Leader - Spring - Security in the Workplace

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2016BLUEPRINTS, BULLETS AND BUSHES—A New Approach to Crime Prevention and Facility Design





LTHEEADER CONTENTSVOL 3. ISSUE 2 SPRING 2016cover10Blueprints, Bullets features my site or at home? Learn the answers and Bushes— to these questions at more during theA New Approach to 14Workplace Violence Security Panel at the 32nd Annual NationalCrime Prevention and and Security VPPPA Safety & Health Conference. WithFacility Design a combined 115 years experience in the Columbine, Sandy Hook, San security field, these panelists will be able toOur daily lives have been penetrated Bernardino, Excel Industries. What do answer the important safety and securityby the unthinkable—a predator is now these words have in common? Workers questions we face.in our comfort zone. Or even worse, a and students were killed in a placepredator MAY be in our comfort zone. they thought safe. In fact, there is 20Workplace Security—All one needs to do is look around any no workplace that is absolutely safe. It Can Happen Heregovernment facility in the post 9/11 era Workplace violence has become far tooand see the results of the traditional, common. Anyone or anyplace can be a Workplace violence and other relatedreactionary-based approach to safety target and the threat may be internal or threats, such as sabotage, can haveplanning. Barriers, bollards, fences, jersey external to the organization. This article a direct impact on an organization’swalls, barbed wire, guard posts, turnstiles will focus primarily on internal threats staff affecting morale, productivityetc., are all a visible reminder that the and will present two significant issues and employee/customer retention. Itopenness and freedoms that we once regarding workplace violence: how to can also damage an organization’sfully enjoyed are now slowly being recognize the warning signs and the reputation and its future growth. Ineroded in the name of safety. Currently, appropriate response and actions that today’s society, workplace threats canthere is a very promising concept should be taken. happen anywhere and at any time.known as “Integrated Site Security Often, the companies that experienceand Design (ISSD)” that incorporates 18Meet our workplace violence never saw it comingdesign features and community Security Experts and had no plans in place to reducepolicing tactics along with the proven the effects of a security breach. Some 2principles of “Crime Prevention Through What should I do in an active shooter million American workers are victims ofEnvironmental Design” (CPTED). This situation? What signs can I look for in workplace violence each year.process integrates the measures needed coworkers that can help me and myto create effective physical security company recognize danger? Whatwith environmental design principles should I be more aware of when I am atwhile maintaining the functional andaesthetic quality of the site.4 THE LEADER vpppa.org

features continued 32Voluntary Protection www.vpppa.org Plan—Hoosier Style:24The Grim Reaper of The Indiana Model VPPPA National Board of Directors Complacency Working as a safety representative ChairpersonAs soon as I heard it, it struck a in the mid-90’s in private industry for Mike Maddox, NuStar Energy, LPchord in me…the “Grim Reaper of Eli Lilly and Company, I rememberComplacency.” Considering my line waiting for the Occupational Safety Vice Chairpersonof work as a safety officer and as a and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Grouprescue/fall protection instructor, the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) toterm certainly grabbed my attention. be codified into law in Indiana. Eli Lilly TreasurerIn working at height, complacency is and Company was looking for a proven Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratorysomething we warn students about safety program. We were excitedcontinually. But when it comes to safety, about the results other companies were Secretarycomplacency can happen to all of us. achieving because of their involvement Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LPNo one is immune to it and its effects can in VPP. At the time, Indiana was not yetbe devastating depending on the nature structured to run the program. In 1995, Director from a Site With a Collectiveof the work being performed. the Indiana Department of Labor was Bargaining Agent successful in codifying VPP into law by Don Johnson, Phillips 6628Access Control: The state statute. We now know that Indiana Standard Helping to was the first state to codify VPP into law. Director from a Site Without a CollectiveSecure the Workplace Bargaining Agent Look for these topics highlighted in the Rob Henson, LyondellBasellFor anyone who works in a facility, top right corner of each section.whether it is an office, school, hospital Director from a DOE-VPP Siteor factory, there is nothing more G overnment Stacy Thursby, Washington Closure Hanfordimportant than the safety and security M embershipof the individuals within that building. H ealth Director from a VPP Contractor/To that end, access control systems Business Construction Siteprovide security to workplaces and their Outreach Richard McConnell, Austin Industrialemployees through a variety of methods, at LyondellBasellboth traditional and technological. Director-at-Largesections Bill Harkins, Chevron Phillips Chemical CompanyGLOBAL SAFETY AND 6 HEALTH WATCH Director-at-Large J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , RaytheonINFOGRAPHIC CORNER 7 Technical Services Company LLCWASHINGTON UPDATE 8 Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGEMEMBER SPOTLIGHT 36 Cintas CorporationMEMBER INFO CORNER 38 Director-at-Large Kimberly Watson, SouthwireSTATE-PLAN MONITOR 40 Director-at-LargeVPPPA CHAPTER ROUND-UPS 42 Bill Linneweh, HendricksonCALENDAR OF EVENTS 47 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 and health watch H2 Uh Oh W ater, a crucial part in living a However, lead is merely one of many healthy lifestyle, is often taken contaminants that can be found in a water BY BENJAMIN MASSOUD, for granted. That is, until we supply. Public water systems contain 100 FORMERLY THE VPPPA lose access to it. Do you know where your potentially harmful chemicals and 12 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR drinking water comes from? Residents of microbes that are not commonly tested for, Flint, MI, found that out the hard way according to the EPA. Further, the New York6 THE LEADER vpppa.org earlier this year when thousands of the city’s Times reports that the efforts to identify and residents were exposed to unsafe levels of reduce lesser-known water contaminants lead in their water supply. The city’s budget have been fought by business interests that cut led to a change in drinking water sources are trying to save money, such as agriculture from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The and mining. core problem is the city’s use of an estimated 15,000 lead pipes that leach lead into the How can you be sure your tap water is water supply. safe to use? Each year you can receive a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from What’s Flint to do? Earlier this year, your water supplier. This report details the President Obama signed an emergency source of your water and what’s in it. declaration ordering federal assistance to Flint. For now, residents of the city are relying on The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act sets bottled water and are trying to find and replace standards for drinking water quality and all lead pipes still in use. establishes efforts to ensure drinking water safety. In addition, EPA’s Clean Water Act But it’d be a mistake to think Flint was an regulates the discharge of pollutants into isolated incident. Lax regulations on water water and controls standards of surface control have caused numerous documented waters. It should be noted that streams examples of lead contamination in a city’s tapped by water utilities that serve a tap water, most recently in Durham, NC, third of the nation are not yet covered by Columbia, SC and Jackson, MS. clean water laws. Visit the EPA’s website at ofmpub.epa.gov/apex/safewater/f?p=136:102 Although you can’t see, taste or smell to access your CCR. lead in drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that lead can What will it take for more people to affect almost every organ and system in the realize the importance of having access to body. For children, lead exposure can result clean water? Perhaps only once it’s too late in behavior and learning problems, slowed and the access to clean water has already growth and anemia. During pregnancy, been compromised. reduced growth of the fetus or a premature birth may occur. For more information on water quality, visit the EPA’s website at www3.epa.gov. The EPA provides actions to take to lower your chance of exposure to lead: References: • Use only cold water to prepare food and drinks • Flush water outlets used for drinking or • www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm • www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary- food preparation • Clean debris out of faucet aerators on a clean-water-act • www.epa.gov/sdwa regular basis • www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/us/ • Make sure the pipes your water supply flows regulatory-gaps-leave-unsafe-lead-levels-in- through are not made of lead water-nationwide.html?_r=0 Testing your water supply is the most crucial • www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead#effects precaution to take. If the tap water contains lead levels greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb), action is required.

