The Leader Spring 2018 - Profiles In Safety

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2018IPNROSAFFILEETSY





LTHEEADER CONTENTSVOL 5. ISSUE 2 SPRING 2018features8The Buried Truth About Human FactorsFor years, after I went back to work,I spent every safety training classsearching for the answer to how myaccident happened. I was the lastperson this should have happenedto—I was considered one of the safestoperators in town. I was competent inmy job. I had trained a lot of workersin safety. As the operator-foreman, myjob was to stand up top and watch forsigns of a trench failure. I knew the risks.So why did this happen to me? 12 Sharing Stories, 18410 Tiny Lead Balls Saving Lives and .246 Seconds Summer jobs are a rite of passage for high Gunpowder, 410 tiny lead balls and school and university students. We usually .246 seconds are all it takes to change worry about finding work, take what we a family’s life forever. On February 15, can get and wait out the few months 2003, Tony Crow found out how one until we head back to school. My summer bullet can make a huge impact. Tony job changed my whole life in just one was hit in the face with a blast from a moment. After my first year at university, I 12-gauge shotgun during a quail hunt began a summer job at the local paper in Knox City, Texas. Unknowing that his mill. Before I went to work, I spent a week father was camouflaged in chest-high in a classroom watching videos, reading brush, his son, Landon Crow, pulled pamphlets and discussing safety issues. the trigger. 1 6 The Real Cost 22“Please God, of Safety Don’t Let Me Die!” What happened? What went wrong? A quiet calm took over. I couldn’t hear It was a host of missed steps, from not anything, just silence. I was immersed reporting near misses, not pre-planning with in bright white light. I knew I had died. the job safety analysis, worker fatigue, and I began talking to God again. I said, most importantly, not holding everyone “God, if you just let me live I promise to accountable in performing their job duties be good. I promise to never complain the correct way. These necessary and about anything, please God…I am not crucial steps were overlooked, which ready to die!” created a domino effect that caused the incident that almost ended my life.4 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

features continued 30 Storytime or a www.vpppa.org Learning Opportunity?26 The Ripple Effect VPPPA National Board of Directors Traumatic accidents have If you’re going to take the time tofar-reaching effects on family and share a narrative about an accident, Chairpersonfriends. The first phone call contacting event, or near miss you want to get the Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Grouploved ones is like a pebble tossed into most out of it. Oftentimes, these storiesa still body of water and the first ripple are told at a morning staff meeting Vice Chairpersonis generated. Concentric rings rapidly or worksite pre-job briefing, and the Rob Henson, LyondellBasellform as family and friends are notified, outcome is little more than mild interestand in turn, notify others. Their day has or morbid curiosity. “That’s unfortunate. Treasurerjust been upended, plans for dinner, Too bad for them. Where are my tools?” Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratorymovies and little league are all thrownout the window. Look for these topics highlighted in the Secretary top right corner of each section. Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LPsections G overnment Director from a Site Without a CollectiveGLOBAL SAFETY AND 6 Membership Bargaining Agent HEALTH WATCH H ealth Richard McConnell, Austin Industrial Business at LyondellBasellMEMBERSHIP CORNER 34 Outreach Director from a DOE-VPP SiteWASHINGTON UPDATE 38 Stacy Thursby, AECOMSTATE-PLAN MONITOR 40 Director from a VPP Contractor/ Construction SiteVPPPA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS 42 Jamie Robey, CSP, SGE, The Brock GroupINFOGRAPHIC CORNER 46 Director-at-Large J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , RaytheonCALENDAR OF EVENTS 47 Technical Services Company LLC Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Director-at-Large Kimberly Watson, Southwire Director-at-Large Carey West, The Mundy Companies Director-at-Large Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Director-at-Large Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International 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 / SPRING 2018 5

global safety and health watchCelebrating Safety & HealthAround the World6 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

BY JAMIE MITCHELL, observance promotes the benefits of a healthy these include, reducing the number of trips we COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, lifestyle to employers and their employees take in our cars, eliminating or using fireplaces VPPPA, INC. through worksite health promotion activities and and wood stoves less often and avoiding burning environments. A little bit of action goes a long leaves, trash and other harmful materials.E very year we mark our calendars for way when it comes to healthy choices—preparing Clean Air Day urges us to pledge to reduce air the major holidays like Thanksgiving, a healthy meal or going for a walk or bike ride pollution, and to join forces to discuss the ways Christmas, Memorial Day, Valentine’s Day... can be the start to a new and improved lifestyle. we can beat harmful pollution together. The list goes on. But what about the national and international observances that can sometimes In the U.S., May is also Building Safety June is Men’s Health Month and specifically, slip by on our calendars with no recognition? Month, Better Hearing Month, Healthy Vision June 11–17 is Men’s Health Week for 2018. Month and Clean Air Month, to name a few. Started in 1994, and supported by Congress The yearly calendar is full of safety and An abundance of resources are out there for through a health education program, this week health observance days that we might forget these great causes—I urge you to do some gives healthcare providers, public policy makers, to acknowledge, but it is crucial that we bring research on a safety observance calendar and find the media and individuals an opportunity to awareness to the causes these days, weeks an observance day, week or month that means encourage men and boys to seek regular medical and months aim to recognize. The upcoming the most to you, or applies to your work site. advice and early treatment for disease and weeks of May and June are overflowing with injury. Prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases safety and health observance days that should June Observances and mental health issues are some of the leading not be missed. Do you participate in any causes of death in men around the globe; events centered on these observances at home June is National Safety Month. Thousands therefore, preventative measures and treatment or at your work site? Perhaps you can start a of organizations across the U.S. observe this are crucial. program at your own site and start spreading throughout June to bring awareness to increased awareness for the safety and health calendar. safety at home and on the job. The four weeks The calendar of safety and health observances of the month each have a specific theme to is jam-packed every month, and the options are May Observances focus on, including: Week 1: Emergency endless when it comes to participating in these Preparedness, Week 2: Wellness, Week 3: Falls days at your own site or at home with your As we finish up the month of May, there and Week 4: Driving. As June approaches, start family. Be sure to share how your site, or family, are plenty of safety and health observances thinking about the ways you want to spread recognizes these important days, weeks or months occurring around the United States and safety awareness in your daily life. Perhaps you with VPPPA on social media, @VPPPA. abroad. For example, May 14–20 is Mental want to teach your children about emergency Health Awareness Week in the United preparedness at home and what steps to take? Resources: Kingdom. Supported by the Mental Health Do you want to focus on your personal wellness Foundation, the aim of this week is to educate and make a change in your diet or exercise 1. www.healthandfitnessmonth.com the public about mental health issues and routine? Finally, maybe you have caught promote better mental health. yourself, your teenager or a fellow employee 2. www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/ texting and driving, and you want to make a healthcare-awareness-calendar-key- Similarly, in the U.S., May is Mental Health point of correcting some poor driving habits. months-weeks-and-days-from-january-to- Month. Since 1949, Mental Health America Whether at work or at home, National Safety december.html and their affiliates across the country have Month is a great opportunity to pinpoint some led this observance of May as Mental Health places you want to improve regarding personal 3. www.nsc.org/learn/about/Pages/Safety- Month to bring awareness to this important safety issues, or bring awareness to these issues in Observance-Calendar.aspx topic. The 2018 theme for Mental Health the workplace. It is never too late to be safe. Month is “Fitness #4Mind4Body.” 4. www.nsc.org/act/events/Pages/national- A few specific days in June to note include: safety-month.aspx May 31, 2018 is World No Tobacco Day. World Blood Donor Day on June 14, which This day serves to highlight the risks associated raises awareness of the need for safe blood and 5. www.healthandsafetyweek.com/ with tobacco use and advocates for policies to blood products around the globe. The day also news/2015/1/30/what-is-health-and- safety-week reduce tobacco consumption. According to serves as a thank you to the voluntary, unpaid the World Health Organization, World No blood donors and their gifts. 6. www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/retain- Tobacco Day was created in 1987 to draw and-improve/staff-experience/health-work- global attention to the tobacco epidemic and June 21, 2018 will be the U.K.’s first National and-wellbeing/sustaining-the-momentum/ the preventable death and disease it causes. Clean Air Day. Air pollution harms the health calendar-of-national-campaigns-2018/ of millions each day, but there are simple things calendar-of-national-campaigns-2017-table Global Employee Health and Fitness Month we can do to reduce our exposure to it. A few of is also celebrated during May. This international 7. www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may vpppa.org 8. www.who.int/tobacco/communications/ events/wntd/en/ 9. www.cleanairday.org.uk/ THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 7

