in a farming equipment accident,and this impacted me for life. Mygrandmother not only lost her husband,but it cost them the family farm and herway of life as she knew it. The woundsfrom this single incident ran deep forgenerations, not only with the family, butin the community.4 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

features continued www.vpppa.org24 Working Extra Hard to 30 VPP Journey: VPPPA National Board of Directors Get Women Involved Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico ChairpersonA safety footwear brand from Europe is Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Groupplaying a key role in attracting women How did our VPP journey start? Into the construction and industrial sectors November 2013, Marine Corps Installations Vice Chairpersonstarting feet first. A commitment to Command, our higher headquarters, Rob Henson, LyondellBasellencouraging gender equality amongst provided guidance that all Marine Corpsthe workplace starts with specialist safety Installations shall establish a command- Treasurerequipment being available to the female wide hazard reduction culture through Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratoryworkforce in women’s sizes. Working a robust and comprehensive Safety andalongside diversity champion, building Occupational Health Management Secretarysurveyor and former Miss England System that would reduce injuries, illnesses Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LPfinalist, Sophie Lydia Smith, European and mishaps. The guidance continued tosafety footwear label, Amblers Safety, establish that VPP would be the tool used Director from a Site With a Collectivehave committed to increasing their PPE to reach this lofty goal. As the Installation Bargaining Agentoffering to women in the workplace. This Safety Manager, my initial reaction was, Don Johnson, Phillips 66comes as a key move to ensure that “Are you kidding me?”women do not feel out of place and Director from a Site Without a Collectiveinfluence diversity in the long term. Look for these topics highlighted in the Bargaining Agent top right corner of each section. Richard McConnell, Austin Industrial28 Goal Setting for at LyondellBasell Safety Professionals G overnment Director from a DOE-VPP SiteWhen I first started in safety, I had M embership Stacy Thursby, AECOMa lot of questions that my researchdidn’t answer. I wanted to understand H ealth Director from a VPP Contractor/how to apply what I had learned in Construction Sitethe workplace, and sometimes that Business Jamie Robey, CSP, SGE, The Brock Groupmeant asking what might have beenperceived as a “dumb” question. I was Outreach Director-at-Largeseeking a safe place to ask questions J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , Raytheonand understand the safety industry. Technical Services Company LLCsections Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGEGLOBAL SAFETY AND 6 Cintas Corporation HEALTH WATCH Director-at-LargeVPP JOURNEY 30 Kimberly Watson, SouthwireMEMBERSHIP CORNER 32 Director-at-Large Carey West, The Mundy CompaniesINFOGRAPHIC CORNER 36 Director-at-LargeFEATURED PRODUCTS 37 Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation CompanySTATE-PLAN MONITOR 38 Director-at-LargeVPPPA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS 42 Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell InternationalCALENDAR OF EVENTS 47 Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. Editorial Mission The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600-E Leesburg Pike • Ste. 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities.vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 5

global safety and health watchThe Gender Pay Gap Around the Globe BY JAMIE MITCHELL, 2016, women working full time in the United and 2016 reveals that women are expected to COMMUNICATIONS States were paid 80 percent of what their male reach pay equity with men in 2059. However, COORDINATOR, VPPPA, INC. counterparts were paid. (For this article, we the rate of change has slowed since 2001, will use the rounded 80 percent figure.) and if we follow that rate of change women D epending on which article you read, will not reach pay equity with men until the statistics vary. Whether the report But why is there a gender pay gap, and 2119. When referencing the gender pay gap, reads women get paid 80 percent how did it come to be this way? To simplify we most often use the numbers referring to of what men make, 77 percent, 79 percent, it significantly, it is a multifaceted matter that full-time workers. However, according to 80.5 percent, or another variation—the issue combines family care, negotiating skills and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research exists. Measuring average earnings using employer biases. (IWPR), “if part-time and part-year workers hourly, weekly, annual or other methods of were included, the ratios of women’s to men’s gathering the data again produce slightly On average, the pay gap is narrowing, earnings would be even lower, as women different numbers. However, the typical pay however slowly. The U.S. Equal Pay Act are more likely than men to work reduced gap is around 20 percent, and varies even more became law in 1963, when women earned schedules, often in order to manage unpaid between races. According to the American an average of 54 cents for every dollar a man childrearing and other caregiving work.” Association of University Women (AAUW), did. As wages for women increase over time, a gender equity advocacy organization, in we are getting closer to equal pay for equal Years of inequality prove that the gender pay work, but it will not be totally equal any gap is hard to close. Are all workplaces guilty of6 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 time soon. The rate of change between 1960 vpppa.org

practicing gender biases and/or paying women bias and stereotyping can lead to the exclusively by men. Yet, some industries, likeless? Of course not. Yet, the 20 percent pay gap pay gap. Unfortunately, this is often not construction, still lack significant progress inis a significant enough average that needs to even a conscious decision or intended by occupational segregation.keep decreasing. employers. A Glassdoor study found that despite the federal law requiring men and The Pay Gap by RaceContributing Factors women to be paid the same for equal work, & Internationally researchers found that men still madeOlivia Mitchell, the director of the pension about 5.4 percent more in base pay than In the aforementioned report by the IWPR,research council at the Wharton School their female counterparts, and 7.4 percent “Black and Hispanic workers of both sexesof the University of Pennsylvania, believes more in overall compensation. Deep- earn considerably less than White and Asianthat the three main contributors toward rooted gender discrimination throughout workers; as a result, the gender earnings ratiothe pay gap include: the motherhood the world perpetuates the pay gap, as well based on earnings of men of the same race orpenalty, women’s lack of negotiating skills as occupational segregation and fewer ethnicity is higher than the ratio for womenand the bias women face from employers. leadership opportunities for women. of all races considered together, meaning theResearch shows that women often suffer However, women’s progress in education within-race gaps are narrower.” Between Whiteconsequences for becoming mothers. In a have helped to narrow the pay gap in more men and women, the pay gap is narrower thanFortune article by Madeline Farber, it states recent years, as many women are moving it is between White men and women of color.that about 39 percent of women report to into occupations previously done almost For example, the IWPR notes that “Hispanichave taken significant time off work aftergiving birth. This decision usually results THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 7in these women earning an average of sevenpercent less per child compared to childlesswomen. However, for men, the oppositeis true. New fathers typically receive a paybump after their child is born. Accordingto a study done by the Harvard KennedySchool, fathers were also offered a higherstarting salary than childless men. Womenare increasingly contributing or becomingthe breadwinners in many homes. In theAAUW’s 2017 report about the genderpay gap it notes, “Between 1967 and 2012the proportion of mothers bringing homeat least a quarter of the family’s earningsrose from less than a third (28 percent) tonearly two-thirds (63 percent). Today, 42percent of mothers with children underthe age of 18 are their families’ primary orsole breadwinners. As families increasinglyrely on women’s wages to make ends meet,the gender pay gap directly affects men andchildren as well.” In addition, research also shows thatwomen are less likely to negotiate theirsalary than men, and a lack of confidenceor guidance can be the reason. Negotiationspossibly present a socially awkwardor difficult situation, so many peoplehesitate to advocate for themselves, oravoid it completely. Finally, employervpppa.org

global safety and health watch Today, 42 percent of women will have to wait until 2233 and Black pay gap by increasing women’s levels of pay mothers with children women will wait until 2124 for equal pay.” to those of men could cut the poverty rate under the age of 18 are for working women in half.” In addition, a their families’ primary Overall, women earn less than men in regression analysis of federal data by the IWPR or sole breadwinners. every country around the globe. In 2015, discovered that “equal pay would cut poverty New Zealand had the smallest pay gap, and among working women and their families by8 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 women still earned five percent less than more than half and add $513 billion to the men. It is estimated by the World Economic national economy.” Forum (WEF) that it will take 170 years to close the gender pay gap around the world. Women make up nearly half of the U.S. According to Business Insider, “In the U.K., labor force, and are also taking on positions female managers earn £12,000 less than their and working in fields that have been male counterparts, according to new research traditionally male-dominated more than published in September.” Using data from ever before. Building a strong economy can the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender be accomplished by utilizing the talents of Gap report, which compares attitudes towards everyone willing to do the work. Numerous gender equality around the world, Business advocacy groups, employers and passionate Insider also pulled together a list of the individuals are all pushing for equal pay countries with the largest pay gaps. The report among men and women. While the pay gap discussed the following: will not be closed overnight, and there is still work to do, strides have been made in many “The WEF surveyed men and women workplaces around the world toward equality, in 135 countries on the extent to which diversity and inclusivity. wages for women are equal to those of men in their country, asking them to use Resources: a scale of one to seven. Seven indicated a fully equal salary—thus a non-existent 1. www.weforum.org/reports/the-global- pay gap—while one declared that pay gender-gap-report-2017 was not at all equal, with a woman’s pay totaling significantly less than a man’s in 2. www.businessinsider.com/countries-with-the- a similar job role. Rwanda ranked first in biggest-gender-pay-gap-2016-3 the world for residents’ opinions towards the gender pay gap, scoring 6.14 out of 3. www.businessinsider.com/countries-with-the- seven. The U.K. came 41st out of the biggest-gender-pay-gaps-2017-10 135 participating countries, scoring 4.72, while the U.S. scored 4.57, coming in at 4. fortune.com/2017/04/03/equal-pay-day- 66th place.” 2017-wage-gap/ Long-Term Results & the Future 5. iwpr.org/issue/employment-education- economic-change/pay-equity- The AAUW’s 2017 report also reflects on discrimination/ the long-term results of the pay gap on both women and the economy. The report states, 6. iwpr.org/publications/five-ways-to-win-an- “The gender pay gap has lifelong financial argument-about-the-gender-wage-gap/ effects. For one, it contributes directly to women’s poverty. In 2016, 13 percent of 7. www.aauw.org/aauw_check/pdf_do American women ages 18–64 were living wnload/show_pdf.php?file=The-Simple-Truth below the federal poverty level, compared with 10 percent of men. For ages 65 and older, 8. www.aauw.org/research/the-simple-truth- 11 percent of women and 8 percent of men about-the-gender-pay-gap/ were living in poverty. Eliminating the gender 9. www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat39.htm 10. www.catalyst.org/knowledge/women- male-dominated-industries-and- occupations#footnote15_5b1wlum 11. www.catalyst.org/knowledge/women-male- dominated-industries-and-occupations 12. gap.hks.harvard.edu/getting-job-there- motherhood-penalty 13. www.glassdoor.com/research/studies/ gender-pay-gap/ vpppa.org



REGISTRATION ISOPENING SOONSave the DateAN INTEGRATED SAFETY &HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM PRESENTED BY VPPPA & TSHC August 28 – August 31, 2018 Gaylord Opryland Convention Center Nashville, TN www.vpppa.org/symposium #VPPPA2018 | #TSHC2018