infographic cornerNearly 2 million In 2013, 397 fatal workplace injuries in theAmerican workers report United States were classified ashaving been victims of homicides, which works out toworkplace violence 9 percenteach year. of all workplace deaths.Homicide From 2003 to 2012 over halfis the second-leading cause of the workplace homicides occurred within three occupation classifications:of death for women in sales and related occupationsthe workplace, right behindroadway accidents. In 2013, (28 percent), protective service22 percent of the 302 fatal occupations (17 percent), andwork injuries to women transportation and materialwere homicides, moving occupationscompared to 8 percent (13 percent).for men. According to theThe Department of Bureau of Labor Statistics, inLabor notes 27 percent of two-thirdsall violent events in a workplace are of workplace homicides, the tied to domestic assailant has no known personal violence. relationship with the victim. THE LEADER vpppa.org 7

washington updateBY COURTNEY MALVEAUX,VPPPA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNSELVPP Legislation levels for FY 2017, OSHA will dedicate no Indiana was the first state to codify VPP less than $3,500,000 for administering VPP in its state law, passing a VPP law in 1995.H.R. 2500, a bill to make OSHA’s Voluntary and does not anticipate a reduction in full time Several additional states are looking to followProtection Programs permanent, is gaining employees devoted to VPP, SHARP, or Federal Indiana’s and Virginia’s lead when theirsteam. The measure was referred to the Compliance Assistance. Additionally, OSHA does legislatures convene.Subcommittee on Workforce Protections in not intend to implement a fee-for-service elementthe House Committee on Education and for these programs at the proposed resource levels. Distracted DrivingWorkforce. The measure enjoys bipartisan The U.S. Senate has also proposed $3.5support from 30 members of the House of million for VPP in its budget as well, and the Congress passed the Fixing America’s SurfaceRepresentatives, including four committee House of Representatives is considering the Transportation Act (the “FAST Act”), themembers. A Senate bill is under consideration. same level of funding. federal highway reauthorization bill. The FAST Act includes grant funding for states thatContinued VPP Funding VPP in the States prohibit texting while driving or while stopped in traffic.In the words of Secretary of Labor Perez, “Our Virginia’s new law codifying VPP is becomingaim for 2016 is to expand VPP because we enshrined in its administrative code. Virginia Whistleblower Protectionthink it’s a great program.” In pursuit of that passed the law with support from the Virginiagoal, OSHA estimates that it currently devotes Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia chapter OSHA has issued a final rule to establish$3.5 million of its Compliance Assistance of the American Federation of Labor and procedures for handling whistleblowerBudget to keep VPP going. Thus, in his 2017 Congress of Industrial Organizations complaints under the Consumer FinancialProposed Budget, President Barack Obama AFL-CIO, the American Industrial Hygiene Protection Act of 2010, which protectsproposed the following language: Association (AIHA) and the Colonial Chapter employees against retaliation for reporting of the American Society of Safety Engineers potential violations of consumer financial OSHA is committed to using all available (ASSE). The Virginia Safety and Health protection laws to their employer, the approaches to achieve safer and healthier Codes Board authorized new regulations that Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or any workplaces for America’s workers. Compliance will enable labor and management to work other law enforcement or regulatory agency. assistance, including cooperative programs such cooperatively at worksites. as VPP and SHARP, is an important element of OSHA also published an interim final rule OSHA’s operations. Based on proposed funding establishing procedures and time frames for handling employee retaliation complaints under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), a 2012 law that protects workers in automobile manufacturing, part supplies and car dealerships who have been retaliated against for reporting motor vehicle defects or violations of motor vehicle safety standards to their employer or to the Secretary of Transportation. Members of the public may submit comments on the interim final rule until May 16, 2016. Hazard Communication OSHA extended the public comment period to May 2, 2016 for its draft Guidance on Data Evaluation for Weight of Evidence Determination, which provides direction for determining potential health hazards of chemicals. The “weight of evidence” approach assists manufacturers, importers and employers to evaluate scientific studies on the potential health hazards of a chemical. It aids in determining what information must be disclosed on the label and safety data sheet for compliance with the Hazard Communication8 THE LEADER vpppa.org

Standard. The draft is a companion document manufacturing, foundries and hydraulic About 2.3 millionto a recently posted Hazard Classification fracturing. Most employers can limit harmful men and women areGuidance and is intended to help the label and dust exposure in practical ways, using equipment exposed to respirablesafety data sheet preparer apply the approach that is widely available—generally using water or crystalline silica in theirwhen dealing with complex scientific studies. a vacuum system to divert or capture dust at the workplaces, including source. Employers have the flexibility to choose 2 million constructionAerial Lift Safety equipment based on its overall performance in workers who drill and complying with the standards. cut silica-containingNIOSH and OSHA now offer online resources materials such asto prevent aerial lift injuries and fatalities on OSHA has issued two silica standards: one concrete and stone,their web pages. NIOSH’s page includes a for construction and one for general industry and 300,000 workershazard recognition simulator designed to help and maritime. Both standards take effect June in operations such asvisitors acclimate to aerial lift operation. 23, 2016, after which industries have one to brick manufacturing, five years to come into compliance, based on foundries andSafety and Health Program the following schedule: hydraulic fracturing.Management Guidelines • Construction—One year to comply (JuneThe National Advisory Committee on 23, 2017) with all requirements except theOccupational Safety and Health held a special methods of sample analysis (June 23, 2018).meeting on March 4 in Washington, D.C., • General Industry and Maritime—Twoto make recommendations on OSHA’s draft years to comply (June 23, 2018) with allSafety and Health Program Management requirements except medical surveillance forGuidelines. OSHA proposed the guidelines employees exposed at or above the action levelto “provide employers and workers with a for 30 or more days a year (June 23, 2020).sound, flexible framework for addressing • Hydraulic Fracturing—Two years tosafety and health issues in the workplace.” The comply (June 23, 2018) with an additionalguidelines are largely based on best practices three years to meet engineering controladopted voluntarily by employers and workers requirements (June 23, 2021).participating in VPP and SHARP. OSHA has developed a variety of resources to help employers comply with the standard, Michael Belcher, President of the ASSE, including fact sheets, frequently askedcommented “While recognizing that updated questions and a video. Small entity complianceguidelines are a step in the right direction, guides (one for construction and one forASSE is disappointed that this Administration general industry/maritime) are also in thehas not pursued an OSHA standard that works and should be available within 90 days.would require all employers to develop and For more information, please see the OSHAimplement such plans.” silica final rule webpage: www.osha.gov/silica/ index.html Daniel Anna, President of the AIHA alsorecommended that OSHA focus more on riskreduction, and convert the initiative from a“program” into an ongoing “process.”OSHA Silica StandardsContributed by OSHA’s DougKalinowski, Directorate ofCooperative and State ProgramsOSHA announced revised standards regulatingworkplace exposure to crystalline silica. OSHApredicts that the rule will save more than 600lives and prevent more than 900 new casesof silicosis each year, once its effects are fullyrealized. About 2.3 million men and women areexposed to respirable crystalline silica in theirworkplaces, including 2 million constructionworkers who drill and cut silica-containingmaterials such as concrete and stone, and300,000 workers in operations such as brick THE LEADER vpppa.org 9

BLUEPRINTS,A NEW APPROACH TO CRIME PREVENTION Inside a shopping mall, key players in the US economic system are A s a young man, I never went to these gunned down by a mentally unstable person. At a major university places with fear of violent crime as my located far from urban crime and disorder, a mentally unstable person constant companion. As a family man, guns down 32 of his peers—college students. At a church, worshippers I now think of “contingency plans” on what I are murdered by a former member of their own church. A sniper takes will do with my family if something like this a bizarre pilgrimage across the country randomly picking victims in occurs when we are out! You must ask yourself publicly accessible venues. All across the world we are witness to a question—what impact is this having on our horrific acts that are played out in public and publicly accessible free and open society? The management of facilities. No, it is not a media fact that we are just now seeing what fear is a topic that facility designers, operators has been going on all along and that it is just now getting reported—it and owners must grapple with. It is also a topic is a true increase in bizarre, violent crimes. Overlay this with the ever- that the emergency response community must present specter of terrorism, both international and domestic, and you attend to. Never has there been a time when it is have a society that is on the verge of fear paralysis. more crucial for the disciplines of architecture, engineering, facility operations and emergency10 THE LEADER vpppa.org response to work hand in hand to manage the fear that has been planted in the minds of our citizens by the ever-increasing type of bizarre, violent criminals.

BY: MIKE JONESBULLETS OWNER,MAJORSECURITYAND CONSULTING & DESIGNBUSHESAND FACILITY DESIGN First, let’s clearly define our problem. We Current reviews of behavior have shown that sociological phenomena that will disappearlive in a day-to-day world. We love and relish we cope with this issue in several ways—we in 10 years. When the infamous bank robberour routines, our favorite places and we all withdraw and stay away, we go to different places, Willie Sutton was asked why he robbedlive by our particular rhythm of life. That life we alter the time we spend in certain locations, banks, he simply stated because “that is wherecan be the market, the office, the school, the we decrease the number of visits and we go alone the money is.” When faced with the type ofhospital or any one of a number of different and leave family behind. All of these responses are bizarre criminal who attacks our open spaces,types of facilities that we interface with daily. a good individual response but look at what these one can only surmise that he/she does soWe have our established comfort zones and responses promote. Collectively, it is a retreat “because it is where the people are.” Face it,we always try to stay within them. However, from our society. We have given ground to the the “public predator” is now a part of ourour comfort zones have been penetrated by bad guys and they now rule. landscape. Just as the landscaper has to dealthe unthinkable—a predator. Or even worse, with unwanted vegetation, the engineer musta predator MAY be in our comfort zone. Additionally, these coping strategies decrease deal with the lay of the land, the buildingMost of us know what to do when we are the vitality of the economic engine that our manager must deal with the climate and wefaced with a predator—get away, but most of society depends upon. Hence, our problem must deal with the public predator and theus do not know what to do when there MAY is clear—we have an increasing number of many forms he/she may take. Failure to takebe a predator in our comfort zone. What do threats to the safety and well-being of our this into account will most definitely lead towe do when faced with that MAYBE? citizens in public and publicly accessible a variety of consequences—none of which are facilities. These threats are not cyclical and pleasant. Acceptance that this problem must will not “go away” with time. They are not THE LEADER vpppa.org 11