BY JOE TANTARELLI8 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

My accident—we’ll call it that for the 6-inch pipe we brought while I dug the Right then, my 10-minute safety overview from lack of a better term—happened trench for the 4-inch pipe that wasn’t there yet. when I first started in the business hit me. in June 1983. I was 26 years old. Two hours passed as I sat with my open ditchMaybe you can relate to me at 26: my Sundays waiting for the pipe that was on the way. In “If the trench caves in but doesn’t kill you rightusually bled into my Mondays and getting to order to turn a profit, we needed to complete away, just hang tight because there’s going to be abed at 2:30 a.m. only to leave for work at 5:30 two basements a day. I went into a tailspin second cave-in. And that second collapse is goinga.m. was perfectly normal. That morning, I thinking about how in two hours I should have to be more catastrophic than the first one—it willallowed myself a 20-minute nap as I rode in had all of the pipe in the ground and backfilled, be the one that takes you out.”the passenger seat of the tractor-trailer rig that which would have completed three-quarters ofhauled our excavator to the job site. that basement. I knew if I wasn’t making money I was in and out of consciousness, but I for the company, I wouldn’t be around much remember pleading with myself to stay awake. I had been in the excavating business for longer, so my urgency to get that pipe in the I knew that if I passed out again I would dieseven years, five of which as the operator- ground was high. because those young boys did not know howforeman on the basement crew. When I first to help me. Every time I inhaled, the dirt gotstarted in the business, my safety orientation The plumber finally delivered the pipe. My tighter around my chest. The only shovel wewas straight to the point, I was told: patience was already low, I didn’t have time for had was buried in the trench, so one of the on-the-job training and my laborers were taking laborers, who was 6 feet 6 inches tall and 300Production Training what seemed like forever to make a decision on pounds, grabbed my wrists with the intention something. I intervened and asked what they of pulling me out by my arms. I knew thatWe hustle here, all day, every day. If you’re not needed. They said they wanted to put a bend on with the weight of a car on top of me, thata hustler then go home now because there’s no the pipe. I knew from experience that they didn’t action would have ripped me apart. I yelledway we can find the time to waste on you. need a bend but I had no time left to argue with for him to stop and explained how they should them. I ran and got the only 4-inch schedule 40 carefully dig me out with their hands instead.Safety Training bend I had on the truck and some PVC glue to They did and as soon as I could move my legs I affix it to the fitting. They were fumbling trying was scrambling to get out.1. Hurry up and get the pipe buried in the to get the fitting on and I knew that if the glue trench before it buries you. set, they would end up losing it. I had no room We didn’t have 911 service or cell phones for error so I yelled for them to get out of the way, back then, so my ambulance was a 1978 Chevy2. The longer the trench is open, the more jumped into the trench, put a little more glue on Pickup. I was in and out of consciousness the chance it’s going to cave in. the outside of the pipe and inside the fitting whole ride to the hospital. But whenever I was and slammed that pipe into the fitting. Just as conscious, I was self-diagnosing my injuries. I3. If the trench caves in but doesn’t kill you right I was about to scold them on how easy it was, I determined that I probably had a broken rib or away, just hang tight because there’s going to noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. two and I’d be home by dinner. be a second cave-in. And that second collapse is going to be more catastrophic than the first A 25–30 feet long section of the trench When we got to the hospital I managed to one—it will be the one that takes you out. wall was moving a little bit. A collapse was take two or three steps towards the emergency imminent. I knew that I needed to get to the room and the next thing I remember is my In the seven years since receiving that less very end of the trench because its configuration toes dragging across the parking lot. I wokethan 10-minute overview, I had learned a lot. there causes an arch effect and provides a safe up again to a nurse taking my blood pressure.In fact, I was even responsible for training other cocoon in the event of a trench failure. Just as I “He’s 60 over 40,” I heard her say to the otherpeople on my job sites. On this particular site, was about to turn and run I realized that both nurse. I went back to self-diagnosing. I knewI was working with two 17-year-old laborers— laborers were down in the trench with me and that my blood pressure wasn’t supposed to beboth inexperienced and with their own reasons they had no idea what was about to happen. 60/40, so my initial diagnosis must have been afor being there—but learning the trade was not bit off and I probably wasn’t going to be hometheir priority. If a 6 feet long, 4 feet wide, 8 feet deep for dinner. section of a trench collapses, it can send 10 tons In order to save money, the customer of soil crashing down on a person. Knowing that Here’s the part of the story I can’t tell first-handdecided they would have their plumber supply all three of us were in harm’s way, every second because I had learned about it later: by thethe 4-inch pipe for the job. My boss gave them mattered. I shoved both boys to safety against one time the attending physician made it into thethe approval to do so on the condition that the end of the trench but I was unable to make it to emergency room that day, I had flatlined. Mypipe was delivered to the job site before we got the same area so I turned to run to another safe self-diagnosed broken rib was actually internalthere. But when we arrived that morning, the spot. I thought I would get away with it because bleeding that required surgery and my left kidneypipe wasn’t there and I was livid. I had done it so many times before without any had to be removed in order to get me stabilized. negative repercussions. But this time I didn’t make Over the next 48 hours, I only remember the last I jumped into the pipe truck and sped over it out—I was right at the tail end of the trench 30 minutes of every four-hour interval becauseto the site office trailer to tell the foreman that collapse and I was buried up to my armpits. that was when the morphine wore off. I waswe were leaving to go to another job that was completely out for the first three and a half hoursactually ready for us because they obviously Luckily, I’d succeeded in pushing the boys to and then I was in excruciating pain for that lastweren’t. The foreman managed to calm me safety and they came running down to help me. 30 minutes until they gave me my next shot ofdown and assured me the pipe was on its way morphine at the four-hour mark.and would be ready when I needed it. Against my better judgment, I went back tothe site and began work. I let the laborers installvpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 9

You may never get caught Consequences with how complacency and other states of mindin a trench collapse, but can impact safety. I had a happy ending to whatthe tasks of your job and Aside from the physical consequences that could have been a tragic story, but if I’d knownthe risks you face at home include three bulging discs near my sciatic how to prevent the errors caused by my mentalor while driving can still nerve, the results of which I can only describe state, this incident could have been avoided.cause serious physical as feeling like you’re walking on the sharp endinjuries and leave lasting of a sword instead of a leg, it’s the emotional You may never get caught in a trenchemotional effects on you consequences that are the worst. You could collapse, but the tasks of your job and the risksand the ones you love. set a clock to when I wake up screaming from you face at home or while driving can still recurring nightmares, but they are nothing cause serious physical injuries and leave lasting compared to the emotional damages this emotional effects on you and the ones you love. accident caused my family. Every time I left for My accident could have been prevented and so work, they feared I was never coming back. If I can your future accidents. Because protecting was 10 minutes late walking through the door, people through engineering solutions is a basic the house was in hysterics. requirement, but how can they be protected against their own state of mind? If there’s one For years, after I went back to work, I spent lesson I took from this and want to share with every safety training class searching for the you it’s this: learn more about human factors answer to how my accident happened. I was the training—it could save your life. last person this should have happened to—I was considered one of the safest operators in town. I Joe Tantarelli teaches people was competent in my job. I had trained a lot of workers in safety. As the operator-foreman, my about human factors as a Safety job was to stand up top and watch for signs of a trench failure. I knew the risks. So why did this Consultant with SafeStart. In his happen to me? 40 years in heavy equipment It wasn’t until I had taken some human factors training that it clicked for me. Your construction, he went from state of mind can greatly impact your critical laborer to operator to manager. decisions. I knew the hazards but I wasn’t in tune Joe was a training specialist for over eight years which provided a natural transition for him to become a speaker and implementation specialist.10 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

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BY CANDACE CARNAHANSHARING STORIES,SAVINGLIVES12 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

For the past 17 years, I’ve been traveling throughout NorthAmerica, and around the globe, spreading a critical message—thatworkplace safety starts with the individual. Each and every one ofus can contribute something—even one small thing—that will makeconcrete change to the culture of safety where we work and wherewe live. It’s a personal mission that started for me on a bright Augustday, at my summer job.S ummer jobs are a rite of passage for A co-worker rushed over and stopped the belt; energy wondering “Why me?” and wishing for high school and university students. however, my foot was still caught, crushed a different outcome, or worrying about things We usually worry about finding work, between a point where two conveyors came I couldn’t control. I had to focus on the thingstake what we can get and wait out the few together. That man saved my life. Had he I had the power to change instead of dwellingmonths until we head back to school. My not heard my screams, that belt would have on the things I couldn’t. Two months after thesummer job changed my whole life in just continued to run, and you would be reading injury, I got my first prosthetic leg and beganone moment. After my first year at university, a story about me, written by someone else, physiotherapy. Soon, I was walking on myI began a summer job at the local paper mill. with a very different ending. A maintenance own, ready to start another phase of my life.Before I went to work, I spent a week in a crew arrived to disassemble the system and Each day is a gift to be treasured. Almost losingclassroom watching videos, reading pamphlets free my leg. For 25 minutes, I remained on my life made me realize that there is no betterand discussing safety issues. Then I entered the ground while co-workers offered me time than today to do the things you want tothe work area for “on the job” training. This support. Finally, I was freed and rushed away do. Tomorrow doesn’t come for everyone.routine continued every summer for the three in an ambulance, still conscious and still inyears I worked at the mill. excruciating pain. Nine months after the injury I traveled to Mexico to take a month-long anthropology My job was to pick up any slabs of paper that I was so grateful to be course. Then I backpacked through Europefell on the floor, keeping the overall work area alive. I decided to focus before returning to school to complete myclean. It was a day like any other when I took on what I had left, not on degree in psychology. I never think of whatan often-used shortcut that would result in a what I had lost. my life could have been like if I didn’t lose mymuch longer journey of another kind. I was foot. Most everything that has happened sinceworking on the winder floor when I crossed I awoke the next morning in the hospital, my that day has led to a positive experience orover a conveyor belt system that ran throughout left foot invisible beneath a mound of bandages. adventure. I think it goes without saying thatthe mill. It was a shortcut used regularly by The seriousness of the situation set in when living with a disability of any kind can prove toother employees, students and even supervisors. they transported me to a larger hospital about be challenging at times. However, through myNo one thought twice about it; if it had been an hour away, where I waited in my room for a personal experiences, and those of others whodangerous, it would have been pointed out. Or doctor to come and look at me. The result: the have suffered a similar loss, I’ve come to believeso I thought. lower part of my left leg was injured beyond that being “disabled” is more of a state of mind repair. Amputation was the only option. than one of physical being. As I crossed over the belt, I put my footdown at exactly the wrong place at exactly While the news of losing my limb was Just one year after my injury, I was approachedthe wrong time. My left foot caught within devastating, I was so grateful to be alive. I by the prevention arm of the provincial workers’the area where the belt system collided. I decided to focus on what I had left, not on compensation board to speak to high schoolfell to the ground, landing on the belt. The what I had lost. I wouldn’t waste my time and students about workplace safety. Then, I startedconveyor was moving, and pulling my foot traveling across Canada with another safetyin. My screams echoed above the mill noise. advocate, Paul Kells, to get employers and youngThe automatic emergency stop was disabled. workers on the same page when it comes to safety.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 13

I encourage everyone to Now I am a full-time keynote speaker sharing I encourage everyone to tap into theirtap into their “Courage to my story at schools, companies, conferences and “Courage to Care,” and to act on it, with theCare,” and to act on it, with events worldwide. realization that each and every day, we all havethe realization that each and the capacity to change a life—or maybe evenevery day, we all have the Every time I speak, I customize my message save one.capacity to change a life— to the audience—whether it be corporate,or maybe even save one. plant workers, students or community groups. See Something, Say Something However, the basis of what I speak about is the same. I start with my personal experience and I use my own injury story to encourage weave in three central themes: audiences to “log into life” and actively seek • Having the Courage to Care out situations where speaking up changes a • See Something, Say Something life for the better. Perhaps this is reminding • Sharing Stories, Saving Lives someone to buckle up, or simply asking someone how they are doing. Courage to Care I always say safety is not nine to five. You Thinking about safety in terms of having the can’t punch in and punch out. You can’t make “Courage to Care” can be a real eye-opener it four on and four off. Safety is an attitude, it’s for some people. Think of it this way—“Do a way of life. you think it’s okay that some people are going to get hurt at work? How many is too many? The minute your mind is wandering, you’re One? Put up your hand, who wants to be the not present. If you’re on the plant floor, you’re one? Who is okay with the one being your working with other people, you’re working brother or your daughter? I can tell you about around moving machinery, if you’re off in that, because I have been the one.” the clouds, thinking about something that is completely unrelated to where you are, your Once you change your perspective and guard is down. realize that everyone around you is someone’s son, daughter, husband, wife, it makes safety It’s crucial that people not be afraid to personal. Would you be brave enough, would speak up when they see hazards. Speaking up you CARE enough to check in with your spouse isn’t easy, and peer pressure is a reality in our if they were working on new machinery for workplaces and can cause us to remain silent. If the first time? What if you saw your son doing something at work makes you uncomfortable, something unsafely? Would you hesitate to put you say no. You ask questions. You never yourself out there and step in? know—that one thing you say could be the thing that saves someone’s life.14 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