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EPWXREEOOCNMGUAETTREETRNDNAIIGNVGM’TSYEHE Michele Adams, President of Safety Pros, a 30-year-long VPPPA member company, discusses her experience during the Energy Executive Women’s Program for the Oil, Gas and Energy Industry.12 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel behavior is definitely top of mind for all EHS Pictured above: During the WBENC Executive to Roberts, LA, to spend a week at the professionals. Their industry knowledge proved Training Program, the women were given a tour Shell Robert Training and Conference to be very thought-provoking as to how I could of the facility. Center (RTCC). This state-of-the-art facility tailor the safety recognition programs my is situated on 35 private acres, surrounded company, Safety Pros, provides the oil, gas and THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 by woods, located in the heart of the Gulf- energy industries. South region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA. Every year, thousands of men For over 30 years, Safety Pros, has helped and women come to the Shell Robert Training customers achieve their safety goals and create Center to prepare themselves for the ever- safer, healthier work environments. Our increasing challenges of working in oil and gas personalized service and dedication to creating operations. Opened initially to handle training and promoting successful safety programs and development for Shell’s domestic operating has helped our customers build strong safety staff, the Center has long since become an cultures within their organizations. Hearing important training resource for the industry on from professionals working in the oil, gas a global scale. It holds labs that are equipped and energy industries and discussing their with the same control rooms, electrical panels, challenges and their initiatives was valuable instruments, blow out preventers, subsea information that can help shape the products control system, computer networks and other and services offered by my company. drilling and production equipment that students must deal with on the job. The success of a safety recognition program is My invitation to this facility had a very reliant on its implementation. different purpose. I was one of thirty women business owners invited to attend the At Safety Pros, we help organizations inaugural Energy Executive Women’s Program implement safety recognition programs focused underwritten by Shell Oil Company. on improving safety culture and reducing workplace accidents. Our programs focus on The program was a week-long, immersive safety behavior and create a collaborative, executive educational experience focusing problem-solving approach involving both on the energy, oil and gas industry to management and employees in identifying drive development of Women’s Business critical sets of safe and unsafe behaviors. This Enterprise (WBE) leaders within the energy allows for the creation of incentives for the industry supply chain. The WBENC Energy specific behaviors, or sets of behaviors, that Executive Program focused on increasing prevent accidents from occurring on the job. the competitive advantage, capabilities and strategy development of women as leaders The success of a safety recognition program in the industry. This program supports the is reliant on its implementation. Occupational evolution of diversity and inclusion strategies health and safety research suggests that safety among major energy, oil and gas companies, programs are most effective at increasing and further shows the commitment toward safety behaviors long-term and reducing impacting the long-term success of diverse workplace safety incidents if they serve to businesses that are critical to the global energy reinforce an organization’s climate of safety supply chains. and are designed to proactively recognize and reward desirable safety behaviors. Successful Upon my arrival to the facility, I was safety recognition programs are built from the presented with my Program Playbook and felt following elements: exhausted just thinking about the week ahead. The Playbook included a grueling schedule 1. Structure: Having clearly defined safety that started every morning at 8:00 A.M. and goals and a plan for reinforcing these goals is continued late into the evening. In addition pertinent to shaping employee behavior and to my schedule, my Playbook included adopting the safety program from the start. impressive bios of the panelists and speakers, which included executives from the program’s 2. Reinforcement: To reinforce safety sponsoring companies such as Shell, Exxon behaviors and continued progression toward Mobil, BP and Chevron. safety goals, feedback is essential. Feedback lets employees know how well they are Safety culture is a top priority to these progressing toward and achieving their safety industry leaders and being able to track, measure, report and reward employee safety 13 vpppa.org

Pictured above: An oil rig simulator. goals, allowing them to adjust their efforts to of oilrig and process operations. All executive14 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 meet those goals. topics where based on how they related 3. Recognition and Rewards: Before to the energy industry and used Women’s distributing recognition, prizes and other Business Owner’s actual business experience rewards, be sure these incentives are in exercises where applicable. I feel attending paired with a consistent set of behavioral and investing in educating myself on this contingencies. Employees should know what industry will increase my competitive is expected of them before a reward can be advantage through strategy and offer me the given. For example, individual-level safety tools for success as a female business owner compliance might be rewarded with a small involved in safety and health. prize or a note card, while unit-level safety compliance might be rewarded with a plaque At the end of the week I was exhilarated that is displayed in their department. rather than exhausted. 4. Communication and Promotion: A successful safety recognition program To learn more about the Energy Executive is one that is promoted throughout the Women’s Program, visit their website: http:// organization. Supervisors and human www.wbenc.org/energy-executive-program/. resources personnel should strive to share program goals, highlights and featured For over 30 years, Michele incentives with every department of Adams has been helping her the organization. clients with brand recognition 5. Program Tracking & Evaluation: All and people recognition initiatives. aspects of the safety incentives program Michele is President of Proforma should be regularly monitored and evaluated Global Sourcing. Proforma for effectiveness and to ensure program goals Global Sourcing is one of 720 franchise offices are being achieved and to identify possible in the United States. With a combined $450M in problem areas that can be improved upon. annual sales, Proforma is ranked number one in distributor print and promotional products sales. At the Energy Executive Women’s Program Michele’s Proforma franchise is a member of the I was ecstatic to be among other women Million Dollar Club, a distinction only 60 offices who worked in safety and health. There were have obtained. She has proudly worked with UPS, extensive opportunities to network with Bacardi USA and Ryder Systems, Inc., providing peer attendees. Conversations led to many e-commerce solutions for promotional products discussions about joining forces and succeeding and document management programs. together for years to come. Being able to share In January of 2012, Michele acquired Levy my ideas and learn more about the gas, oil and Marketing + Awards (LMA) in Tampa, FL. LMA energy industry’s needs was truly eye opening. designs and manufactures custom awards and has It was an opportunity to learn how different been “Innovating the Art of Recognition” since organizations implement safety recognition 1960 through the creative design and development programs and share with them how my of awards. Through this acquisition, Michele was company is able to help. able to expand her ecommerce solutions to include employee recognition programs. LMA works with In addition to the networking with many companies in North America with custom executives at the oil and gas companies, solutions for employee recognition such as Best we were taught an intensive curriculum by Buy, Ricoh USA and New York Life. industry experts and professors from the To add to her portfolio, in 2014, Michele University of Texas, McCombs School of acquired Safety Pros, which specializes in Safety Business. We had the opportunity to learn Incentive Awards. As members of VPPPA for topics that directly affect the gas, oil and energy 30 years, this company has established a strong industry. A few of the topics included: reputation as experts in the safety incentive industry. Working with her IT team, she was • Business Strategy able to develop comprehensive online safety • Marketing incentive programs for clients like Phillips 66 • Finance and Mueller to name a few. • Effective Negotiations Michele is a member of Women’s Business • Introduction to Energy Enterprises National Council (WBENC), Voluntary Protection Programs Participants One of the most exciting parts of the Association (VPPPA) and serves as a board program was the immersive facility tour with member for the American Breast Cancer hands-on exercises and real-life simulations Foundation (ABCF). vpppa.org

AN INTEGRATED SAFETY &HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM PRESENTED BY VPPPA & TSHC August 28 – August 31, 2018 Gaylord Opryland Convention CenterSYMPOSIUM AGENDA Nashville, TN www.vpppa.org/symposium #VPPPA2018 | #TSHC2018Monday, August 27, 2018— Wednesday, August 29, 2018Pre-Symposium Day 7:00 am–4:00 pm  RegistrationObtain Additional CEUs 8:00 am–9:00 am  Workshops7:00 am–3:00 pm  Registration 9:00 am–3:30 pm  Exhibit Hall Open8:00 am–5:00 pm  Pre-Symposium Workshops 10:30 am–11:30 am Workshops 11:30 am–1:00 pm  LunchTuesday, August 28, 2018 1:00 pm–2:00 pm  WorkshopsSymposium’s Official 1st Day 3:00 pm–4:00 pm  Workshops7:00 am–5:00 pm  Registration7:00 am–8:30 am  Labor & Management Open Thursday, August 30, 2018 8:00 am–4:00 pm  Registration Forum 8:30 am–9:30 am  Workshops7:30 am–8:00 am  Member Services Workshop 9:30 am–1:30 pm  Exhibit Hall Open8:00 am–8:30 am  First Timer’s Workshop 11:00 am–12:00 pm  Workshops8:30 am–9:00 am  Mobile App Demonstration 12:00 pm–1:30 pm  Lunch9:15 am–10:00 am  Annual Meeting of 1:30 pm–2:30 pm  Workshops 2:30 pm–3:00 pm  Afternoon Break the Membership 3:00 pm–4:00 pm  Workshops10:15 am–12:30 pm  Opening General Session Part 1 6:00 pm–9:00 pm  Casino Night Reception12:30 pm–1:30 pm  Lunch2:00 pm–3:30 pm  Opening General Session Part 2 Friday, August 31, 20184:00 pm–5:30 pm  Regional Networking Meetings 8:00 am–10:00 am  Registration6:00 pm–8:00 pm  Grand Opening of 8:30 am–9:30 am  Workshops 9:45 am–10:45 am  Workshops Exhibit Hall & Reception 11:00 am–12:30 pm  Closing General Session For more details on workshops, please visit our Keynote Speaker: Jim Morris website: www.vpppa.org/symposium

BY BRENDA WIEDERKEHRVICE PRESIDENT, ACCESS HEALTH SYSTEMS &OWNER OF ACCESS COMPLIANCEIANWSAOFMEATYNIt would be safe to say when I was growing up in the small Midwestern town of Taylorville, IL, youwould have called me a tomboy. I was more inclined to be out in the fields, riding tractors or dirt bikesand hanging with the boys shooting guns. I’ve been away from Taylorville for many years, but mylegacy lives on. I was a bit of a wild child, free spirit in my day. I still have a lot of Taylorville in me andalways will. “You can take the girl out of the country but not the country from the girl.”I left Taylorville after graduation because not only in the Army, but in life. While my in the workplace, including the prevention I wanted more. It was time to spread my spouse and I continued to serve in the reserves, and treatment of work-related diseases and wings. As a young woman, just out of high my first child was born. With the turbulence work-related injuries. The owner, Dr. Warren school, the United States Army was my ticket to overseas, it would have been very hard for Silverman, believes strongly that the best a new and exciting world. If the boys could do both of us to serve as soldiers and provide the way to protect workers and reduce workplace it, I figured I could do it too, earning money for parental care needed for our new son. I made injuries is through prevention. Rather than my education, camping, shooting and making the decision at that time to finish out my term treating battered bodies, the focus must be on a living, all while experiencing life and serving and focus on a new career. training and the implementation of controls. my country. I enlisted and in six short months, I Training was a key element and driving force in found myself in Fort Hood, TX. In August of 1992, while making this my military career. As such, this approach for transition from active duty to the reserves, me was crystal clear. I love my country and consider it a privilege I started a new position with Access Health to have served. My final position/duty in Systems (AHS). AHS was, and is, a full service One day, Dr. Silverman suggested that I the Army was as a training and operations occupational health clinic. Occupational get more involved in the safety community. I non-commissioned officer (NCO). The time medicine was a relatively new field of medicine jumped in head first. I began setting up safety I spent in the service helped develop tools dating back to the early 1960s. Its focus has education programs, working first with a Federal and leadership skills that have served me well, primarily been with the maintenance of health Health and Safety Council, and then through16 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 17

