2014 Spring Leader

VOLUME 1, ISSUE I, SPRING 2014HAND-ARMVIBRATIONHAZARDS



chairman’s messageFor our 30th anniversary, Dear Members,we are preparing aspecial celebration to M ark your calendars for the 30th Annual National VPPPA Conferencerecognize companies August 25–28, 2014, at the Gaylord National Hotel which will alsothat have been in allow you to take in the many sights of Washington, D.C. For our 30ththe program for 30 anniversary, we are preparing a special celebration to recognize companies that haveor more years, along been in the program for 30 or more years, along with the affiliate partners who werewith the affiliate our first four exhibitors.partners who were ourfirst four exhibitors. Attendance at the national and regional conferences continues to be strong. In 2013, a total of 7,400 attendees participated in the conferences and we expect higher attendance this year. This shows that the national and regional conferences bring value to all VPP sites and those working to get into the program. Another indication of the value is the support from our valued exhibitors. Last year, there were a total of 868 exhibitors participating in the conferences. The regional conferences are finishing up and each region did an outstanding job putting together first-class events. Our efforts to educate Congress on the value of VPP continue, and after the record setting 380 congressional meetings in 2013, we just completed 104 very successful meetings in March. The next congressional outreach is scheduled for June 17–19 and we invite everyone who possibly can, to join us for a very enjoyable experience. Membership renewals are on pace to have a record setting year. Don’t miss out on the many benefits of being a member of the association if your site has not yet renewed for 2014. As we continue overcoming obstacles, remember strength is in numbers and we need help from all sites. Thank you and remember with everyone working together, the best is yet to come. MIKE MADDOX Chairman VPPPA Board of Directors THE LEADER vpppa.org 3

LTHEEADER CONTENTSVOL 1. ISSUE I SPRING 2014cover 16 Hand-Arm features 30Vibration Safety Vibration Hazards in Utility Locating— 20 Control the Vibration! Solving a Problem I Didn’t Some of the health effects that have What’s in Your Know I Had been linked to hand transmitted vibrations Ergonomic Tool Box? are: 1) Vascular disorders where it is When first asked to write an article about believed that vibrations can disturb digital Vibration transferred through soft tissue is vibration and vibration injuries, I had to stop circulation making it more sensitive to one factor that can create spasms in the and ask myself, is there really such a thing? the vasoconstrictive action of cold; 2) small blood vessels of the extremities. The As a 20-year veteran of the utility locating Neurological disorders with sensorineural spasm and inflammation result in impaired business, I had never considered the disturbances as well as entrapment circulation. Adding other conditions such hazards of vibration injury, especially in the neuropathies, the most common as duration and frequency or adding field of utility locating and the process of being carpal tunnel syndrome; and 3) other ergonomic risk factors to the vacuum excavation. I have implemented a Musculoskeletal disorders where there vibration exposure such as force, awkward number of safety processes and standards may be bone and joint degeneration, postures, repetition and others may lead to throughout my career that were designed muscular weakness and fatigue. Other cumulative trauma disorders. To lessen the to reduce injuries and fatigue in my disorders associated with the effects of effect, vibration dampening materials act employees but had never considered this hand/arm vibration include vibration white as a barrier between the soft tissue and the element of the work until recently. After finger, Raynaud’s syndrome, Depuytren’s source of vibration to lessen the effect. studying the facts surrounding vibration contracture, Kienbock’s disease, and This is a common initial response. injuries and hand-arm vibration (HAV), DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. the next task was to develop a better 22 30th Annual National understanding of how all of the information I4 THE LEADER vpppa.org VPPPA Conference read related to me, my field employees, our field processes and what changes we can The 30th Annual National VPPPA Conference and have implemented to reduce the risk is rapidly approaching! For the past 29 years, to our employees. thousands of safety and health professionals have attended the conference to gain new insights into innovative safety practices and to network with the best-of-the-best in the safety and health industry.

features continued 38 The ABC’s of www.vpppa.org Identifying, Assessing34 Whole Body And Reducing Vibration VPPPA National Board of Directors Vibration: The Wrong Exposure In the WorkplaceChair Can Impact Your ChairpersonDriver’s Health and Hinder Most of us don’t think about being Mike Maddox, NuStar Energy, LPYour Bottom Line exposed to vibration, but we are on a daily basis: when we drive our cars, Vice ChairpersonBack injuries, particularly lower back pain mow the lawn and even when we are Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Group(LBP), are among the most prevalent riding a bike on a rough surface. Theseand costly non-lethal medical conditions exposures are usually short-term and may Treasureraffecting adults. A number of scientific result in a tingling feeling or temporary Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratorystudies have shown an association between discomfort. However, many peoplean exposure to vehicle-related whole body working in a number of different industries Secretaryvibration (WBV) and the development of are exposed to vibration through the Anthony Stoner, Integrity Windows and DoorsLBP. The potential adverse health effects daily use of powered hand tools. Theseassociated with the exposure to whole body workers may develop a condition known Director from a Site With a Collectivevibration is common knowledge to our as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Bargaining Agentneighbors over in Europe, where they have a Kent Lang, Clearwater Paper Corporationhealth standard to limita worker’s exposure to Director from a Site Without a Collectivewhole body vibration; Bargaining Agentbut the same can’t Robert Henson, LyondellBasellbe said for those of usworking in the Director from a DOE-VPP SiteUnited States. Stacy Thursby, Washington Closure Hanfordsections 34 Director from a VPP Contractor/ Construction SiteGLOBAL SAFETY & 6 MEMBER INFO CORNER 44 Richard McConnell, Austin Industrial HEALTH WATCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS 46 at LyondellBasell 7 CROSSWORD PUZZLE 47INFOGRAPHICS CORNER 8 Director-at-LargeCAPITOL WATCH 9 Look for these topics highlighted in the top Frank Avila, Motorola SolutionsIN BRIEF 10 right corner of each section.FEATURE COLUMN 12 Director-at-LargeSTATE-PLAN MONITOR 24 G overnment Shelley Baber, FirstEnergy CorporationCHAPTER ROUND-UPS 29 M embership Director-at-LargeNATIONAL CONFERENCE 41 Bill Harkins, Chevron Phillips BY THE NUMBERS H ealth Chemical CompanyMEMBER SPOTLIGHT Business Director-at-Large J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , Raytheon Outreach Technical Services Company LLC Director-at-Large Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP Editor Sarah Neely, 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. THE LEADER vpppa.org 5

global safety & health watchFever PitchBY CHARLIE DOSS, J une 12, 2014, will mark the away. The requirement set by FIFA wasGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS beginning of the world’s largest to ensure enough time for adequateMANAGER, VPPPA, INC. sporting tournament, the month- security arrangements in the event of long 2014 FIFA World Cup. Brazil, the violence or protests. These concerns wereLabor ministry officials in winningest country in the competition’s stoked by similar occurrences during theSao Paulo have now said history, will host for the first time since Confederations Cup in Brazil last year,that inspectors turned a 1950. Twelve cities from the southern partly attributed to dissatisfaction withblind eye to problems so coast to deep in the Amazon Jungle will overspending on preparations for thethat Itaquerao could be host 32 teams from countries across the World Cup and Olympics. This has beencompleted in time for the globe. As a showcase for the nation, Brazil exacerbated by a recent police strike inWorld Cup. has invested heavily in new stadia and Salvador, the nation’s third largest city and transportation infrastructure running the site of six matches this summer, which the gamut from bus systems to airports. produced a spike in violent crime. Spending is on track to more than double the next most expensive tournament Labor ministry officials in Sao Paulo (Germany in 2006), but Brazil views part have now said that inspectors turned a of this as an investment for the even larger blind eye to problems so that Itaquerao 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. could be completed in time for the World Cup. State prosecutors have With so much new construction needed also threatened to close the venue if to host the World Cup, many projects problems were identified, even during the have slipped past their deadlines. In April, tournament if necessary. Such an event work was halted at Itaquerao stadium in would draw negative attention when the Sao Paulo, the site of the opening match spotlight is on Brazil. In light of these between Brazil and Croatia, after a worker problems and rising costs, detractors are fell 26 feet, having apparently failed to questioning the decision to build 12 new connect himself to a safety cable. He was stadia in different cities, some of which helping to install 20,000 temporary seats cannot justify arenas of that size outside of to increase the stadium’s capacity. At the large international competitions. same location, two workers were killed in a crane collapse in November. A judge The tension between completing a job initially blocked a soccer match in a Rio on time and completing it safely is at de Janeiro venue due to scaffolding and the core of the issue. Hosting any major exposed cables and bolts in May 2013. international event like the World Cup is Additionally, a portion of the roof of an important occasion for any country and a stadium in Salvador collapsed after a a matter of national pride. The bidding rainstorm. In total, seven workers have lost processes to be chosen as a host nation their lives during construction in accidents are intense and matched by subsequent at World Cup venues in Brazil. pressure to put on the “best ever” event while showcasing national achievements. Delays in construction originally due News outlets are quick to report any to disagreements over financing, have failings or misfires, regardless of their been compounded by these deaths. size, as was recently the case with the FIFA set a deadline for all venues to be 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. completed before 2014; six locations Unfortunately, this problem is likely to missed that deadline. As of publication, remain as long as the competition for three are still under construction with international bragging rights continues the tournament less than two months both on and off the pitch.6 THE LEADER vpppa.org

infographics corner60%Nationally, almost of all JOBS WITH A HIGH RISK OF work-related VIBRATION INJURY illnesses are THAT YOU HAVE PROBABLY NEVER CONSIDERED:ONEMusculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). TATTOO ARTISTSIN 10of these are vibration related. DENTAL HYGIENISTS DENTISTSIN THE U.S.ALONE,ABOUT MINERS2.5 MILLION WORKERS TRUCK AND BUS DRIVERS RAILWAY OPERATORSARE EXPOSED DAILY TOHAND-ARM VIBRATION FROM CONSTRUCTION WORKERSPOWER TOOLS THEY USE FARMERSON THEIR JOB. VIOLINISTS AND PERCUSSIONISTSEven by conservative FURNITURE MANUFACTURERSestimates, as many as1.25 million power tool FORKLIFT OPERATORSusers may be at risk fordeveloping HAVS. LANDSCAPERS THE LEADER vpppa.org 7

capitol watchBY CHARLIE DOSS, market, describing the department’s role In another voice vote on March 12, 2014,GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS as a “Match.com” helping employers and Heather MacDougall was confirmed for aMANAGER, VPPPA, INC. jobseekers match skills with job openings. three-year term as a commissioner of the Occupational Safety and Health ReviewDOL Budget Hearings As is usually the case, members of Congress Commission (OSHRC). MacDougall wasU.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez has took this time to raise concerns about DOL previously of counsel at Akerman LLP andtestified before three committees to discuss or the administration’s broader policies. served as chief legal counsel and specialthe Department of Labor’s (DOL) portion Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R TN-3) advisor to the chairman of OSHRC. Sheof the president’s proposed Fiscal Year 2015 asked Perez about support of the Occupational joins Commissioner Cynthia Attwood andBudget: the House Committee on Education Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Chairman Thomasina Rogers. OSHRC is anand the Workforce and the House and Senate Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), citing administrative court that provides trial andAppropriations Subcommittees on Labor, declining funding despite its savings for private appellate review of contests of penalties andHealth and Human Services, Education and and public sector worksites. The secretary citations issued by OSHA.Related Agencies. Across all three, the secretary responded that he was a strong believer in VPP,highlighted some of the administration’s but that with reductions in funding for DOL Flood Insurance Law is amajor proposals including raising the federal as a whole, many of the departments’ programs Policy Reversalminimum wage and highlighting April 8 as are competing for resources. The most frequent The Homeowner Flood InsuranceEqual Pay Day (the day when women’s wages line of questioning posed concerned OSHA’s Affordability Act of 2014 was signed intocatch up to men’s from the previous year on ability to inspect family farms. Congress law on March 21, 2014, after passing bothaverage). Additionally, Perez emphasized DOL’s included a rider in legislation that specifically chambers of Congress by sizeable margins.work to help the unemployed and members prevents OSHA from enforcing regulations at The legislation reverses some of the changesof the armed services joining the civilian job farming operations with 10 or fewer employees. of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance OSHA recently inspected a farm that listed Reform Act of 2012, which sought to addressPerez emphasized its activities as more than farming operations. the $25 billion shortfall for the NationalDOL’s work to help the Many members expressed concern over this Flood Insurance Program driven by large-scaleunemployed and members instance, and Perez assured them that DOL is disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.of the armed services joining working to obey the rider where it applies.the civilian job market, The prior legislation was designed to allowdescribing the department’s Senate Confirmations premiums to rise to actuarial costs for somerole as a “Match.com” In a voice vote on April 1, 2014, Christopher properties which have long received federalhelping employers and Lu was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the subsidies totaling half of the cost. In additionjobseekers match skills with deputy secretary of labor. Lu was legislative to reducing taxpayer burdens, the intentionjob openings. director for then Senator Obama and served was to encourage property owners to take as executive director of the Obama-Biden into account the risks and dangers posed by transition team after the 2008 general election. flooding through the premium price. New He served as cabinet secretary for the Obama flood maps were supposed to replace outdated administration from 2009 to 2013, managing ones to better assess this risk. The 2014 act the relationship between the president and caps some of these premium increases and members of the cabinet. allows the use of outdated flood maps.8 THE LEADER vpppa.org