This process integrates be reckoned with at all stages in the life of a purposely created with safety protocols in mind the measures needed publicly accessible facility is the first step in that go far beyond theft, electrical standards to create effective managing the “public predator.” and fire control measures. physical security with environmental Well, now that we acknowledge that we have Currently, there is a very promising design principles all this “thing” to contend with, can it in fact be concept known as Integrated Site Security while maintaining the dealt with? Yes, most emphatically it can be, and Design (ISSD) that incorporates design functional and aesthetic and without reliance on the more restrictive and features and community policing tactics quality of the site. ominous traditional measures—more police, along with the proven principles Crime more guards, more cameras, more restrictions Prevention Through Environmental Design12 THE LEADER vpppa.org on individual liberty and a variety of knee-jerk (CPTED). These processes integrate the responses that do practically nothing other than measures needed to create effective physical say: “Look, we did something.” security with environmental design principles all while maintaining the functional and All one needs to do is look around any aesthetic quality of the site. ISSD also brings government facility in the post 9/11 era and see the to the design table the professional who will results the traditional, reactionary-based approach be involved with this facility from cradle to to safety planning. Barriers, bollards, fences, jersey grave. The overall concept behind this is a walls, barbed wire, guard posts, turnstiles, etc., very simple one—communication among the are all a visible reminder that the openness and people who are responsible for the design and freedoms that we once fully enjoyed are now slowly management of the facility. Imagine what can being eroded in the name of safety. Until 9/11, a be prevented if the architect learns about the citizen could walk into his state capitol without patterns of crime in the area where a facility having to identify himself, go through screening will be sited? Imagine the impact of just having and otherwise be impeded by representatives of knowledge about the public predator methods government. I, for one, mourn the passing of that the facility director could utilize in the such times. Our country was founded upon the operational protocols of the facility? Imagine principles of open and accessible government and the understanding among the first responder the security measures imposed today provide a community when they discover the flow of chilling effect on that freedom. But, does it have pedestrian/vehicular traffic in and around the to be this way? Must we accept the fact that our facility and how they can better respond to bucolic way of life is gone forever? Unfortunately, incidents? Think about how the lock-out of the answer is yes; we must accept the fact that first responders at Virginia Tech’s Norris Hall things have changed—change is the only thing may have been prevented by a marriage of that is truly constant. However, it is how we designers and managers? respond that will set us apart from the past and make a blueprint for the future. Face it; police officers do not think like architects, architects do not think like engineers Ok, I say we can make this better without and engineers do not think like facility managers. undesirable consequences—what do we do? Working together in the pre-build or retrofit How do we make our publicly accessible areas stages can go a very long way in managing the safer yet protected from this ever-possible public predator and other aspects of crime and public predator? Our first step is an unusual disorder that challenge our way of life. The marriage of concepts like no other. For years, unique perspectives brought to the design table the core disciplines engaged in facility design by the variety of disciplines can only make the and the disciplines of emergency response finished project function better and safer. rarely crossed paths. Designers built the facilities and emergency response dealt with Just what is “ISSD” and how does it work? the problems that occurred in and around the Integrated Site Security and Design is the first facility. The old adage of two ships passing in security planning process to be created that the night is still very appropriate today, but specifically correlates CPTED principles with we need to stop those ships and transfer some physical security and site design considerations. crewmembers from ship to ship. We need Traditional physical security strives to protect to realize that the synergies created by the assets and prevent crime by using human, merging of the various skill sets of architects, physical and psychological forces. Guards, engineers, law enforcement, access control, physical security barriers, electronic sensor/ landscape architects, facility operators, facility surveillance devices and other security measures support and facility occupants can only lead are utilized to establish a defensive posture to a better designed facility that has been around a protected asset. However, these

traditional practices, which are proven effective Why should we consider this approach for the ISSD gives us thein the short term, may, in many cases, produce design of our publicly accessible facilities? Of all opportunity to positivelylong-term financial and social costs. Crime the questions posed by the challenges of the public affect the built environment,Prevention through Environmental Design predator, crime and disorder, this is the easiest one and meets the challenge(CPTED) is a method that uses a behaviorally- to answer. It makes economic sense—safety and by merging the tools ofbased understanding of how criminals operate a sense of comfort helps to keep the economic physical security with thoseto create places that provide for a minimum engine of the consumers running. If our public of CPTED and communityopportunity for crime to occur. The core feels safe, then they will do what they do best— policing, maximizingprinciples of CPTED—natural surveillances, visit our facilities and engage in commerce. If they the strengths of eachnatural access control and territoriality feel unsafe, they will not spend and will seek out method while lesseningare achieved by utilizing the inherent safer places. Additionally, it is the “right” thing to their limitations. Anothercharacteristics of the built environment. do. We have a moral obligation to ensure the safety key component of ISSD of the people who live, work and engage with ensures that the security Some examples of this are strategically our facilities. We are all part of our community requirements of the facilityplaced thorn-bearing plants that discourage and it is only natural to make our facilities the are clearly establishedaccess to certain areas; “decorative” boulders safest they can be. Additionally, depending on the at the start of the projectand rock formations in front of facilities that facility, ISSD may make the project cost-effective, by the joint participationactually serve as a physical barrier to criminals considering the potential savings by avoiding of all stakeholders in thewho may attempt to use their vehicles to ram the need for retrofit or worse, facing significant development ofa facility, rolling landscape up to the entrance litigation for failing to provide due diligence for a vulnerability andof facilities or decorative ponds and gardens safety measures. Premises liability is a growing area risk assessment.that prevent cars from being used as weapons of litigation. From the other side of the coin, thethat could assault a workplace by making it insurance industry is beginning to recognize the (Town Manager) experience and 17 years as animpossible for a vehicle to physically gain fact that if there is a significant improvement in a adjunct professor of criminal justice. He is theaccess to a facility due to the limitations of facility’s risk profile (if ISSD principles are in place) owner and founder of Major Security Consultingthe landscape. All these design elements are this improvement can result in lower insurance & Design (www.majorsecurityconsulting.com/).simple strategies that can be incorporated costs (reduced risk profile) for the owner andearly on when architects, engineers, facility operator of the facility. Finally, the people who will He specializes in reducing complex securityplanners and landscape architects work come to the facility will recognize a safe place. The challenges to manageable projects that aretogether in the early conceptual design phases. feeling of safety translates into an overall sense of both innovative and sustainable and believesThese simple ideas add an extra layer of community well-being and the overall reduction that all crime is preventable given a caring andsurveillance by exposing individuals who are of fear. Part of this sense of safety can be realized committed population supported by appropriatenot using preferred entry channels. There are when you go to a publicly accessible facility and government services.a number of other simple design elements that observe the people—you know what comfortcan be implemented such as higher curbs to looks like when you see it as well as what fear looks Mike operates under the principle that a safemake it harder for criminals to drive up onto like. You might not be able to quantify the sense of environment does not have resemble or functionsidewalks or strategically placed lighting that well-being but “you know it when you see it.” like a prison. He has worked with and consulteddiscourages criminal activity simply because for the Department of Homeland Security, thethere is no cover and a lot of exposure. The challenge is this: the public predator and City of Baltimore, MD, multiple counties in his partners—crime and disorder—are with us Virginia including Loudoun and Fairfax, the ISSD gives us the opportunity to to stay. We can continue to let them manage City of Richmond and City of Fairfax in Virginia,positively affect the built environment, and us or we can be proactive and work together, the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind,meets the challenge by merging the tools in a teaming approach, to develop new and several K–12 security assessments, the Virginiaof physical security with those of CPTED innovative ways to reduce the negative impacts Department of Taxation and the Commonwealthand community policing, maximizing the and increase the sense of comfort that those who of Virginia—State & Local Government Security.strengths of each method while lessening utilize our facilities deserve. We should not let Mike also provides onsite training for handlingtheir limitations. Another key component of tragedy force us to close the windows and doors active shooter situations.ISSD ensures that the security requirements of our freedoms. We are the country that put theof the facility are clearly established at the first man on the moon, we are a country filledstart of the project by the joint participation with immeasurable talent and we are a countryof all stakeholders in the development of that does not give up or give in. Let’s take thisa vulnerability and risk assessment. ISSD American spirit and work together to make ourthen combines the risk profile with the publicly accessible spaces safer by design.operational requirements to create a sitesecurity program that is functional, aesthetic Mike Jones merges 37+ years of executive leveland cost effective. Throughout the ISSDprocess, communication among diverse law enforcement with eight years of securitystakeholders is paramount and constant. consultation, two years of municipal management THE LEADER vpppa.org 13