“You can take the girl out of the country cost them the family farm and her way of life asbut not the country from the girl.” she knew it. She had to raise a daughter alone in the 1950s when there were no programs toother local and national safety councils. I shook Today Access Compliance is a woman and help single parents. She was a strong woman,a lot of hands, listened to a lot of stories and veteran owned company, a full-service risk and started her life over with my mother, hadtook advantage of every training opportunity management company specializing in safety to get a job outside the home and workedthat came my way. I got the safety bug and I was training, regulatory compliance and industrial her way up through positions at a nearbyhooked. After all, I spent more than 12 years hygiene. We supply safety professionals to hospital, where she retired after 35 years. Thekeeping the troops safe while they trained and companies that need them, for both short-term wounds from this single incident ran deep forperformed their duties. and long-term projects. We offer a full range generations, not only with the family, but in of safety training services. Examples include the community. After attending a Federal Safety Council confined space, fall protection, silica andEducational Program, Dr. Silverman encouraged respiratory protection, to name a few. We offer At Access Health Systems I have seenme to reach out to the OSHA Area Director to onsite consultative services, gap analysis and first-hand the carnage left behind from asee if we could help revitalize the local chapter. written program development. We are growing, preventable work-related incident. Seldom areI didn’t know it at the time, but this was the and plan to keep growing as long as there are people made whole afterward. Statistics showcatalyst that sparked our journey to pursue the employees to keep safe. that there are 12 to 13 people who die everyVoluntary Protection Program (VPP). There had day as a result of a workplace accident. Annever been an outpatient medical practice in this When I was asked to write about women in estimated 50,000 people will die as a result ofprogram. By 2003, our company, Access Health safety, I thought about what I should say. My long-term exposure to workplace hazards. ThisSystems, was celebrating the achievement of Star Dad would have thought that going out on an is simply unacceptable. The good news is thatstatus. I surrounded myself with great people industrial site with a hard hat and steel-toed most accidents are preventable, if you have aand I was blessed with an incredible team. shoes, hearing and vision protection is working plan. I believe we can all make a difference.During that time, I also went back to college in in a man’s world, with testosterone, sweat andthe evenings and earned my bachelor’s degree danger. But just like riding those dirt bikes, or In my opinion, what makes safety a greatfrom Siena College. grunting in the Army, he and my Mom were, field for women is that, in general, women and would be, proud of me because I am still care about details, organization, following the After completing my degree, I was motivated out there keeping our men and women safe. rules and achieving perfection. The safety fieldto grow the safety side of the business. My folks gave me roots and wings and I flew provides an excellent method of combining theDr. Silverman had established a successful because of that. way we are wired into a great venue for helpingoccupational health practice in the early 1980s others in a much broader manner.and was an invaluable resource. I valued his Every woman who chooses safety as ajudgment and asked for guidance in pursuing profession has their own story to tell. As a Being a woman in this field is not easy.my dream of owning my own business, young girl in the Midwest I grew up hearing Working out in mud-filled trenches in thespecializing in safety and regulatory compliance. my mom and relatives talk about how her afternoon and then having to clean up, dressI took the safety company private in 2006, and father died tragically in a farming equipment up in a cocktail dress and makeup for an eventAccess Compliance, LLC was born. accident, and this impacted me for life. My that same night can be a challenge, however grandmother not only lost her husband, but it a manageable one. It is not unusual for our days to be filled with family, chauffeuring kids around, finding childcare or eldercare, keeping the house, etc. You have heard about all of that more than a few times, but it’s all true. For me, add writing proposals, helping companies across the country with their compliance issues, staffing jobs and a million other work tasks. Let’s just say, there is plenty on my plate. Here is the deal about women in safety. It is a field women can and should take an active part of, and can be successful in. We belong here. We do a great job. We work well with our male counterparts and add our own unique perspectives to a team tasked with keeping the workplace safe and the workers healthy. If you have a female safety professional on your team, you are fortunate. If you don’t, you should hire one. Brenda Wiederkehr, CSC, has been a VPPPA member since 2002 and is currently the Vice President at Access Health Systems, the owner of Access Compliance and the VPPPA Region II Chairperson.18 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

Brenda Wiederkehr, CSC Owner Access Compliance, LLCWorking with Employers to Advance a “Culture” of Safety and Compliance in the Workplace Proud to be certified in New York State as a Women’s Business Enterprise and the National Women’s Business Enterprise. NYSWBE #53310 NWBEC #2005121673Access Compliance is a full service agency devoted to assisting the safety and health programs of all entities involved in commerce to provide a safe and healthy environment for their employees.Veteran Owned Business For information about our services call: 1-800-732-8004 [email protected]

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BY JAIME GLAS FOUNDER OF HOT STUFF™ SAFETYWEARPersonal Protection Equipmentmade for working women by working women Hot Stuff™ Safetywear is an upscale brand of Flame-Resistant Clothing (FRC) made for working women by working women. It is our mission to design safe, comfortable, functional, and stylish FRC that is flattering for all female forms. Contact us today forFOR WOMENdistribution and/or partnership opportunities. Launches First CollectionLike. Follow. Share. w hotstuffsafetywear.com @hotstuffsafetywear @hotstuffsafetywearHot Stuff™ Safetywear, an upscale brand of Flame-Resistant Clothing (FRC), has launched its first collection ofjumpsuits and separates in the United States. The brand is poised to disrupt the male-dominated safetywearspace, an industry unreflective of the changing STEM demographic.F ounded by Jaime Glas, a Petroleum It was frustrating to see the limited options Safetywear welcomes distribution and partnership Engineer out of Austin, TX, Hot Stuff™ I had, and I never felt my best while in the opportunities. Ranging in retail price from $180 offers safe, comfortable, functional and field. Growing up, I always had two diverging to $200, the line is ready to transform the FRC flattering FRC options for women, a rarity in interests: fashion and math. While I chose to market, elevating expectations for women’s the market. Hot Stuff™ Safetywear uses current follow my love of math into engineering, I didn’t workwear along the way. fashion trends with hopes to revolutionize the understand why I needed to sacrifice my love of image of personal protective apparel for the clothes, my personal expression, at work.” Jaime Glas graduated from Louisiana State next generation of working women. University in 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in Hot Stuff™ offers women, for the first time, petroleum engineering and international trade “From the instant I suited up in my first pair an assortment of styles to call their own. While and finance and a minor in Chinese culture of flame-resistant coveralls at Chevron in 2010, safety and comfort are at the core of each and commerce. She interned three summers I knew there had to be a better option,” recalls item, the line is feminine, modern and full of during college with Chevron in Bakersfield, Glas. “I was immediately determined to design personality. Each style in the line is named for CA, and Houston, TX, then went to work full a better coverall option—ones made with a fellow female engineer that has inspired Glas time as a Production Engineer for Chevron’s women in mind.” along the way in her career. Carthage field in East Texas. She held multiple other positions in Chevron’s Mid-Continent For those in traditionally male-dominated “Most importantly,” Glas finishes, “I made this Business Unit during her four years with the industries where FRC clothing is a mandate, brand to help build the confidence of the women company. In August 2016, Jaime moved to like in the oil and gas industry, for Glas, I work with every day and to show younger Austin, TX, to pursue a Reservoir Engineering options for women are limited. Most resort to women there’s absolutely nothing that needs to be position with Permian-focused Parsley Energy. purchasing men’s apparel—finding themselves sacrificed when entering the STEM fields.” It was then that Jaime began to make strides in left wearing ill-fitting and uncomfortable her development of Hot Stuff Safetywear and clothing during their work day. Currently, Collection 1 can be purchased ultimately launch the company. online at hotstuffsafetywear.com. This gives Glas continues, “The unshapely clothing, buyers the option to buy The Free Suit, The beyond being a safety hazard, was awkward. Fever Suit and The Flex Suit. Hot Stuff™vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 21

BY MATT LUMANEHS PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER, 360TRAINING.COMPA OHIWSTEORRYFoUf LWOMENin Construction22 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

In the construction industry, it’s safe to say that women are underrepresented. Even when compared totraditionally male-dominated sectors, women have yet to break through in many areas of construction. Just ninepercent of United States construction workers are female. I find it disturbing that as an industry we miss out on thishuge pool of talent. Let’s look back on some of the powerful women in history that helped to pave the way for thewomen today who want to be given a chance.Emily Roebline (1834–1903) Frances Perkins (1880–1965) Who is an important woman in your life? No doubt we all can think of many. NeverThe first woman field engineer is credited for Frances Perkins was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s underestimate their influence and reach. Ither role in the completion of the Brooklyn Secretary of Labor and the first woman to serve would be a loss on any business to countBridge. She took on the project after her as cabinet secretary. This self-made woman them out. So, lift up, trust and empower thehusband, who was leading the project, became credits her grandmother for her power, and women in your life to keep pushing through.bed-ridden from developing caisson disease. is quoted saying “being a woman has only For construction, the jobs are there. Get theShe was the supervisor and took over the bothered me in climbing trees.” She never let training and get to work!planning. Upon completion, she was named anything stop her from pushing for benefits foras the Chief Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. the construction industry. She defended the Matt Luman is an EHS Product MarketingHer work in this highly technical engineering minimum wage and helped develop the Fair Manager at 360Training.com. He is an OSHA-feat helped to foster empowerment for women Labor Standards Act. Her work in government authorized Outreach Trainer for Generalthat they could perform in areas outside of the illustrated a determination not only to break Industry and Construction. Prior to coming onfactories that were common in those days. new ground, but excel at her endeavors. board with the team, Matt worked for many years in the Oil and Gas Industry, spanningMary Kenney O’Sullivan Kris Young numerous sectors. He’s done everything he(1864–1943) could in the industry, from washing trucks to Working her way through the ranks of the developing EHS management systems. As EHSThis American labor leader worked tirelessly Associated General Contractors of America, Product Marketing Manager, he is focused onto improve factory conditions through the Kris Young served as President of the creating lifelong industry learners.organization of unions. Starting out in the organization in 2011. In her Iowa chapter,1800s as an apprentice dressmaker, she took she started as Treasurer in 1992 and workedher distaste for the bad conditions in factories to become President of the chapter, a titleto eventually become the founder of the she held for many years. She was also theWomen’s Trade Union League. She brought President and CEO of Miller the Driller intogether professional, affluent and working Des Moines, IA. Young is one woman we canwomen to improve conditions for women say juggles it all. She has a strong connectionin factories. She was a factory inspector in to her church, engages in hobbies likea government branch from 1914 until she gardening and scrapbooking, and continuesretired in 1934. Her work in unions has helped to push for employee rights with her work inwomen in construction to this day find support many committees such as the Labor Policyand representation. Committee and the EEO/DBE Advisory Council. She has over 40 years in the business.Lillian Gilbreth (1878–1972) Who is an importantKnown as the woman of modern woman in your life?...management, Lillian Gilbreth had the Never underestimateeducation, the career and 12 children of their influence and reach.her own. Gilbreth applied herself to a It would be a loss on anyscientific approach to workplace efficiency business to count them out.and management. She was a governmentconsultant during the Great Depression andWWII, able to apply creative solutions tocomplex problems. She invented shelving inrefrigerator doors and the foot-pedal garbagecan. For construction, her application ofscience to the workplace streamlined processesand helped increase productivity.vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 23