in briefBY CHARLIE DOSS, 100 serious injuries per year along with $179 part-time with 46 percent working full-GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS million in savings, totaling $130 million when time. By 2007, these figures had reversed,MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. accounting for cost. Portions of the changes suggesting that retirement-age workers are enter into effect on July 10, 2014, with other working longer, even before the effects ofFinal Electric Power Rule provisions facing a compliance deadline of the recent economic recession. The rate ofThe Occupational Safety and Health April 1, 2015. More details on the final rule nonfatal injuries at work declines with ageAdministration (OSHA) has announced a final and related resources can be found at starting with individuals in their twenties.rule updating 40-year old standards covering www.osha.gov/dsg/power_generation/. However, the rate of fatal injuries increaseselectric power generation, transmission and continuously with age, with individuals overdistribution. Specific changes are made to the Vehicle Backover Rule 65 years old subject to a much higher rate.construction standard for electric power line Announcedwork for improved fall protection, changes to The National Highway Traffic Safety CDC Warns ofapproach-distance requirements and additional Administration (NHTSA) has released E-Cigarette Poisoningsprotections from electric arcs. Electrical a final rule addressing backover hazards The Centers for Disease Control andprotective equipment standards are also revised for most vehicles. The rule requires rear Prevention (CDC) are cautioning the publicfor all construction work and include new visibility technology on all vehicles under about the hazard of e-cigarette liquids due toperformance-oriented requirements. 10,000 pounds that are manufactured after a rise in the number of related calls to poison May 1, 2018. NHTSA hopes to prevent 210 centers, now over 200 per month. The liquid The administration estimates that the deaths and 15,000 injuries a year caused by nicotine in e-cigarettes is hazardous andchanges will prevent 20 deaths and more than backover crashes in the U.S. For more on ingestion, inhalation or absorption through travel and transportation safety, check out the eyes or skin is dangerous. CDC reportedThe National Institute for the summer edition of The Leader which will that the majority of calls regarded childrenOccupational Safety be released in August. under the age of five but more than 40 percentand Health (NIOSH) has concerned individuals over the age of 20.created a Healthy Aging NIOSH Resources onat Work topic page, www. the Aging Workforce CFPA Whistleblower Rule Issuedcdc.gov/niosh/topics/ The National Institute for Occupational Safety Whistleblower protections related to thehealthyagingatwork/, and Health (NIOSH) has created a Healthy Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA)to address issues Aging at Work topic page, www.cdc.gov/niosh/ have been laid out in an interim final rulelike hearing loss and topics/healthyagingatwork/, to address issues from OSHA. The included proceduresmusculoskeletal disorders like hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders address burdens of proof, statutes ofthat will become more that will become more prevalent as the U.S. limitations and other requirements forprevalent as the U.S. and and global workforces age. dealing with retaliation in the consumerglobal workforces age. financial products and services sectors, NIOSH estimates that by next year, one covering everything from home mortgages in five U.S. workers will be over age 65 and to payday and private student loans. that this figure will grow to one in four by Comments will be accepted online at 2020. In 1995, approximately 56 percent of www.regulations.gov until June 2, 2014. workers over the age of 65 were employed THE LEADER vpppa.org 9

feature columnVoice of VPPBY CHARLIE DOSS, I n March, fifteen representatives from questions about the program and reallyGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) sought to understand how it worked.”MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. worksites across the United States visited Washington, D.C., to discuss VPP Terry Schulte, a HSE manager for“The staffers and members with members of Congress. As part of the NuStar Energy in Elk Grove, CA, recallsof Congress are interested in VPP Participants’ Association’s (VPPPA) his shock that meeting with congressionalwhat we have to say, which congressional outreach, these dedicated offices was relatively uncomplicated, “Iis refreshing to know as it volunteers shared their program experiences was very surprised at how easy it is to meetis not always reported that with more than 100 congressional offices, with aides and members of Congress.”way. They really want to hear representing all corners of the country and Although he only recently began chairingfrom regular people who are crossing party lines. This event was the VPPPA’s national Legislative and Regulatorytrying to help people in their most recent in a series of efforts to educate Committee, which helps to organize thedistricts or states.” policymakers about one of the Occupational events, Schulte has been involved for much—Kristyn Grow Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) longer. “I am not sure how many I have even premier programs. Despite its small size, VPP participated in, but I started about four yearsKristyn Grow and Rep. helps to protect approximately one million ago.” Even those first visits paid dividends,Eric Cantor after discussing workers across the U.S. at more than 2,300 “I also had some follow-up conversationsVirginia’s VPP sites. different worksites. However, this fact is with [the offices we met with originally] that often lost among the hundreds of issues that have produced longstanding acquaintances.” elected officials deal with day-to-day. These congressional outreach events help to keep With so many meetings, participants VPP on the minds of Congress and their find there is a certain pattern to most visits. staffs. Two outreach participants agreed to “Typically the icebreaker is asking how share their experiences with the visits and familiar they are with VPP,” Grow says their advice for newcomers. “The first five minutes of a meeting are usually spent explaining where VPP fits Kristyn Grow, VPP manager for Cintas, within OSHA and the nature of cooperative recalled the first time she took part, “Politics programs. I then go over the specific benefits has never been one of my interests and civics for participating employees and companies was never my favorite subject in school, so I and share not only the effect on employee was outside of my comfort zone initially.” After involvement but the savings for my seeing how VPPPA national board members company. I then talk about any Cintas sites communicated about VPP in her first meeting, in their districts, or, if there aren’t any of our Grow found that championing the program locations nearby, I use the site list provided was something that came naturally, “By my by the VPPPA National Office to highlight second or third meeting, I felt comfortable participating companies in their area.” taking the lead and sharing my personal experience and belief in VPP.” A couple years Schulte emphasizes this point, “The later Grow has just taken part in her sixth such staffers and members of Congress are outreach event “During the last visit, I met interested in what we have to say, which with 15 different offices and I loved that busy is refreshing to know as it is not always schedule—the more the better!” reported that way. They really want to hear from regular people who are trying to help The highlight of the most recent event was people in their districts or states.” her meeting at House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-VA 7) office: “I was surprised that Connecting the program in general to a he took the time for the meeting himself and representative’s home state or district is key. not just some of his aides. He asked insightful Even small national programs like VPP seem abstract without connecting their effects to people and communities, a strategy that has worked for Schulte in the past. “I met with10 THE LEADER vpppa.org

a congressional aide from Iowa and he really visiting Capitol Hill, VPP sites want to share “Our voice does count andwanted to know about the program so we the difference that a safe, cooperative work members of Congress dotalked several times in the months following environment has made in their lives. listen. It is up to us to tell themour visit. He later visited a VPP Star site in what is important to us.”his district and became a big advocate for the Schulte shared his thoughts for someone — Terry SchulteVoluntary Protection Programs.” Inviting debating taking part in a future event: “Ipolicymakers to see your worksite is one of would say every VPPPA member shouldthe best ways to share your experience with participate in one outreach visit to not onlyVPP. Even if they do not represent your area, get a better understanding of VPP, but to seeyou can offer to put them in contact with how this great system of democracy works.a local site by taking advantage of VPPPA’s Our voice does count and members ofregions and their local networks. Congress do listen. It is up to us to tell them what is important to us.” When asked about why it is important tospend the time to interact with Congress, If you are interested in taking part in VPPPA’sgiven all the other important issues in the next congressional outreach event or wouldworld, Grow pointed out that only a few like more information on how to interact withpeople have the opportunity to do so and your representatives, contact the Governmentsomeone has to be a voice for VPP. “It is Affairs Department at governmentaffairs@important to me because the 30,000 people vpppa.org or (703) 761-1146.at my company’s sites don’t all have theopportunity to speak out about VPP. let rocoI have the opportunity to share their be yourexperience and bring their message to safetyWashington, D.C. Beyond that, I can help linebe a spokesperson for the 100,000 otherVPP employees from Region III and Star CONFINED SPACE RESCUEsites across the country. A lot of the time that TRAINING & EQUIPMENTI mention OSHA, I’m met with the sound STAND-BY RESCUE TEAMSof crickets because people mainly knowthe enforcement side of the agency. But, RocoRescue.com | 800-647-7626it’s important to share VPP’s story. I don’tbelieve in this niche program because I am a 7077 Exchequer Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | 225-755-7626corporate safety person, but because I believein it personally. It’s better to speak about itfrom that place rather than a script. The morewe educate people about VPP and make it atopic people are familiar with, the more likelyit is that policymakers will remember it whendifficult decisions need to be made.” This belief is what drives VPP participantsto share their story. Part of the stringentrequirements that makes the program sucha success is the requirement of safety andhealth outreach and sharing your ownsuccesses with other worksites. Whether bymentoring a potential new site, performingcommunity service, planning a workshop or THE LEADER vpppa.org 11

state-plan monitorCOMPILED BY Arizona Estakheri presented the Cal/VPP StarCHARLIE DOSS, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Jessie Atencio and his staff are working award to all employees at Wood GroupMANAGER, VPPPA, INC. to keep up with the re-approvals for Cosumnes Power Plant in Herald. The 2014 and at the same time keep up with plant was mentored by Terry Coble from Federal OSHA States the new applications and demand for Covanta Stanislaus originally and later by State-Plan States additional education on the program. The Terry Schulte from NuStar in Elk Grove. Public Sector Only Arizona Division of Occupational Safety The plant has great employee involvement and Health (ADOSH) currently has 36 and an exemplary safety record.Currently, 22 states and territories participating Star sites and, as noted, isin the U.S. run their own complete working to see that increase even more. The Performance Mechanical Inc.,state-plan programs (covering ADOSH performed 17 VPP outreach Gardena (PMI) ceremony was on May 1,private sector, state and local sessions this year. The outcome of that 2014, and Vicky Heza presented the Cal/government employees). These effort has been several new application VPP Star award. The site was mentored bystates developed and operate submittals. If you’re interested in learning Terry Schulte and Maria Ilomin from Safewaytheir own job safety and health more about the program, contact Services LP. PMI-Gardena has been workingprograms, as encouraged by ADOSH, and ask for Jessie Atencio or to achieve VPP approval since 2006.Section 18 of the Occupational someone in the Consultation Section.Safety and Health Act of 1970. At the VPPPA Region IX VPPPA SafetyFive other jurisdictions have plans California Summit in Anaheim, CA, Vicky Hezathat only cover public sector On March 19, 2014, California OSHA provided an overview of Cal/OSHA’semployees. Each report was (Cal/OSHA) Consultation Program program and Iraj Pourmehraban presentedcollected from state-plan OSHA Manager Vicky Heza attended a California Cal/VPP Star updates and a workshoprepresentatives. VPP (Cal/VPP) Star re-approval ceremony entitled “The Nuts and Bolts of Effective at Easter Municipal Water District Auditing.” The topic on lessons learned (EMWD) and presented the award. The from recent major incidents and accidents facility was originally recognized as a Star by Dr. Najm Meshkati was well received site in September 1999. Their employees by attendees and some of the attendees are International Brotherhood of Electrical suggested a half day workshop be held in Workers members and the facility is the future to cover the topic in more detail. covered by the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard. The Cal/VPP consultants and State Plan Monitors (STMs) were extremely busy On April 25, Cal/VPP Manager during the first quarter of 2014 and below Iraj Pourmehraban and Cal/OSHA is an overview of their activities. Compliance Regional Manager William Re-Approved Sites • Foster Wheeler Martinez, Inc. in Martinez • NRG Encina Power Station in Carlsbad • Tropicana Products, Inc. in City of Industry • Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) in Ventura • Precision Engine Controls Corporation in San Diego • Hamilton Sundstrand Power Systems in San Diego • Covanta Stanislaus, Inc. in Crows Landing • CP Kelco in San Diego • Raytheon Space Airborne Systems in El-Segundo • Valero Benicia Refinery in Benicia • The Dow Chemical in PittsburgWood Group Cosumnes Power Plant in Herald was recently recognized as a Cal/VPP Star site. New Sites • Control Components Inc in Rancho Santa Margarita12 THE LEADER vpppa.org

• Wheelabrator Shasta in Anderson MNSTAR approved refinery. 2014 has state-plan, stated there was one application• Wood Group Cosumnes Power Plant in been a very good year for Minnesota pending review and anticipates three OSHA (MNOSHA) and the MNSTAR additional re-approvals in the remainder of Herald program. Since the beginning of the year, 2014, all out of Reno. In addition, three we have continued to process our re- other locations are working to complete Thanks to all STMs for their participation approval audits in a timely manner, have applications and are looking forward toin VPP activities. The Northern California one new site pending final approval and growing the program.STM training and refresher session on Sept. have three other new site visits scheduled23–25, 2014, has already filled up and we are for the year. Unfortunately, one of our Tennesseeplanning a session in Southern California. longer-standing employers voluntarily On Dec. 5, 2013, Steve Hawkins, withdrew from the program based on administrator of Tennessee OSHA,Hawaii their injury and illness rates elevating. presented the employees of HendricksonIn Hawaii, the Voluntary Protection Having a dedicated MNSTAR team Trailer in Clarksville with the site’sPrograms is also known as “Hana Po’okela,” has allowed us to build strong working Volunteer Star re-approval award.which translates to “excellent work,” and relationships with our partners and openhas four Star sites participating under the lines of communication from site to On March 5, 2014, Commissioner Burnsjurisdiction of Hawaii Occupational Safety site. Our current stakeholders continue Phillips recognized the Delta Air Lines—and Health (HIOSH). An additional site in to promote the program to their clients Memphis Technical Operations as the state’sthe state falls under federal jurisdiction. which has led to an increase of inquiries newest Volunteer Star site. into the program.Iowa On Feb. 18, 2014, Steve Hawkins,Iowa OSHA VPP currently has 43 Star At this time MNSTAR has one official presented the employees of the Frito-Laysites and two Merit sites. Please join us in re-approval since the last issue of The Leader: Distribution Center in Chattanooga withcongratulating two new VPP Star sites. Aveda—Midwest Distribution Center the site’s Volunteer Star re-approval award.Monsanto in Huxley, was approved for in Blaine has been re-approved as a fullStar status in 2013, and Monsanto in MNSTAR site. We have multiple other sites Tennessee OSHA has recentlyIndependence was approved for Star status pending final approval or employers under conducted successful on-site evaluationsin 2014. Each of these sites received a the 90-day deferral period. at Performance Pipe in Knoxville,rigorous audit that included more than General Electric Capital Aviationone visit for seasonal observations as The MNSTAR Team continues to receive Services in Memphis, ITW Dynatec inactivities varied widely, depending on the inquires and has visited multiple employers Hendersonville and Owens Corning intime of year. who expressed interest in the MNSTAR Springfield. Program. The small team approach has We are also happy to announce the allowed MNOSHA to remain consistentfollowing companies were re-approved as from site to site and has helped to alleviateStar sites in 2013: Monsanto in Muscatine; any scheduling conflicts. All employers areLyondellBasell Industries in Clinton; held to the same high standard requiredDuPont Pioneer in Mount Pleasant; and for participation in the program and areClow Valve Foundry in Oskaloosa. More encouraged to share the best practices amonggood news as the following Star sites were the other MNSTAR participants.re-approved in 2014: DuPont Pioneer inDysart; Rockwell Collins in Bellevue; and If you would like further informationMonsanto in Williamsburg. about the MNSTAR Program, please visit www.doli.state.mn.us/WSC/Mnstar.asp For more information about the Iowa or contact Ryan Nosan, MNSTAR VPPVPP program, contact VPP Coordinator coordinator, at [email protected] Patel at (515) 281-6369 or www.iowaworkforce.org/labor/iosh. Nevada VPP is growing in Nevada—now with nineMinnesota total sites. Desert Star Energy and ChevronMinnesota currently has 34 Star sites and Phillips are the most recent re-approvals,two Merit sites within the Minnesota and the newest approval is Clearwater PaperVPP (MNSTAR) program. Of the 34 Star Inc. in north Las Vegas. Congratulationssites, 33 are classified as general industry to you all for the accomplishment! Jessand one is a resident contractor at our Lankford, program coordinator for the THE LEADER vpppa.org 13