BY: BRIAN BENNETT AND NORMAN R DEITCH EHS EXCELLENCEWORKPLACEVIOLENCESECURITY14 THE LEADER vpppa.org

Introduction A Workplace Violence Action Plan (WVAP) Many of us have encountered and worked should be created in the same manner as with others who are recognized as beingColumbine, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, other safety and health control programs. As unusually negative. That is distinctly differentExcel Industries. What do these words have in with most other safety and health programs, than the typically easy-going employee whocommon? Workers and students were killed in it should be developed with assistance from begins to exhibit those same negative attitudes.a place they thought safe. In fact, there is no all levels of the enterprise and subject matter That escalating negative behavior may be aworkplace that is absolutely safe. Workplace experts. The program should define the issue precursor of impending violence. The followingviolence has become far too common. Anyone and contain a statement of support from senior are some of those escalating negative behaviorsor anyplace can be a target and the threat may management that no evidence of workplace that employees must be trained to recognize:be internal or external to the organization. violence by employees or others will be a. Withdrawal (loner) tolerated and the sanctions for non-compliance b. Uncooperative This article will focus primarily on internal will be severe. The program should: identify a c. Defensivethreats and will present two significant issues champion for the program; define important d. Argumentativeregarding workplace violence: how to recognize terms; contain background information on e. Sudden, persistent complaining ofthe warning signs and the appropriate response the issue; identify common telltale warningand actions that should be taken. Before we signs of impending violence; detail a plan of unfair treatmentaddress those issues, it is important that we action to prevent potential events and develop f. Missed schedulesdefine what we mean by workplace violence procedures on how to respond to actual events. g. Confusion/Frustrationand work setting. It must also include training for all employees h. Blaming others for problems• Workplace violence is any assault, violent regarding the usual warning signs and i. Decline in job performance recommended response actions. The training j. Increased tardiness or absenteeism act, threatening behavior, harassment, or should include actual response exercises similar k. Refusal to accept criticism verbal abuse that occurs in, or is related to, to what is done for fire, hazardous materials l. Change of work habits the work setting and entails a substantial spills or other emergencies. m. Verbally abusive risk of physical or emotional harm to n. Strong anger individuals or damage to company resources Recognition of Potentially o. Threats to others or capabilities. Violent Situations p. Overt hostility• A work setting is any location either permanent or temporary where an employee Before we discuss the warning signs of These signs may be able to be mitigated performs any work-related duty. It includes, potentially violent behavior, we will discuss through counseling and a workplace wellness but is not limited to, the building, some underlying causes of it. Negative program. However, these signs may also surrounding perimeters, parking lots, field personality changes may be caused by issues escalate to a higher level of violence that must locations, client’s homes and traveling to and such as reactions to drugs (either properly be addressed immediately. Warning signs of from work assignments. prescribed medications or illegal drugs), illness hostility include: Two of the most critical elements to limiting or by response to emotional stressors including: a. Physical actions or threats thatthe occurrence of workplace violence are early a. Death of a close family member or friendrecognition of potentially violent situations b. Personal/family problems appear imminentand plans to respond appropriately to such c. Financial problems b. There is immediate danger of physicalsituations. Although OSHA recognizes the d. Health problems (self or loved one)significance of the issue, it does not have a e. Family turmoil harm or property damage standard requiring such a program. It is up to f. Loss of a promotion or job c. Out-of-control behaviorthe individual VPP safety and health leaders tolead the way. Many of the warning signs of potentially As with other safety and health issues, violent situations are common and easy tothe best starting point is to develop a plan recognize. Unfortunately, others are not so easyto address the issue. It is up to all employees to recognize. Various categories of warningto learn how to recognize the warning signs signs that may help to identify potential violentof potential workplace violence and how to situations can be grouped so that the actualrespond to those warning signs, as well as the violence can be prevented or limited.actual violence. According to a poll of readers, the Initially, employees may exhibit minorFebruary 2016 issue of the National Safety negative personality changes that can thenCouncil’s Safety and Health Magazine become more pronounced. These early, minor,reported that only 52 percent of employers negative personality changes may not be easilyhave a workplace violence prevention recognized:program. Another 13 percent reported that a. Confusionthey are working on one. That leaves another b. Frustration35 percent with no workplace violence c. Blameprevention plan. d. Anger THE LEADER vpppa.org 15

Response to Potential If all else fails relatively inexpensive when compared to Workplace Violence Incidents physical hardening. If attempts at de-escalation are not practical When the signs of hostility are observed, or effective, the final option is to follow the Summary the response section of the WVAP must be FBI’s recommendation to “Run, Hide, Fight” introduced. Initially, the best course of action in that order. Warn others and move away Putting together your WVAP includes five would be to report the situation to a higher from the violent person as quickly as possible basic steps: authority and notify law enforcement of the and try to exit the area. If you cannot exit, 1. Assess your workplace and employees to potential threat. The threat should be isolated try to get a barrier between you and the and others should be removed from the danger violent person, such as entering a room and determine potential risk and vulnerabilities. zone. Other initial responses include: locking and barricading the door. Block 2. Coordinate your plan with local law a. Disengage from the person and evacuate windows so you cannot be seen, and find a hiding space where you will be concealed. enforcement and emergency responders. the area If access to your area by the violent person 3. Implement the plan. b. Attempt to isolate the person if it can be is imminent prepare to fight, improvising 4. Exercise the plan at least annually with things in the area that can be used as a done safely weapon such as a chair or fire extinguisher. realistic scenarios. Invite local law c. Alert your supervisor and contact enforcement and other emergency responders. Improving Security 5. Based on the outcome of the exercise, it is security immediately likely that opportunities for improvement Some violent situations cannot be stopped; Security of the work setting may have to be will be found. The WVAP can be however, there are proven techniques that you improved based on a comprehensive security improved and enhanced based on the can use and steps that can be taken to reduce audit. The workplace should be analyzed, and lessons learned during the exercise. an escalating situation. When dealing with a include a review of the written security policies, potentially violent person, the situation must procedures and training programs; a walkthrough Brian Bennett is the president of EHS Excellence be quickly assessed. Projecting calmness and of the entire facility to identify potential Consulting LLC, a full service safety and health speaking softly may help to diffuse the situation. vulnerable areas; and employee interviews to consulting company that focuses on helping Encourage the potentially violent person to talk, identify any concerns or issues that may exist. worksites enter the OSHA Voluntary Protection focusing your attention on them so they feel you Programs (VPP). Previously, he worked as a are interested in what they have to say. Maintain Security enhancements can be categorized safety and health manager at both the plant and a relaxed, yet attentive posture, and position as either physical or administrative. Physical corporate levels in the chemical manufacturing yourself at a right angle rather than directly in enhancements result in hardening of the and research and development industry for 24 front of the person. Respect the person’s private facility, and include things such as locks, years. He has been involved with VPP since space. Ask for small, specific favors, such as CCTV monitors at entrances and key 1992. He holds several professional certifications, moving to a quieter, more isolated, area to talk. cards. Administrative enhancements are including Certified Safety Professional and Be reassuring and point out choices. Do not fake written policies and procedures and training Certified Hazardous Materials Manager. empathy or place blame. programs which will heighten awareness When dealing with a potentially violent and serve as a deterrent. A procedure to Dr. Bennett has served on the board of directors situation, do not try to be the hero. Your require identification prior to allowing entry for Region II since 1999. He is also an OSHA VPP focus should be diverting the aggressive to the work setting is an example of an special government employee, having conducted individual and keeping others safe without administrative enhancement. Administrative over 40 onsite evaluations, and was the National putting yourself in harm’s way. Do not make enhancements are often quite effective, and SGE of the Year in 2006. promises you cannot keep, and do not make physical contact with the individual. Norman Deitch is the senior vice president of EHS Excellence Consulting LLC. Previously,16 THE LEADER vpppa.org he was the OSHA Region II VPP manager from 1989–2007. He has completed over 400 evaluations of safety and health management systems of large and small companies in both general industry and construction. He was on the team for the revision of the VPP Policies and Procedures Manual and the revisions to the VPP Federal Register. Mr. Deitch, with two other OSHA VPP managers, developed and wrote the current Special Government Employees Training Program. He holds the professional certification of Occupational Health and Safety Technologist and is a Special Government Employee and is an honorary member of the National VPPPA Board of Directors.