I believe that it’s the little things done on a daily if help is needed. Empathy also allows us to Candace Carnahan can be reached via herbasis that facilitate huge changes. By reminding understand how others are likely to react to a website at www.candacecarnahan.com or emailpeople that until we achieve ZERO injuries, situation, including people we work with. at [email protected] can each do “one thing safer”—a challengeaccepted by my audiences around the world. What this means is that if I’ve done my jobAt the end of all my keynotes, I have everyone well, if I’ve transported my audience throughstand up and cheer—“If you SEE something, my story, the result is a whole room of peopleSAY something!” It’s a first step to imprinting who are feeling empathy, releasing oxytocinthe concept into people’s consciousness. and are scientifically motivated and engaged in being more aware of their co-worker andSharing Stories, Saving Lives whether or not they may need guidance, help, or even a hug. We’ve got people who have aEssentially, what it boils down to is that sharing more acute understanding of how to go aboutstories changes lives. Sharing stories can even “saying something” after what they’ve seen asSAVE lives. Our brain produces this thing call they are now naturally more able to understandoxytocin. In the past it was referred to as the the reaction they will receive. Furthermore,“love hormone,” but has since been dubbed the people become aware that connecting with“moral molecule.” Oxytocin is produced when people in the workplace through their ownwe are trusted. When we share a personal story personal stories can be a powerful way to garnerwith one person or a group of people, we are trust and encourage them to check into thetelling them that we trust them. Oxytocin is workplace safety culture—to begin to care forthe neurochemical responsible for empathy and others. Everyone has a story to tell, and when awhat we know is that it makes us more sensitive workplace develops a story-telling culture it is ato social cues, and social cues are what motivate powerful catalyst to make positive change.us to engage with and assist others, particularlyAN INTEGRATED SAFETY &HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM PRESENTED BY VPPPA & TSHC “I thoroughly enjoyed the conference, and felt#VPPPA2018 #TSHC2018 I gained a lot of insight and valuable tools to bring back to my organization.”Tuesday, August 28 – Friday, August 31, 2018Gaylord Opryland Convention Center | Nashville, TNwww.vpppa.org/symposium■■ More than 100 educational workshops■■ Visit 250 safety & health exhibitors■■ Prizes, giveaways & networking opportunities■■ Earn industry CEUsvpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 15

THE REAL COSTAFOFETY BY RICHARD MCELHANEY16 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

It was 3:00 a.m. on a Thursday morning, had on the worker and the worker’s family. Over professional. Field level employees know the December 9, 2004. My crew and I had to the years, I had to be the messenger to the families jobsite from end to end. leave a jobsite in Washington, DC, early of two fallen co-workers. It is by far one of the 4. Behavioral Observation Surveys are enough to make a training session in Camden, worst duties of a safety professional, a manager, key. When done correctly, it empowers NJ. The four of us were getting trained on using a or an owner, having to tell a spouse that their employees to intervene if they see something 20,000 psi water lance. This lance was going to be loved one is not coming home. wrong. It also gives the safety professionals a used to cut concrete segments that were poured snapshot of what is going on out in the field the wrong way. Due to some quality issues, the What happened? What went wrong? It was so we can concentrate on what’s good and segments were poured six to eight inches too wide a host of missed steps, from not reporting near what’s bad. Remember, safety is everyone’s and needed to be cut so they would fit the other misses, not pre-planning with the job safety responsibility, not just the responsibility of segments. The training started at 7:00 a.m., but analysis, worker fatigue, and most importantly, the safety professional. ended unexpectedly at 10:30 a.m. One of my not holding everyone accountable in performing 5. Create a robust lessons learned and near co-workers lost control of the water lance and their job duties the correct way. These necessary miss reporting program. We must all learn spun around while the lance was at full power. and crucial steps were overlooked, which created a from our mistakes and never fear for our Thankfully, he missed the rest of our co-workers domino effect that caused the incident that almost jobs if we report them. Teach your personnel and the instructor, but unfortunately, I was struck ended my life. Fifteen surgeries, 30 units of blood, the difference between a near miss and by 20,000 psi across both legs, just above the induced comas, and three years of rehab later, I am breaking a safety rule. An employee should knee. During the training session, the goal was to somewhat back to what some may call a normal never be disciplined for reporting a near miss. rotate between workers so we could learn how to life. I can’t feel my legs, they swell and they are But when they break a safety rule, then you use the lance and the compressor. I was next in in pain 24/7. I also have a blood clot in my right should follow your disciplinary program. line and standing 12 feet away from the worker leg that will never go away. The hardest part is 6. When new employees complete the new hire using the lance. The pressure of the water, even not being able to teach my children the things I safety orientation, the “boss” should always sit at 12 feet, was so great that it entered both of learned growing up. I can’t teach them to snow down with the new employees and review their my legs in the front and exited out of the back, ski, water ski, and other things like play football. commitment to the safety management process. hitting both femoral arteries. There I lay, in a pool I can advise them on these activities, but I cannot I have found that this sets the tone for safety of blood, thinking “that did not just happen.” participate and share the experience with them, within your organization and on the project. Throughout my training in advanced first aid side by side. It is truly what affects me the most. and CPR, I knew I had only minutes to live. So Richard McElhaney was what do you do when you only have minutes to I now travel the globe sharing my story and live and you’re lying on the ground in a puddle of teaching the participant’s lessons learned from my born and raised in Western blood? I wanted to see my family. I had photos of incident. In dramatic fashion, I reveal my injuries my children in my wallet in my pocket. I asked and its effects it had on me and my family’s Pennsylvania. He has been in my co-workers to get my wallet because I wanted lives. According to many audience members, to see my children before I died. Fortunately, they have left my training session a changed the Safety and Risk Management my co-workers knew what to do: they applied person. They say you will understand why the pressure, elevated my legs, and kept me calm people in the safety profession do what they do field for over 26 years. He by showing me the photos of my children. to protect workers and workers families. I call myself a living lessons learned. So what have I currently provides safety That day, my wife got an unexpected visit learned from my incident? I have learned that the from the safety professional. “Mrs. McElhaney, following six safety management principals are consulting services for many companies on a there has been a terrible incident and we need key to any company’s safety success: you to come with us. Rich is still alive, but in global scale. Over those twenty six years, he has critical condition.” She asked, “How can he be 1. Job Safety Analysis (JSAs) are the backbone hurt, he’s the safety guy?” I was now asking, of every safety program. Communication is presented and worked in Australia, Canada, China, “what is the real cost of safety?” the key to a company’s success. Look at JSA’s as a company’s language. Your employees Panama and Africa. Mr. McElhaney earned his B.S. As a 26-year-long seasoned safety professional, need to know how to speak your language. I understood and tracked each and every cost Train employees on how to use these tools. in Occupational Safety and Health Management associated with occupational injuries. I would argue with upper management about tracking 2. Daily safety “huddles” are a must. Review from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in these unforeseen events linked to the injury. the JSA with your crew. A safety huddle Through my training and experience I understood should never be one way communication. 1992. He completed his M.S. in Safety Science from these unforeseen events added eight to 10 times You should always encourage two way more money to the injury cost and should not communication. Ask the employees to share West Virginia University in 2011. His professional be written off as typical business expenses. These their experiences on the task that you are unforeseen events include: cost of repairs, clean- about to perform. Did it go well? Did it designations include, Certified Safety Professional up, costs to replace the injured person, increased go poorly? Did you go above and beyond insurance premiums and litigation. But what I expectations to eliminate a certain risk? (CSP) and Construction Risk Insurance Professional really understood most of all, was the impact it 3. Safety inspections should be done with (CRIS). Rich still resides in Western Pennsylvania vpppa.org a field level employee. A lot is missed if the inspection is only done by the safety with his wife and three children. THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 17

410 TINY LEAD BALLS AND BY TONY AND CHERYL CROW Gunpowder, 410 tiny lead balls T ony was hit in the face with a blast and .246 seconds are all it takes from a 12-gauge shotgun during to change a family’s life forever. a quail hunt in Knox City, Texas. On February 15, 2003, Tony Crow Unknowing that his father was camouflaged found out how one bullet can make a huge impact. in chest-high brush, his son, Landon Crow, pulled the trigger. “In the blink of an eye it was over,” Tony said. “I just remember Landon, crashing through the brush screaming, ‘Oh my God, Daddy, what have I done?’” Landon Crow, who was a junior in high school at the time, supported his father the half-mile back to their truck and accompanied him as he was flown to the nearest hospital in Abilene, Texas. “I knew I could not see, but I thought I might be okay later,” Tony said. “I could feel my eyes watering, and it was not until later that I found out it was blood.” After the initial phone call from the hospital, no one knew how badly Tony had been injured, said Cheryl Crow, Tony’s wife. “I really don’t remember much about the time Tony was in the hospital,” Cheryl said. “I think I was in shock and running on adrenaline.” Tony said loved ones surrounded both him and Landon during a round of surgeries attempting18 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

to restore his vision. The local Future Farmers Safety is the number one issue for companies As they were traveling out to West Texas forof America chapter brought a bus of students to in today’s world. The purpose of safety meetings the hunt, they passed a pickup truck. Landonoffer support and comfort for Landon. or programs is to safeguard and educate said “Dad they are going hunting also,” he employees by creating an accident-free workplace. could see the dog boxes in the back of the “All that I can remember is asking my doctor In August of 1977, Tony began working for truck. As Tony passed the truck, the driverif I would be able to see again,” Tony said. Luminant Energy (formerly TXU) at a coal-fired was wearing a bright hunter orange shirt and“The only thing he said in return was ‘no.’” power plant in Northeast Texas where he lived. cap that caught his eye. He said to Landon,Tony describes how hard it was to reach out and He worked for 26 years for TXU, and attended “They must be city slicker hunters, they aregrab ahold of that word—never. Never is a long numerous safety meetings, was well versed in wearing that orange.” They both laughed andtime—never is forever. Tony would never open safety rules and applied them on the job daily. traveled on. He often wishes now that he hadhis eyes to see the face of his family, friends The first day on the job they gave the new hires never made that statement in front of his son.or co-workers again. He would never see the three things—a hard hat, safety glasses and He made fun of someone that was thinkingface of his grandchildren, or be able to see the hearing protection. In addition, they had already about safety off of the job. When he woke upbeauty of a sunset. “I asked the doctor if safety told them to wear steel-toed boots. Every day in the Parkland hospital in Dallas the nurseglasses would have saved his vision,” Cheryl said. for 26 years, Tony wore safety glasses, except for asked him several questions. She asked himThe doctor told them that any type of eyewear the day that it mattered the most. He knew how if he thought he was wearing an orange shirtwould have saved his vision. important they were. Safety does not stop once because he kept muttering something about you leave the workplace. Unfortunately, he left an orange shirt. In his subconscious mind, all An accident, on or off the job, can change his safety rules there. He later learned that safety he could think about was making fun of themany lives in the blink of an eye. Has your should be a 24/7 responsibility at work, at home guys in the orange shirt. If only he had beenpast experience or safety cockiness ever and at play—a personal commitment. wearing an orange shirt—maybe when Landonblinded your better judgment? In turn, has it turned to swing the gun he would have seen thatcaused you to avoid proper safety measures to Not only was his life changed on February orange shirt. When Tony speaks to audiences heminimize risks associated with work or leisure 15, 2003, but the lives of those he loved the challenges them to always wear the proper PPEactivities? Have you ever gotten away with most—his family. Accidents change lives forever. because in the work force the bright orange issome close calls or adopted an attitude that There are no second chances or do-overs in these called safety orange or hi-visibility. It is wornaccidents haven’t happened yet and probably situations. There are so many things that Tony for a purpose—for people to see you easily.will never happen to me. thinks back on and wishes he could change.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 19