state-plan monitor Vermont All in all, I think, we have stabilized the their annual Safety Day event. There Over the course of the past three years we GMVPP. We have a core of active and strong were games of skill, knowledge and have lost a total of four Green Mountain membership and are taking steps to build into entertainment for the employees and VPP (GMVPP) sites, which have all the future. The GMVPP has the support of visitors to discover the benefits and voluntarily withdrawn. That’s the bad Vermont OSHA (VOSHA) and the Vermont requirements of VPP. news, the good news is that we seem to be Department of Labor, and we see it only stabilizing and we actually accepted a new becoming more active as we go forward. Congratulations to 2014 Region III GMVPP Star site in December of 2013. Mentor of the Year Ronald Buck of The site, Curtis Lumber, Burlington, Virginia BASF in Suffolk. He and BASF-Suffolk is a small site which is a lumber and VPP in Virginia continues to expand. personnel have been very active in building supplies retail establishment. The Recently there were four regional mentoring other sites in the Tidewater members we presently have include IBM, coordinator positions created in the region of Virginia. They have also Essex Junction; Energizer Bennington; Virginia Department of Labor and mentored FAREVA-Richmond and a GE Aviation, Rutland; Ben and Jerry’s Industry to help the state’s program grow group of Sherwin-Williams personnel Homemade, Saint Albans; and Curtis from its current 40 active VPP sites. We in Process Safety Management (PSM) Lumber, Burlington. have received five new VPP applications concerns at their sites. from interested sites and expect additional The Challenge program is still effective interested sites to follow later this year. Plans are coming together for the 19th with two partners presently going through The new regional coordinators have taken Annual VOSH Conference in October the process, Stratton Mountain Ski Area as over leading re-approval evaluation teams 2014. For more information, vendor well as Dailey Precast currently enrolled. and joined in on other evaluation teams. registration or sponsorships, contact the We (the VPP sites and myself ) conduct These new employees have been vital in director of cooperative programs at (804) quarterly “VOSHA Challenge” meetings keeping the momentum going in Virginia. 786-6613 or visit www.doli.virginia.gov. to discuss issues as well as strategize mentoring projects including current and Congratulations to our newest VPP Finally, there will be an SGE class future Challenge partners. site Tecton Products, LLC in Salem for scheduled for Sept. 16–18, 2014, at the their recent successful Merit approval NASA Langley Conference Center in Recent outreach efforts include evaluation. Hampton. Approved participants will meeting with the Safety Committee spend two and a half days learning about of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Congratulations to the following sites the responsibilities of being an SGE and concerning VPP meeting with the for their recent re-approval as Star sites: how they can support VPP. In order to Vermont Department of Environmental • Kraft Foods Global Planters Peanuts participate, applicants must complete the Conservation about the possibility of SGE application www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/ becoming a Challenge participant in Suffolk sge/sge_application.doc and the Financial • Huber Engineered Woods in Crystal Hill Disclosure Form www.usoge.gov/forms/ VPP in Virginia continues • Toray Plastics in Front Royal oge450_pdf/oge450_accessible_08.pdf. to expand. Recently • ABB, Inc in Bland Applications must be received by the there were four regional U.S. DOL SGE coordinator no later than coordinator positions Kraft, Huber and ABB hosted a number June 15, 2014, in order to participate in created in the Virginia of visitors from sites interested in VPP the NASA Hampton, Virginia class. The Department of Labor and during the opening day of their re- mailing address is on the application. Industry to help the state’s approval evaluations. Being an SGE is an excellent way to be program grow from its part of the continued growth of VPP and current 40 active VPP sites. There have been other events where contributing to the sustained reduction of We have received five VPP has been showcased by current accidents at VPP sites. new VPP applications from sites. FAREVA-Richmond held a Best interested sites and expect Practices Day with more than 40 visitors Washington additional interested sites to with presenters from several VPP sites. There are currently 28 recognized VPP follow later this year. A big thank you to FAREVA-Richmond, sites in the Washington state program. PGI-Waynesboro, International Paper- Onsite evaluations for continued14 THE LEADER vpppa.org Richmond and Cintas Corporate for participation were conducted at The sponsoring this event and having their Dow Chemical Company in Elma and employees provide a review of their Phillips 66 in Renton. An initial onsite employee-driven safety initiatives. evaluation for participation was completed with Cascades Sonoco in Tacoma. Additionally, Integrity Windows & Doors in Roanoke provided more than 25 visitors with a back stage pass to

Cascades Sonoco was the state’s first Star contacting each state >>site. Re-approval onsites are scheduledin the coming months for Schweitzer Alaska Michigan South CarolinaEngineering Laboratories in Pullman and Bill Nickerson Doug Kimmel Sharon DumitIntermech in Richland. Ceremonies were VPP Coordinator MVPP Specialist VPP Coordinatorheld for Trident Seafoods in Anacortes, Phone: (907) 269-4948 Phone: (231) 546-2366 Phone: (803) 896-7788PSC Environmental Services in Tacoma www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/ Sherry Scott www.scosha.llronline.comand US Gypsum in Auburn. oshhome.htm MVPP Manager Phone: (517) 322-5817 Tennessee VPP in Washington held its second Arizona www.michigan.gov/mvpp David Blessmanannual Continuous Improvement and Jessie Atencio VPP ManagerSafety Excellence Seminar on March 20, Assistant Director Minnesota Phone: (615) 253-68902014, at the Labor and Industries Main Phone: (520) 220-4222 Ryan Nosan www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/Office. One hundred and ten people were www.ica.state.az.us/ MNSTAR VPP Coordinator vppStar.htmlin attendance and included participation ADOSH/ADOSH_main.aspx Phone: (651) 284-5120from state and federal VPP sites as well as www.doli.state.mn.us/ Utahnumerous state agencies and Washington California mnStar.html Holly Lawrenceworkplaces. The agenda for the seminar Iraj Pourmehraban VPP Managerwas chosen based on results from a survey Cal/VPP & PSM Manager Nevada Phone: (801) 530-6494completed by potential attendees. Topics Phone: (510) 622-1080 Jess Lankford www.laborcommission.and presenters included: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/cal_ VPP Coordinator utah.gov/divisions/UOSH/• Lean Problem Solving Using an A3 vpp/cal_vpp_index.html Phone: (702) 486-9046 VPPprogram.html• Ralph Seely, Point B Management www.dirweb.state.nv.us Hawaii Vermont Consultants Clayton Chun New Mexico Daniel Whipple• Lean Daily Management Manager Melissa Barker VPP Coordinator• Joel Beherndt, Point B Management Phone: (808) 586-9110 VPP Coordinator Phone: (802) 828-5084 labor.hawaii.gov/hiosh Phone: (505) 222-9595 www.labor.vermont.gov/ Consultants www.nmenv.state. vosha• Lean Case Studies Indiana nm.us/Ohsb_Website/• Marjorie Brice, CPU River Road Michael Gaskill ComplianceAssistance/VPP. Virginia Manager htm Milford Stern Generating Plant Phone: (260) 373-2860 VPP Coordinator• Jeremy Fanning, Cascades Sonoco, www.in.gov/dol/ North Carolina Phone: (540) 562-3580 LaMont Smith www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh_ Tacoma Iowa Recognition Program coop/vosh_vpp.html• Tim Miller and Ted Hansen, US Shashi Patel Manager VPP Coordinator Phone: (919) 807-2909 Washington Gypsum, Auburn Phone: (515) 281-6369 www.nclabor.com/osha/osh. John Geppert• Stew Henderson, WA Employment www.iowaworkforce.org/ htm VPP Manager labor/iosh Phone: (360) 902-5496 Security Department Oregon www.lni.wa.gov/safety/• What Can We Learn About Safety from Kentucky Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM topics/atoz/vpp/default.asp Joe Giles VPP/SHARP Program Pete Carroll and Coach K? Hint, It’s All VPP Program Administrator Manager Wyoming About Culture. Phone: (502) 564-4089 Phone: (541) 776-6016 Karin Schubert• Lennie Mees, MD, President, Kennis labor.ky.gov/dows/ www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/ Consultation Supervisor Corporation oshp/doet/partnership/ subjects/vpp.htm Phone: (307) 777-7710• Safety Culture Panel from VPP pages/VPP---Voluntary- www.wyomingworkforce. Worksites Protection-Partnership.aspx Puerto Rico org/employers-and-• Max VanValey, Oldcastle Precast, Ilza Roman businesses/osha/Pages/ Auburn Maryland Director safety-and-health-• Maxine Larsen, Trident Seafoods, Cynthia L. Wheeler Phone: (787) 754-2171 compliance.aspx Anacortes VPP Coordinator www.dtrh.gobierno.pr• Oliver Lyles, Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc. Phone: (410) 527-4473 The seminar was well received by www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/attendees and there is interest in another mosh/vpp.shtmlseminar in spring 2015. For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visit www.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfm THE LEADER vpppa.org 15

CBYOCLBHURRISNTO, MPHENERGJ,.CSP VPPPA DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE FOR REGION IV VHIBAHRZANAAD-ATRRIMDOSN16 THE LEADER vpppa.org

Nikola Tesla made a significant impact upon society. Possibly, Tesla’sgreatest contribution to society was the redesign of Thomas Edison’sinefficient direct current (DC) motors and generators to operate onthe more efficient alternating current (AC) electrical energy source.This was one of the many, great contributions Tesla made that societyis still benefiting from today. Tesla is quoted as saying, “If you wantto find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequencyand vibration.” It was a profound statement, and very applicable to thesubject of the hazards associated with vibration.Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)Vibration is a form of energy release that may easily be overlooked inmany work environments. It is in fact often an uncontrolled release ofenergy. Normally, the term “uncontrolled release of energy” is used inthe discussion of energy isolation and lockout/tagout, but how doesit apply to the control of vibration? When a powered press cycles topunch out a part, when a drill is used to penetrate a piece of material,or when a hammer is used to drive a nail or manipulate a part forassembly, vibration energy is released. After all, energy cannot becreated or destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another,and when the work is done, the uncontrolled energy that is released isgoing somewhere. In the previous example of the worker manipulatinga part for assembly, it often travels through the hammer handle, intothe hand and up the arm of the worker. Depending on the magnitudeof the energy, and the physiology of the worker, it can result in thesignificant injury to the worker, especially in a situation where there isrepetitive exposure.Potential Effects of Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)Some of the health effects that have been linked to hand transmittedvibrations are: 1) Vascular disorders where it is believed thatvibrations can disturb digital circulation making it more sensitive tothe vasoconstrictive action of cold; 2) Neurological disorders withsensorineural disturbances as well as entrapment neuropathies, themost common being carpal tunnel syndrome; and 3) Musculoskeletaldisorders where there may be bone and joint degeneration, muscularweakness and fatigue. Other disorders associated with the effectsof hand/arm vibration include vibration white finger, Raynaud’ssyndrome, Depuytren’s contracture, Kienbock’s disease, andDeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. THE LEADER vpppa.org 17