Meet Our Security Experts What should I do in an active Out Team and Columbia Recover Team. In After retiring he went to work for the Marriot shooter situation? 2011, Richard transferred to Kennedy Space International hotel chain as the high-rise hotel Center where he currently performs duties fire safety consultant and returned to fire service What signs can I look for in as the lead of law enforcement operations, in 2007 as the Deputy Fire Chief with the coworkers that can help me and investigations and as the contracting officer’s Osceola County fire rescue working as their Life my company recognize danger? representative for the Kennedy protective Safety Manager. services contract which encompasses security, What should I be more aware of SWAT, fire and the 911 communications Steve Roberts when I am at my site or at home? center. Richard has been in law enforcement and physical security for 37 years. Attorney and Security Consultant A ttend the Security Panel at the 32nd Steve Roberts is an attorney and security Annual National VPPPA Safety & Captain Kevin McGinley consultant who works in the area of federal Health Conference taking place security regulation and related issues at Monday, Aug. 29, to hear the answers to these Special Operations with Osceola chemical and petrochemical facilities. He questions and more. Security experts from County Sheriff’s Office started his career in critical infrastructure government agencies, VPP sites and local law Captain Kevin McGinley is a 21-year veteran protection in 1999 at the Critical Infrastructure enforcement offices will speak on how to set with the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office where Assurance Office. From 2003 to 2011, he was up security protocols at your site and home. he has been assigned to patrol (field training a guest instructor in the Counterterrorism With a combined 115 years’ experience in officer), investigations, training, community Division at the Federal Law Enforcement the security field, these panelists will be able response, internal affairs and special weapons Training Center. He received his undergraduate to answer the important safety and security and tactics. Kevin is currently assigned as a degree from Georgetown University and his questions we face in our world today. The captain over the Special Operations Division. law degree from the University of Florida. panelists include: His duties include overseeing the daily • Ric Hewitt, Special Agent with NASA operations of the Criminal Investigations Throughout the conference, attend Division (violent persons, children’s crimes, security-specific educational workshops Kennedy Space Center SWAT and forensics), Special Operations that will further your knowledge • Captain Kevin McGinley, Special Operations Unit (K-9, aviation, traffic, and motors) of security measures that can be and Special Enforcement Unit (agricultural implemented at your worksite. Some with Osceola County Sheriff’s Office marine, reserves, and mounted patrol). Kevin of our security-themed education is • Chief Daniel McAvoy, Deputy Chief/Life earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology outlined below: and a master’s degree in criminal justice • Preconference Workshop— Safety Management with Osceola County administration from the University of Central Fire Rescue Florida. Kevin has been a part of the Osceola Prevention is Better than Reaction: • Steve Roberts, Attorney and County SWAT Team for 20 years and has Securing Your Future Security Consultant held positions including operator, sniper, team • Security & Workplace Violence at leader, commander and high risk incident VPP Sites Ric Hewitt commander. His participation in SWAT has • Fatality and Catastrophic required him to teach and train his team of Event Prevention Special Agent with NASA more than 27 members. • Surviving an Act of Workplace Kennedy Space Center Violence Richard Alan Hewitt Jr., joined the U.S. Army Chief Daniel McAvoy as a military policeman in 1979 and later joined the U.S. Navy as a senior chief petty Deputy Chief/Life Safety Management officer. After he retired as a deputy director with Osceola County Fire Rescue of law enforcement training for the Navy at In 1974 McAvoy started fire service in Dumas, Lackland AFB in Texas, he became a contract Texas, then moved to Altamonte Springs, FL, in chief of security for the Johnson Space Center 1978 and started classes to extend his fire service (JSC) and was hired by NASA in 2006 as a career. In 1979 he started working for the Union physical security specialist and special agent. Park Fire Department and retired in 2006. During his time at JSC, Richard performed duties as the lead for the JSC Hurricane Ride-18 THE LEADER vpppa.org

EDUCATE. COLLABORATE. ADVOCATEThe conference last four CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTSdays...but the knowledgeand experiences last JOIN thousands of CHOOSE froma lifetime the EHS industry’s more than 100NEW most dedicated workshops on and ambitious topics ranging fromTHIS YEAR professionals safety management for four days systems, improving• Security Panel of learning and workplace security,• Workplace Security- networking managing your relationship Themed Education BE INSPIRED by with OSHA, best• 80 Percent of the practices, safety nationally-known culture and more Workshops are New keynote speakers—• Free Preconference Elizabeth Smart VISIT hundreds of and Colonel Workshops Mark Tillman safety and health• Off-Site Wednesday exhibitors who MEET and network feature the most Night Reception up-to-date products• In-Depth Construction with others from available to the your region at EHS community Safety Training your regional networking and chapter meetings 84 of attendees ranked the value of the educationalPERCENT content as outstanding or very goodAUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 1, 2016IN KISSIMMEE, FL.Visit the conference website at www.vpppa.org/national-conference.

It Can HE20 THE LEADER vpppa.org

“Man down! Man down!” comes over BY JACK JACKSON your site’s intercom system. Your first thought is someone must have been SAFESTART injured, perhaps due to equipment I n today’s society, workplace threats can malfunction, someone bypassing a happen anywhere and at any time. Often, safety device or maybe it was because the companies that experience workplace of a failure to wear the appropriate PPE. violence never saw it coming and had no plans Instead, the last thing you ever expected in place to reduce the effects of a security to happen has occurred—there has been breach. Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. an act of violence in your facility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in two-thirds of workplace homicides, theHappen assailant has no known personal relationship with the victim. While assailants can beRE contractors, members of the public, clients or suppliers, our first thoughts often shift to current and former employees, their friends and even their families when an incident of violence occurs in the workplace. Reports of domestic violence are on the rise and at times, these situations spill over into the workplace when an abusive partner attacks an employee on the job. Domestic violence is usually displayed in a pattern of intimidating behavior used to gain power and control over a current or former spouse, family member, intimate partner or person with whom the perpetrator shares a child in common. Attacks in these situations include physical or sexual violence, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, stalking, harassment and physical intimidation or injury. Although men can be the victims of domestic violence, the most frequent victims are female. According to a study done by Employers Against Domestic Violence (EADV), 74 percent of employed battered women are harassed by their partner while at work. This caused 56 percent of battered women to be late for work at least five times a month, 28 percent to leave early at least five days a month and 54 percent to miss at least three full days of work a month. Given these statistics, along with the potential for further violence, it is imperative that employers take precautions to safeguard the workplace from such a threat. In 2003, I lived in Jefferson City, MO. I never would have thought that workplace violence with an incredibly tragic ending could happen there. But on a warm July night, an THE LEADER vpppa.org 21

Workplace violence employee at a manufacturing facility shot An organization’s security and safety and other related and killed three co-workers and wounded procedures should prepare for a wide range of threats such as four others, then drove downtown and killed incidents including threats, domestic violence sabotage can have himself during an exchange of gunfire with and stalking. These policies and procedures a direct impact on a police officer near police headquarters. should also address crimes occurring on an organization’s According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics business property, including provisions staff affecting morale, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), covering contractors, customers and other productivity and of the 4,679 fatal workplace injuries that non-employees. The best protection employers employee/customer occurred in the United States in 2014, 403 can offer is to establish a zero-tolerance policy retention. were workplace homicides. toward workplace violence against or by their employees. The employer should establish a22 THE LEADER vpppa.org Ready for some good news? I have done workplace violence prevention program or consulting work for numerous companies incorporate the information into an existing around the world over the past decade, and accident prevention program, employee while I have found there are a lot of unhappy handbook or manual of standard operating employees, most aren’t going to resort to procedures. It is critical to ensure that all violence. They certainly don’t look like they employees know the policy and understand would shoot up the place! At least, that’s how that all instances of workplace violence will be it appears on the outside. But we never know investigated and remedied promptly. what’s going on in a person’s head or to what lengths—even irrational ones—they will go Employers need to be proactive in preparing to in a given situation. An employer’s best their staff to prevent and respond to these course of action is to hope for the best but situations when they occur. Supervisors prepare for the worst. and managers should be trained to spot the signs of possible employee-against-employee Workplace violence and other related confrontations as well. When these situations threats, such as sabotage, can have a direct are first noticed they should be addressed impact on an organization’s staff, affecting immediately so as not to create a hostile work morale, productivity and employee/customer environment. There are three main areas retention. It can also damage an organization’s reputation and future growth.