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WORKINGGET WOMENEXTRA HARD TOINVOLVEDA safety footwear brand from Europe is playing a key role in attractingwomen to the construction and industrial sectors starting feet first. Acommitment to encouraging gender equality amongst the workplacestarts with specialist safety equipment being available to the femaleworkforce in women’s sizes. Working alongside diversity champion,building surveyor and former Miss England finalist, Sophie LydiaSmith, European safety footwear label, Amblers Safety, havecommitted to increasing their PPE offering to women in the workplace.This comes as a key move to ensure that women do not feel out ofplace and influence diversity in the long term.vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 25

26 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 T he brand is leading the United Kingdom (U.K.) in women’s safety footwear with over 15 different safety footwear styles crafted in a dedicated women’s fit and a noteworthy offering of over 40 unisex workboots giving more choice and innovation. The collection meets Amblers Safety philosophies of “tough, working, comfort,” whilst remaining at an affordable price for the everyday worker. Amblers Safety is designed and distributed from the U.K. by wholesale group, Footsure Western Ltd. The team behind the brand worked closely with Smith to expand the current safety footwear range with a specific focus on women working in the construction and surveying environments. The introduction of the Amblers Safety FS706 Sophie work shoe and AS601C Lydia work boot has enabled Smith to embrace her ambition of inspiring more women into construction. With a decade’s experience in the surveying profession, diversity champion Smith recognized that there was and still is a real issue with the lack of women in the profession and has decided to do something about it to drive a change in the industry. Her contribution to this effort has been substantial including a weekly column, giving talks to schools, colleges, universities, as well as workplace professional trade shows and has had a number of national television appearances. Smith continuously challenges the “one-size-fits-all” approach to personal protective equipment in the industry to ensure people are made to feel welcome in the careers they choose. Smith says, “Chartered surveying is a globally recognized profession and we must ensure that it is open to all, whatever their background or gender. We are a proud industry, but have lagged behind others in terms of making the most diverse workforce. It is amazing how many men and women have approached me about possible career opportunities. I am very passionate about making the construction industry as accommodating to women as possible as we represent only 11 percent. I believe that by bringing out female- friendly safety shoes we can take another step further to achieving the objective of closing the gender gap. The shoes not only comply with European safety standards but they are stylish, comfortable and can be worn in the office as well as on site!” vpppa.org

Amblers Safety back the #notjustforboys social technology and infuse those concepts with style Amblers Safety offer a diverse range ofmedia campaign set by www.gov.uk in 2015 and functionality.” products including safety shoes and trainers,which is about raising awareness of the growing waterproof safety boots, welted boots, specialistopportunities to women in the U.K. and help About Amblers Safety foundry footwear, metal free footwear, ESDencourage more of them into underrepresented footwear, a catering and medical range andprofessions. By challenging the public’s image of Amblers Safety is a leading British safety ladies safety and protective shoes and boots.construction, women will gradually become more footwear brand that offers all-day comfortinterested in entering male-dominated sectors. with plenty of ruggedness. With over 30 Amblers Safety is built on an honest heritagePhotographs released from the label have given years of safety boot expertise, we know all to provide tough working comfort at a fair price.the industry a re-brand, with female models about protecting you at work in a stylish andproudly wearing the shoes on the job. This is a dependable way. Amblers Safety footwear is committed tocrucial step to ensure that women, as well as men, worksite excellence. All industrial footwear isare seen as the face of the building, construction Amblers Safety Footwear have stood for quality tested to be compliant in the latest EU standardsand industrial trades. and value in the retail and industrial distributive from authorized testing facilities such as SATRA trades for over three decades. Established in 1980, and receives certification in EN ISO20345 (safety Hayley Paget, Marketing Executive at the Amblers Safety footwear range has gone from footwear), EN ISO20346 (protective footwear)Footsure Western Ltd, European distributors strength to strength. With an ever expanding or EN ISO20347 (occupational footwear)of Amblers Safety says, “It’s been a real range of excellent safety footwear solutions—be standards. The International Organisation foropportunity for women to step forward it rigger boots, safety shoes or something with a Standardisation provides the standard for safetyand realize their ambitions in construction little more style to go with the functionality—you footwear in Europe. Manufacturing processes areand industrial sectors. With the Amblers would be hard-pressed to find a better range monitored to ensure that footwear is compliant toSafety brand I reach out to women who of safety footwear on the market at such an these standards.have important roles in engineering, science, affordable price.construction, agriculture, equine, transport, Website: www.amblerssafety.commedicine and stock rooms where safety Heritage Twitter: twitter.com/amblers_safetyfootwear is an essential part of the daily Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmblersSafetywardrobe. By providing individuals with the In the 1980s, the management team ofequipment they need to carry out their daily industrial footwear and workwear distributor Footsure Western Ltd is based on the outskirtstasks we are encouraging role models for the Footsure, saw a necessity in the U.K. marketnext generations.” for a quality comfort safety brand at value of Gloucester in Hardwicke. The company prices. Footsure (part of Gardiners’ group) Ben Gardiner, Buying Director at Footsure is built on generations of standards for was formed in 1980 following the Health andWestern Ltd says, “By expanding our product craftsmanship, durability and a reputation ofoffering we are taking Amblers Safety to new supplying dependable footwear to the trade and Safety Work Act of 1974, which provided amarkets and appeal to young professionals like in the 1980s formed its own brand of stylish,Sophie Lydia Smith. We’re very proud that our innovative safety designs named Amblers Steel framework for ensuring the health and safety ofsafety footwear label is recognized as having (later named Amblers Safety) to distribute to thea diverse brand portfolio with a large range construction, agricultural, contract and service all employees in any work activity. The companyoffering. Our ethos is to constantly explore industries. This is now a leading safety footwearnew ways to utilize and deliver the latest brand dedicated to providing hardwearing is owned and run by the Gardiner family, who footwear and consistent comfort to the wearer. set up their first company, Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd, as a traditional tannery in Gloucester in 1860, and is ranked the 28th oldest family firm in the southwest. Footsure Western Ltd distributes and supplies safety footwear and workwear to the industrial trades.vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 27

SEGTOTAINLG Alanna Ball, the founder FOR SAFETY of Women in Safety PROFESSIONALS (a safety website, blog and networking BY ALANNA BALL organization based in Australia—that now FOUNDER OF WOMEN IN SAFETY extends into New Zealand, the U.S. and28 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 the U.K.) shares her story of getting involved in the safety industry as well as some tips for setting goals when it comes to our careers. W hen I first started in safety, I had a lot of questions that my research didn’t answer. I wanted to understand how to apply what I had learned in the workplace, and sometimes that meant asking what might have been perceived as a “dumb” question. I was seeking a safe place to ask questions and understand the safety industry. After working with a recruitment agency to understand the profession and the city I was in (Brisbane, Australia), my recruitment mentor suggested starting a networking group. I had the passion for change, the voice to hopefully make a difference and the excitement to do it—so I did. I came up with the most imaginative name I could think of, “Women in Safety” and we have stuck by it ever since. My vision was to meet with a couple of people every month or two over coffee (or cocktails) to chat, ask questions and have a chance to meet new and engaging safety professionals. Fast forward nearly four years, and we have over 1,000 members across Australia and currently branching into New Zealand, the U.S. and the U.K. We run a number of events around Australia with the mission to celebrate our successes, learn from each other, ask all the vpppa.org

questions we need in a safe space and grow as work that sends us on a detour. Or, we find an interest in risk/governance sprinkled witha profession. Health and safety can be tough a little gem along the way and stop longer neuroscience/behavioral safety, causing me toand we often work in difficult industries with than we intended, changing the road we take ask; where does that leave me? To be honest, itentrenched cultures. We want to help change and our final destination. This parallels our leaves me in a position of too many questions.it but often we feel our efforts are wasted— personal and professional lives. What is my next career path, should I studycoming together as a community helps us in further, turn left or right?supporting one another and even might help The fork in the road gives us a momentus make changes and larger impacts on the to pause, re-consider the way forward and My recent readings have led me more andprofession as a whole. check where we want to go. It doesn’t matter more into goal setting and I wanted to share whether you are at the start of your career, just a couple of simple, yet effective, tips that I Women in Safety now has seven key mid-way through your career or nearing found helped me.values: Diversity, Conversation, Integrity, retirement, sometimes we need to take stockCollaboration, Resilience, Community and of where we are, what we have achieved and I am in a fortunate positionmost importantly—Fun. We want people to what we still want to achieve. The years fly by to have the Women inwalk into events (or reach out online) and feel and suddenly we are 10 years into our career Safety community thatwelcome, supported, trusted and able to speak without surfacing for air and trying to reflect includes members inspiringup. We know face to face networking can be on our own direction and if we ended up me daily with their owndaunting so creating an online community is where we expected. journeys. ...Our mainalso important to our brand. We don’t want career goals involveto take over professional organizations and the Recently, I started working with a mentor putting others first.work they do, we just want to offer a safe space who is helping me to reflect and to constructto chat, collaborate and learn. career goals. I have a rough idea of where I 1 Write goals that are about the would like to go but no plan in place to achieve journey, not the destination.On any roadtrip we are it. After discussions with the group, Women For example, my goals are not “save $1,000 inbound to find road work in Safety, and while developing personal and 2018,” it is more structured around “don’t buythat sends us on a detour. professional goals, I have found that at least lunch every day” and “put all coins away in aOr, we find a little gem having some solid written goals to work toward money jar”—and therefore, the journey notalong the way and stop keeps me focused and motivated to achieve the destination.longer than we intended, them. Am I perfect at it? No. Do I havechanging the road we take the “smart” goal in mind? Not always. I do, 2 Realistic goals are a must. I haveand our final destination. however, believe goal setting is a key part of any made some lofty, “pie in the sky,” typeThis parallels our personal personal or professional life to help us lead a goals in the past, and then really beat myself upand professional lives. happy and successful life. Goals help us get from when I didn’t achieve them. I have found that A to B and keep us focussed on what we aim the journey-based goals stop me from setting In saying that, all of this was not on my to achieve. As a professional I have changed my those huge, unrealistic goals.five-year plan, or any plan, to be honest. I had path so many times, both by choice, and alsoto learn to adjust, re-adjust and then adjust not by choice. As a result, I find myself in the 3 Find a buddy. A buddy can keepagain. For those who know me, they know midst of my career without taking a lot of time you accountable and on track with yourI love to plan and struggle when curve balls to set my short-, medium- and long-term goals. goals. If you have someone to answer to, youcome my way. However, I have had to learn to are more likely to stick to it.be accepting of change, a new plan and a new As a safety professional, I have spent sodestination. My career has had twists and turns much time reading and trying to stay ahead I am in a fortunate position to have theand if it was a map, I am sure it would show that I forgot to put a plan in place. During Women in Safety community that includessome straight lines, squiggly non-directional my career, I have seen shifts from the industry members inspiring me daily with their ownlines, zig zags or something entirely different. wanting generalist safety professionals, to journeys. I love that for most of us in the safetyIf you asked whether I had reached the niche skills, and back to generalist a number industry, our main career goals involve puttingdestination I had set out to achieve, I would of times. I consider myself a generalist with others first, and making sure our colleagues,likely tell you “no, I have not” and that I am friends and family members get home safelystill unsure of my overall destination. at the end of each day. It is a selfless job, and for me, is part of the reason I have not put You wouldn’t drive a car blind, yet so often, more time into developing my own goals. Towe drive into our career (and personal lives) conclude, my current focus is to work hard inblindfolded with no idea where we are heading. whatever I do and make sure people are safe noOn any roadtrip we are bound to find road matter the work environment.vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 29