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) there is strong evidence of a positive association between high level exposures to HAV and vascular symptoms of HAV syndrome. This is based on studies that have been conducted of exposures in occupations such as forestry workers, stone drillers, stone cutters or carvers and shipyard workers. These workers were typically exposed to acceleration levels of 5–3 meters per second squared (m/s2). How Do We Measure? A typical vibration measurement system includes a device to sense the vibration (accelerometer) and an instrument to measure the level of vibration. There are a number of industries today that are making vibration measuring instruments that look like sound level meters. This equipment also has settings for measuring frequency, a frequency-weighting network and a display, such as a meter, printer or recorder. The accelerometer produces an electrical signal that has a size proportional to the acceleration applied to it. The frequency- weighting network mimics the human sensitivity to vibration of different frequencies. The use of weighting networks gives a single number as a measure of vibration exposure and is expressed as the frequency- weighted vibration exposure in m/s2, units of acceleration. Hand-Arm Vibration Guideline Guidelines regarding HAV were issued in 2006 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI S2.70- 2006 Guide for the Measurement and Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vibration Transmitted to the Hand provides two metrics associated with vibration exposure. The ANSI S2.70 guideline established a daily exposure action value (DEAV) which is 2.5 m/s2 and daily exposure limit value (DELV) of 5.0 m/s2, both of these metrics are based on an eight-hour work period. The DEAV is defined as the dose of hand- transmitted vibration exposure sufficient to produce abnormal signs, symptoms and laboratory findings in the vascular, bone or joint, neurological or muscular systems18 THE LEADER vpppa.org

of the hands and arms in some exposed Ideally, one should seek to eliminate the TABLE 1. exposure controlsindividuals. uncontrolled release of energy at its source. This is often best achieved in the design Hierarchy Of Controls The DELV identifies levels at which phase of the equipment or process. If theworkers who are exposed to hand- energy cannot be eliminated, the second 1. E liminationtransmitted vibration at or above this level option to consider is the substitution of aare expected to have a “high health risk,” less hazardous energy source. If the amount 2. S ubstitutionwhich is defined as the dose of hand- of energy initially utilized is reduced, thetransmitted vibration exposure sufficient potential uncontrolled energy release will 3. E ngineering Controlsto produce abnormal signs, symptoms and likewise be reduced. Third, if the energylaboratory findings in the vascular, bone or source cannot be eliminated altogether, or a 4. W arningsjoint, neurological or muscular systems of reasonable substitution cannot be achievedthe hands and arms in a high proportion of to reduce the potential uncontrolled release 5. A dministrative Controlsexposed individuals. of energy, then consideration should be given to how the energy release can be 6. P ersonal Protective Equipment Note that there is a significant difference controlled to prevent it from coming intobetween these two metrics. The DELV contact with a person or inanimate object in Source: ANSI Z10 – 2012; Section 5.1.2identifies a high risk in a high proportion which it could cause harm or damage.of exposed individuals, while the DEAV vibration transmissibility of gloves atis a measure of the levels that just produce If elimination, substitution and the palm of the hand was reaffirmed ina symptom and only in some exposed engineering controls prove to be impractical, 2007. In its simplest terms, this standardindividuals. then warnings may be considered. It is specifies a screening test of vibration important that the degree of protection transmission from a handle to the palm The American Conference of between an engineering control, such as of the gloved hand in the frequencyGovernmental Industrial Hygienists a guard, and a warning control should be range from 31.5 Hz to 1,250 Hz. There(ACGIH) has also issued threshold limit carefully considered. is a criteria that the glove must fulfill forvalues (TLV) for exposure of the hand to “transmissibility for vibration” (TR) invibration. The ACGIH TLVs are similar Another control that some safety medium (31.5-200 Hz) and high (200-to the ANSI guidelines in most regards; professionals may look to when considering 1250 Hz) ranges. The transmissibility forhowever, they are expressed differently. vibration is an administrative control. the medium frequency cannot be greaterAccording to the ACGIH, an individual Administrative controls, such as job rotation, than 1.0 TR and the high ranges can be noshould not be exposed to vibration at levels can be effective in reducing the vibration greater than 0.6 TR. A word of caution,greater than 4 m/s2 for four to less than dose. A dose is often best defined as an not all anti-vibration gloves are createdeight hours, levels greater than 6 m/s2 for amount of something deposited within the equal. Unless the PPE is marked with thetwo to less than four hours, levels greater body or subjected to the body over a period ANSI rating, one cannot be certain of itsthan 8 m/s2 for one to less than two hours, of time. In this application, reducing the performance.and levels greater than 12 m/s2 for periods amount of exposure time can reduce theof less than one hour. overall dosage. One should carefully consider Conclusion the job rotation plan. If a careful rotation The unwanted energy release theory, As with any hazard, the hierarchy plan is not developed, workers may rotate originated by Dr. William Haddon, statesof controls should be considered when into jobs which may be different but have that, “unwanted transfers of energy can bedeveloping processes to lower the risk the same type or magnitude of exposure. harmful (and wasteful) and that a systemicassociated with the hazard. In accordance This would render the job rotation an approach to limiting the possibility of theirwith the ANSI Z10—2012 standard, the ineffective control. occurrence should be taken.” The first stepsix level hierarchy of controls includes: 1) is to understand that vibration is a form ofelimination; 2) substitution; 3) engineering Lastly, in the absence of other controls, energy that can be harmful to employees,controls; 4) warnings; 5) administrative there is PPE. Please note that PPE is an when they are exposed to levels above thosecontrols; and 6) Personal Protective effective control when used in conjunction previously identified as acceptable. TheEquipment (PPE). The hierarchy of controls with other controls, to build a redundancy second step, in accordance with Haddon’sare listed in the order of the effectiveness of controls but is often inadequate when theory, is to address these transfers ofof the control. Although PPE is often the used alone. An ANSI /ISO standard does energy using a systemic process, namely thefirst control that is utilized, it is the least exist for anti-vibration gloves. ANSI hierarchy of controls, to reduce employeeeffective. The lack of PPE effectiveness may S2.73-2002 / ISO 10819:1996 standard exposure and thus prevent injuries associatedbe due, in part, to many variables that are entitled Mechanical Vibration and with HAV.difficult to control including a reliance on Shock—Hand-Arm Vibration— Methodemployees to properly use, care for and for the measure and evaluation of the Colburn is the manager, safety and trainingmaintain PPE. engineer at Norbord Mississippi. THE LEADER vpppa.org 19

BY KURT REVER, MSCONTROL THEVIBRATION!What’s in YourErgonomic Tool Box?V ibration transferred though soft reaching for vibration dampening materials. your eye for ergonomics provides you the tissue is one factor that can create People with ergonomic awareness do not delay opportunity to uncover the unnecessary spasms in the small blood vessels of acting on their condition and create multiple ergonomic exposures that add to the overallthe extremities. The spasm and inflammation solutions to lessen the vibration exposure. fatigue and body segment effort. Even ifresult in impaired circulation. Adding other the task is short in duration, the benefit isconditions such as duration and frequency You are savvy about ergonomic risk a faster recovery time and less prolongedor adding other ergonomic risk factors to the factors. You understand how adding force discomfort. Before you reach only for yourvibration exposure such as force, awkward and/or awkward posture to vibration may vibration dampening gloves, reassess yourpostures, repetition and others may lead to make your symptoms arise quicker and work environment and task. See how manycumulative trauma disorders. To lessen the recede slower. You may not know the ergonomic risk factors you can eliminateeffect, vibration dampening materials act as a technical or medical aspects, yet experience or minimize for all body segments. Findbarrier between the soft tissue and the source of has made you wise! By using your eye for the obvious exposures such as replacingvibration. This is a common initial response. ergonomics, you realize the drill bit you are the drill bit or having it sharpened. Also using is dull (hence more force is needed to assess and correct the subtle exposures Successfully controlling the discomfort use the tool). The orientation of the drill bit experienced in other body segments whileexperienced from vibration exposure should to the wood results in awkward shoulder, performing the task and rememberingincorporate other tools in your ergonomic elbow and wrist postures requiring extra that body segment effort, both subtle andtool box. Whether the vibration exposure body segment soft tissue effort. This requires obvious, is cumulative. Breaking the cycleis brief or in longer durations, the effect of extra effort, uses more blood, oxygen and of accumulation by using all the tools inspasm is relative to other conditions that the nutrients. So what can you control? your ergonomic tool box can help to reachreader should consider. Checking what tools your goal of increased soft tissue rest and(solutions) are in you ergonomic tool box is A sharper drill bit allows the tool to recovery while performing work tasks.your starting point. In this situation, I suggest do the work and not your arm. If thethat you stop and assess the situation and ask orientation (angle) of the drill bit to Kurt Rever has worked in the field of ergonomicsyourself, “What can I control?” Taking the the wood can be more neutral and lesstime to answer this question may provide you awkward then the benefit is less effort. and human performance in various workmore soft tissue recovery benefit than simply This example and solution may seem too simple—even worthless. Yet using environments for over 30 years. He currently works with GE Aviation in the Northeast U.S.20 THE LEADER vpppa.org

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The 30th Annual National VPPPA Conference is rapidly Speakersapproaching. With less than three months to go, the time to Keni Thomas, a ranger in theregister is now. The conference is taking place Aug. 25–28, mission made famous by the2014, in National Harbor, MD. For the past 29 years, movie “Black Hawk Down,”thousands of safety and health professionals have attended is a powerful speaker whothe conference to gain new insights into innovative safety uses his experiences from thepractices and to network with the best-of-the-best in the battlefield to inspire peoplesafety and health industry. to achieve greatness. Thomas emphasizes the importance of leadership at every level and motivates others to proactively explore what they can do to lead their organizations. He will be speaking at the opening general session. Jeff “Odie” Espenship, the closing session speaker, is a USAF fighter, airline pilot and the founder and CEO of Target Leadership. Espenship was inspired to use his personal experiences to become a motivational, leadership and safety speaker. Espenship’s family is an integral part of his inspiration by reminding him of the legacy he wishes to leave. Things to do in National Harbor National Harbor brandishes sweeping city views with the added luxury of a calming riverfront experience. Boasting the only riverfront hotel in the area, the Gaylord National Hotel is ideally situated to provide guests access to enjoy charming farmers markets, water front dining, shopping in both outlets and upscale boutiques and casual bars. If you are looking to explore other sites throughout the area, a shuttle is available from National Harbor that will usher you to charming and historic downtown of Alexandria, VA. For those of us looking to experience the journey in addition to the final destination, water taxis provide a relaxing alternative from National Harbor to downtown Alexandria. The short water taxi ride allows for the opportunity to bask in the picturesque views of National Harbor, Alexandria, and Washington, D.C.; river boat cruises to Mount Vernon, VA, and Georgetown, are also offered. If you are looking to take in the sites of Washington, D.C., a shuttle from the Gaylord National Hotel travels downtown on a regular basis.22 THE LEADER vpppa.org

AGENDASaturday, August 23, 2014 Tuesday, August 26, 2014 MOBILE APPEarly Registration Day The conference app is now available to 7:00 am–4:00 pm Registration download! Use the conference mobile app to:4:00 pm–7:00 pm Registration 7:00 am–8:00 am Labor & Management • Build your personal daily schedule—Sunday, August 24, 2014 Open Forum Plan your day by selecting sessions fromPre-Conference 8:00 am–5:00 pm V PPPA Board Candidate the schedule, or events in the exhibit hall. • Receive reminders and updates—Keep an7:00 am–5:00 pm Registration Information Counter eye on your home screen to see important 8:00 am–3:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open messages, upcoming events, or notifications7:30 am–8:00 am Early Morning Coffee and Tea 8:00 am–3:30 pm VPPPA Booth in Exhibit Hall about sessions that are about to start. for Workshop Participants 8:30 am–9:30 pm Workshops • Engage and network—Read more about 9:45 am–10:45 am Exhibit Hall speakers and exhibitors, share information8:00 am–5:00 pm Skill Builder Workshops 10:45 am–11:45 am Workshops about the conference via Twitter, or (additional fees apply) 11:45 am–12:45 pm Lunch Facebook, and more! 1:00 pm–2:00 pm R egional Networking • Find what you are looking for—12:00 pm–1:00 pm L unch for Skill Builder Workshop Use the search, filters, and floor plans to Participants Meetings find sessions and exhibitors more easily. 2:15 pm–3:15 pm Exhibit Hall • Personalize the event program—12:00 pm–5:00 pm E xhibitor Installation 3:15 pm–4:15 pm Workshops Select sessions, attendees, and exhibitors to create your favorites for a quick reference5:00 pm – 6:30 pm VPPPA Awards Ceremony (by Wednesday, August 27, 2014 to your schedule, contacts, booths, and invitation only) other activities. 8:00 am–1:00 pm RegistrationMonday, August 25, 2014 8:30 am–9:30 am Workshops 9:00 am–3:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open7:30 am–5:00 pm Registration 9:00 am–3:00 pm V PPPA Booth in Exhibit Hall 9:30 am–10:30 am Exhibit Hall Break8:00 am–4:00 pm E xhibitor Installation 10:45 am–11:45 am Workshops 11:45 am–12:45 pm Lunch9:00 am–10:00 am Workshops 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Workshops 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Exhibit Hall10:15 am–11:15 am Annual Meeting of the 3:15 pm–4:15 pm Workshops Membership 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Closing Reception11:30 am–5:00 pm VPPPA Board Candidate Information Counter11:30 am–12:30 pm Lunch12:45 pm–1:45 pm Workshops2:00 pm–4:00 pm O pening General Session6:00 pm–8:00 pm R eception & Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall Thursday, August 28, 2014 8:00 am–8:50 am Breakfast 9:00 am–11:00 am C losing General SessionTO REGISTER ONLINE, PERUSE CONFERENCE INFORMATION,DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION MATERIAL AND LEARN MORE ABOUTTHE DESTINATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR CONFERENCE WEBSITE:WWW.VPPPA.ORG/CONFERENCE THE LEADER vpppa.org 23

chapter round-upsCOMPILED BY Region 1 attending other events such as NIOSH’sJENNA SHAY, COMMUNICATIONS Hello from Region I! I hope you are Prevention through Design (PtD), whichCOORDINATOR, VPPPA, INC. reading this issue in the warm sun, was offered to all VPPPA members of because it’s being written in the cold Region I and the New Hampshire SmallRegion II asks for your winter weather of New England where Business Development Center roundtable.continued support of the temperatures are in the teens. The ultimate goal of the PtD initiativeNorman Deitch Automated is to prevent or reduce occupationalExternal Defibrillator (AED) Region I has been busy preparing for injuries, illnesses and fatalities throughFund. Its mission is to our conference which occurred on May the inclusion of prevention considerationsprovide free AEDs to 4–7, 2014, in downtown Portland, ME. into all designs that impact workers.nonprofits and organizations Our opening and closing speakers, Jeffthat traditionally do not “Odie” Espenship, Target Leadership, and Contributed by Region I VPPPA Chapterhave the resources to Michael Viggezzi, GE corporate, along Chair Stephen L. Gauthier, CMFS, SGEpurchase AEDs on their with 20 excellent workshops will not be General Electric Aviation Lynn, MAown. Contact Brenda@ soon forgotten.accesshealthsystems.com. Region II Feb. 12, 2014, we held our chapter Region II’s 2014 Regional Conference meeting at OSHA’s Training Institute returned to the Trump Taj Mahal in in Manchester, NH. OSHA’s James E. Atlantic City, NJ. The conference ran from Mulligan, OSHA Region I assistant June 2–4, 2014, with post-conference regional administrator for cooperative classes on June 5. We are working to update and state programs, gave an update on our database to ensure that everyone who several national initiatives and OSHA is interested in participating in future VPP Manager Robert Sands gave an conferences will have time to allocate the overview of VPP. Current VPP sites in the appropriate resources. region include 76 Star sites, representing 56,876 employees, two sites are pending In the coming months, you may receive initial onsites and five sites are scheduled calls from volunteers to update contact for 2014. There are also several new information. We appreciate any help you companies being mentored. The OSHA can provide in this regard. Individuals office continues to review self-evaluations or organizations interested in submitting to accurately update active SGEs. workshop proposals, sponsoring breakout Currently we have 23 companies with sessions, advertising in the Official 78 active SGEs. A big thanks goes out to Conference Program for next year’s event Raytheon Intergraded Deference Systems should visit our website at who will host the 2014 SGE training www.region2chapter-vpppa.org. here in Region I on June 23-25, 2014. The training application deadline was Region II asks for your continued April 15, 2014. Remember, if you are an support of the Norman Deitch Automated SGE, avoid allowing your status to expire. External Defibrillator (AED) Fund. Recertification can be a timely process. Its mission is to provide free AEDs to nonprofits and organizations that The other part of our meeting was traditionally do not have the resources to having Hypertherm from Hanover, NH, purchase AEDs on their own. Over the a VPP site, present the company’s first aid past eight years, with your help, we have training program as part of a best practice. donated more than 18 machines. Anyone This is what makes Region I so great, interested in contributing to the fund companies continue to share with other should contact the Region II Secretary at area companies. [email protected]. The region continues to reach out and Contributed by Region II Secretary Brenda provide our members with educational Wiederkehr, CSC, Access Health Systems, opportunities either by attending a chapter Latham, NY. meeting, learning from best practices shared by member companies, or by24 THE LEADER vpppa.org