workplace violence prevention and security contractors and customers and to reassure Many companies, bothconcerns should focus. them that they were in a safe place. large and small, are now issuing employee First, a crime prevention assessment should William “Jack” Jackson is the president and IDs capable of doingbe performed. This assessment should include an independent safety consultant with Zion much more thanpreventative measures that will discourage acts Safety Consulting. Jack is chiefly responsible simply identifyingof violence. The use of closed circuit cameras for organizational strategies, developmental the cardholder as anis often useful in deterring criminals. Measures programs and the vision behind Zion Safety employee. These IDsshould also be taken to secure access to the Consulting Inc. Jack was formerly employed can be integrated withproperty. ID badges are a great method to for 19 years with Johnson Controls Inc. and access control entry intocontrol entry. Many companies, both large and held several positions with the company. common buildings andsmall, are now issuing employee IDs capable He began his career in the production and restricted areas.of doing much more than simply identifying operations portion of the business but laterthe cardholder as an employee. These IDs can became involved with the safety department THE LEADER vpppa.orgbe integrated with access control entry into where he helped the local facility in Jeffersoncommon buildings and restricted areas. When City, MO, attain a world class safety record.necessary, access cards can be activated or Jack relocated to San Antonio, TX, and joineddisabled when workers are hired, on leave, face Avanzar Interior Technologies in 2005disciplinary suspensions or fired. while the site was still under construction. His responsibilities included overseeing the Secondly, it is important to train employees construction safety phase of the project. Oncehow to respond in the event of workplace construction was completed he continued on toviolence. The role your employees play in develop the safety system as well as the safetyreacting to an incident is crucial in avoiding program manual for the facility. He set the tonefurther casualties, including potentially early on for safety culture within Avanzar.becoming victims themselves. The actions Jack is also the author of “The “I” in Team…Theof the heroes we see on TV are not based Star Within.”in reality. Train all team members in de-escalation techniques and encourage respectfulcommunication. Knowing how to act and howto respond could be the difference between lifeand death. It is important that employers talkabout the potential for violent acts regardless ofwhere they live in this country. Lastly, it is necessary to plan your responsein the aftermath of a violent incident. Policeand other emergency response personnel willmanage all emergency procedures. Policewill deal with criminal activity. Firefighterswill be there if there is a threat of fire orexplosion. However, it remains the employer’sresponsibility to work with employees to tryto normalize the workplace as soon as possiblefollowing an incident. Measures should be taken by the companyto assign an individual to address the mediafollowing an incident. Comments given tothe media by an untrained employee can havedevastating effects on the company’s and lawenforcement’s investigations. The aftermath ofa violent situation can be traumatic. The waveof uncertainty, panic and disbelief will passand in its place will be the task of normalizingthe workplace. Although the shooting in 2003 in JeffersonCity, MO, did not take place in the facilitywhere I worked, we still took measures tosecure the confidence of our employees, 23

BY PATRICK FURR VPP COORDINATOR & CORPORATE SAFETY OFFICER FOR ROCO RESCUE, INC.BEWAREthe GRIM REAPER ofCOMPLACAs soon as I heard it, it struck a chord in me…the “GrimReaper of Complacency.”1 Considering my line of work as asafety officer and as a rescue/fall protection instructor, theterm certainly grabbed my attention. In working at height,complacency is something we warn students about continually.But when it comes to safety, complacency can happen to allof us. No one is immune to it and its effects can be devastatingdepending on the nature of the work being performed.I t is not my intention, however, to A variety of factors can lead to get up on a high horse and preach complacency. Routine work tasks and to you about your individual faults outcomes, assuming that we are doing or shortcomings in your work or safety things as safely as possible, self and practices. As I said, we are ALL guilty of team satisfaction, overconfidence, the becoming complacent to some degree. My attitude that it “won’t happen to me,” hope is to remind you of that fact so you contentment, unrealistic deadlines, can develop the tools to stay out of the multi-tasking, high stress, low morale Grim Reaper’s grip. and fatigue are just some of the primary24 THE LEADER vpppa.org

BY PATRICK FURR VPP COORDINATOR & CORPORATE SAFETY OFFICER FOR ROCO RESCUE, INC.ENCY THE LEADER vpppa.org 25

and cumulative factors that may lead to One early sign that complacency is Talk about the perfectly designed complacency. In addition to these influences, creeping in is that you find yourself distraction—cell phones—you can’t live the complacent behavior of others can be distracted while performing your job. This with them, and you can’t live without them. infectious and possibly cause you to think— applies not only to individual workers, but I like to call my TV set a “one-eyed-brain if it’s ok for them to take shortcuts, it’s ok in a more global sense can happen within sucker,” and fondly refer to my cell phone as for me to do the same. the company culture. When worries start to a “hand-held brain sucker.” There is a time crop up, be it individual workers, or within and a place for it—and yes, they are very Without quoting statistics, I can say with management, the focus may center on issues valuable, but if you find it has any chance confidence that the overwhelming majority other than the task at hand. When you feel of distracting you from your work and can of workplace accidents are not caused by this happening, stop and evaluate whether be the cause of an unsafe condition, tighten unsafe equipment or processes, but are you are paying the required attention to the up, don’t be complacent! Put that cell phone indeed caused by unsafe worker behavior. task at hand; and if you are not, what could away until you can use it safely. And complacency, in its many forms, is at the possible consequences be? Think worst the root of that behavior. case scenario because that is quite likely the Here’s another example—observing your end result! co-workers complacency and not addressing The most important element I would it. That’s being just as complacent. And like for you to gain from reading this is to Look for instances where you catch worse, if an accident were to happen and recognize those moments when complacency a misstep in your performance that you your coworker’s complacency caused them is creeping in and stop it in its tracks! normally would not have made. For example, harm or harmed others, you will have to live Complacency settles us in an emotional state in my line of work as a rescuer, I’ve always with that missed chance to have stopped it. where we become oblivious to danger, and used a systematic safety check of a rescue Fight the good fight. No one can fault you therein lays its insidious nature. I will not system before life loading. Once in a while I for that, and if they do, they are flat wrong. pretend to give you all the tools you may might find an unlocked carabiner, that’s one need to beat complacency, as different tools thing, but if I find that unlocked carabiner “The devil’s circle” is a term I learned are required for different folks for different at the conclusion of the rescue scenario, that, from a group of Austrian mountaineers situations. Again, the most important piece my friend, is a red flag! My tried-and-true many years ago. The concept goes something of the solution is to recognize complacency’s system failed me for one reason and one like this: During a climbing expedition, onset, and the second most important is to reason only…I became complacent. you evaluated a slope for avalanche and understand the potential outcome if you determined there is a high potential for a were to succumb to it. slide. But the weather is closing in and you would have a more dangerous situation if What’re you up you were to retreat the way you came versus to today? crossing the avalanche slope to the safety of a protected camp site. You make it across the I’m at work I’ll talk slope without triggering an avalanche. to you later. The very next season, you were confronted26 THE LEADER vpppa.org with a nearly identical situation, but with the added factor that you forgot your avalanche shovels. Based on the safe outcome of the previous year, however, you went ahead and crossed the slope. Again, without incident. And the circle begins. As the years go by and you encounter the same situations and have the same results without incidence even in the presence of adding more and more unsafe conditions, the devil’s circle is lulling you into a false sense of security. The circle turns every year without an accident and you push the envelope of safety further for every lap of the circle you make— until your complacent behavior ultimately catches up to you and the avalanche occurs. You have no shovels to dig your climbing partners out, you have no avalanche beacons to locate them, you have no means to radio for help and you haven’t told anyone of your planned route. The many laps you have