Tony and his wife, Cheryl. profit corporation called INJAM—It’s Not Just So many times, as Tony shares his message About Me. In the blink of an eye, Tony’s life was all over the country, people will approach On the day of the hunt, everything had permanently altered. His presentation drives him afterwards and share how their attitudesbeen great up until that moment when home the point that accidents do impact the about safety will never be the same. WhenTony was shot. As he looks back on the day, lives of the people that we love the most, like they understand the human side of safety, itanother mistake he is reminded of is his lack of our families. Tony shares how his accident not gives them the will to follow safety rules morecommunication with Landon. They had a covey only affected his family members, but his friends aptly. This is especially true as they realize thatof quail scattered up an old fence row, and he and co-workers. When you work for a company neglecting the priority of safety, eventuallyhad just told Landon he was going on up toward for 26 years, as Tony did, with the same people, leads to a tragedy, which in turn can changeit. The quail got up and instead of going in they become like family. While Tony was in your life permanently.front of them they went behind them. Landon the hospital, his co-workers would call him tothought his dad had gone on up the fence row, inquire how he was doing. Tony answered, “I’m Tony uses humor and real-life stories toso he turned and shot not knowing that Tony doing fine—I’ve gotten out of intensive care and share how he is living as a blind person in ahad never gone on up the fence row. Tony was into a private room.” At Tony’s response, his co- world for people with sight. Audiences cancamouflaged in the chest high brush and was workers would cry like babies. His co-workers hear how he feels blessed to be alive as hewearing a khaki shirt and cap—blending in replied, “You are never going to come back to shares his message of “triumph over tragedy.”with the brush. If only he had been wearing the work.” Whether we admit it or not, accidents do Tony believes leadership is best shown byorange shirt—if only he had been wearing safety affect our co-workers. example. He shares his thoughts on safety, asglasses, but now another factor was added to the well as leadership in the workplace, at homeaccident: non-communication. Why did Tony Tony now travels all over the U.S. relaying and throughout daily life. Because he wants tonot yell at Landon and tell him he had not gone his INJAM—It’s Not Just About Me live life to its fullest, even with his disability,on up the fence row? presentation. Tony shares the human side of Tony models his personal philosophies at safety. His story is such a powerful, moving home, church and in the community. Another challenge that Tony shares with and motivational story that those attendingaudiences is the importance of communication. leave with a different mindset regarding safety Tony still helps out on his 125 acre farm.He had attended safety meetings for 26 years and in general. They leave with an understanding He feeds the dogs and cows every day and evenone of the areas of safety that was stressed at every that safety is 24/7 at work, home and play. artificially inseminates some of his cows. Life’sevent was the importance of communication. Let They also leave knowing that accidents change journey is not always easy, but Tony’s perspectivepeople know where you are located and what you lives forever. When Tony shares his story, and is great. He has let life’s difficulties make himare doing. If only he had communicated with employees see firsthand the damaging effects better, not bitter. Tony’s message about safety andLandon, this could have been avoided. of neglecting safety, they truly grasp the leadership is compelling and passionate. To learn impact of a life-changing accident. In just a more about his non-profit corporation, his clients While in the hospital, he realized that his moment, his life, the life of his family, and the and their testimonials, or to schedule a safetyaccident had affected so many others than lives of his co-workers were forever changed. conference or a site safety presentation, pleasejust himself. His life was not only changed visit Tony’s website at www.injam1.com.forever, but in addition, his family’s life waschanged forever. Tony Crow formed a non-20 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

ADp. 21

die !Ldet Mt e‘on’please God, ‘ BY KINA HART22 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

It was June 23, 1990, at 8:40 a.m., just 40 minutes into my first day on the job. I found myselfentangled in a conveyor belt. My ears were ringing, I couldn’t scream because my jacket waschoking me. Panic, fear and pain was all I could feel. My left arm was pulled in near the endroller of the conveyor. My jaw smacked against a bar causing my head to twist so hard I thoughtfor sure my neck would snap. I grabbed the bar with my right hand and I held on with everythingI had in me. I held on and I prayed. “God, please, don’t let me die! Please someone find me,please God save me!” The conveyor didn’t care that I was only 20, it didn’t care that I wanted tobe a dentist, it didn’t care that I was someone’s daughter, granddaughter, sister and best friend.I could feel myself losing consciousness. I fought against the blackness that was taking over, Iknew if I let go of that bar I would not survive. A quiet calm took over. I couldn’t hear anything,just silence. I was immersed in bright white light. I knew I had died. I began talking to God again.e SI said, “God, if you just let me live I promise to be good. I promise to never complain about could give me that I could not do. Reluctantly anything, please, God…I am not ready to die!” he gave in and told me I could work the next uddenly I was gasping for air like it They were cutting off my clothes and asking day on the cleanup crew. That was the day that was my first breathe of life. I started me questions and telling me to breathe. So forever changed my life. screaming for help. I screamed, “Turn many people all around me talking frantically, telling me to hold on. Telling me to stay with There were five of us who started work thatoff the machine!” As loud as I could I screamed, them. “Kina, don’t give up!” I was getting so day 28 years ago. We gathered that morning tired, I just wanted to sleep. I said, “Just call“Turn it off!” for some quick instructions from Joe. We were I soon realized I was still stuck in theconveyor belt—it was off now, but I was still my dad.” I knew my dad would save me.on my knees. Around me I could see feet and I I had finished my sophomore year in college at a fish processing plant, and this locationcould feel someone holding my head and asking with plans on becoming a dentist someday. I processed salmon. We stood together in a largeme to calm down. It was a woman’s voice. She was 20 years old, my life as an “adult” was just warehouse and the smell of fish was penetratingsaid “Kina, the machine is off, you need to be beginning. Part of the grown-up life included my every pore. Conveyor belts all around us,still.” She then asked me to slow my breathing. paying for college myself. All of my life I had we were given instruction to clean the belts and“Just breathe with me and count to 10. Kina, grown up in poverty. I knew if college was in my get them ready for a load of salmon that wasyou are going to be OK, just stay with me.” future I would have to figure out a way to pay on the way. We were given a sponge, a bucket for it. With my best friend Lisa by my side, we and shown where the hoses were. Then we were I hurt so much, I begged for her to take decided to work in Alaska for the summer. told, “get to work.” Joe left the building andaway the pain. I pleaded for someone to help we started working on the first conveyor belt.me. Please just do something to make the I remember the flight to Alaska. We were so It wasn’t very big, it had rollers that were onlyhurting stop! Please, I will do anything to excited. This was my first flight on a commercial about 2-inches in diameter.make the pain stop! The pain didn’t stop. As airliner and I was so nervous. We arrived inI became more and more aware of myself and South Naknek, Alaska, on June 19, 1990. My You know that feeling you get whenmy surroundings I had a new concern. best friend and I settled into our dorm room. something seems dangerous? The gut check? The sun never fully set, so we put aluminum This was a feeling I ignored that morning, but I What about my arm? My left arm felt like it foil on the windows so we could sleep at night. will never make that mistake again. I didn’t wantwas laying across my stomach, but I could see We hiked, we ate, we visited with the other girls to be the one asking Joe if we should be cleaningit wasn’t there. “Did I lose my arm?” I asked in our dorm. But, we were not working and I these machines while they were running? I didn’twithout wanting the answer. The woman’s voice was getting anxious. The fish were not coming want to admit that I really didn’t know what Isaid, “No, but you are hurt really bad.” I did find up the river yet. Very few people were being was doing. I certainly didn’t want him to knowout later, I had lost my arm. It had been crushed called to work. I could no longer wait. I decided I was scared. I wanted to show Joe that I wasand the conveyor belt continued to pull until it it was time for me to talk with my foreman, a hard worker and that he could count on me.literally tore my arm from my body. Joe. I went to his office and told him why I was This job was very important to me because it“I want to go home now. Please call my dad in Alaska. I said, “Joe, I am here because I am wasn’t just money, it was my future, and myand he will come get me. I want to go home.” paying for college all by myself. I am going to only way back to college that fall.That is all I wanted—for my mom and dad be a dentist someday so I really need to work.” Determined to make a name for myself, Iwould take care of me. I convinced Joe that there wasn’t a single job he ignored the fact that I was putting myself in avpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 23

Kina Hart Kina’s children. want to be completely responsible for my safety. Sure, companies have a responsibility to train Reluctantly, he gave very dangerous position: crawling under the and provide personal protective equipment and in and told me I could next conveyer belt to clean near the end roller. work environments that are as safe as possible. work the next day on This machine was much bigger than the others, But my personal safety is mine, and I won’t give the cleanup crew. That with rollers at least 24-inches in diameter. It that away ever again. This is where I am very was the day that forever was meant to move the salmon quickly. No one selfish and you should be too. changed my life. knew I was under the machine cleaning when the belt was turned on. I was wrapped up in the So what now?24 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 end roller immediately. With my jacket being Twenty-eight years later, I am happily married. pulled across my neck, I couldn’t even yell for Between my husband, Jarad, and I we have six help—all I could do was hope. Hope someone fantastic children. We stay busy working and would find me, hope someone would turn the playing. We all love water sports in the summer machine off, hope someone would save me. But and snow sports in the winter. Gathering I knew this was probably going to kill me. around a campfire is an all-time favorite. When one is faced with dying, it teaches you After two months in a trauma hospital a lot about living. I appreciate every day that in Seattle, WA, I was sent home. This was a I have on this Earth with the people I love. I challenging time to say the least. Having to learn appreciate that I have a daily reminder to live how to do things all over again was frustrating, my life with purpose. and the pain was almost unbearable. At times, I have dedicated my life to motivating people it’s still difficult to cope with. The hardest thing to make safety a very personal responsibility by for me though, was dealing with how I looked. I speaking with companies and their employees felt ugly, deformed, not normal. I went back to across the United States. We can’t expect that college, not to be a dentist of course, but instead other people are taking care of us. We are the to be a science teacher. It took me about a year only ones that know what we know or what we to get my feet back under me. do not know. We are the ones that know if we are distracted by other life events, if we are tired, While I was in the hospital my grandmother or lacking the knowledge, or focus on any given said to me, “If you look for good, you will find day. I want to empower people to be their own it,” which has always stuck with me. Once I safety advocate—don’t give your safety away. saw this situation for what it was, instead of for what I wished it could be, I was able to Kina Hart (formerly Kina Repp) has a bachelor’s move forward and I stopped wishing my life away. I finally realized the only person that in education. She has taught science, and for the had a problem with me missing an arm was me. I have accepted this new chapter in my past five years, martial arts. She has a second- life and even embraced what this tragedy can do to help others not make the same mistake. degree black belt, she has run 13 marathons, I want to be the accident no one else has. she loves scuba diving, snow skiing and wake Today, I would make sure I was trained. Today, I would have the courage to say boarding. Kina was also honored in the 2002 something if I didn’t understand or felt like something was dangerous. Today, I wouldn’t winter Olympic games as an Olympic Torch count on someone else to take care of me. I runner. You can find out more about her, and book her for speaking opportunities, at kinarepp.com. vpppa.org