Region IIIThis year’s Symposium was held at theWyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA,on May 6-9, 2014. The speakers for thisevent were Keni Thomas, Cliff Meidl andDale Lesinski. A full Symposium report willoccur in the next edition of The Leader.2015 Region III Symposium Columbus, Ohio, location of the 2015 Region V ConferenceMark your calendar a little earlier for nextyear’s Region III VPPPA Symposium and The regional SGE of the Year is 2015 Region V Conference—Workshop. We are scheduled for March 3– Maxwell Bassett from Naval Air Station, Save the Date5, 2015, at the beautiful Omni Homestead Jacksonville, FL. We know it’s early, but it’s a good timeResort in Hot Springs, VA. This is an event to mark your calendars for the 2015you will not want to miss! Contributed by Region IV Director-at-Large Region V Conference. The conference Kim Burton, Pike Electric, Mount Airy, N.C. will take place in Columbus, OH, at Once again, the board of directors the Convention Center. Be sure to saveis encouraging everyone in Region III Region V the dates—May 19–21, 2015, withto take advantage of the Region III 2014 Conference Highlights the application workshop on May 19.website as a resource. We continue to Thank you to all those who attended Additional information will be posted onmake improvements to provide valuable this year’s Region V Conference. Your our website later this summer:information. If you have job opportunities participation and contribution to the www.vppregionv.com.or safety alerts that you would like to post conference is what makes it such a success!on the website, please reach out to any Contributed by Bill Linnewehmember of the board. Contact information A recap of the conference along with (Hendrickson), Region V Chairperson.is on the website: vppparegion3.org/ conference presentations will be available onhomepage.html our website later this summer. In case you Region VI missed the conference, here’s a quick glimpse The Region VI VPPPA kicked off the 26th In addition to following Region III of the fun times in Indianapolis! Annual Safety & Health Conference inVPPPA on our website, you can also keep • Pre-Conference Site Tour—Frito-Lay, Little Rock, AR.up with activity by becoming a Facebook“friend” of Region III VPPPA. Frankfurt, IN Starting things off at the opening of • VPP Application Workshop—Indiana the conference was Dan Clark. Dan hadContributed by Region III Secretary Bob participants laughing and crying with hisSchroeder, Noramco, Inc., Wilmington, DE. OSHA Office many stories and life experiences. Closing • SGE Training—Eli Lily Technology Center out the conference was Randy Royall withRegion IV • Opening Keynote—Dale Lesinski, DiVal his very emotional, heartfelt story.On March 25–27, 2014, the Region IVConference was held at the Omni Grove Safety Equipment Prior to the conference, we had ourPark Inn, Asheville, NC. We had a total • Closing Keynote—Tim Maley, Indiana 2014 conference golf tournament whichof 531 attendees, 44 speakers and 60exhibitors. OSHA • 40+ Exhibitors Dave Anderson was our speaker for the • 40 Break Out Sessionsopening general session. Jones Loflin wrappedup our conference as our closing speaker. Thanks to all the volunteers that helpedout this year. Region IV couldn’t have doneit without you. We are looking forward toseeing you all at our next conference onJune 16–18, 2015, in Orlando, FL, at theCaribe Royale! The regional mentor of the Year isBob Edwards (GE/Roper) Corporation,Chattanooga, TN. THE LEADER vpppa.org 25

chapter round-upswas held at the Rebsamen Park Golf • March 14–17, 2016: Ft. Worth, TX, NuStar Energy’s vice president of pipelineCourse, Championship Course. Hotel—Omni Ft. Worth, Convention operations, Gary Koegeboehn, closed Center—Ft. Worth Convention Center out the conference by speaking aboutScholarship Info There will be more information the importance of safety for him and theThe Region VI VPPPA Scholarship Committee industry as a whole.will select and award two scholarships to concerning the Region VI conference in thestudents studying in the occupational safety or summer edition of The Leader. We also held the First Annual Region VIIoccupational health fields. Each scholarship will VPPPA Scholarship Fundraiser Silent Auction.be valued at $1,500. Region VI SGE Training Schedule • June 17–19, 2014: NASA Johnson Space Region VIIIFuture Conference Dates; The 2014 Region VIII Safety Summit just• May 4–7, 2015: Corpus Christi, TX, Center, Houston, TX wrapped up at the Doubletree Hotel Denver • September 9–11, 2014: Center for Tech, which has been our home for the Hotel—Omni Bayfront & Marina, previous three years. This is an excellent Convention Center—American Bank Safety and Emergency Preparedness, facility with an exceptional staff, and we Center Oklahoma City, OK enjoyed being back! Pre-summit workshops took place on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, with Success Stories the Summit continuing on April 30–May 1. Have you recently celebrated a success at your site? If so, share your story with the We had two excellent keynote speakers rest of the VPP community! We want to this year, Keni Thomas, and Garrison hear what’s going on at your site. Send us Wynn. Our Wednesday keynote speaker, your stories with photos and brag a little Keni Thomas, former Army Ranger and about what you’re doing well and how it’s participant in the mission made famous impacted your site and safety program, by the movie “Black Hawk Down” in a recent re-approval, etc. Send your Mogadishu, Somalia, energized attendees stories and photos to Kirk Crandall (kirk. with his inspiring story. Many of you [email protected]) so we can get may remember Keni’s presentation from them published. two years ago at our summit. He’s a great speaker with a great message! Our Thursday Visit the Region VI website at www. keynote was Garrison Wynn, a great regionvivpp.org for more details. motivational speaker, author and former stand-up comedian. We were excited for the Contributed by Region VI Director-at-Large opportunity to have him on board to help us Kirk Crandall, NRG Energy, Houston, TX. influence safety in our own organizations. Region VII We had a significant expansion to our Region VII had our conference May exhibit hall this year due to the increase in 19–21, 2014, at the Embassy Suites Hotel the number of exhibitors at our summit. and Convention Center in Omaha, NE. The exhibit hall officially opened on Tuesday We started the conference off Monday evening to allow all of our attendees’ with a golf tournament, followed by the sufficient time to meet with all of our exhibit Exhibitors Reception and Dueling Pianos partners, as well as recognize the part they for entertainment. play in the success of our summit. We had some quality workshops on the In keeping with tradition, we also agenda, along with the Application Workshop continued our fifth annual “Not Your and the Sustaining Star Quality Workshop. Grandma’s Bingo” fundraiser on Wednesday We were excited to have one of the greatest night. This year’s proceeds were donated to shot blockers in the NBA, Mark Eaton (3.50 the Special Operations Warrior Foundation shots blocked per game) as our guest speaker. (SOWF). Keni Thomas, our opening Mark talked about teamwork and doing your keynote, is a spokesman for the SOWF job to help the team. and we felt this was a great opportunity to support this worthy organization. SOWF Our annual business meeting along with elections were held on the Tuesday of the conference and there will be a full report in the next Chapter Round-up.26 THE LEADER vpppa.org

provides immediate support for families of leadership and situational awareness, while After the conference we all returned to ourspecial operations personnel who are killed illustrating what happens when we fail to respective work places with infused visionsin the line of duty, as well as providing for maintain focus. There were heroes of all of great things happening, as we put to usecollege funding for their children. types, yet there were no capes, no masks those lessons learned. Or do we? Great things and certainly no tights—just dedicated can’t happen, if we simply return to businessChapter Elections people all with one mindset, the prevention as usual. That is the time to dawn our capes,Four positions were up for election at of injuries and illnesses in the work-place. adjust the mask and become the true hero.our 2014 Safety Summit. Elections for Executive managers from Dow Chemical, That is the time to breathe new life into thethe positions of vice-chair, secretary, site Palo Verde Nuclear, Pepsico, Philips 66 and staleness of what we have been doing for arepresentative—non-union and director- Toyota explained to everyone why safety is while and change attitudes, and that is theat-large were held on Wednesday, April 30, important and the impact it has on both time to say we can be, and do so much more.2014. We have a great group of talented, the organization as well as its members, It is up to each and every one of us to returnexperienced board members right now and I collectively and individually. In movies, to our organizations as a new superhero, oneam pleased to announce that all four board heroes have an impact on individual lives; trying to inject new life into the processes thatmembers, Christina Ross, Deb Clingan, in real life, we witnessed that impact first have taken us so far. If you think Region IXMark Moya, and Jenni Lubbers were re- hand. We witnessed it in the form of best board members, ambassadors and volunteerselected for their respective positions. practices, knowledge, training and the only work on the conference activities during sharing of methodologies, while at the same the off season, think again! Your Region IX On a more somber note, Tony Stoner time asking nothing in return. Those who board of directors will continue working toannounced his departure from the Region have achieved and showed others the way, bring you the best conference experiences andVIII Board of Directors. Stoner said, those who excelled and shared to help others help everyone learn more about the Voluntary“I’ve been part of the Region VIII Board move forward; is that not the true essence of Protection Programs and their many benefits.for the last 10 years and it has been an the word hero?amazing experience. Seeing where we startedcompared to where we are now— the As I look back on my involvement ingrowth and the challenges—has been an VPP and the course it has run over theincredible honor. While I will certainly miss years, I have worked this program fromthe Region VIII Board, I’m not going away the side of a regulator with state OSHAentirely—I will still be part of the summits as well as an auditor, as a trainer at theeach year and I will continue to serve Region conference level and the site level, asVIII as a member of the National VPPPA a safety manager under the cross hairsBoard of Directors. Thank you to everyone anxiously awaiting the decision of the VPPI’ve had the pleasure of working with over team; and still I disagree with what thethe past 10 years and everyone who’s helped naysayers spout. There is so much strengthmake our summits a success!” in the DNA of this program, creating building and generating momentum. Mark Moya is serving as the interim If more people understood the powerchairperson. in cooperative collaboration, sharing of best practices, striving for continuousContributed by former Region VIII Chapter improvements and focused definitiveChair Tony Stoner, Integrity Windows & leadership, workplaces and workers couldDoors, Fargo, ND. accomplish even more. I hope eventually, that many more organizations can see theRegion IX good this program has done and what itApril arrived with the power of a superhero can do for them.and that’s just what was delivered at theRegion IX Safety Summit in Anaheim, The Region IX VPPPA conference playedCA—Power! The theme for this year’s host to over 40 workshops and both pre-summit was “Safety Superheros” and and post-conference workshops, in the VPPthey turned out in droves to deliver their application workshop and a re-approvalmessage of safety excellence, cooperation, workshop, so that those who are knockinginvolvement and leadership. Attendees on the door can enter, and those who havelistened attentively as Jeff “Odie” Espenship entered, can remain.spoke about commitment and consistency, THE LEADER vpppa.org 27

chapter round-upsAlaska, location of the NorthWestern Safety & Health SummitIn January, one of the first Contributed by former Region IX Secretary Region X’s Department of Energy (DOE)VPP sites in Region X was Mark Norton, formerly with Central Arizona sites also have some exciting news to share. There-approved for Star status. Project, Phoenix, AZ. CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation CompanyMonsanto in Soda Springs, (CHPRC) contractor at the Hanford, WA,ID, celebrated their 20-year Region X DOE site was recognized by DOE as a Staranniversary as a VPP Star site. Region X has experienced a number of changes site, as well as the Idaho National Laboratory over the last six months. We have had new (INL) contractor, BEA, at the Idaho DOE Star in Region X with some of our Stars Site. Several other DOE contractors have been shining a little brighter as they were approved. recommended for recognition as Star sites. Congratulations to Phillips 66 Portland as Hopefully the announcement of their success they are among those Stars that are shining a will happen soon. little brighter and to Roseburg Forest Products’ Engineered Wood Products facility in Riddle, The Northwest Safety & Health Summit OR, who was recognized as a Merit site. just wrapped up on May 15, 2015 and was held in the beautiful frontier state of Alaska. In January, one of the first VPP sites in There was a VPP Application Workshop Region X was re-approved for Star status. on Tuesday, May 13, as well as a new class, Monsanto in Soda Springs, ID, celebrated “Learn to Return, Aviation Crash Survival their 20-year anniversary as a VPP Star site. Experience,” as a pre-conference workshop. Monsanto employees, along with Agrium (also a VPP Star site in Soda Springs), have The keynote speaker was, Jim Wetherbee, changed the safety culture in their small town. a former astronaut and the first American to One of the noteworthy practices that were command five space missions. The conference identified in the Monsanto audit was the fact took place in the beautiful, modern Dena’ina that they care so much about their employees’ Civic and Convention Center in the historical safety 24/7 by allowing employees to check downtown of Anchorage, AK. out safety equipment to use at home. Hats off to Monsanto’s Soda Springs plant. Contributed by Region X Chapter Chair Bonnie Anderson, CH2M-WG Idaho, LLC28 THE LEADER vpppa.org

national conference by the numbers 20142T0T1OR4APCTIOKCSP:ITCRACKS:2,544 BEHAVIOR BASED SAFETY BEST PRACTICESSAFETY AND HEALTH ATTENDEES IN 2013 CHALLENGE DOE/EPA/OSHAof surveyed attendees rated theconference favorably EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT GENERAL99% ERGONOMICSof attendees surveyed found the HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROLeducational content valuable HEALTH/MEDICAL MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT TRAINING WORKSITE ANALYSIS64% Executive Level Consultant (3%) Staff (4%) Administrativeof surveyed attendees /HR (3%)purchased, or planned topurchase products and/or Government EHS Safety, Health,services from the exhibitors Employee (6%) attendees or Environmental Other (7%) Professionals (34%)at the conference by role VPP coordinator/ Management (22%) Manager/Supervisor (21%) THE LEADER vpppa.org 29