made along the circle have caught up to you 6. Actively decide to act. Hopefully deciding Avoiding complacency isand have led to an unrecoverable disaster. to perform tasks in a safe manner, but the not automatic. We need point is, don’t act on auto-pilot. Instead, stop, to understand that it is Avoiding complacency is not automatic. evaluate the course you are about to take and always lurking, waitingWe need to understand that it is always then “DECIDE” to proceed or not. to walk through that doorlurking, waiting to walk through that door you left open and toyou left open and to exert its sometimes very 7. If you say to yourself, “I need to remember exert its sometimes verydire effects. And it isn’t like in the movies to do this,” and it’s a critical step in dire effects.where it warns you of impending disaster by ensuring safety, is it enough to rely on yourchanging the music to the “Jaws” theme of memory or should you create some type of THE LEADER vpppa.org 27dun tunt, Dun Tunt, DUN TUNT!, DUN reminder? This may be your last chance,TUNT!!! We need to remain alert for the so take action to make sure you do includesigns of complacency, recognize when it is that critical step.setting in and do whatever it takes to stop it. Finally, in order to avoid complacentIt’s not only a personal challenge to stop itwithin ourselves, but to recognize and stop it behavior that may lead to an accident, wewithin our co-workers. must first accept that we are all prone to complacency—it’s human nature. The next Here are a few ideas for avoiding complacency. step is to recognize when you are on a path to1. Perform a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) before complacency. To help put the consequences into perspective, stop and ask yourself, “What starting a task, and don’t limit this to new is the worst case outcome of my complacency tasks only. You might surprise yourself while performing this task?” And yes, this by taking the time to reaccomplish a JSA exercise is to help you realize that many of on a task that you routinely perform. us are in a very serious business and people By breaking a task down into individual can get seriously hurt or worse. Then, find steps and isolating the hazards that are out if any of the tools I have listed above may associated with each step as well as how to work for you in the setting you are engaged mitigate them, you will oftentimes realize in. There are many more tools so find the that there is a safer way that you have ones that work and practice them. It’s a great been missing. Performing the JSA will habit to get into—and when that habit feels also refocus you and your crew on the fact too routine, avoid complacency once again by that there are hazards present and that you finding yet another tool. Keep it new, keep it must be diligent in protecting yourselves fresh and keep it safe! from them.2. Take a minute to refocus on the hazards Reference: of the task at hand before starting. That brief pause goes a very long way in 1 Warning: The Killer to Your Success (“Success” reminding you that what you are about Magazine), darrenhardy.success.com/2015/ to take on requires a level of focus that 12/killer-to-your-success/ will ultimately prevent you from making a mistake. Pat Furr is VPP coordinator and corporate3. Report all near misses. This is the often forgotten final opportunity to share safety officer for Roco Rescue, Inc. In his information that reminds us that many of us, at times, can have dangerous jobs. added role of technical rescue consultant,4. Challenge yourself and your coworkers to stay in the moment. Everyone Pat is a regular contributor to Roco’s Rescue wants to shine and no one wants to let the team down, so just remind each Talk Blog and a frequent presenter for fall other occasionally.5. Develop new habits. Think about any protection and confined space rescue topics and all the near misses you may have had or some you may have heard from your at national conferences including VPPPA coworkers. Is there something that could have been done to have averted that close and ASSE. As a lead instructor for Roco, he call? If so, share that information and practice the step(s) you would employ to teaches a wide variety of technical rescue avoid it going beyond a near miss. disciplines including confined space rescue, industrial rope access, fall protection and tower work and rescue. Pat also serves as a committee member for NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications Standard. Prior to joining Roco in 2000, Pat served 20 years in the US Air Force as a Pararescueman (PJ), whose primary mission was to rescue wounded personnel in hostile environments.

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BY: TOM CONNAUGHTON ACTING GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF HVAC, HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS, AND LIFE SAFETY & SECURITYTHE STANDARDHELPING TO SECURETHE WORKPLACEFor anyone who works in a facility, whether it is an office, school,hospital or factory, there is nothing more important than the safetyand security of the individuals within that building. To that end, accesscontrol systems provide security to workplaces and their employeesthrough a variety of methods, both traditional and technological. THE LEADER vpppa.org 29

FIGURE 1: Summarized Levels of Access Control ComponentsFEATURE LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III LEVEL IV Can withstand an attack for 5Destructive Attack No attack test required Can withstand an attack Can withstand an attack for 5 minutes, but shall generate an alarm for 2 minutes minutes or 2 minutes if an alarm is event in a maximum of 2 minutes ofLine Security No line security required activated during the test attack, and the alarm shall not beEndurance Must be able to operate as intended Standards line security required silenced for another 2 minutes at rated voltage and current for Must be able to operate as intended 128-bit line security 256-bit line security 1,000 cycles of intended operation at rated voltage and current for encryption required encryption required 25,000 cycles of intended operation Must be able to operate as intended Must be able to operate as intendedStandby Power No secondary power source required After a loss of primary power, at rated voltage and current for at rated voltage and current for the system can maintain normal 50,000 cycles of intended operation 100,000 cycles of intended operation operations for a minimum of After a loss of primary power, After a loss of primary power, 30 minutes while the product is the system can maintain normal the system can maintain normal operated every minute operations for a minimum of 2 hours operations for a minimum of 4 hours while the product is operated every while the product is operated every 2 minutes 5 minutesTesting and certification F rom a lock on a door, to an alarm system, Testing and certification are crucialare crucial for any to biometrically controlled rooms, access for any products but take on an addedproducts but take on controls come in many forms which bring importance when it comes to access controls.an added importance varying levels of security. How much security Manufacturers and their customers need peacewhen it comes to each system offers comes down to an assessment of mind that whatever type of access controlaccess controls. from the manufacturer as to the types of system is used, that access control will function workplaces where they see their products properly to protect the building and those who being utilized, and the kind of security those work there when it is needed. customers will be looking for. The current regulatory standard for access On the customer side, the type of access control units is UL 294 Sixth Edition, which controls a facility opts to use comes down establishes requirements that apply to the to how securely the decision-makers feel construction, performance and operation of they need to safeguard their facility and its systems intended to regulate or control: employees. A small office, for example, may a. Entry into a protected area or a restricted only feel the need for traditional door locks or a small security system, while schools, banks area or or jewelry stores, which have heightened b. Access to or the use of a device(s) by security concerns, may opt for more strict measures such as biometric access controls or electrical, electronic or mechanical means. “lock down” technology in case of emergency UL 294 has evolved over time to situations. While technological advances and take into account technological innovations have made it easier and more advancements and innovations in efficient to provide workplaces with greater access control systems, from biometric security, how can manufacturers know that scanning systems to intelligent readers, their access controls will come through when and incorporated those into the standard put to the test? requirements. What sets UL 294 apart from other standards is that it establishes Although not necessarily thought of first performance levels for access control units; and foremost when it comes to workplace which manufacturers must consider during safety and security, independent third party the design phase to determine which levels verification organizations play an important apply for their products. role in helping to make workplaces safer This allows flexibility in design for through testing and certification of access manufacturers making the decisions as controls. Independent third party verifiers are to which solutions are most appropriate committed to working with developers and for a particular product. These range from manufacturers to ensure that they are bringing a Level I to a Level IV in four categories; their best products to market and, once destructive attack, line security, endurance launched, that they will operate as intended. and standby power (see Figure 1). The level of the access control products installed is30 THE LEADER vpppa.org

determined by the level of security that is companies that verify them will also need to When thinking aboutneeded for the system. continue to evolve. security, it can at times be difficult to strike When examining these levels and categories, Tom Connaughton joined Intertek in 1998 a balance betweenthey should serve as a guide for security system and is the acting global director of the HVAC, allowing employees toinstallers or integrators to determine how an hazardous locations, and life safety & security move about a buildingattack might take place. If someone were to business lines. He is also responsible for freely, without manyattempt to compromise the system, how would business development activities in the Middle constraints, and keepingthey do so, and how should the system react in East as part of Intertek’s Global Strategy Team. out any individuals whomsuch a case? For example, in a situation where He is responsible for the growth and continued you do not want to havethere are high value items, such as a in jewelry diversification of Intertek’s products testing, access to the facility, orstore, Level IV certified products may be an auditing and certification services globally. Tom at least to certain areas.appropriate choice of products as it comes manages the overall positioning of serviceswith a high level of encryption and is the most with internal stakeholders (engineering, THE LEADER vpppa.org 31resistant to a destructive attack. operations, marketing, risk/legal, certifications, and sales) and external stakeholders (customer, Such a system would be able to withstand AHJ’s, trade associations, publishers andan attack for five minutes, while generating an our shareholders).alarm within two minutes of the attack, whichwould be sustained for an additional twominutes. A Level IV control system would bea powerful tool for a workplace to know thatin the event of an attack on the access control,that it would still function properly and notifythose in the building of the attack. When thinking about security, it can at timesbe difficult to strike a balance between allowingemployees to move about a building freely,without many constraints, and keeping out anyindividuals whom you do not want to have accessto the facility, or at least to certain areas. Working with an accredited third partytesting organization provides manufacturerswith an in-depth understanding of UL 294,delivering insight into the best path for accesscontrol systems moving forward, and how tobest utilize the standard to find that balance. The flexibility, and effective start dateof December 2018, combine to create animportant question for manufacturers inregards to UL 294 Sixth Edition. Do theywant their access controls to simply meet thecurrent minimum requirements necessary, ordo they want to get ahead of their competitionand bring a product to the market ahead ofthe sixth edition requirements as a way ofdifferentiating their products? The world is changing and many employersare looking at workplace safety differently.Employers are regularly looking to mitigateidentified risks through products and processesto give confidence and peace of mind toemployees; access control systems are one ofthe ways to do so. As technology pushes accessproducts beyond a simple lock-and-key tocontinually more sophisticated and integratedunits, the standard that governs them and the

HOOSIERVOLUNTARY PROTECTION PLAN—32 THE LEADER vpppa.org

STYLE BY TIMOTHY E. MALEY“THE INDIANA MODEL” DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF LABOR,Captions XX TK OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Working as a safety representative during the mid-90’s in private industry for Eli Lilly and Company, I remember waiting for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) to be codified into law in Indiana. Eli Lilly and Company was looking for a proven safety program. We were excited about the results other companies were experiencing because of their involvement in VPP. At the time, Indiana was not yet structured to run the program. But in 1995, the Indiana Department of Labor was successful in codifying VPP into law by state statute. We now know that Indiana was the first state to codify VPP into law. Indiana Statute: IC 22-8-1.1-17.7 Voluntary protection program implementation Sec. 17.7. The department shall implement a voluntary protection program not later than sixty (60) days after the program has been made available by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration. As added by P.L.225-1995, SEC.2. THE LEADER vpppa.org 33