ADp. 25

BY KEVIN BAILEY26 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

On October 15, 1986, I was injured and spoke with him and we talked a long time. working on a farm. I was entangled He was missing his arm due to a conveyor with the unguarded power take off accident. We both shared some of the things that shaft (PTO) while unloading a silage, or forage we missed. It surprised me to find the thing he wagon. The PTO shaft is what transfers power missed the most was making a PB&J sandwich. from the tractor to the wagon. The accident The room where we were speaking was within took my right leg at the hip and caused crushing view of the parking lot. At the end of our injuries to my lower left leg. The road to conversation, as we parted ways, we were the recovery was long, and at many times, painful. only ones left in the room. I walked directly There were a few setbacks, but I was recovered toward the door closest to the parking lot and and walking unassisted using a hip disarticulated he turned and walked toward the hall. It was prosthesis by 1988. strange to me but he was looking for the door with a handicap button, but it was significantly In June of 2000, I was off work as a further away, and I was looking for a door with machinist, due to an infection in my left leg. the shortest number of steps to get to my car. One night during this time I was restless and could not sleep until I wrote down the idea Value of A Safety Program of sharing my story and how my accident has affected those around me. Since then I’ve had I think it’s safe to say, especially back in the the honor of presenting at nearly every national 1980s and prior, that safety on small family- VPPPA event. It is great to be around so many sized farms was not a priority. I’m sure most people with a commitment to safety. people who are around farms during that time period can attest to the fact of missing guards Traumatic accidents have far-reaching and shields. Most of these guards or shields effects on family and friends. The first phone would be piled in the corner of the machine call contacting loved ones is like a pebble shed somewhere. Other than the general “be tossed into a still body of water and the first careful” or “don’t step over the power shaft” ripple is generated. Concentric rings rapidly comments, there were no hard-and-fast safety form as family and friends are notified, and rules. Keep in mind, small farms have all in turn, notify others. Their day has just been the hazards that you find in large industry. upended, plans for dinner, movies and little Confined spaces, heights, chemicals, heavy league are all thrown out the window. They equipment, conveyors, rotating equipment are now trying to figure out who can pick up and, as a bonus, small farms have large their kids early from school. What is the best unpredictable animals. Just to name a few. route to the hospital. Not to mention the All the hazards found in industry, but none nagging question in the back of their mind, of the rules or training. I know training can “will their loved one make it?” The true reach seem repetitive and boring but it’s there to of this “ripple effect” won’t be known for make you aware of what can kill or maim you. years. I’m still hearing stories from cousins The equipment or the process doesn’t have and second cousins about what they did when a conscience, it is an equal opportunity life they heard the news. The saving grace for ender. Knowing what you can do to protect me was that I wasn’t married and didn’t have yourself while using it or stationed near it, is kids at that time. Now, after being married your best defense. Training also communicates for nearly 20 years and having two boys, I changes. Remember when “Lockout” became couldn’t imagine my wife Jessica or boys, Jared “Lock out, Tag out?” Now some places are and Trevor, having to take that call. using “LOTO and Try.” Missing the Simple Things in Life I wasn’t breaking Dad’s rule of, “don’t step over the power shaft.” My shortcut in the Sometimes I think this is overlooked. If you process did not have me stepping over the have a life changing injury it’s the simple things power shaft but it brought me dangerously that you will miss the most at times. For me it’s close. So, while I wasn’t technically breaking slipping off my shoes or cuddling with my wife the rule, I was violating the intent of the rule. on a cold night. For others it could be something In hindsight, I sometimes wonder if I had the totally different. Several years ago, I was at a farm intent to break the rule if my head would have safety conference and there was another injured been in the game. More out of fear of my dad person giving a talk. His topic was not about his catching me than fear of the equipment. I had accident but about safe lighting for agricultural equipment on roadways. At the end I went upvpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 27

Working as a team, your been caught by Dad before, I knew what he overcome current obstacles, improve currentsite can overcome current could do. I didn’t respect the equipment. standings and achieve zero recordables. Evenobstacles, improve current if the improvements are small, do not bestandings and achieve zero One of the many questions that comes up discouraged. I filled out a survey sent to merecordables. Even if the at the end of my presentation is “what would by Purdue University. The study encompassedimprovements are small, you have done differently?” There are several rotating equipment accidents on a small familydo not be discouraged. answers to that question. First, I would have farm from 1982 to 1986. There were just refused to work with unguarded equipment. under 10,000 injuries in that time frame. 864 Missing guards, shields or other protective resulted in some form of amputation, 112 equipment are common on many small resulted in death. What is 1 out of 10,000 as a farms. It falls into the “no one has been hurt percentage? I’m pretty sure it’s .00001 percent. and we’ve been doing it this way for years” Not a big number. I was that .00001 percent, mindset. Second, I would not have adopted I made it into the 864 amputations category. shortcuts that I thought would make my job I almost made 112 fatalities, 113. A small easier and quicker. Over the years of operating improvement is huge to the person who gets to this type of equipment I found a method that, go home at the end of the day and there are no while saving time, brought me unnecessarily new ripples in the pond. close to the rotating shaft. Third, I would have made sure I had tight fitting clothing. Kevin Bailey is a motivational speaker and aims The Carhartt coveralls I had on had broken zippers on the legs. The choice to wear these to reduce the number of work-related injuries by was made from the lack of respect for the equipment I was operating. encouraging workers with his presentation. He The good news is that none of this has to has also succeeded in the start-up and operation happen to you. The fact that your facility or organization is part of the VPP program of a restaurant franchise, relearned to down-hill shows that there is a commitment level head and shoulders above most other facilities in ski and water ski, and learned to build and fly this country. Working as a team, your site can Ultra-light airplanes. In addition, he has worked in the tool and die trade and built the home where he resides with his wife and two sons.28 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org



BY DAVID SOWERS30 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

STORYTIME OR A LEARNINGOPPORTUNITY? I f you’re going to take the time to share a narrative about an accident, event or near miss you want to get the most out of it. Oftentimes, these stories are told at a morning staff meeting or worksite pre-job briefing, and the outcome is little more than mild interest or morbid curiosity. “That’s unfortunate. Too bad for them. Where are my tools?” As with most things, what you get out of a story about an event depends on what you put into it. How you share these stories is as important as the individual narratives. To ensure that your organization is truly learning, internalizing and improving you need to have an organized approach. You should have some goals in mind and a plan to achieve those goals; otherwise you’re just telling campfire stories.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 31

We need to have an F irst, let’s get some housekeeping out production meetings or any time the team organized approach for of the way. I have heard stories about convenes to discuss work or safety. As you start communicating OE to prior events called safety shares, industry to incorporate OE into your processes ensure ensure we are learning events, prior learnings, safety profiles, near you are not creating a check the box exercise by something and not just misses, safety tips, event analysis, etc. Having understanding how to communicate OE. telling each other worked my formative years in nuclear power, I random stories. tend to default to that industry’s terminology; How to Use OE: Operating Experience or OE.32 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 For OE to be effective we need to learn something Where to Use OE: and know how to apply it to our work. Just relaying the basics of an accident or event doesn’t The goal of OE is to help with improving the go far enough. We need to have an organized health and safety of your people as well as your approach for communicating OE to ensure we are plant, systems or equipment, by decreasing learning something and not just telling each other the frequency and severity of accidents and random stories. We need to communicate the full errors. That probably sounds exactly like the picture but do it in a way that is to the point and guiding principle of your entire safety process holds their attention. The easiest way to do this is and that’s by design. You need to think of to think of OE as a mystery that you will unravel OE as an integral part of your daily drive to to reveal an “aha” learning moment at the end. improve overall safety. Ideally, OE needs to be embedded into multiple facets of your personal You know how some movies, tv shows or or organization’s processes. novels will start at the end and then go back to show you all the events which led up to the OE isn’t just for morning meetings. Trainers climax? There’s a reason for this formula. You should look to incorporate OE into the initial start with the attention grabber; the culminating training your employees receive. This sets the event. There’s been a robbery or murder or some right tone around expectations, the company’s sort of peril. Now the audience is engaged and commitment to safety, and gives new hires insight actively looking to unravel and solve this mystery into the culture of your organization. This is as more information is revealed and clues start to serious work. We are committed to constantly fall into shape. What happened? then How did it learning and improving. We are not afraid to happen? and finally How can we avoid a similar talk about what has happened and the potential fate? It’s the same formula with OE. Let’s use the for it to occur again. This will come in handy false missile alert that was issued to all of Hawaii later when this new employee, who may still be in January of 2018. on a probationary period or is just afraid to speak up, is trying to decide whether to report a near Describe what happened? This is a short miss. Knowing that the organization is not going narrative which gives the basic facts; your to be punitive and values the learning that a attention-grabber. On the morning of January near miss provides will encourage employees to 13, the residents of Hawaii received the following speak up and share. false alarm on their cell phones: BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. Work planning should also utilize OE and SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT incorporate it into job packages. If there is A DRILL. For the 38 minutes it took to revoke OE that is relevant to a specific task it should the alert, the entire state of Hawaii was under the be coupled to that task in the work planning belief that their lives were in imminent danger. At process. A discussion about vehicle safety in this point, the audience should be listening. the morning briefing is good, but is it relevant to the person who will be tearing down a How did this happen? Start unraveling the chemical pump that day? Having an example mystery by going back and filling in some of the of OE that is focused around chemical hazards details. In the Hawaii example, during a shift or pressurized systems is more impactful in turnover, the supervisor initiated a drill. He that moment. Instead of chasing this down the announced “exercise, exercise, exercise” before day of, start incorporating OE into the work and after the notification. The notification planning system. Make it part of the work was read from an actual alert and included package, an attachment to the procedure, or a the phrase “this is not a drill.” An employee step in the work authorization. of Hawaii’s Emergency Management office, hearing “this is not a drill” mistakenly believed If you are currently using OE, it’s probably there was a legitimate attack and issued the an agenda item for the morning meeting. warning to the public. Notification to the Consider other times to use OE such as pre-job public only requires one person and does not briefs, job hazard analysis, outage planning, need consent from a second person; which is vpppa.org

a requirement in many localities. Additionally, clarification before proceeding. Avoiding vague their work and safety. The intent of OE is not toit was determined that the checklist for missile guidance with clearer checklists and procedures. scare them into being careful. The intent to is getalerts was vague and allowed workers to Use clearer communication to avoid confusion. them engaged and focused so they can recognizeinterpret the steps they should take. There were Having processes in place to correct a false alarm. traps, put defenses in place, and stop work whendelays in notifying the public of the false alarm Any of these are reasonable solutions. Don’t get they are not 100 percent sure of the next step.because there was no process in place to rescind hung up on one particular answer; the point is Maximize the effectiveness of OE by asking: whatan errant alert. to get them thinking and engaged. happened, how did it happen, what were the traps, what could they have done to prevent itWhat Traps Were Present? Maximize the effectiveness and how does this apply to us today? Follow of OE by asking: what this approach to ensure we are not missingNow that we’ve filled in a little more backstory, happened, how did it opportunities to use OE to learn, grow, and,it’s time to start engaging the workers and happen, what were the ultimately, improve overall safety.asking them to solve this mystery. Start by traps, what could they haveasking “What traps were present?” In other done to prevent it and how Dave Sowers is a foundingwords, what conditions before the event occurred does this apply to us today?encouraged the wrong action? From a human member of Knowledge Vine;perspective, the supervisor said, “this is not a How Does This Relate to Our Work?drill,” during a drill and the employee didn’t Internalizing the conversation is the next step. Get a Human Performancehear exercise, exercise, exercise. From a process your employees thinking about the applicabilityperspective, the missile alert checklist was vague, to their work and jobsite. Ask: How does this Training and Consultingthere was no requirement for peer-check, and relate to our work? Where do we have similarthe was no process to rescind alerts. traps? What steps can we take to avoid a similar organization which strives incident? Was a stop work point missed? ThisHow Could They Have Prevented This? is a conversation. Be careful to not discourage to reduce the frequency and any constructive input. Don’t look for right orNow we know what happened and how it wrong answers, just get them thinking about severity of human errors inhappened so it’s time to start looking at solutionsand applying them to our work today. “How the workplace. (www.knowledgevine.com) Davecould they have prevented this?” Some simplesolutions are: Requiring a peer-check before alerts has almost 30 years of experience in powerare issued. In the face of uncertainty, asking for generation and the utility industry. He is a veteran of U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program and holds a bachelor’s degree in resources management and a master’s degree in both management and emergency management and homeland security.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 33