BY MICHAEL HANCOCKMARINE CORPS AIR FACILITY QUANTICO,INSTALLATION SAFETY MANAGER, VPP SITE COORDINATORVPP JOURNEYMARINE CORPSAIR FACILITYQUANTICO How did our VPP journey start? In the work force. Regardless, our higher-ups force recognized, and was able to communicate, November 2013, Marine Corps made VPP a requirement, so it must have their individual roles in creating and maintaining Installations Command, our higher merit. There must be a value added that a safe working environment. We realized early on headquarters, provided guidance that all we didn’t see, so with the Commanding in the VPP process that we didn’t need to change, Marine Corps Installations shall establish Officer’s backing, it was time to call in we simply needed to apply the principles of VPP a command-wide hazard reduction culture the experts, the Department of Defense into our existing safety policies and procedures, and through a robust and comprehensive Safety Safety Management Center of Excellence embrace a better way as a good thing when the new and Occupational Health Management (DoDSMCX), which is charged with process rewards those for safety excellence or makes System that would reduce injuries, illnesses helping organizations like ours navigate the a process safer, and more efficient. and mishaps. The guidance continued to transition from a general safety program to establish that VPP would be the tool used having a world class safety system in pursuit What we found on our VPP journey was that by to reach this lofty goal. As the Installation of VPP Star Status. identifying and celebrating what we do well, the Safety Manager, my initial reaction was, safety culture strengthened with a natural desire to “Are you kidding me?” For several years, our During their initial visit, the shore up and improve upon the weaker areas. We unit had been recognized through the higher DoDSMCX team identified areas requiring found that a greater involvement by a few spurred headquarters inspection process, as having improvement, but they also discovered on a greater involvement by all, and we confirmed one of the more solid safety programs with several areas where we excelled. Through that an effective safety program has a direct several identified best practices. Now, we their interaction with the work force, impact on readiness and mission success. Now, by were being instructed to change because knowledge of VPP requirements and embracing technology and the deployment of a there is a better way? The thought made a systems approach known for success, me cringe, and I feared the announcement the DoDSMCX team, and the MCAF vpppa.org of VPP implementation to the unit would VPP Site Coordinator, deployed creative be received with very little support from strategies and partnerships with both management, and even less interest from uniformed and civilian employees, and watched momentum build as the work30 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018

safety smartphone app, 100 percent of the unit Interviews were conducted from the most Michael Hancock is the Installation Safetyhas a voice and immediate access to the safety seasoned veteran to the newest arrival, our Manager and VPP Site Coordinator forprogram to report hazards, near misses and first programs and facilities inspected, and our Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, located inaid cases, to submit safety award nominations, processes and procedures reviewed, then, Quantico Virginia, home of HMX-1 Presidentialreceive training and request PPE. During the during the out brief, Ms. Penn announced Helicopter Squadron. The Air Facility is the firstDoDSMCX final visit, they said we were more they had identified an unprecedented five Marine Corps unit comprised of predominatelythan ready so we submitted our application best practices, and that MCAF was certainly uniformed personnel (supported by federaland anxiously awaited the arrival of the Region deserving of the VPP Star. government employees) to receive the VPPIII VPP Assessment team. Star; the fifth Marine Corps organization, and The flag now proudly flies at the entrance 59th Department of Defense unit to reach this When OSHA Region III arrived in June of the MCAF airport so all who drive by are prestigious status. MCAF Quantico’s teamof 2017, led by Ms. Terry Penn, there was a reminded of this incredible journey. During is made up of 86 percent uniformed and 14buzz—a feeling in the air. Not one of anxiety the star worksite ceremony, LtCol Daniel percent civilian workforce and experiencesthat one would expect when being inspected, Murphy, MCAF Commanding Officer, said, a military turnover rate of approximately 30but one of excitement, because our time had “Keeping the Star is a vital part of our mission, percent annually.come to tell our story; to show the premiere because receiving the star is not the end, it isauthority in safety how we do it; our time to the beginning. We will NOT step back fromdisplay our culture of safety excellence that had the world class safety culture that has beenbeen woven into our unit’s DNA. developed here.”vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 31

MEMBERSHIP CORNERA quick Q & A with a few of VPPPA’sfemale leaders . . . Jennifer Sanchez, Honeywell—Aerospace VPPPA: How did your career start and how did you get to where you are now? JS: I am a career EHSer! I obtained a BS in Environmental Sciences from the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) and started my career with a hazardous waste disposal company profiling and routing industrial hazardous waste for disposal at a Southern California TSDF. That provided exposure to the EHS profession in the manufacturing industry. After a couple of years, I began working as an EHS Coordinator for a small manufacturing company in the electronics industry. Four years later, I moved to Arizona staying in the EHS profession, but beginning my time in aerospace and defense manufacturing. During my 20 years in the EHS profession, I have taken roles with increasing responsibilities, and often uncomfortable challenges. I owe a lot to the incredible mentor-friends I have had along the way (most of whom I refuse to let go of, even when I move on) and a strong, broad network of professional “friends.” VPPPA: What is one of the biggest challenges you face in your position, or have faced in general in your career/in your current role? JS: Being a woman in manufacturing, I find that I constantly check my approach, my emotions and my next step. While it has been challenging, it’s not been a challenge, more of an opportunity. It’s given me the opportunity to offer ideas in a different light, add a perspective my peers may not have and connect with others using my own more compassionate approach and interpersonal skills that women more naturally possess. It’s intimidating to be the only woman in a conference room full of men, or even one of very few. I used to think (quietly to myself, of course) that I am just not as smart as some of my peers . . . However, I have come to understand and very much appreciate that I often think differently. It’s not a matter of right or wrong, better or worse, more intelligent or less intelligent . . . It’s a matter of perspective and the variety of gifts we each bring to the table. Shelly Ettel, AECOMM VPPPA: How did you get involved in VPPPA? SE: My manager thought I had the passion and leadership to be a good team member and I was “voluntold.” It became a life change and a new passion for me regarding personal safety as well as that of my fellow employees, and I am very appreciative that I was given the opportunity. VPPPA: What legacy would you like to leave either at your company, or with VPPPA? SE: I want to feel as though I made a difference in the safety of others. I want to be known as a mentor who helped others reach their goals and that I was the little voice in their head that told them to think about how “my safety does affect others.”32 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

Like us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter: @VPPPA Maria Ilomin, Safway Group, LLC VPPPA: What do you do at home to implement the safety measures that are so abundant in your professional life? MI: I have learned that looking out for the little things always result in saving you from bigger issues later, so always take safety home with you. VPPPA: Who inspires/inspired you? Who have you looked to for guidance over the years? MI: My family and friends inspire me to work safely—with them and for them. VPPPA is like a family, and every conference is always like a family reunion. We learn so much from each other and from each region. Karen Girardin, L.L. BeanVPPPA: Tell us a little about your role with L.L. Bean and how you got involved with safety there. Also, howdid you get involved with the association?KG: I’m a Project Manager of Safety with staff in three different L.L. Bean facilities. I originally got involved with safety when I becamea Project Leader in the L.L. Bean Manufacturing facility which is a VPP Star Site. When I moved into the Project Leader role from anIndustrial Engineering position within Manufacturing I was informed that I would also be overseeing the safety efforts in the facility. Astime went on, I began helping other operational areas within L.L. Bean with their journey toward VPP. Over time my position evolved toProject Manager overseeing safety, a position I continue to fulfill. I sort of stumbled into getting involved with the VPPPA. I first became involved through the Region 1 Scholarship Committee. Therewas a previous L.L. Bean employee who had been involved with the committee that had left the company. So the management group withinL.L. Bean Manufacturing asked if I’d be willing to fill the role and assist the Region I Board. I readily accepted. At that time, I worked with Jack Popp, who was the Region I Chairperson, on developing scholarship posters and in reviewingscholarship applications. Soon after that the Region 1 Secretary’s role became available and I moved into that role. After a very short timeof being the Secretary, perhaps a year or so, I moved into the Treasurer’s role where I have continued until this year when I became RegionalChair. I believe as of this year I’ve been active on the Region I Board of Directors for about 10 years.VPPPA: What is your favorite part of your job?KG: The favorite part of my job at L.L. Bean is knowing that what I do makes a difference in keeping people safe. I enjoy connecting andworking with others to determine how to make a process safe. It’s almost like trying to figure out a puzzle and trying to find the proper piecethat will fit into a particular spot that will address an issue while balancing the needs of the business and keeping people safe. I also enjoy the fact that my role requires that I spend time educating people about risks that may be involved with the jobs they’re doing.In some circumstances employees think the risk is really high and in other circumstances employees don’t recognize the risk at all. I liketo see how employees react when they finally understand what the risk actually is. It’s a good feeling knowing that at the end of the dayI’ve helped educate folks in understanding risk and that I’ve helped employees be safe for another day. I think employees truly appreciateworking for a company that cares about their safety.vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 33