BY AARON BLOW AND SARAH NEELYVIBRATION Solvinga Problem I Didn’t KnowSAFETY IHad IN UTILITY LOCATINGW hen first asked to write an article about vibration and vibration injuries, I had to stop and ask myself, is there really such a thing? As a 20-year veteran of the utility locating business, I had never considered the hazards of vibration injury, especially in the field of utility locating and the process of vacuum excavation. I have implemented a number of safety processes and standards throughout my career that were designed to reduce injuries and fatigue in my employees but had never considered this element of the work until recently. It was time to do my homework on vibration, vibration injuries and the mitigation of such injuries. >>30 THE LEADER vpppa.org

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The question I asked myself was: What steps could I take to protect our field employees from excessive exposure to vibration, and the potential injuries that can result from prolonged exposure? After studying the facts surrounding commonly used to locate utilities prior to impossible but what can we do to reduce the vibration injuries and HAV, the next task and during construction in urban areas; levels of exposure? was to develop a better understanding of to locate utilities if records have not been how all of the information I read related properly maintained; to expose utilities at At Accumark, the process of protecting to me, my field employees, our field chemical and nuclear facilities; to pinpoint our field employees started with an processes and what changes we can and exact locations for safety and security examination of the ANSI Z10-2012 have implemented to reduce the risk to reasons; and for large scale infrastructure standards, a control used to measure our employees. The majority of our work projects such as new roads, bridges and vibration risk and communicate protocols involves the use of ground penetrating metro lines. When performing vacuum to avoid extensive, unhealthy levels of radars and vacuum excavation to provide the excavation work, vibration is all around exposure. Elimination of vibration and exact locations of buried utility lines. With and is amplified by increasing air pressure substitution of tools, the first and second a few minor modifications to our existing through the unit, as well as an increase in recommendations, is impossible and/or processes, we have been able to significantly the weight as the unit digs deeper. impractical. Engineering Controls, the third reduce the risk of long-term, high intensity recommendation, are out of our hands, exposure to the vibrating tools we use on a Vacuum excavation trucks are typically as we are in the business of using tools, regular basis. While implementing our new powered by large diesel engines that provide not designing them. While investment in processes, I discovered that we were already power to blower and compressor units, newer vibration reduction tools may be following a number of the recommendations exposing the workers’ bodies to high levels possible at a later date, it is not feasible for to reduce exposure to extensive vibration for of multiple frequencies transmitted through us at this time. However, warning of the other safety reasons including reduction of the air in the vacuum unit. Additionally, hazards, administrative controls and personal fatigue, muscle strain and overuse injuries. work on roadways always requires the use protection equipment (PPE) are all within of pneumatic jackhammers to break asphalt our control. I was pleasantly surprised to Most people have not spent any time paving and rock drills for demolishing discover that a number of the risk reduction working with a vacuum excavation concrete paving before the jackhammer measures we could be taking, were already unit; those who have are no stranger to is again used to finish the job. Once each included in our general safety practices. vibration. A vacuum excavation unit is a excavation is completed, pneumatic tampers tool used to extract soil from the ground must be utilized to properly compact soil Warning of the Hazards at a high intensity and rapid speed to and restore surfaces back to their pre- This is a relatively simple task. In a word: expose any buried utilities. This process is excavation condition. All of these tools education. This takes the form of safety transmit high levels of vibration directly into training, e.g.: toolbox talks and regular safety32 THE LEADER vpppa.org the user’s body. The intensity of vibration briefings. When field employees understand created by these tools, and the effects caused the risks involved, they take a more active by prolonged levels of exposure are well role in protecting themselves and their documented. coworkers. The list varies widely between the thousands of jobs in the construction, The question I asked myself was: What engineering and industrial worlds, but the steps could I take to protect our field list can include the following: employees from excessive exposure to vibration and the potential injuries that can • Select the correct tool for the job task. result from prolonged exposure? Elimination Instead of using jackhammers, ask if of these vibration sources and hazards is concrete saws or coring tools are available

or practical under certain conditions. different job tasks on a single worksite or At Accumark, our vacuum They will not always be the right tool to rotate the employees between different excavation crews are divided use however, and investigating possible worksites, where a higher number of job tasks into teams of two to three alternatives should be considered. Tools may be available. people. By doing this, we are that emit lower levels of vibration should able to limit an employee’s always be considered first when preparing At Accumark, our vacuum excavation time on a high intensity for a job. Additionally, alternative tools crews are divided into teams of two to vibrating tool, by rotating such as ground penetrating radar can be three people. By doing this, we are able to the jackhammer work if it considered if a location approximation is limit an employee’s time on a high intensity extends beyond an hour. sufficient rather than an exact location that vibrating tool, by rotating the jackhammer would require vacuum excavation. work if it extends beyond an hour. We THE LEADER vpppa.org 33• Make sure these tools, including vehicles, have also been able to reduce exposure by are in good repair and that the safety rotating the intensity of tasks on a regular guards and safety systems are properly basis ensuring that one employee isn’t adjusted and functioning correctly. There always going to be using vibrating tools should also be daily checks to verify and then having to perform the air lancing blades, cutting surfaces and material work which further exposes their joints to manipulation parts are sharp and in pounding forces. We have also taken steps proper working order. to train more people on multiple tools to• Train employees on proper techniques and more adequately rotate tasks. safe use of high intensity vibration tools, and have frequent training and safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) reminders about the safe and effective use Any PPE that isolates the tool user from of these tools. the vibration source should be utilized for employee protection along with all of the These simple steps reduce the time the other safety guards and equipment notedemployee uses the tool, which in turn reduces earlier. Specifically, ANSI-approved anti-their exposure time well below hazardous vibration gloves should be considered for uselevels of vibration. It is also practical to create with hand tools, or other sources of vibrationand maintain buffer zones around equipment that may be transmitted through the handsor tools that create high levels of vibration. into the user.Administrative Controls Exposure to high levels of vibration forTying back into education, it is imperative prolonged periods of time can cause irreversiblethat both project and field management injuries to your employees. However, the risksteams fully understand the risks of excessive can be mitigated with employee education,vibration and prolonged exposure to it consideration to employee task planning andfor administrative controls to work. This the utilization of proper PPE. At Accumark,knowledge allows them to take an active taking the simple steps listed above hasrole in reducing the amount of exposure significantly lowered the risk of long-termtheir field workers encounter. You may say injuries to our employees.to yourself, “easier said than done,” or, “itcan’t be done here,” but each member of Aaron Blow has over 17 years of experience ina company’s management team can worktogether to come up with creative ways to subsurface utility engineering and land surveyingrotate employees between job tasks wherethey are exposed to high levels of vibration throughout Washington, D.C. Blow is experiencedand tasks with much lower impacts. It maybe practical to rotate employees between in all aspects of Subsurface Utility Engineering and has worked on several notable roadway and transportation projects throughout the region. He regularly provides continuing education to both professional and student groups about subsurface utility engineering best practices.

BY PETER JOHNSON, PhD WBOHODLYE VIBRATION The Wrong Chair Can Impact Your Driver’s Health34 THE LEADER vpppa.org

Back injuries, particularly lower back pain (LBP), are among the most prevalent and costly non-lethal medical conditions affecting adults. A number of scientific studies have shown an association between an exposure to vehicle-related whole body vibration (WBV) and the development of LBP (for a summary, see the National Research Council publication).1 The potential adverse health effects Seat research has shown that the type of associated with the exposure to WBV is seat suspension matters and will affect how common knowledge to our neighbors over much of the vehicle-generated vibration is in Europe, where they have a health standard transmitted to the operator. Around 60 years to limit a worker’s exposure to WBV; but the ago, the only protection from WBV was the same can’t be said for those of us working in foam padding used in the seat cushion. It was the United States. Currently, the U.S. only typical for the seat to adjust only in height, has voluntary standards for controlling a and there was no shock absorbing capability vehicle operator’s exposure to WBV. in the seat suspension. In the 1960s, mechanical suspension seats were introduced WBV is created as a vehicle travels over followed by air-suspension seats in the terrain and the perturbations from the terrain late 1970s. Both of these seat suspension are transmitted from the floor of the vehicle, advancements were thought to incrementally through the seat suspension and into the reduce a vehicle operator’s exposure to WBV. driver. The musculoskeletal system and the body’s organs then dissipate the vibration A seat’s performance can be measured by energy as it travels through the body. One taking the ratio of vibration measured at the body structure heavily affected by these seat of the operator and dividing it by the vibrations is the spine. The frequency of the vibration measure from the vehicle floor. This vibration entering the spine matches the ratio indicates the percentage of the vehicle- spine’s natural frequency and the movements generated vibration being transmitted to the in the structures of the spine are accentuated. seat of the operator, with lower values indicating If you remember seeing the Tacoma Narrows better seat performance (less vibration Bridge clip as a kid, where the frequency transmission). Research has shown that of the wind energy matched the natural investing in a quality constructed seat may be a frequency of the bridge, making the bridge cost effective way to reduce a worker or vehicle move violently until it failed, WBV has a operator’s exposure to WBV.2 In a simple study similar effect on a vehicle operator’s spine. comparing a mechanical and an air-suspension Unfortunately, the adverse health effects seat made by the same seat manufacturer associated with WBV are not limited to the (Grammer Seating, Hudson, WI), in a group of back alone. WBV may also contribute to 13 forklift operators, the slightly more expensive cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous and air suspension seat was shown to attenuate 55 urological disorders. The bottom line is that percent of the vehicle transmitted vibration efforts should be made to reduce you or your and have lower WBV exposures relative to the employees’ exposure to WBV when possible. mechanical suspension seat. Just like a loan with a slightly higher interest rate, the slightly higherand Hinder Your Bottom Line WBV exposures with the mechanical seat may accumulate over time leading to earlier injury onset and/or greater levels of LBP. THE LEADER vpppa.org 35

Vehicle design can also affect WBV (left) Industry standard air-suspension seat; (above) Cab-over truckexposures and worker health. One of themajor epidemics that all employers will getting in and out of the cab was much if they did, they may be surprised by theface is the aging of the workforce as the greater and the impact on the joints much substantial, long-term cost savings.baby boomers make their way towards lower in the conventional truck where theretirement. Ensuring your most experienced floorboards are much lower to the ground. Although air-suspension seats performedolder workers stay healthy will take on Although companies may choose the less- well in our forklift tests, we find differenteven greater importance over the next two expensive cab-over design, the down-road seat performance results in on-road vehiclesdecades. To evaluate the impacts of vehicle and down-stream expenses associated with which travel at higher speeds (e.g. city busesdesign,3 WBV exposures were compared the day-in and day-out wear and tear on the and semi-trucks). At higher speeds, thebetween a European cab-over light duty driver’s body may exceed the procurement typical air-suspension seat may only attenuatetruck where the driver sits over the front axle savings. Most companies do not take the between 5–15 percent of the vehicle-inducedand a conventional North American truck downstream, hidden, claims-related medical vibrations. A common problem ariseswhere the cab is situated behind the front costs into a procurement decision, but when suspension seats wear out; the seat’saxle. There were substantial differences in suspension can “bottom out”, hitting the endWBV exposures between the two vehicles range of downward travel and sending anwith the conventional truck’s WBV exposure impulsive shock to the driver. These seat-25 percent lower compared to the cab over induced shocks can be two- to ten-fold highertruck’s exposure. Additionally, the ease of than the road perturbations that created the seat movement. Anecdotally, many of the Injury Rates per 100 FTE for Trucking oldest bus drivers stated that they preferred Industry Groups Compared to All their 1950’s era bus seats with no suspension. Industries in Washington State Additionally, many truck drivers state that they prefer to bleed the air-out of their airUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ALL INDUSTRIES 2.5 6.9 suspension seat, in order to reduce how muchERGONOMICS PROGRAM SPECIALIZED FREIGHT 7.1 they bounce around. Bleeding the air out of GENERAL FREIGHT the seat is referred to as “low-riding”, andThe Estimated Average Cost per Claim ALL TRUCKING 7.5 low riding is frowned upon because smallerand Total Cost of All Claims WASTE COLLECTION 8.1 statured drivers may have reduced visibility. COURIERS & MANAGERS 8.5 LOST WORK TIME CLAIMS In Europe, some of these old-school, 1950’s era height-adjustable suspensionless INJURY GROUPTYPE AVG.ESTIMATED AVG.TOTAL COST seats are still being produced and sold. COST PER CLAIM $1,000,000 In a group of 16 drivers, we tested one of VEHICLES these old school seats in a bus, and foundFALLS FROM ELEVATION $46,500 68 Occupational Injury and Illness in the that relative to the industry standard air-FALLS FROM SAME LEVEL $36,700 69 Trucking Industry by the Injury Type suspension seat, there were no differences $30,300 51 in WBV exposures between the two seat MSDS $29,600 265 22% 13% STRUCK types. This indicates that there may be STRUCK BY $23,700 68 41% 8% VEHICLES OTHER $21,500 104 8% FALLS ELEVATION ALLTYPES COMBINED $29,500 641 8% FALLS SAME LEVEL MSDS OTHER36 THE LEADER vpppa.org