MEMBERSHIP CORNERContests & Prizes#HowISafety Contest Roster ContestThe #HowISafety Contest is back again! There is no easier way to win a gift card than theWe loved seeing everyone’s submissions so much VPPPA Roster Contest. Please update the rosterthat we are holding the contest again for this year. that was included in our membership mailing with all current employees. After we receive yourTo enter the contest: faxed (703-761-1148) or emailed roster, we will randomly select one prime contact to win a gift• Submit a photo of yourself representing how card. Send your updated roster to membership@ you are promoting/practicing safety in the vpppa.org by July 2, for a chance to win. workplace or at home. Examples: Wearing your PPE, teaching a safety class, attending If you need another copy of your site’s roster, training, following safety procedures etc. please contact the Membership Department via the email address above or call 703-761-1146. If• Write a short description or caption you have already submitted your site’s roster, you explaining the photo are already entered into our random drawing.• Include the #HowISafety hashtag in your Safety+ Registrants photo description Stay tuned for more contests at the• If you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter symposium in August. account, you may email your photo entry to [email protected]• The photo will be posted to VPPPA’s Facebook page in the “#HowISafety” photo album• The photo with the most “likes” will win a complimentary Safety+ registration, free Delta airfare and lodging at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN, on Monday, August 27– Friday, August 31.The rules and requirements to enter Winner, Winner— Steak Dinner!this contest are as follows: Congratulations to Laura• Must be a member of VPPPA• VPPPA has all rights to use the B.! As one of the first 50 registrants for Safety+, she pictures submitted• No nudity, graphic language or content, won a $100 gift card to Old Hickory Steakhouse firearms or alcohol may be shown in any in the Gaylord Opryland. artwork or pictures submitted Submit your entry on Facebook, Twitter oremail your photo (including your name andmember ID number if by email) by June 1 [email protected] THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

Like us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter: @VPPPAAssociation Announcements We are excited to be Meet the VPPPA Staff partnering with the Tennessee Safety & Health As VPPPA members, you talk to Conference this year at National Office staff members on the Safety+ Symposium! the phone, chat with us via email and sometimes see us at regional #VPPPA2018 #TSHC2018 and national events. But we want our members to be able to more easily put names with faces. Check back here in future issues to see more VPPPA National Office staff member profiles.VPPPA Member Benefit VPPPA Awards & Scholarships Name: Katlyn PagliucaHave you taken advantage of the benefits VPPPA features awards, scholarships and Job Title: Membership ManagerVPPPA members can receive from Columbia an achievement program to recognize theSouthern University? VPPPA members, as extraordinary efforts of member sites and Length of Time with VPPPA:well as their spouses and children, receive a individuals who go above and beyond to Since April 201510 percent discount on tuition. In addition, improve safety and health for the Americanmembers and their families do not have to pay workforce. Below are the available recognition Favorite Part of Workingthe application fee and get free textbooks. programs to apply to by June 1: for VPPPA: “Meeting the members • The VPPPA Annual Awards for Outreach at regional and national conferences!” Columbia Southern University offers onlinedegree programs, open enrollment, affordable and Innovation recognize member sites Hometown: Fairfax, VArates and a flexible learning style designed and individuals that have made exceptionalto accommodate your busy life. You can contributions to the mission of the VPPPA Alma Mater: Virginia Techparticipate in the associate, bachelor, master or during the previous year.certificate programs in many fields including, • Have you initiated best practices? The VPPPA Dream Vacation: Maldivesbusiness administration, fire science, criminal Safety & Health Achievement Program providesjustice administration, occupational safety special acknowledgement to non-managerial Favorite Movie: Beauty and theand health and more! Go to vpppa.org for employees at member sites who have taken the Beast (1991 cartoon version)more information. initiative to learn and apply safety and health best practices. Fun Fact About Me: “I did • Or maybe you’d like to further safety and health the Disney internship for six months education for a family member or yourself? in college.” VPPPA’s scholarships will help achieve that goal. Favorite Food: Steak Winners will be announced at the Safety+ Symposium in Nashville, TN, during a special reception on August 27.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 35

FEATURED P R O D U C T S Booth 208 Booth 538 & 542ALLIANCE SAFETY COUNCIL GRAVIC—REMARK SOFTWARECertified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) Remark Office OMRReenie Nichols Steve [email protected]/ 571-235-0268 [email protected] / 1-800-858-0860www.alliancesafetycouncil.org remarksofware.com/safetyAlliance Safety Council, a member-driven association and Collect and analyze data from safety observations, audits,innovator in safety training and workforce development checklists, surveys and other forms. No special paper orsolutions, works to build safer workplaces/communities. hardware needed. Print your own forms and scan with anA signature program is the Certified Occupational Safety image scanner or multifunction printer. Use the built-inSpecialist (COSS)—a unique, curriculum-based course reports or export your data.recognized nationwide for its rigorous standards.Booth 458 Booth 306 HOT STUFF SAFETYWEAR VPPSTORE The Flex, Fever and Free Suits VPP Positive Impact Scratch and Win Prize Package Jaime Glas [email protected] / 225-978-9403 Jeanne Lawson www.hotstuffsafetywear.com [email protected] The Flex Suit has a hood that zips in the collar and utility www.vppstore.com pockets on the arm and thigh. The Fever Suit has a Engage with our award-winning Scratch and Win Prize mandarin collar and halter shape seams. The Free Suit has Package—20 scratch-off tickets, five winning tickets for tapered legs and snap-adjustable waist flaps. each of the four categories with 20 prizes included. Hand out tickets to those working safely . . . scratch off the foil and36 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 win the prize that appears three times! Back of scratch-off features a name slot for employee record keeping. vpppa.org

Booth 729 AN INTEGRATED SAFETY & HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM PRESENTED BY VPPPA & TSHC Booth 409GLOVE GUARD LP WORKING CONCEPTS, INC.OktoLock® Clip Ergokneel Body MatMelissa Slimp Lori [email protected] [email protected] / 503-663-3374www.gloveguard.com www.softknees.comThe OktoLock® clip is made in the U.S. with a strong, The Ergokneel Body Mat is a 1-inch thick close-celledflexible plastic that safely secures your cords and mitigates foam and is designed for industrial use. It will notpotential trip hazards. The clip is designed to fit hand railing absorb liquids, is petroleum resistant and will holdor pipes up to 2-inches in diameter. The 3-inch diameter up in tough environments.lower loop will hold cords, hoses, welding leads or stingers. Booth 301 Booth 708ROCO RESCUE TICK KEY PRODUCTS, LLCCMC/Roco FreeTech Harness Original Tick KeyTeresa Wilson Donna [email protected] / 800-647-7626 [email protected] / 860-618-3072www.rocorescue.com www.tickkey.comThe FreeTech™ Harness allows the user to safely and easily The easiest-to-use tick removal device on Earth. It’s 99.9transfer their body weight from the dorsal connector on percent effective in the removal of all sizes and types ofthe upper back to the front waist location of the harness to ticks. Field workers need a Tick Key for proper tick removal.reorient the user into a seated position. It comes in 19 great colors. Private label available.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 37

washington updateOSHA Safe & Sound Campaign Show Your Commitment to Safety Safe + Sound Week, being held August 13–19, 2018, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs that include management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards in workplaces.V PPPA is encouraging our members to show their commitment by participating in Safe + Sound Week. Organizations of any size or in any industry can participate in Safe + Sound Week by hosting activities and events that include at least one, but preferably all three, of the core elements of a successful safety and health program: • Management Leadership • Worker Participation • Finding and Fixing Hazards You can participate in your workplace or host a public event. Begin planning by accessing free activity ideas and tools at www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek. Why Participate? Safe workplaces are sound businesses. Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line. Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get your program started or energize an existing one.38 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

Ideas and Actions for VPP’s Future:Recommendations from OSHA’sVPP StakeholdersBY DOUG KALINOWSKI, OSHA, DIRECTOR • Special Government Employee (SGE)— sound and its popularity among participants is specific recommendations without question, the reach of the program isOF COOPERATIVE & STATE PROGRAMS small. The number of VPP worksites represents • Use of third party provider for audits a tiny fraction of American workplaces (0.03T he Occupational Safety and Health • Comments on VPP memos (specifically #7) percent or less). Recommendations to extend Administration (OSHA)’s Voluntary VPP’s influence and participation included Protection Programs (VPP) emphasizes These cover about 80 percent of the developing a strategic marketing campaign,trust and cooperation among OSHA, employers comments received. The remainder expressed using success stories, videos and Public Serviceand employees. It complements the agency’s a variety of other recommendations including; Announcements, to educate safety and healthenforcement activity with a progressive approach coordination and recognition of other professionals and companies about VPP.to prevention. VPP participants are dedicated systems (e.g. International Organization forto exceeding federal OSHA standards. These Standardization—ISO), codification, expanding Many of the comments also suggestedorganizations are striving to excel with strategies the time between VPP audits and the creation of improving data collection for the purpose ofthat can help provide the best feasible protection a VPP advisory committee. At this time, OSHA demonstrating the effectiveness of VPP. Anecdotalfor their workers. is reviewing all the comments and examining evidence and participant testimonials reveal which recommendations offer the most promise. significant cost savings, including workers’ OSHA is seeking to modernize VPP to Please note that the prevalence of specific compensation cost reductions; reduced employeecontinue the promotion of safety and health recommendations does not necessarily indicate turnover; improvements in the quality ofexcellence, ensure effective administration of its priority or feasibility. These categories participants’ products and services; and otherVPP and support smart program growth. In and comments are still under consideration, benefits to participating in VPP. However,2017, OSHA hosted two stakeholder meetings and OSHA has not yet decided on its final enhanced metrics would better demonstrateto explore ways to improve the sustainability recommendations for action. the greater safety and health performance ofof VPP—especially as it relates to OSHA’s VPP participants compared with non-VPPinteractions with active VPP participants. The first Participants reported finding employers—a point that has been made instakeholder meeting took place on July 17, at the VPP a powerful tool for two previous Government AccountabilityU.S. Department of Labor. The second stakeholder reducing workplace injuries Office (GAO) reports.meeting was on August 28, immediately preceding and illnesses.the 2017 Safety+ Symposium. In addition, OSHA OSHA is addressing a number of issuesopened an official docket for comments. In reviewing the feedback, OSHA was pleased raised in the stakeholder meetings and from to see that the vast majority of the comments the docket comments to include: Stakeholders submitted 66 comments indicated overall support for VPP. Participants • Revising Memos #5 and #7, which addresscontaining a total of 245 recommendations. These reported finding VPP a powerful tool forrecommendations mirrored many of the discussion reducing workplace injuries and illnesses. incentives and fatalities/catastrophes attopics from the stakeholder meetings. OSHA Generally, the comments expressed the view VPP sitesidentified common themes among the comments that there was a need for provisions to enhance • Reducing the backlog of VPP applicationsand determined the most prominent categories: consistency, timeliness and efficiency of VPP. • Establishing policies to increase the use of SGEs• Simplification of the VPP process OSHA agrees with this premise. • Revamping VPP training for OSHA staff and SGEs and documentation Many comments expressed strong support • Evaluating the VPP application process• Promotion of VPP & increased for streamlining and simplifying the forms, to streamline and simplify it applications and reports required for VPP. • Completing the update and improvements recognition of participants This included the idea that VPP applications to the VPP database.• Data collection/effectiveness of VPP and audits should take into account pre- existing certifications—such as ISO 45000, Stakeholder input is extremely valuable to and best practice sharing ANSI Z10—and allow those sites to utilize an OSHA when making policy and procedural• Increased training and more expedited application process. changes. The agency will continue to keep everyone involved and informed, and look formalized mentoring Another area stakeholders offered a significant forward to working collaboratively with• Increase in OSHA commitment, number of comments, was related to increasing all stakeholders to build a stronger, more the visibility of VPP. While the basis of VPP is sustainable future for VPP. resources and funding• Changes to increase incentives and THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 39 benefits of participation• Changes to the corporate programvpppa.org