MEMBERSHIP CORNERRenew Your VPPPA Membership • Submit a photo of yourself representing how Submit your entry including your name and you are promoting/practicing safety in the member ID number by June 1, 2018 by emailIt’s that time of the year again—your workplace or at home. Examples: Wearing to [email protected] or simply post onmembership with VPPPA is up for renewal. your PPE, teaching a safety class, attending the VPPPA Facebook or Twitter pages. Don’tAn email containing your invoice was sent training, following safety procedures etc. forget to use #HowISafety.out in December as well as a hard copy inJanuary. You can easily renew your dues by • Write a short description or caption Roster Contestclicking on the “renew” tab located on the explaining the photoleft side of VPPPA’s home page at www. There is no easier way to win a gift card thanvpppa.org. If you have forgotten your • Include the #HowISafety hashtag in your the VPPPA Roster Contest. To ensure eachpassword, simply click on the option that photo description of our members are receiving the benefitsallows you to reset your password and follow they deserve, we need your site rosters to bethe directions. Once logged in you will be • If you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter updated. Please update the roster that wasable to seamlessly renew your membership account, you may email your photo entry to included in our membership mailing with allwith VPPPA. [email protected] of your current employees. After we receive your faxed or emailed updated roster, we will If you have any questions regarding your • The photo will be posted to VPPPA’s Facebook randomly select one prime contact to win a giftmembership or dues, contact membership@ page in the “#HowISafety 2018” photo album card! By helping us update our rosters, you’revpppa.org or call 703-761-1146. also helping yourself and your co-workers • The photo with the most “likes” will win receive the benefits they deserve.#HowISafety Contest a complimentary Safety+ registration, free airfare and lodging at the Gaylord Opryland Send your updated roster to membership@We loved hosting the #HowISafety Contest last from August 27–31. vpppa.org by July 2, for a chance to win. If youyear, and are thrilled to announce we will be need another copy of your site’s roster, pleasebringing it back for 2018! One of the greatest The rules and requirements to enter this contact the Membership Department via thethings about our members is their passion contest are as follows: email address above or call (703) 761-1146. Iffor safety. This contest is an excellent way for you have already submitted your site’s roster,members to share their personal experiences • Must be a member of VPPPA you are already entered into our randomand spread awareness of safety practices. To • VPPPA has all rights to use the drawing. The winner will be chosen on July 6.enter the contest: pictures submitted Congratulations to our • No nudity, graphic language or content, #VPPPAPumpkin Contest Winner! firearms or alcohol may be shown in any For the month of October, we hosted the artwork or pictures submitted #VPPPAPumpkin Contest. To participate, members sent in pictures of their Halloween pumpkins. The photo with the most “likes” won. Jamie Robey from Brock was this year’s winner. You can see his winning photo below.34 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 This is a “carve-free” jack-o-lantern, thus eliminating hand injuries! Spooky, huh? vpppa.org

AN INTEGRATED SAFETY & 2018HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTED BY VPPPA & TSHC Jim MorrisOriginally drafted in 1984, Jim’s dream was to becomea major league baseball player, however, his careerwas cut short by a series of debilitating arm injuriesbefore he got out of the minors in 1988. After this, Jimgot married, raised a family and became a high schoolscience teacher and baseball coach in West Texas. Jim’shigh school team challenged him to follow his dreamof pitching in the major leagues, so he made a bet withthem: if they won the District Championship, he wouldtry out for the major leagues.Transforming from a 35-year-old high school teacherto a flame-throwing major league pitcher in threemonths, Jim’s rise from obscurity was the feel-goodstory of 1999. After pitching for the Tampa BayDevil Rays in 1999 and 2000, Jim signed with theLos Angeles Dodgers and retired from baseball in2001. His story is portrayed in the 2002 movie, TheRookie, starring Dennis Quaid. August 28 – August 31, 2018 Gaylord Opryland Convention Center Nashville, TN www.vpppa.org/symposium #VPPPA2018 #TSHC2018

infographic corner The proportion of women with college degrees in According to the the labor force has almost57 percentDepartment of Labor, quadrupled since 1970. of women participate in the labor force.74.6There are mwoilmlioenn In the U.S., onlyin the civilian labor force. 6.3 percent of women worked in male-dominated occupations in 2016.Women own close to According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,10 million businesses, in 2016, women earned 81.9 percent of men’s salariesaccounting for based on median weeklyearnings for$1.4 trillion full-time workers.in receipts. Women’s participation Due to women’s progress in education and workforce in the U.S. labor force has participation, the gender pay climbed since WWII: from 32.7 percent in 1948 to gap has narrowed 56.8 percent in 2016. since 1960.36 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

FEATURED P R O D U C T SERGO ADVANTAGE GLOVE GUARD LPErgo Advantage Modular Tile OktoLock® ClipShannon Buchner Melissa [email protected] / (519) 791-4989 [email protected] www.gloveguard.comErgonomic safety tiles specializing in non-slip, ESD and The OktoLock® clip is made in the U.S. with a strong,6S initiatives with the best warranty on the market. flexible plastic that safely secures your cords and mitigates potential trip hazards. The clip is designed to fit hand railing or pipes up to 2-in. in diameter. The 3-in. diameter lower loop will hold cords, hoses, welding leads or stingers. HOT STUFF SAFETYWEAR KEYTROLLER The Flex, Fever and Free Suits KEYTROLLER LCD 601 Access + Monitoring Device Jaime Glas Terry Wickman [email protected] / 225-978-9403 [email protected] www.hotstuffsafetywear.com www.keytroller.com The Flex Suit has a hood that zips in the collar and utility State-of-the-art wireless equipment access and monitoring pockets on the arm and thigh. The Fever Suit has a system that maintains OSHA regulations with automated mandarin collar and halter shape seams. The Free Suit has checklists and a keyless ignition. It also creates driver tapered legs and snap-adjustable waist flaps. accountability with impact and speed sensing, while preventing unauthorized drivers by requiring code inputvpppa.org or RFID card reading. It also extends equipment life with scheduled maintenance by date or hour meter reading, monitoring usage, time moving and time loaded. THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 37

state-plan monitorCOMPILED BYKATLYN PAGLIUCA, MEMBERSHIP ANDOUTREACH MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. Federal OSHA States Cal/Star ceremony of Cintas Stockton, November 8, 2017. State-Plan States Public Sector Only California occurred to encourage attendees to help each other on various topics. These meetings are38 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 Recently Recognized Cal/Star Site: opportunities for VPP sites and sites interested • Cintas (Concord) in VPP to network with one another. New Sites Working on the Action Items: The next networking opportunity will • Sierra Pacific (Oroville) be March 12, during the Indiana Safety • Nova Group (Napa) and Health Conference. A free INSHARP • United Airlines Inc. (San Francisco) & VPP Workshop will be scheduled for 9 • Monsanto (San Juan Bautista) A.M. to 12 P.M. at the Indiana Convention • Broad Spectrum (Benicia) Center. Indiana’s largest safety conference, the Indiana Safety and Health Conference Upcoming Onsite Visits at New Sites: and Expo, will be held March 12 through • Southwire (Rancho Cucamonga) March 14. The conference is presented by the • SDG&E (Escondido) Central Indiana Chapter ASSE and Indiana Chamber of Commerce in partnership with New Applications: the Indiana Department of Labor. You can find • Sherwin Williams (Moreno Valley) information at www.INSafetyConf.com. • Pape machinery (French Camp) • Cintas Corporation #630 (Gilroy) Pictured above: Tim Maley, Deputy • Prudential Overall Supply (Milpitas) Commissioner of Indiana OSHA, • Brand Scaffolding (Wilmington) in Washington, D.C., for the VPP • Phillips 66 Sacramento Stakeholder Meeting. Terminal (Sacramento) • Phillips 66 Santa Maria Refinery (Arroyo Grande) Indiana Indiana presently has 86 sites in the Voluntary Protection Program. Six new site evaluations were conducted in 2017. The goal for Indiana VPP is to have 100 sites by the end of 2019. Three Regional Best Practices Meetings where conducted in November. At these meetings, sites presented best practices and VPP leaders provided VPP updates. Deputy Commissioner of Indiana OSHA, Tim Maley, presented an Indiana Department of Labor Update, and small group discussions vpppa.org

For more information about INSHARP • Cintas Fire Protection – D26 (Troy) The MNOSHA Workplace Safety& VPP Workshop email Beth Gonzalez • Marathon TT&R, Lansing Terminal & Consultation Division continues to [email protected]. inquires and has begun visiting employers Fleet (Lansing) that have indicated they will be submitting an In 2018, there will be two Special application in FY2018.Government Employee (SGE) classes hosted by Reevaluation Onsite Reviewstwo VPP sites. Eli Lilly will host the first class Reevaluation onsite reviews have been FY2018 will see five reapproval visits atduring the 2018 Region V VPPPA Conference performed at: existing MNSTAR employers. The smallin Indianapolis the week of May 21. The second • Pfizer Global Supply (Kalamazoo) – PSM team approach continues to allow MNOSHASGE class will be hosted by Vulcraft in St. • Georgia-Pacific, Beaver Creek (Grayling) Workplace Safety Consultation to remainJoe, IN, July 31 to August 1. The deadline to • Albemarle (South Haven) consistent from site-to-site and help developattend this class is April 15. Indiana currently • Arconic (Whitehall) relationships with the participating employers.has a total of 118 SGEs to utilize during VPP • Johnson Technology (Muskegon)evaluation and to mentor sites. • Johnson Technology (Norton Shores) In addition, Marnie Prochniak is the new VPP/MNSTAR Coordinator for the state.Michigan Sites recently reevaluated and approved for continued participation in the MVPP: If you would like further informationThere are currently 29 sites in the Michigan • DTE Fermi 2 (Monroe) about the MNSTAR Program, please visitVoluntary Protection Program (MVPP), www.doli.state.mn.us/WSC/Mnstar.asp orwith 25 Star, one Rising Star (Merit), two Upcoming Events contact Marnie Prochniak, MNSTAR VPPMVPP/C (construction) and one MVPP/C • MVPP Mentors meeting—April 16. Coordinator at [email protected] Star site. “Like” us on Facebook @MichiganOSHA, OregonPromotion follow us on Twitter @mi_osha and subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/ Oregon’s VPP continues to move along a veryThe MVPP informational workshop, hosted MIOSHA_MI. positive trajectory. We have scheduled fourby Pfizer Global Supply, Kalamazoo, was well evaluation audits for early this year, with threeattended. All of the attendees were interested For further details on the MVPP, contact more evaluations to schedule later in the year. Wein the program and many have requested Doug Kimmel, MVPP specialist at 231-546- have completed three audits in recent months, alladditional information and guidance. 2366, or visit the MIOSHA website at www. of which are currently addressing some 90-day michigan.gov/miosha. items. We have used 12 SGEs in our last nine The fall MVPP mentors meeting, hosted audits and plan to use at least nine more SGEsby Albemarle, South Haven, was attended Minnesota in out next seven audits. We wish to give a shoutby representatives from several MVPP/C sites, out to all the SGEs who have helped over theas well as some from prospective sites. The The Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) last year, and to give a hearty congratulations tospring mentors meeting is scheduled for Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) unit the Region X SGE of the year, Julie Stout fromApril 16, in conjunction with the Michigan currently has 37 Star sites and one Merit site Georgia-Pacific’s Philomath Operations.Safety Conference. participating in the MNSTAR program. Of the 37 Star sites, 35 are general industry locations We also want to recognize the Oregon VPP A Michigan-specific SGE training is and two are resident contractors. One new companies for their leadership and assistancescheduled for November 29. The session will participant successfully achieved Star status helping the Oregon SHARP Alliance tofocus on the differences between the VPP and in fiscal year (FY) 2017. In addition, five provide multiple mentoring and networkingthe MVPP, as well as MIOSHA safety and employers had reapproval visits completed. opportunities for Oregon employers. Thehealth standards that differ from OSHA’s. Oregon SHARP Alliance now provides OregonSGEs looking to participate on an MVPP The following site achieved MNSTAR status employers with eight training and networkingreview team in Michigan will need to have in FY2017: opportunities each year. The SHARP Allianceattended both the OSHA and MIOSHA- • Cintas FAS (Brooklyn Park) was model has been so successful that the VPPPAspecific training. is starting to work with the Alliance to benefit recommended and certified as a full both groups, now Washington companies A MVPP Star award celebration was MNSTAR site and consultants are joining and planning toheld on September 29, at Eaton Aerospace, transfer that model as well. The Oregon SHARPGrand Rapids. The following sites were visited and Alliance has recent training topics on its website, reapproved in FY2017: and future training topics are posted on the An MVPP onsite review was conducted • International Paper (White Bear Lake) SHARP Alliance calendar at www.sharpalliance.at Robert Bosch, LLC, Farmington Hills • Trident Seafoods Corporation (White org. Since the Oregon VPP companies joinedOctober 9–13. the Oregon SHARP Alliance, the group Bear Lake) has made continuous improvements in Applications currently pending for the • Nyco, Inc. (Inver Grove Heights) providing mentoring, networking and trainingMVPP include: • Firmenich (New Ulm) opportunities to interested employers.• Marathon Pipe Line LLC (Woodhaven) • Delta Airlines—Minneapolis Reservations• Cintas First Aid & Safety (Kentwood)• Robert Bosch (Farmington Hills) CEC (Minneapolis)vpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 39