(above) Conventional truck; (right) Modern, height-adjustable pedestal seatsome merit behind the old timer bus there may be other less expensive seating 3. Blood RP, Rynell PW, and Johnson PW.drivers’ preferences for suspensionless solutions on the horizon. We have evaluated (2011) Vehicle design influences wholeseats. Alternatively, some of the fancier an air-filled seat cushion originally designed body vibration exposures: Effect of thesemi-truck seats have two air controls, one to absorb the impulsive shocks when a location of the front axle relative to theair control adjusts the seat height and the military vehicle drives over improvised cab. J Occ Env Hygiene, 8(6): 364–374.other air control adjusts the seat stiffness. explosive devices (IEDs). Compared to theThese dual control seats are relatively new current standard form used in most seats, the 4. Blood R, Dennerlein J, Lewis L,to U.S. semi-trucks and have yet to be IED seat cushion reduced WBV exposure by Rynell P and Johnson P. (2011)formally tested. Consequently, if the driver 25 to 30 percent. These seat cushions are not Evaluating whole-body vibrationsets the correct height and then stiffens the commercially available yet, but hopefully we exposure engineering control optionsseat suspension, they may have the best of will see them on some seats in the future. in a population of semi-truck drivers:both worlds, a less bouncy ride without Comparison of an active and passivethe dangers associated with low-riding. Cushion, seat and vehicle design can suspension seat. Proceedings of the substantially influence a vehicle operator’s Human Factors and Ergonomics Finally, after 30 years of very little exposure to WBV. As a result, the Society’s 55th Annual Meeting, Santachange, vehicle seating may be entering a procurement of seats and vehicles merit Monica, CA: HFES, pp 1750–1754.renaissance. Around three years ago, Bose close attention when exposure to WBV is aCorporation came out with a truck seat concern. Rather than making procurement Peter Johnson, PhD, is an associate professorwhich cancels out much of the vehicle- decisions on price alone, the long-term health at the University of Washington in theinduced vibrations reaching the driver. The savings by investing in superior equipment Occupational and Environmental Exposureseat uses vibration cancellation algorithms may far outweigh the short-term savings. Sciences Program, specializing in ergonomics.which are similar to those used in their He earned his Doctorate in Bioengineeringnoise-cancellation headphones. Using a Further Reading from the University of California - Berkeleygroup of 16 truck drivers, we tested Bose’s 1. National Research Council. 2001. National and has worked as a researcher at the Nationalactive suspension seat against an industry Institute for Occupational Safety and Healthstandard air-suspension seat, and relative to Research Council. Institute of Medicine. in the United States, Sweden and Denmark.the air suspension seat, the Bose seat reduced Panel on Musculoskeletal Disorders and In cooperation with Harvard University, hethe drivers exposure to WBV by 50 percent.4 the Workplace. Commission on Behavioral has developed and validated an exposureThese seats are not necessarily cheap ($3,995 and Social Sciences and Education. assessment system for measuring physical riskto $5,995 each, depending on the quantity), Musculoskeletal disorders and the factors during computer work. He has workedbut with a musculoskeletal-related work-loss workplace: low back and upper extremities. on two large-scale studies in Sweden measuringclaim costing trucking companies on average Washington, DC: National Academy Press. and characterizing upper-extremity hazards$30,000 and injury rates three to four times 2. Blood RP, Ploger JD, and Johnson PW. associated with computer and cell phone use;higher than most other industries, there may (2010) Whole body vibration exposures and is conducting studies evaluating ways tobe a payback, especially where older, more in forklift drivers: a comparison of a reduce whole body vibration exposures in busexperienced drivers are concerned. Finally, mechanical and air-ride seat. Ergonomics, and semi-truck drivers. 53 (11): 1385–1394. THE LEADER vpppa.org 37

BY KRISTINE KRAJNAK, PhD ENGINEERING CONTROLS AND TECHNOLOGY BRANCH, BYLINENATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHTHAIEDEBNTCIFYsINOGF ,BYLINETITLE I ntro body38 THE LEADER vpppa.org

ASSESSING AND REDUCINGHAND-TRANSMITTED VIBRATIONEXPOSURE IN THE WORKPLACEM ost of us don’t think about being their clothing. Long-term health problems hours of vibration produced by tattoo guns exposed to vibration, but we are such as chronic pain and reductions in blood when creating their designs. Even musicians on a daily basis: when we drive flow to the periphery can occur. Reducing the can be exposed to vibration when playingour cars, mow the lawn and even when we risk of developing these symptoms involves drums or stringed instruments. Although theare riding a bike on a rough surface. These recognizing all possible sources of vibration, and vibration exposure experienced by workersexposures are usually short-term and may result then reducing or eliminating the transmission in each of these sectors is different, there isin a tingling feeling or temporary discomfort. of that vibration to the worker. a potential risk for each worker to develop aHowever, many people working in a number vibration-induced disorder.of different industries are exposed to vibration The main question for occupational healthfor an extended period through the repeated and safety professionals is, where are workers To protect workers from the negativeuse of powered hand tools on a daily basis, and exposed to vibration? Most workers and safety health consequences of vibration exposure,these people can develop more serious health professionals in construction and mining health and safety professionals need to knowproblems as a result of this exposure. These recognize that the use of tools such as impact how to identify sources of vibration and thenworkers may develop a condition known as hammers, concrete saws and polishers, drills estimate the exposure. Vibration exposureshand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The and jackleg hammers result in significant are characterized by three components; thesymptoms of HAVS include cold-induced exposures to hand-transmitted vibration. It frequency, the amplitude and the durationconstriction of the blood vessels in the fingers is also well recognized that employees in the of the vibration. The frequency of vibrationand hands that result in the skin appearing manufacturing and services sectors and the is defined as the cyclic repetitiveness of thewhite. This whitening or blanching of the skin military receive significant exposures from waves. This is usually measured in hertz (i.e.,may also be accompanied by pain. Vibration tools such as riveting hammers and impact cycles per second). Although low-frequencycan also induce a decrease in sensation to touch wrenches. However, there are less obvious (< 25 Hz) vibration can be transmitted toand reduce muscle strength in the hands. These exposures to vibration. For example, dental the entire hand-arm system, high-frequencychanges result in a reduced ability to work and hygienists are exposed to vibration while using (>100 Hz) vibration is primarily limitedcan have a significant effect on the quality of life cleaning tools, and dentists using drills and to the hand or fingers. The amplitudeif the condition progresses to the point where cutters to fill cavities and make dentures and of a vibration exposure is defined by thea worker can no longer grip utensils or button dental implants are also exposed to vibration. displacement, or the peak-to-peak distance In addition, tattoo artists are often exposed to of the wave. The duration can be measured THE LEADER vpppa.org 39

In the images above, workers are using a the risk of developing HAVS. The heaviest of machines or working materials. The next riveting gun in both a standing and sitting weighting is given to exposure frequencies approach is to use a vibration-reducing position. Use of the riveting device, along below 32 Hz, and based on this weighting device to isolate or attenuate the vibration with posture, can affect how vibration is one would predict that exposures in this transmitted to the hand. This can be achieved being transmitted along the hand-arm frequency range would pose the greatest by using anti-vibration handles, anti-vibration system and influence the type of disorder a injury risk. The dominant frequency of many adapters and tool supporting devices. While worker develops. percussive tools, such as chipping hammers, anti-vibration gloves are unlikely to reduce falls into this range. Significantly less the vibration transmitted from low-frequency as the length of time a worker is exposed to weighting is given to vibration frequencies tools such as vibrating sand forks, soil tampers hand transmitted vibration (HTV) on a single in the mid-range (i.e., 60-300 Hz). Tools and sand rammers, they may reduce the day, or an estimate of the cumulative exposure emitting dominant frequencies in this range impact vibration or high-frequency vibration can be calculated. Formulas for calculating include sanders and grinders. Little weighting transmitted to the hand from rock drills, vibration exposure limits and estimated risk is associated with high-range frequencies chipping hammers and grinders. Gloves can can be found in the International Standards (i.e., above 500 Hz), and thus there would be also help keep a worker’s hands warm in colder Organization standard ISO 5349-1 and the little risk of injury predicted for people using environments, and this may help reduce the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) dental equipment and tattoo guns. However, chances of developing injuries to peripheral standard S2.70. The European directive some studies have demonstrated that the blood vessels and nerves. In addition, there 2002/44/EC also uses the ISO-5349-1 standards may not accurately predict the are now tools available in different sizes and standard as a reference for setting exposure risk of injury. Because of the displacement tools designed specifically for women. Using limits and designing tools. associated with exposure to low-frequency the correct sized tool is critical for maintaining vibration, the energy is transmitted further an appropriate grip and control of the tool. The formulas presented in the standards up the hand-arm system, and such exposures Loosening the grip on the tool may reduce the use frequency-based weighting to predict may be more likely to result in injury to the transmission of vibration energy from the tool joints and soft tissues of the arm. Vibration to the user. Finally, alternating work tasks and40 THE LEADER vpppa.org exposures in mid-range frequencies are taking breaks can also help reduce the amount primarily transmitted only to the fingers and of time a worker is exposed to vibration, palms of the users, and have been associated thereby decreasing the chances of developing with the development of disorders in blood HAVS. Other personal factors that can affect vessels located in the fingers and hands, the risk of developing HAVS include smoking, changes in sensory perception and muscle stress and the presence of chronic diseases such weakness in the hands. High-frequency as hypertension and diabetes. These diseases exposures encountered by workers in the may also exacerbate vibration-induced health dental field and by tattoo artists have been effects involving blood vessels and nerves. associated with some tingling, numbness Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that reduces the and pain in the fingers. Additional pain in risk of developing these diseases may also help the hands, wrist and arms reported by these reduce the chances of developing HAVS. workers may be due to the postures they maintain while working. Thus, to predict It is almost completely impossible to the potential risk of developing a vibration- eliminate vibration exposures in the workplace induced disorder, workers and health and or at home. However, by recognizing the safety professionals need to know the primary sources of vibration exposure and then taking or dominant frequencies of the tools workers appropriate measures to reduce the generation, are using and then try to identify strategies to or block the transmission of vibration to the prevent the transmission of vibration to the user, it is possible to reduce the potential for regions where injuries may occur. negative health consequences associated with HTV exposures. There are a number of different strategies that can be used to prevent the transmission of The findings and conclusions in this report vibration to the hand-arm system. The most are those of the authors and do not necessarily effective approach is to reduce the vibration at represent the views of the National Institute for the source. This can be achieved by improving Occupational Safety and Health. the design of tools or machines, using tools that emit low magnitudes of vibration, Kristine Krajnak, Ph.D., works at the implementing regular tool maintenance programs, and modifying the support systems Engineering Controls and Technology Branch, at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Morgantown, WV.

member spotlightSteve GauthierSTEVE GAUTHIER, CMFS, CHAIRPERSON How long have you the members enough for their creativityFOR VPPPA REGION I, is a health & been involved in and dedication. I still remain a committeesafety representative at GE Aviation the association? member.Riverworks in Lynn, MA. GE Aviation,a subsidiary of General Electric, Seven years. Do you feel like being a member ofis among the top aircraft engine VPPPA has helped you?suppliers in the world and offers How did yourengines for commercial and military career start? VPPPA has provided me with a greateraircrafts. Gauthier has been involved insight into the program, its memberwith health and safety for a number My career started companies and their employees. Theof years but got involved with VPP in 34 years ago as education received can only be obtained2006 when the stage was set in Lynn a machinist in the Generator/Turbine by the interaction that was made possibleto achieve VPP status. He is a member Division, where I operated a variety of by VPPPA. During this time, the networkof the Governor’s Council in his home machines, including NC lathes, manual of resources developed is invaluable. Thesestate of Massachusetts, a member of lathes and vertical boring mills. These resources are valuable in the sense thatthe National Society of Tribologists and were very large lathes where the parts the ideas and best practices have beenLubrication Engineers (STLB) and is a weighed thousands of pounds. proven in practice every day and havefounding member for the Alliance for demonstrated their effectiveness. Armeda Healthier Tomorrow (AHT). Gautheir How did you get involved in VPPPA? with this knowledge, I’m able to shareis a union representative of four what I learn with others as a mentor.bargaining units onsite. My involvement in VPPPA started after my site was certified by OSHA as a Star What do you feel is one of the most site in 2006. valuable things you have gained through your involvement in the What role are you playing in shaping association? the organization? I have come to realize that my company I began playing a bigger role in VPPPA and I are part of the association’s 2,300 when I was elected as the vice chairman companies representing more than of Region I Board of Directors (BOD). 900,000 workers. It’s a good feeling I then became a committee member of knowing that workers are more likely to the Labor and Management Committee go home safer, allowing them to enjoy (L&M Committee) and continued on to time with family and friends. This is the become the committee’s chairperson for responsibility of all safety professionals two years. During this time, we expanded that work in the field of EHS. I to include members from all 10 regions of experienced this value very clearly during the country. This committee also received my time on the national board as I worked federal mediator skills training, provided with others who share the same passion. by the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service. While holding the national Do you have any particular position, I continued as the Region I accomplishment within GE or VPPPA vice chairman as well as the chair of the that you are most proud of? Communications Committee. In 2013, I was elected as chapter chairman. After I believe I have a unique relationship with becoming chairman of Region I, I found GE and the union which I am a member of, it necessary to step down from my role International Union of Electrical Workers/ as the L&M Committee chair because I Communication Workers of America felt that my time should be dedicated to (IUE/CWA) Local 201. I say this based on Region I, where I work and live. It was participation in the joint safety programs easier to step down because the L&M we have onsite. The accomplishments Committee achieved all the goals set in the are numerous, starting with the Standard beginning of my tenure. I can never thank THE LEADER vpppa.org 41