state-plan monitor Michigan Upcoming Events COMPILED BY There are currently 29 sites in the Michigan • MVPP/C Advisory group meeting— KATLYN PAGLIUCA, MEMBERSHIP Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP), with May 22, 2018 MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. 25 Star, one Rising Star (Merit), two MVPP/C (construction) and one MVPP/C Rising “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Federal OSHA States Star site. Twitter @MichiganLARA and subscribe to State-Plan States our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/ Public Sector Only Promotion MIOSHA_MI. MVPP Specialist Doug Kimmel has led MVPP40 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 presentations to Northern Coatings and Paint, For further details on the MVPP, Menominee; and Honeywell, Muskegon. contact Doug Kimmel, MVPP specialist at (231) 546-2366, or visit the MIOSHA website An MVPP/C onsite review was conducted at www.michigan.gov/miosha. at the Walbridge construction project at the Literature, Arts, and Science Building on the Minnesota University of Michigan campus. Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Workplace Applications Currently Pending Safety Consultation currently has 35 for the MVPP MNSTAR sites and one Merit site • Cintas First Aid & Safety (Kentwood) participating in the Minnesota VPP • Robert Bosch (Farmington Hills) (MNSTAR) program. Of the 35 Star sites, • Cintas Fire Protection—D26 (Troy) 33 are general industry locations and two • Marathon TT&R, Lansing Terminal & Fleet are resident contractors at our MNSTAR certified refinery. Initial Approvals for MVPP Participants • Marathon Pipe Line, LLC Minnesota saw a reduction in the number of sites participating in the Minnesota (Woodhaven/Samaria) VPP (MNSTAR) program in late 2017. Three employers voluntarily withdrew from Reevaluation Approvals for Continued the program. Participation in the MVPP • Arconic (Whitehall) Since the beginning of FY 2018 we have • Georgia-Pacific (Grayling) successfully certified two new MNSTAR sites: • Cintas Corporation (Eagan) • Delta Airlines, Iron Range Reservation, Customer Engagement Center (Chisholm) So far in FY 2018 we have successfully completed reapproval visits at: • CF Industries, Glenwood Terminal (Glenwood) • Louisiana Pacific Corp (Two Harbors) • Bosch Security Systems (Burnsville) • Cintas Corporation (Maple Grove) Prior to FY 2018 ending, we will be working to complete an additional two reapproval visits with our current MNSTAR employers and processing any new applications that are received. Additionally, the one Merit site will have a visit for initial approval. The MNSTAR team continues to receive inquires and has visited multiple employers having interest in the MNSTAR Program. If you would like further information about the MNSTAR Program, please visit www.doli.state.mn.us/WSC/Mnstar.asp or contact Marnie Prochniak, MNSTAR VPP Coordinator at [email protected]. vpppa.org

contacting each state >>Washington Alaska Michigan South Carolina Christian Hendrickson Sherry Scott Sharon DumitWashington State VPP currently has 32 Star VPP Manager MVPP Manager VPP Coordinatorsites with two more awaiting approval. Christian.hendrickson@ [email protected] [email protected] alaska.gov Phone: (517) 322-5817 Phone: (803) 896-7788Recent Onsite Evaluations Phone: (907) 269-4946• Trident Seafoods (Anacortes) Minnesota Tennessee• Veolia Environment (Vancouver) Arizona Tyrone Taylor, MBA David Blessman• NAES PSE Ferndale Generating Jessie Atencio Director of Workplace Safety VPP Manager Assistant Director Consultation MN [email protected] Station (Ferndale) [email protected] Dept. of Labor & Industry Phone: (615) 253-6890• Weyerhaeuser Tacoma Distribution Phone: (520) 220-4222 Occupational Safety & Health Division Utah Center (Tacoma) California [email protected] Jerry Parkstone• Cascades Sonoco (Tacoma) Iraj Pourmehraban Phone: (651) 284-5203 VPP Coordinator• Champion and Associates (Auburn) Cal/VPP & PSM Manager [email protected] ipourmehraban@ Nevada Phone: (801) 530-6901Upcoming Onsite Evaluations hq.dir.ca.gov Jimmy Andrews• NuStar Energy (Tacoma) Phone: (510) 622-1080 VPP Manager Vermont• Oldcastle Precast (Auburn) jimmy.andrews@ Daniel Whipple Hawaii business.nv.gov VPP CoordinatorNetworking Meeting Kristin Takaba Phone: (702) 486-9046 [email protected] VPP networking meeting was hosted by OSH Program Specialist— Phone: (802) 828-5084Carlisle Construction Materials in Puyallup on Compliance Assistance New MexicoFebruary 1. Thirty-one people were in attendance [email protected] Melissa Barker Virginiafrom Washington VPP sites and others interested Phone: (808) 586-9090 VPP Coordinator Milford Sternin the VPP. Attendees toured the facility and had [email protected] VPP Managerthe opportunity to meet others in VPP. Indiana Phone: (505) 222-9595 [email protected] Beth A. Gonzalez Phone: (540) 562-3580 x 123 Paul Marsh of the WA Division of VPP Team Leader North CarolinaOccupational Safety and Health spoke on the [email protected] LaMont Smith Washington“DOSH Education and Outreach Social Media Phone: (317) 607-6118 Recognition Program Manager John GeppertMarketing Project,” Sharon Perkins of WA VPP [email protected] VPP Managergave information on “Completing the Annual Iowa Phone: (919) 807-2909 [email protected] Self Evaluation,” and Max VanValey of Shashi Patel Phone: (360) 902-5496Carlisle Construction Materials presented on VPP Coordinator Oregon“Mentoring sites toward VPP.” [email protected] Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM Wyoming Phone: (515) 281-6369 VPP/SHARP Program Clayton Gaunt2018 VPP Seminar Coordinator VPP ManagerThe Sixth Annual VPP Seminar: Melvin Kentucky mark.e.hurliman@ [email protected]. James Honorary Lectures on Safety Brian Black oregon.gov Phone: (307) 777-7710was held on March 6, in Tumwater. There VPP Program Administrator Phone: (541) 776-6016were 146 people in attendance from 65 [email protected] companies and 16 local/state/federal Phone: (502) 564-3320 Puerto Ricogovernment entities. People came from a Ilza Romanvariety of companies, including: Cascades Maryland DirectorSonoco, CMC Biologics, Georgia Pacific Allen Stump [email protected], Honeywell Aerospace, Mortenson VPP Manager Phone: (787) 754-2171Construction, NAES/PSE Ferndale Generating [email protected], Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc., NuStar Phone: (410) 527-4473Energy LP, Oldcastle Precast, River RoadGenerating Plant, Starbucks Roasting Plant, For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visitTrident Seafoods Anacortes and Seattle, Veolia www.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfmEnvironmental and Vertellus PerformanceChemicals LLC.vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 41

regional round-ups COMPILED BY JAMIE MITCHELL, Region I 14 for its newest location in Chester, NY. This COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, facility is located directly across from the existing VPPPA, INC. www.vppregion1.com STERIS gamma processing facility, a VPP Star Region I held its quarterly chapter meeting site. Billy DePuy, Region II Director-at-Large Region I at MassPower in Indian Orchard, MA, and Rich Brown, VPP Manager of Region II, Region II on February 13. There were 28 attendees, both attended the grand opening event. Region III representing 20 different companies. MassPower Region IV provided lunch prior to the meeting, shared Region II currently has six open SGE Region V their best practices with attendees and provided opportunities on seven upcoming VPP Region VI a tour of their facility after the meeting. Thank evaluation teams. Please contact Ms. Greta Region VII you again to MassPower for hosting the chapter Olsson, MPH, (201) 288-1700 ext 1016, Region VIII meeting and for providing the environment [email protected], if you would like to Region IX for such a wonderful exchange of information. volunteer for a SGE opportunity. Region X Those that are interested can find some of the information that was shared on the Region I New Mentor/Mentee Match Ups42 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 website by clicking on the Chapter Minutes & • Ultra Electronics will be mentored Updates from Meetings link. by Bartell Machinery Systems Region I held its 2018 Safety & Health • Bosch will be mentored by Frito Lay Excellence Conference & Expo on May 7–9 at • Burberry will be mentored by the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, MA, in Cape Cod. Kevin Mihalenko • Honeywell will be mentored by Region I has scheduled a SGE training class for September 18–20. Hypertherm in Olin Corporation Lebanon, NH, will be hosting the class. Please keep an eye on the Region I website in the Recent VPP Region II Flag upcoming months to get more information as plans continue to develop. Raising Ceremonies • North Jersey Energy Associates—Sayreville Earlier in the year FLEXcon of Spencer, MA, began mentoring High Liner Foods Generating Facility in Peabody, MA. Recently FLEXcon began • Bartell Machinery mentoring High Liner Foods in Portsmouth, • Chambers Cogeneration (Carneys Point) NH. Thank you FLEXcon for mentoring and • Logan Generating good luck to High Liner Foods. Region II AED Fund Contributed by Karen Girardin, Region I In 2007 Norman Deitch retired from OSHA Chairperson after 27 years of service. Norman also served as the Region II VPP Manager for 18 years. Region II One of Norman’s passions is to foster the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) www.vppparegion2.org to help save lives. In his honor, the Region II The 2018 Region II SGE class was held April 10-12 at Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa, NY. The 2018 Summer Forum will be held June 25–26 at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ. The 2018 Fall Safety Forum will be held October 1–2 at the Courtyard Marriott in Saratoga Springs, NY. New VPP Site • Bartell Machinery Systems is proud to announce that it has been awarded Star status in the VPP program. Currently, there are 58 VPP facilities in New York. STERIS Applied Sterilization Technologies hosted a grand opening event on September vpppa.org