state-plan monitor Tennessee40 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 Recent Events • On October 10, TOSHA Assistant Administrator, Jim Flanagan, presented the employees of Energy Solutions in Oak Ridge with their Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s third approval effort. The site received their first approval in 2008. • On October 19, TOSHA Assistant Administrator, Jim Flanagan, presented the employees of Valero Memphis Refinery with their first Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s initial effort. • On October 25, TOSHA Administrator, Steve Hawkins, presented the employees of Chemours in New Johnsonville with their Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s fifth approval effort. The site received their first approval in 1997 and was the second Volunteer Star site in Tennessee. • On November 3, TOSHA VPP Manager, David Blessman, presented the employees of Sherwin Williams in Memphis with their Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s third approval effort. The site received their first approval in 2008. • On November 7, TOSHA VPP Manager, David Blessman, presented the employees of John Deere Power Products in Greeneville with their Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s fourth approval effort. The site received their first approval in 2003. • On November 30, TOSHA Administrator, Steve Hawkins, presented the employees of Olin Chlor Alkali Products & Vinyls in Charleston with their Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s fourth approval effort. The site received their first approval in 2002. A successful onsite reevaluation was recently conducted at Delta Airline Memphis Technical Operations. There currently are 36 Volunteer Star sites in Tennessee. Virginia The following sites have been recommended for reapproval as VPP Star Sites: • Toray Plastics (Front Royal) • Lockheed-Martin (Manassas) Pictured at left, from top to bottom: Energy Solutions in Oak Ridge receiving their Volunteer Star Award. • Chemours, New Johnsonville, employees receiving their Volunteer Star Award. • John Deere Power Products, Greeneville, receiving their Volunteer Star Award. • Olin Chlor Alkali Products & Vinyls, Charleston, receiving their Volunteer Star Award. vpppa.org

• CP Films (Martinsville) contacting each state >>• Huber Engineered Woods (Crystal Hill) Alaska Michigan South Carolina We have received applications from three sites: Christian Hendrickson Sherry Scott Sharon Dumit• Barr Labs (Forest) VPP Manager MVPP Manager VPP Coordinator• United Airlines (Dulles) Christian.hendrickson@ [email protected] [email protected]• Sysco (Harrisonburg) alaska.gov Phone: (517) 322-5817 Phone: (803) 896-7788 Phone: (907) 269-4946 Currently there are 41 active VPP Star sites Minnesota Tennesseein Virginia. Arizona Tyrone Taylor, MBA David Blessman Jessie Atencio Director of Workplace Safety VPP ManagerRecent Events Assistant Director Consultation MN [email protected] 22nd VOSH Conference at Virginia [email protected] Dept. of Labor & Industry Phone: (615) 253-6890Beach Conference Center, held from October Phone: (520) 220-4222 Occupational Safety &18–20, was well attended with many VPP sites’ Health Division Utahemployees assisting in presenting breakouts as California [email protected] Jerry Parkstonewell as attending. Richard Mendelson, Region Iraj Pourmehraban Phone: (651) 284-5203 VPP CoordinatorIII OSHA Administrator, and Mark Ames, Cal/VPP & PSM Manager [email protected] of AIHA Government, President of ipourmehraban@ Nevada Phone: (801) 530-6901Affairs, provided the attendees with updates hq.dir.ca.gov Jimmy Andrewsand insights. Regina McMichael, The Learning Phone: (510) 622-1080 VPP Manager VermontFactory, Inc., provided an inspiring discussion jimmy.andrews@ Daniel Whippleof turning tragedy into action. Hawaii business.nv.gov VPP Coordinator Kristin Takaba Phone: (702) 486-9046 [email protected] On September 13, Goodyear Tire and OSH Program Specialist— Phone: (802) 828-5084Rubber of Danville, VA, sponsored a Machine Compliance Assistance New MexicoGuarding Best Practice Day. There were [email protected] Melissa Barker Virginiaapproximately 120 attendees from many local Phone: (808) 586-9090 VPP Coordinator Milford Sternindustries and local governments. Presentations [email protected] VPP Managerwere provided by Christian Simmers from GE Indiana Phone: (505) 222-9595 [email protected] in Charlottesville; Mallory Jones led an Beth A. Gonzalez Phone: (540) 562-3580 x 123employee safety team from GE Power in Salem VPP Team Leader North Carolinaand Brian Forest led an employee team from [email protected] LaMont Smith WashingtonHuber Engineered Woods, LLC in Crystal Hill Phone: (317) 607-6118 Recognition Program John Geppert(all Virginia Star sites). Manager VPP Manager Iowa [email protected] [email protected] VPPPA Region III sponsored an Electrical Shashi Patel Phone: (919) 807-2909 Phone: (360) 902-5496Safety Best Practice Day on November 8, at VPP CoordinatorThe Homestead in Hot Springs, VA, with over [email protected] Oregon Wyoming60 attendees from VPP sites, local government, Phone: (515) 281-6369 Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM Clayton Gauntuniversities and sites interested in VPP. Joe VPP/SHARP Program VPP ManagerMorrell of Fareva Pharmaceuticals, and Region Kentucky Coordinator [email protected] VPPPA board member, provided a hands- Brian Black mark.e.hurliman@ Phone: (307) 777-7710on presentation. Otto Rusch of Birchwood VPP Program Administrator oregon.govPower Station provided an in-depth review of [email protected] Phone: (541) 776-6016 For additionaltheir electrical safe work practices. Phone: (502) 564-3320 information and Puerto Rico up-to-date contacts,Upcoming Events Maryland Ilza Roman please visit www.vpppa.The Region III VPPPA Conference is Allen Stump Director org/chapters/contacts.cfmscheduled to return to The Homestead Resort VPP Manager [email protected] March 7–9. Expect to see the full [email protected] Phone: (787) 754-2171schedule on the Region III website very soon. Phone: (410) 527-4473Book early to confirm your room. by Newport News Shipyard. Attendees must Virginia VPP Challenge Coordinator position. There are two SGE classes scheduled for submit their applications to the US DOL Roy Mason is the new Tidewater Regional2018. The first one is scheduled for March OSHA VPP SGE Coordinator by April 15 for VPP Coordinator, Jeremias Cruz-Corniel is5–6, in conjunction with the Region III the Newport News class. the new Southwest Regional Coordinator andVPPA Conference at The Homestead in Crystal Main has been promoted to the VirginiaHot Springs, VA. The second SGE Class is Virginia VPP Office Changes Challenge Coordinator position.scheduled for July 18–19, and is sponsored During the 2017 Virginia Legislative session, further funding was approved for two additional We plan on having many additional efforts tovpppa.org Regional VPP Coordinators and a completely new attract and promote VPP in Virginia this year with the addition of these personnel. THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 41

regional round-upsCOMPILED BY Region I of the two-year term for this Director-at-LargeJAMIE MITCHELL, COMMUNICATIONS position. Congratulations Cindy!COORDINATOR, VPPPA, INC. www.vppregionI.com As a reminder, Region I provides three $1,000 On November 1, Pfizer Biotech in Andover, scholarships to help students with college MA, hosted the quarterly meeting for Region I. tuition. Students that might be interested in The company provided lunch and tours for 33 applying for these scholarships can check out the individuals representing 14 different companies. specifics about eligibility, due dates and how to apply on the Region I website. Applications are Dynegy’s Masspower plant in Indian due by March 1. Decisions will be announced to Orchard, MA, will be hosting the next Region applicants by April 1. I meeting on February 13. Lunch and tours of the facility will be provided. Anyone interested Region I will hold its Safety & Health in attending should check the Region I website Excellence Conference & Expo at Sea Crest for more specifics: www.vppregionI.com. Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, MA, Cape Cod, from May 7–9. Anyone interested The Region I Board of Directors in exhibiting, providing a workshop, or in sponsored the General Industry Roundtable sponsoring the event please visit the Region that was held at Eversource in Manchester, I website to get more information about how NH. The presentation topic was OSHA to participate. The website also contains other Safety for Maintenance Workers and information including contact information Common Hazards found in maintenance for the Board of Directors, meeting minutes shops and garage operations. from the last regional meeting, upcoming events, scholarship information, etc. If there is Region I also exhibited at the Annual Maine anything someone would like to see on the site, Safety & Health Conference held October please let a board member know. 17–19, in Augusta, ME. The purpose of exhibiting was to heighten awareness of the Contributed by Karen Girardin, purpose and benefits of the VPP program and Region I Chairperson of the VPPPA. Region III High Liner Foods in Peabody, MA, has started its VPP journey. FlexCon of Spencer, www.vppparegion3.org MA, is their mentor. Congratulations High 2017 was a great year for VPPPA Region Liner Foods and good luck. III. We had an information-filled regional conference with great attendance that was After a vote by the Region I Board of a premier learning experience for all that Directors, Cindy Raspiller of Raytheon in Andover, MA, was appointed to the open Director-at-Large position that was vacated by Mike Avery. She will serve out the remainder42 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 vpppa.org