member spotlight I have observed and been part of to learn, and learn to listen,” after all, the a joint health and safety program safety program was made up of well- at my site that has been in place seasoned professionals. Today the focus is for 20 years, which reduced our on leading indicators as opposed to trailing OSHA recordable rate from 23.0 indicators, which provide no prevention to approximately 2.0. whatsoever. Leading indicators allow the outcome to be one of promote prevention,Operating Procedure for Metalworking Fluids. or incentive program. Instead, I took a employee concern, near miss reporting etc.This program was developed and implemented chance, which resulted in unintendedbased upon my experience and education. The consequences that I learned from. I have Are you starting to see new safetycompany allowed me to pilot the first Standard since come to realize the importance of issues that need to be addressed thatOperating Procedure (SOP)for Metalworking safety in the workplace, and continue to perhaps did not exist in previous years?Fluids (MWF) in the Gear Division. This share my experiences.program was successful and then implemented Yes, one of the major issues is chemicalacross the entire site. It has benefited the Have you always had the resources hazards. I believe as technology evolves,workers and company by reducing possible and support that you have needed to safety issues will be associated with newexposure and hazardous contamination from accomplish your safety goals? processes, but this can be good and bad.the fluids. The company benefits from the Programs created to identify issues suchreduction of hazardous contaminates once This is a challenge for all companies. I as Prevention through Design, a Nationalcontained. The SOP allows these fluids to be feel that I have been supported and have initiative from NIOSH/CDC, also assist inextended and avoid the continuous disposal been able to obtain the resources needed every aspect of production for new chemicalsof hazardous waste, which impacts the for our accomplishments. It has been that may be introduced. Remember, as saferenvironment as well as increases disposal cost. obtainable because I have provided a chemicals are used as alternatives and are clear explanation and reasoning. It has introduced in place of old formulations, they As a benefit of becoming an OSHA VPP been my experience that presenting a will need to be watched for their effects overStar site, I became a special government solution and not just the problem sparks the short and long term.employee (SGE), which allows private sector a more positive response. I often sayemployees to assist OSHA when performing we’ll get the needs met but maybe not When chemicals are created, thereonsite assessments of companies applying for the wants. I think the company realizes is the assumption on the part of theVPP status or being re-approved. the savings incurred by providing the manufacturer that they will be used in a necessary resources. certain manner, but when it hits the floor In 2009 and 2012, I was nominated by and is out in homes, it is often not used inRegion I OSHA as SGE of the year. What are some of the positive safety the way it was intended or is modified and trends you have seen over the past mixed with other chemicals creating an My company and union have supported several years? untested formula. This is a huge challenge,my activities which continue to benefit getting information out there about theworkers and companies today. I have observed and been part of a joint hazardous risks and ensuring that they are health and safety program at my site that used for their intended use, unchanged.What are some of the ways that you got has been in place for 20 years, whichstarted with the safety programs at GE? reduced our OSHA recordable rate from What are some of the challenges that 23.0 to approximately 2.0. This was you have encountered with VPP/OSHA?It wasn’t some top-down rule or accomplished by the willingness to “listenprocedure. It wasn’t some training seminar The challenge regarding incentives is the one that has been the most difficult and communicating the difficulties associated with certain programs. This goes back to the trailing and leading indicators being measured. If we only continue to look at the output of recordable injuries, disincentives will continue. By focusing on the leading indicators a force multiplier is created, increasing employee involvement because of the encouragement to participate in the safety programs.42 THE LEADER vpppa.org

What do you do at home to implement that have been fully implemented in the What legacy would you like to leavethe safety measures that are so workplace. either at your company, or at VPPPA?abundant in your professional life? This has been one of the worst winters I can only hope I’ve made a differenceFor most in the Northeast, snow blower on record and has hit nearly every in someone’s life, whether it’s been asafety is important. In the spring it’s state very hard. Has the weather had kind word or someone to talk to, beingthe lawn mower and ladder safety, also any impact on the safety procedures considerate and understanding of othersdistracted driving caused by cell phones you have in place at any of your sites? will build confidence in others the sameand other technologies. way it was built in me. I have learned The winter has its challenges, slip falls due this from people and would encourageHas your family played a role in to ice is the one condition I’ve found most everyone to do the same.your safety agenda at work, interest difficult to control. Rooftop snow loadsin the implementation and further are a big problem as well. The statements contained in this documentdevelopment of safety education, or in represent the opinions of the author, and doother aspects of your personal life? What is the one lesson or piece of not reflect the views or positions of any other advice you would like to offer your persons or parties.I can’t begin to explain the tremendous peers regarding your experiences?support my family has provided me. Not onlysupporting my interest in career advancement, I have made a lot of mistakes and havebut caring for me when I suffered occupational paid the consequences for them. Don’tinjuries. They also supported me in the early take any chances. If you have to questionyears when I was away from home, nights yourself, don’t do it. Stop and get theand weekends at school, or providing training proper tooling or assistance before yousessions across the country, not to mention start. As many know, injury can occur in atoday’s continued outreach efforts. It reminds blink of an eye.me of something I heard long ago, “An injuryto one is an injury to all,” when it comes to thefamily. They surely don’t want to see anyoneget hurt or have to take care of someone as theresult of an occupational injury.Who inspires/inspired you? Who haveyou looked to for guidance over theyears?This is a difficult question for me becausethere are so many. I have been veryfortunate to have the mentors I’ve hadover the years. These are people who Ihave looked to for guidance, when feelinga lack of confidence or knowledge; theywere and are there for me.Our members would be interestedto know where you go to get yourquestions answered. Who are yoursafety resources?I utilize every contact I have developedover the years, not hesitating to askanyone for guidance. The OSHA VPPand VPPPA have been a resource thathas provided tremendous knowledge byway of the health and safety conferencesboth regionally and nationally. I enjoy thegathering of companies and their employeesand the networking that allows us to sharethe latest innovations and best practices THE LEADER vpppa.org 43

member info cornerCalling All Associate Sites: MentoringProgram is an Excellent Benefit They learn alternative T he award-winning VPPPA Mentoring vpppa.org. The VPPPA National Office approaches to similar Program is a formal process to assist mentoring coordinator explains the problems they have companies and facilities interested mentoring process and provides the site previously addressed in improving their safety and health with an application form. This form is and feel empowered by management systems. The program matches very important because it contains all the contributing to another interested sites with current VPP Star sites essential information that factors into site’s success. to help them excel. The association utilizes the matching process: location; number a network of regional coordinators and of employees; NAICS or SIC code; a44 THE LEADER vpppa.org agency officials in establishing a mentoring description of what activities the site relationship. Depending on preferences engages in; and whether and which unions indicated on the VPPPA Mentoring are present at the site. Application Form, coordinators consider similar experiences, industries, geographic With a good idea of what the site location and union representation when is looking for and with help from choosing prospective mentors. the appropriate OSHA VPP regional manager, state-plan representative or DOE Once a match has been made, the sites representative, the regional coordinator, who form a unique relationship based on the receives the request from the national office, needs of the mentored site and the time and identifies potential mentors. resources of the mentor. Once a match is made, the relationship The Mentoring Process forged between the current VPP site and the To initiate the mentoring process, mentee is unique. Mentoring activities occur begin by contacting the Membership at a variety of levels, ranging from phone Department or the VPPPA National calls to site visits. Some mentors have even Office at (703) 761-1146 or mentoring@ conducted mock audits to prepare applicants for the actual VPP onsite evaluation.

Mentoring Program Benefits Both sites can learn from each other Why not tweet aboutA highly effective tool, the VPPPA Mentoring and strengthen their safety and health it and get rewarded?Program has many success stories to its credit. management systems along the way.The advantage for the mentee is obvious at A gift card will be givenfirst glance. The mentor is not only interested Twitter Contest away to the VPPPA memberin the success of the mentee site, but often Getting geared up for the 30th Annual who sends the most tweetsbecomes a teacher to guide the site on its National VPPPA Conference? Why not before, during and after thejourney. With the mentor, the mentee has tweet about it and get rewarded? A gift card conference using the officialaccess to a ready resource and support that will be given away to the VPPPA member conference hashtag:will prove invaluable as the mentor directs the who sends the most tweets before, duringmentee through the process. and after the conference using the official #30VPPPA conference hashtag: #30VPPPA. This is your Additionally, mentoring is mutually opportunity to spread the news with yourbeneficial. Mentors also have an opportunity colleagues and share in the excitement!to improve their safety and health knowledgeduring the process. They learn alternative Questions regarding the contest can beapproaches to similar problems they have directed to [email protected] or bypreviously addressed and feel empowered calling (703) 761-1146.by contributing to another site’s success. THE LEADER vpppa.org 45

calendar of events VPPPA Contactsjune august To reach the VPPPA National Office,National Conference Mobile App Aug. 1, 2014 call (703) 761-1146 or visit www.Now Live vpppa.org. To reach a particular Cutoff for the Conference Hotel staff member, please refer to theJune 4, 2014 Discounted Rate contact information below. Gaylord National Convention Center“OSHA Process Safety Regulation National Harbor, MD R. Davis LayneUpdate” Webinar Hotel Reservations: (877) 382-7299 [email protected]:00 a.m. EDT Senior Advisor Aug. 15–28, 2014June 11, 2014 Sara A. Taylor, CMP Late/Onsite Registration [email protected]“Inspiring Manager Engagement in for National Conference Marketing DirectorESH” Webinar Ext. 10711:30 a.m. EDT Aug. 25–28, 2014 Latisha Dutch, CMMJune 23, 2014 30th Annual National [email protected] VPPPA Conference Conference & Education Manager“Integrity Based Safety” Webinar Aug. 25–28, 2014 Ext. 11611:30 a.m. EDT Gaylord National Convention Center National Harbor, MD Amanda Bucknerjuly Hotel Reservations: (877) 382-7299 [email protected] Conference CoordinatorJuly 2, 2014 september Ext. 112“PSM Alert—OSHA Chemical Facility September 17, 2014 Sarah NeelyNEP is Issued Nationwide” Webinar [email protected]:00 a.m. EDT “Noise Dosimetry & Hearing Communications Manager Conservation” Webinar Ext. 121July 15, 2014 11:30 a.m. EDT Jenna ShayRegular Registration Deadline for [email protected] VPPPA Conference Communications Coordinator Ext. 115July 16, 2014 Charlie Doss“Indoor Air Quality & [email protected] Monitoring” Webinar Government Affairs Manager11:30 a.m. EDT Ext. 113July 29, 2014 Tom Webb [email protected]“A Workplace Safe for Pregnant Strategic Development & MemberWorkers” Webinar Services Manager11:30 a.m. EDT Ext. 11446 THE LEADER vpppa.org Laura S. Rotzler, CMP [email protected] Member Services & Administrative Coordinator Ext. 111 Marianne Trinh [email protected] Senior Accountant Ext. 106 Bryant Walker [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Ext. 110

crossword puzzleFill out this crossword puzzle featuring clues on VPP, the association and content from 1this issue! Answers to this puzzle will appear in the summer issue of The Leader. Do not 2include spaces for multiple-word answers. To submit a crossword puzzle clue/answerin the next issue of The Leader, contact [email protected]: 4 32. Chairperson for VPPPA 5 6 Region I 7 89 143. ADOSH currently has ____ participating Star 16 sites 225. Number of VPP sites in 10 11 12 13 Nevada ANSWERS FROM THE LAST ISSUE ACROSS 1. Lupine retiring rep. (WOLF);8. Identifies levels that 15 3. California safety theme; cape not workers are exposed 17 18 required (SUPERHEROES); 5. State with to hand-transmitted highest union affiliation (NEWYORK); vibration 8. Page of puzzle (FORTYSIX); 9. The Queen’s NSC (BSC); 11. Wellness and10. Number of representatives from VPP 19 work-life programs that help with worksites who visited Washington, D.C. substance abuse and depression (EAP); in March 12. Association anniversary (THIRTIETH); 14. Unsafe at any level [Pb] (LEAD);12. Location of Region III VPPPA 20 15. Topics for instruction; plant support Symposium 21 (STEM); Down: ; 2. “12 for Life” partnership with this school system; famous nurse16. Is created when perturbations from the 23 (FLORENCE); 4. Second word of webinar terrain are transmitted from the floor of to save your ears (DOSIMETRY); 6. vehicle, through the seat suspension, and OSHA is promoting VPP among these into the driver common worksites (HOSPITALS); 7. Former committee of the new U.S. ambassador17. Years Steve Gauthier has worked 24 25 26 to China (FINANCE); 10. Mentoring with VPPPA benefit acronym; benevolent business (CSR); 12. One out of _____ cancer19. Mid-range frequencies of 27 deaths are preventable (THREE); 13. Cost vibration are primarily of prescription pain medicine abuse [$ transmitted only to the ____ 28 billion] (TWENTYSIX); 2920. Affects WBV exposures and worker health21. One body structure heavily affected by whole body vibrations22. Vibration transferred though the soft tissue is one factor that can create ____23. Vascular disorders affecting digital circulation and sensitivity to the cold are likely caused by _____26. The frequency of vibration is usually measured in27. A form of energy release that may 11. Vibration exposures are characterized by easily be overlooked in many work ____ components environments 13. National conference opening28. Cannot be created or destroyed general session29. Confirmed deputy secretary of labor 14. Symptoms of this disease include cold- induced constriction of the blood vesselsDown: in the fingers and hands that result in the skin appearing white1. Tool that transmits high levels of vibration directly into the user’s body 15. Device to sense vibration4. Host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup 18. Number one of the six-level hierarchy of controls6. Released a final rule addressing backover hazards for most vehicles 22. Percent of all work-related illnesses are musculoskeletal disorders7. “Inspiring _____ Engagement in ESH” Webinar 24. Percent of workers exposed to power tools on a regular basis9. Most prevalent and costly non-lethal medical conditions affecting adults 25. Venue for VPPPA National Conference THE LEADER vpppa.org 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 Renew Your Membership with VPPPA! If you haven’t already renewed your membership with VPPPA, you can still do so by going online at www.vpppa.org. It’s not too late to sign up and save money on our exciting webinars and registration for you 30th Annual National Conference. Show your dedication to strengthening the occupational safety and health excellence by renewing your membership! If you have any questions regarding your membership or dues contact [email protected] or call (703) 761-1146.