VPPPA Board of Directors established the Cintas location #86 (Round Rock, TX)Norman Deitch AED Fund. The board isagain soliciting donations from members topurchase AEDs for worthwhile communitygroups in honor of Norman Deitch’s manyyears of service. Donations of any amount willbe accepted and appreciated. A company canmake a recommendation for a worthy non-profitorganization in their area to receive an AED.Examples of acceptable organizations include:Police, Fire, or EMS departments, churches,youth groups such as Scouts or Little League,social groups such as the Elks or Knights ofColumbus, and veteran groups such as the VFWor American Legion. Checks should be made payable to Region IIVPPPA and sent to: Joseph Whalen, Treasurer VPP PA Region II 3119 Broad Street Port Henry, NY 12974Contributed by Brenda Wiederkehr,Region II ChairpersonRegion IV Tenaska Frontier Partners, Ltd. (Shiro, TX) Dan DeHart, VPPO: 904-562-5461 [email protected] “Thank you for submitting your 2017 annual VPP Self-Evaluations for review Region VIThe Region IV 2018 Safety and Health by February 15. We have reviewed theExcellence Conference will be held June self-evaluations and are in the process of regionvivpp.org19–21, in Biloxi, MS. The call for workshops responding to those sites for which we may The Region VI Voluntary Protection Programis complete, and registration for exhibitors and need to request additional information or Participants’ Association was excited to kick offattendees is now open. Standard registration clarification concerning the information the 30th Annual Safety & Health Conference.will be open through June 8. Please visit the in their self-evaluations. The annual self- This year we were excited to travel to Fort Worth,Region IV VPPPA website to register and take evaluation is an integral part of the Safety TX, where the conference was held at the Fortadvantage of standard registration pricing. and Health Management System (SHMS) Worth Convention Center, April 30–May 3.Additionally, a SGE class is scheduled June and a very good tool that can be used as a17–19, before the conference officially begins. Gap Analysis to determine where to focus Upcoming SGE Trainings site resources in order to maintain an • July 10–12, Kiewit Offshore Services, Ltd. This year’s conference networking event is effective SHMS and promote continuousappropriately titled, The Luau at the Beau! improvement.” (Ingleside, TX)Come enjoy the enchanting sights and sounds • September 11–13, NASA (Houston, TX)of an authentic Polynesian evening right on the As always, please feel free to contact us withbeautiful Biloxi Gulf. The event will include your questions. New Star Sitesauthentic Polynesian food and entertainment • Cintas location #86 (Round Rock, TX)right on the Beau Rivage property. Leigh Jackson, VPP Manager: 678-237-0436 [email protected] You can order your tickets during theregistration process. Hurry because ticket Ivory Williams, VPPO: 601-965-4606availability is limited. The event will occur ext. 2028 [email protected] evening (June 20) at 6:00 p.m. at theRegion IV VPPPA Safety and Health ExcellenceTent near the pool and will end at 9:00 p.m. Itpromises to be a night you won’t soon forget.Great food, entertainment and networking. The following commentary is from RegionIV VPP Manager, Leigh Jackson:vpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 43

regional round-ups The job of a construction • Matrix Service Fabrication Division Our keynote speaker this year was Olympic worker remains one of (Catoosa, OK) Gold medalist Rulon Gardner. Rulon is a retired the toughest and most American Greco-Roman wrestler. He competed dangerous around. • Tenaska Frontier Partners, Ltd. (Shiro, TX) at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and won the Construction Safety Day • Total Safety U.S. (La Porte, TX) gold medal in 2000, defeating Aleksandr Karelin offers multiple workshops • Total Safety, U.S. at Equistar Chemical in the final. Karelin was previously unbeaten covering a range of for 13 years in international competition. This topics applicable to the (Channelview, TX) was also the first Olympic gold medal won by construction industry. • United Continental Holdings (Houston, TX) an American Greco-Roman wrestler in a full international field. Gardner won a bronze medal44 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 Updates to the Region VI Board at the 2004 games. of Directors • Elmer “Bubba” Johnson—Chairman During the 25th Annual Midwest Safety and • Rae Ann Badeaux—Secretary Historian Health Conference & Expo we also hosted an • Open—Director at Large #2 application and SSQ workshop. • Kirk Crandall—Director at Large #4 • Sandra Morrison—Employee Representative Numerous companies have reached out for mentors as they are preparing for their from a Represented Site reapprovals or are looking into VPP for the first time. With an abundance of mentors Contributed by Kirk Crandall, Region VI throughout Region VII we have never had an Director-at-Large issue filling mentor requests. Region VII Flag Raising Ceremonies • CBRE, St. Louis—March 1 regionviivpp.org The Region VII VPPPA 25th Annual Midwest Contributed by Bill Turner, Region Safety and Health Conference & Expo in La Vista, NE, took place on May 21–23. VII Chairperson Region IX www.regionixvpppa.org The following is a message from Mark Norton, Region IX Ambassador, who reflected on the Region IX conference that was held March 13–15, in San Diego, CA.: “As I sat there late on a Thursday afternoon, scouring the empty Aventine Ballroom, of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in La Jolla, CA, I couldn’t help but think, “What just happened here?” What was accomplished over the course of the last week, and how many people were impacted, by the message of safety excellence? I witnessed the pain in the eyes of the attendees who were drawn in as they listened to the heartwrenching story of Matt Pomerinke, explaining the impact his accident had on his life. I saw that transformation as he discussed his role, passing lessons forward to young workers to help shape the decisions made in the future. I listened as Bruce Wilkinson “'splained” in his own Cajun (his word not mine), vernacular, the differences between generations; all to help everyone understand, that while the message may have the same content, we must change the delivery to vpppa.org

maximize the impact. Bruce helped everyone in Region X Hendrickson, AKOSH, for assisting withattendance understand that while the outcome developing the current list.is serious, the process can be fun, and we need www.regionxvpppa.orgto change things up. The job of a construction worker remains one The Region X Board of Directors and conference of the toughest and most dangerous around. Like bookends in the safety library, Matt and planning team was very busy preparing for Construction Safety Day offers multipleBruce framed the conference beautifully, with the 24th Annual Northwest Health & Safety workshops covering a range of topics applicablethe breakout sessions and the leadership panel Summit, which was held in Anchorage, AK, to the construction industry. The event alsoin between, serving as the countless chapters of May 1–3. It took place at the Downtown features exhibitors showing the latest in safetyknowledge, filled with details on the “how to” of Marriott and the Dena’ina Civic and Convention technology and controls. Construction Safetythe VPP process. Attendees excitedly discussed Center. A SGE class took place April 28–30. Day was held at the Washington State Fair insome of the new information they obtained and Derek Engard, U.S. Department of Labor, Mark Puyallup on May 11.how they were anxious to get back to the plant Hurliman, Oregon OSHA and Jack Griffithto help put it in action. Stakeholders in the battle Region X and national board member provided The U.S. Navy Intermediate Maintenanceagainst workplace injuries and illnesses were the training. Pre-conference workshops on Facility (IMF) in Silverdale, WA, wasable to hear from their state and federal OSHA leadership/communication, construction hazards, awarded VPP Star Site designation for a thirdVPP Coordinators as they outlined the growth preparedness and the VPP Application Workshop consecutive time, the ceremony was held onof VPP in their areas of jurisdiction in AZ, CA, took place on May 1. November 30, 2017. The Department ofNV, HI and federal sites, all while renewing Energy conducted a VPP reapproval of Bechtelhope for the future growth of the VPP program The Region X Treasurer completed a list National February 5–16. Results are pending.across the region and the country. I couldn’t help of all members and non-member sites for The USAF 627th LRS on JBLM submitted abut think about the countless mentors, leaders, the Region X Board of Directors. This will VPP application.safety professionals and stewards who came to allow board members to begin contacting thethe Region IX VPPPA Safety Summit in an effort non-member sites and invite them to become A SGE training took place at the Hanfordto grow. This conference and this group always members. Special thanks to Derek Engard, site in Richland, WA. Fourteen attendeesevoke feelings of hope and gratitude for all that DOL-Fed OSHA; Mark Hurliman, Oregon participated in the training conducted onthey do, to shape cultures around the concept OSHA; Darren James, DOSH, and Christian February 14.that safety is something that is constant anddemands improvements that are consistent. As I stared at that stage and wondered: “Whatjust happened here?” I came to the realizationthat what just happened, was what every safetymanager, company executive and leader longsfor…We were impacting change througheducation and enrichment. Providing the toolsfor those committed to the process, to go backand affect change within their organization.It doesn’t get any better than that. If what justhappened inspires or encourages some of theattendees to get involved or to make a difference,then it was well worth the effort. After all, we aretalking about sending workers home healthy andsafe at the end of the day. The best thing of all isthat even though the stage was now empty, thebreakout rooms had cleared, and the suitcaseswere rolling down the corridors… I took solacein knowing this effort would continue nextyear…the good people of the Region IX VPPPAboard and their helpers were already starting toformulate that plan. Thank you all. For now…That’s a wrap!”Contributed by Mark Norton, RegionIX Ambassadorvpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 45

infographic corner According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,892,270In 2016, there were there were more than occupational injuries and 1.1 million illnesses that resulted in days away from work in hand injuries in 2014. private industry. One cubic yard5The of soil can weigh up to most common hand injuries 3,000 pounds. in the workplace include According to OSHA, lacerations, crushes, 2016 has more avulsions or detachments, punctures and fractures. trench deaths than 2014 and 2015 combined (23 in 2016 vs 11 each in 2015 and 2014).The Bureau of Labor A total ofStatistics reports at least 5,19060,000 foot injuries workers died fromare responsible for keeping on-the-job injuriespeople from work every year. in 2016.46 THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 vpppa.org

calendar of events VPPPA ContactsMay July To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visitMay 25 July 2 www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please refer to theNational Board of Directors Roster Contest Submissions Due contact information below.Nominations Forms Due August Mike MaddoxJune [email protected] August 28–31 Executive DirectorJune 1 Safety+ Symposium Sara A. Taylor, CMP#HowISafety Contest Gaylord Opryland [email protected] Due Nashville, TN Director of OperationsJune 1 October Brielle Mroczko [email protected] & Scholarships October 1–2 Conference CoordinatorApplication Submissions Due Region II Fall Safety Forum Kerri CarpenterJune 19–21 Saratoga Springs, NY [email protected] CommunicationsRegion IV Safety & Health & Outreach ManagerExcellence ConferenceBeau Rivage Casino & Resort Jamie MitchellBiloxi, MS [email protected] Communications CoordinatorJune 25–26 Heidi HillRegion II Summer Safety Forum [email protected] Casino & Resort Senior Event Sales &Atlantic City, NJ Advertising Coordinator Katlyn Pagliuca [email protected] Membership Manager Natasha Cole [email protected] Member Services Coordinator Sierra Johnson [email protected] Special Projects Coordinator Bryant Walker [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Michael Khosrofian [email protected] Accountant Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Government Relations Counselvpppa.org THE LEADER / SPRING 2018 47

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