attended. We held three SGE training classes, VPP Manager (Leigh Jackson). If you are notone application workshop and many best sure who your site’s VPPO contact is, whichpractice workshops throughout the region. template to use, or have not yet received theMaryland joined Virginia and codified VPP email, please feel free to contact Ivory, Dan orso now there will be a dedicated budget to the myself with any questions you may have.VPP program there. Our Region IV FY18 schedule is on the Looking forward into this year, Region OSHA VPP website for those of you lookingIII already has two SGE classes scheduled to go out with us as SGEs and assist with afor March 5–6 as a part of our regional VPP onsite evaluation. Please contact us ifconference to be held at the Omni Homestead you would like to volunteer to assist with anResort from March 7–9 and at the Newport onsite. As always, thank you for your supportNews Shipyard July 18–19. Our annual of the VPP.conference is going to be packed again witha lot of great learning opportunities, we Leigh Jackson, VPP Managerwill have great keynote speakers, breakouts, Phone: 678-237-0436networking opportunities and we will have [email protected] fun along the way. Ivory Williams, VPPO Within Region III we are planning best Phone: 601-965-4606 X-2028practice workshops that will occur throughout [email protected] year, just keep a watch on our websiteand also follow us on Facebook at facebook. Dan DeHart, VPPOcom/RegionIIIVPPPA for updates on what is Phone: 904-562-5461happening within the region. [email protected] If you or your company are interested in Contributed by Christopher Colburn,volunteering, sponsoring or just helping out Region IV Treasurerwith VPP-related events within the regionplease check out the website and let us know. Region VIContributed by Mike LaPradd, Region III www.regionvivpp.orgDirector-at-Large The Region VI Safety & Health Excellence Conference will take place from April 30–May 3Region IV in Fort Worth, TX. Online registration rate $550 per person runs January 8–March 30,www.regionivvpp.org 2018. After March 30 the registration rate willThe Region IV 2018 Safety and Health be $650 per person.Excellence Conference will be held from June19-21, in Biloxi, MS. The call for workshops is Workshop submissions are currentlynow complete, and registration for exhibitors being accepted. It is through support such asand attendees is now open. Register now to yours that makes this conference one of thetake advantage of the early bird pricing. Please most unique in the country. We always havevisit the Region IV VPPPA website for more extremely positive feedback associated with yourinformation and to access the registration page. presentations and our conference attendees want more. We have started workshop instructor The following message is from Region IV sign-ups for the 2018 Conference in FortVPP Manager Leigh Jackson: Worth, Texas April 30–May 3. If you have any questions specific to workshop registration, you Greetings Everyone! No doubt many of may submit them to the Workshop Coordinatoryou have already started working on gathering (Johnathan Dyer).information for your 2017 VPP AnnualSelf-Evaluation which is due for submission February 6–7 / SGE Training at Baton Rougeto us by February 15. The Region IV 2017 self- Area Office, Baton Rouge, LAevaluation templates, 2017 PSM SupplementB questions, and additional documents have April 17–19 / SGE Training at Region VIbeen sent out via e-mail to our site contacts. Safety & Health Excellence Conference, FortPlease remember that two sets of submissions Worth, TXare due each year: one set is sent to your VPPOfficer (VPPO) (Ivory Williams or Dan July 10–12 / SGE Training at Kiewit OffshoreDeHart) contact and the other set is sent to the Services, Ltd., Ingleside, TXvpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 43

regional round-ups September 11–13 / SGE Training at NASA, 2018 SGE training will be conducted June Houston, TX 5–7 at The Industrial Company in Aurora,44 THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 CO. The application deadline is April 15. Contributed by Kirk Crandall, Region VI Director-at-Large Region VIII has established Ambassadors for those who would like to contribute to the Region VII success of our region by serving on different committees throughout the year. This www.regionviivpp.org allows members to contribute as their busy We are preparing for the 2018 Midwest Safety schedules allow and greatly helps the board & Health Conference and Expo in May, in members. We truly welcome and appreciate Omaha, NE. We have just signed Nebraska the ideas and help. native, Rulon Gardner, to be the keynote speaker for the 2018 conference. Contributed by Mark Moya, Region VIII Chairperson Rulon Gardner is a retired American Greco- Roman wrestler. He competed at the 2000 and Region IX 2004 Olympics and won the gold medal in 2000, defeating Aleksandr Karelin in the final. www.regionixvpppa.org This was also the first Olympic gold medal won The Region IX VPPPA Board of Directors and by an American Greco-Roman wrestler in a full the conference planning committee have been international field. Gardner won a bronze medal very busy over the past nine months working at the 2004 Games. tirelessly to bring you yet another spectacular safety summit. The 2018 Safety Summit is Region VII will once again hold a bowling just around the corner, and will be held in tournament and a live auction during the San Diego, CA. This year’s summit is a little conference to help fund our scholarship earlier than in years past, taking place March program. Region VII will be giving out a $5,000 13–15. For additional information about the scholarship and more information will be event go to our website, where you will find available soon. hotel information, registration information, summit schedules and breakout sessions. There Region VII will be having a VPP application will also be a golf tournament. You don’t want and an SSQ workshop on the first day of to miss this event featuring over 40 breakout the conference. Please contact bill.turner@ sessions, an application workshop and a nustarenergy.com for further information. re-evaluation workshop, not to mention the sage advice passed on through the executive Contributed by Bill Turner, panel discussion. Come learn from those who Region VII Chairperson have walked the same path to VPP and safety excellence as you. Region VIII Region IX would like to announce a new regionviiivpppa.org revised Labor Management Committee that 2017 was another successful year and will include the Director of the Department conference, and now we will begin to focus on of Labor Relations. We urge everyone to get the 2018 regional conference, which will be involved and stay informed. held at The Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, WY. Besides continual content and On November 11, the Arizona Division quality improvement, we are also focusing on of Occupational Safety and Health presented an enjoyable conference by including a Buffalo MI Windows and Doors, of Prescott Valley, Ranch Visit, Golf Tourney and a Trolley Pub AZ, with the VPP Star Designation, and the Crawl. Keynotes will be Sam Glenn and Region IX VPPPA Board of Directors wishes Tony Crow. Region VIII VPPPA would like to congratulate them for all their effort over to thank all its members who wholeheartedly the past two years, working toward final support us year-after-year as well as the hardest Star site designation. In addition, McCarthy working OSHA Regional VPP Manager, Brad Building companies has added yet another G. Baptiste, whose partnership and friendship VPP Star site at their ASU Bio-Science Center remains unwavering. vpppa.org

construction project. Ducommun of Phoenix Region X VPP Manager gave a VPP 101 class at thehas recently celebrated its fourth VPP Star Washington Governors Industrial Health &site approval, continuing to demonstrate a www.regionxvpppa.org Safety Conference in Tacoma, WA. Planninglevel of safety that goes above and beyond, for the 2018 Annual Safety Summit is underand is an example of leadership and Region X was very busy this past year, way. The event will be held at the Marriottworkforce working together to continuously planning and executing the Annual Downtown and the Dena’ina Civic andimprove. We commend you all for your Northwest Safety & Health Summit held Convention Center in Anchorage, AK,continued push toward safety excellence. in Spokane, WA, May 16–18, 2017. There May 1–3. There will be four open Board of were changes to the Board of Directors Director positions to fill during the annual The Region IX VPPPA Board of Directors which included: Rocky Simmons as meeting of the membership: Chairperson,wants to welcome Hawaii’s new VPP Program Chairperson, Max VanValey as Vice Labor Representative from a site with aManager, Kristin Takaba, and we want to Chairperson and a new Director-at- Non-Bargaining Unit and twolet everyone know that we are committed to Large, Cliff Butler. The Region X Board Director-at-Large positions. Onlyworking with her to help spread information of Directors, with the help of our Agency members of Region X in good standingand provide support where possible, in an VPP-POCs, were very active with outreach may run for open positions.effort to grow the VPP program in Hawaii. manning exhibit booths at conferences inWelcome to the family, Kristin! Idaho, Oregon and Washington promoting Contributed by Jack Griffith, Region X VPP and the up and coming Safety Treasurer and National BoardContributed by Mark Norton, Summit. Two members of the Region X Director-at-LargeRegion IX Ambassador Board of Directors and the Federal OSHAvpppa.org THE LEADER / WINTER 2018 45

We are excited AN INTEGRATED SAFETY & to be partnering HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUMwith the Tennessee Safety & Health PRESENTED BY VPPPA & TSHC Conference this year!August 28 – August 31, 2018 Gaylord Opryland Convention Center Gaylord Opryland The official event hotel is on TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Attractions in Convention Center Nashville. With indoor and outdoor pools, nine acres of lush, indoor gardens, 18 dining options, an indoor boat ride, and more, including: Nashville, TN ■■Gaylord Springs Golf Links, the award-winning, 18-hole, par-72 course www.vpppa.org/symposium ■■Walking distance to the Grand Ole Opry ■■Shopping, including Opry Mills Shopping Center #VPPPA2018 | #TSHC2018 ■■Less than 10 miles from the Nashville International Airport Music City has something for everyone! ■■Discover downtown Nashville with its live music, restaurants and bars ■■Country Music Hall of Fame ■■Nashville Zoo at Grassmere ■■Madame Tussauds of Nashville

calendar of events VPPPA ContactsFebruary May 21–23 To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visitFebruary 16 Region VII VPPPA Conference www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular Omaha, NE staff member, please refer to theSafety+ 2018 Workshop contact information below.Proposals Due May 22–24 Mike MaddoxMarch Region V VPPPA Conference [email protected] Indianapolis Convention Center Executive DirectorMarch 7–9 Indianapolis, IN Sara A. Taylor, CMP21st Annual Region III Conference June [email protected] Homestead Resort Director of OperationsHot Springs, VA June 19–21 Brielle MroczkoMarch 13–15 Region IV Safety & Health [email protected] Excellence Conference Conference CoordinatorRegion IX VPPPA Safety Summit Beau Rivage Casino & ResortSan Diego, CA Biloxi, MS Kerri Carpenter [email protected] August Communications & Outreach ManagerApril 30–May 3 August 28–31 Jamie MitchellRegion VI Annual Safety & Safety+ Symposium [email protected] Conference Gaylord Opryland Communications CoordinatorFt. Worth Convention Center Nashville, TNFt. Worth, TX Heidi Hill [email protected] Senior Event Sales & Advertising CoordinatorMay 1–3 Katlyn PagliucaRegion X Northwest [email protected] and Health Summit Membership ManagerAnchorage, AK Natasha ColeMay 7–9 [email protected] Member Services CoordinatorRegion I VPPPA ConferenceFalmouth, MA Sierra Johnson [email protected] 8–10 Special Projects CoordinatorRegion VIII VPPPA Safety Summit Bryant WalkerCheyenne, WY [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Michael Khosrofian [email protected] Accountant Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Government Relations Counsel

7600-E Leesburg Pike, Suite 100Falls Church, VA 22043-2004Tel: (703) 761-1146Fax: (703) 761-1148www.vpppa.orgVPPPA, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitableorganization, promotes advances in worker safetyand health excellence through best practices andcooperative efforts among workers, employers, thegovernment and communities.SCAN QR CODETO LEARN MOREABOUT VPPPA, INC.http://bit.ly/jVQcBo PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER• Keeps extension ladders from Ladder falls – slipping on slick surfaces such as 2nd leading cause of composite decking work-related• Unique design of foam creates tiny injur ie s! * suction cups that grip the surface, even when wet * https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ nioshtic-2/20034690.html• Light weight for easy use, weighs ~8 pounds Working Concepts, Inc.• Works on smooth surfaces, plastic, 888-456-3372 • www.softknees.com • [email protected] wood, concrete, etc., even when wet Patent Pending• Prevents marring and scratches to deck caused by ladder feet• Attaches to the bottom ladder rung, with adjustable strap, for easy movement of ladder along wall• Fits most extension ladders, up to 21” wide• Replaceable self-adhesive foam pad