The Indiana VPP model T he Indiana Department of Labor recently company has enjoyed reapproval twice—2006 is government, industry reached out nationally in support of VPP. and 2012. and labor working Indiana Commissioner of Labor, Rick together in a continuous Ruble, worked with U.S. Congressman Todd Upon my retirement with Eli Lilly and learning, sharing Rokita (R-IN) and his staff to help draft a VPP Company, I had an opportunity to take and ever-improving bill that would be introduced to Congress. The a position with the Indiana Department environment. drafted bill would essentially codify VPP into of Labor as Deputy Commissioner. law nationally. Congressman Rokita experienced As Deputy Commissioner, I head the34 THE LEADER vpppa.org the affects of VPP through some VPP Star Indiana Occupational Safety and Health companies in his district and witnessed the Administration (IOSHA). One condition that effectiveness of it. In addition, some of Indiana’s I insisted upon when I took this position was VPP sites wrote to Indiana U.S. Senator Joe the chance to oversee Indiana’s VPP. Because Donnelly (D-IN) expressing support of congress of my experience with VPP at Eli Lilly, I had passing VPP into federal law. special interest in promoting the program for all Hoosier organizations. On May 21, 2015, U.S. Representative Rokita, a member of the House Committee I’ve had the unique opportunity of on Education and the Workforce, along with working in major roles with VPP, both Representatives Gene Green (D-TX), and Martha in private industry through Eli Lilly and Roby (R-AL), introduced bipartisan legislation to Company and now in a government-based make permanent a key voluntary workplace safety position. I can honestly say that the program and health program, VPP. Representative Rokita’s looks great from both angles. VPP truly office is hoping to see action on the bill this year. is a program where industry, labor and government work well together and all While working for Eli Lilly, I had no idea that parties see great benefits. It is a win-win-win. Indiana would be the first state to codify the Voluntary Protection Programs into state law, or Indiana has an energetic and expanding that it would play a role in national support of the VPP. With 80 VPP sites, our goal is to have program. My company applied for the program 100 sites in the program within the next and achieved great success by implementing year or two. Indiana’s 80 VPP sites have a the elements of VPP. Initially in 2000, Eli Lilly collective total case incident rate (TCIR) that received VPP Merit approval. Later in 2002, we is 65 precent better than their competitors. were successful in achieving VPP Star approval. The collective days away restriction and Since achieving Star approval in 2002, the transfer (DART) rate for Indiana VPP sites is a little more than 71 percent better than their industry competitors. These numbers are true business advantages. What really stands out about the “Indiana VPP Model” is how IOSHA works with its “volunteer army,” or its special government employees (SGE). These hardworking men and women are safety and health professionals that work at VPP sites. Each SGE undergoes an application process and receives special training. SGEs work alongside IOSHA personnel to help mentor and evaluate new companies for approval and reapproval in VPP. Indiana currently has 100 SGEs. IOSHA’s VPP leaders regularly communicate with the SGEs by email, telephone and through two meetings held annually. One SGE meeting is focused on continued training about the VPP process and the other meeting is reserved for the sharing of best worker safety and health practices. I like to call it a “fraternity of the best of the best in safety and health in Indiana.” In 2015, Indiana expanded the VPP participation into the mobile contractor arena. Until that point, the VPP participants in Indiana consisted mainly of general

industry sites. Many contractor companies celebrated 10,000 days without a lost-time injury. Tim served on the VPPPA Region V Board ofhad expressed interest in VPP and wanted Regardless of VPP approval or not—10,000 days Directors for five years both as a director-at-largethe opportunity to apply. The IOSHA VPP without a lost-time injury is an accomplishment and vice chairperson.team benchmarked other states’ mobile VPP in and of itself! These Indiana companies areapproval programs. Indiana wrote its own just a few examples of the organizations that After employment with Eli Lilly, Tim worked as aprogram and announced the initiative to enthusiastically support the VPP. The Indiana senior safety consultant with Advanced Worksitemany construction associations within the Department of Labor would not be able to Solutions. During this time he partneredstate. With the help of a handful of SGEs support this program successfully without the with businesses to provide injury reductionthat had construction experience, Indiana involvement and support from these companies. management systems and solutions.VPP leaders initiated the program withour first mobile construction sites. Later Plain and simple, VPP works. That’s Tim presently serves as the Deputyin 2015, Indiana approved the first two why Indiana supported efforts to codify Commissioner of Labor for the State of Indianamobile construction contractors: BMWC this program into law. That’s why the managing both Indiana OSHA construction andConstructors and Brandenburg Industrial Indiana Department of Labor and member general industry compliance divisions and theServices Company. companies are so excited about the results. Indiana Voluntary Protection Programs. More Indiana companies are getting In addition to its mobile VPP approval interested. The Indiana VPP model isprogram, the Indiana VPP team is also government, industry and labor workingengaged with Goodwill of Central Indiana. together in a continuous learning, sharingThis is the first nonprofit worksite to initiate and ever-improving environment.VPP approval discussions. The Indiana VPPteam also looks forward to its first public sector Tim Maley is a 1982 graduate of Purdueapplicant as ultimately, Indiana would like to seeVPP expand into universities and municipalities. University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He workedThis would bring about VPP approval to a widerange of employees. for the pharmacuetical company, Eli Lilly and This program would not work without Company in Indianapolis for 30 years spendingthe great support of so many Indiana VPPcompanies—Cintas, Kimball Companies, Nucor most of his time there in safety management.Steel, RR Donnelly, Frito Lay, Eli Lilly, Marathonand CF Industries, just to name a few. In fact, While at Eli Lilly, he led the Lilly Technologylongtime VPP participant, CF Industries, recently Center (a large multi-business drug development and manufacturing site) to OSHA’s VPP Merit approval, VPP Star approval and VPP Star reapproval. During this time Eli Lilly experienced significant accident reduction. THE LEADER vpppa.org 35

member spotlightPerry Bonck, Xerox TechnicianContracted to UCOR, Oak Ridge, TN BY SARAH NEELY, COMMUNICATIONS P erry Bonck may have been voted the Still, I’ve had some fairly decent success as a MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. winner for the 2016 VPPPA’s Got Talent singer/songwriter. I write all the songs that competition, but his musical career began I sing, it’s Americana music that has a more36 THE LEADER vpppa.org long before that. Whether it’s performing the folk or country flare, and I have two CDs out. national anthem at a ball park or showcasing a They have both done pretty well,” Perry said. new song at a local venue, he has been involved in making music for most of his life. He performs about 10–12 times per year as a hired artist, but also plays for fun at a local Perry, a New Orleans, LA, native, was first venue when it’s a song writer’s night and he noticed for his singing abilities when we was just wants to get people’s reaction to a new about 9 or 10 years old. “I was in a music song he’s written. Although Perry spends a lot class one day and my instructor was sitting at of his free time on his music, he is the first to a piano and played three notes. He asked the admit that singing is not his full time job. class what three notes they were on the ‘do, re, mi’ scale. No one in the class got any of them “I am a technician/account manager for right except me. Don’t ask me how I knew, Xerox contracted to UCOR in Oak Ridge, I wasn’t a child genius by any stretch of the TN. A week from today, we’ll be refreshing imagination but music just made sense to me.” 158 machines onsite which means we’ll be swapping them out and I’m a one man Perry ended up changing schools at the show here. I monitor all the machines on an end of the year and moved to a new Parish. hourly and daily basis. I am also responsible A year later, that same instructor who had for regular maintenance and fix all of the first identified Perry’s talent was asked to put machines that break or coordinate with together the Archdiocese of New Orleans the technicians that are specialized on a Boys Choir and he actually searched for him particular model,” Perry explains. to be a part of the choir. “I was in a different Parish by that time and at a different school, UCOR, originally a conglomeration of but he found me. I was a first soprano back URS and CH2M Hill, combined to bid on then and there were 99 boys from all over a contract to continue the declassification the Archdiocese. Of course, I don’t sing of the Oak Ridge site because it was a soprano anymore, but that’s basically how it nuclear site. UCOR won the contract six all started and when people started noticing years ago. Since then, AECOM bought out that I could sing.” URS (AECOM allowed UCOR to keep the name). “UCOR still runs the show out here While Perry has been singing every day of and in the IT Department, they have pretty his life since he was 9 years old, his singing much accepted me as one of their own,” career really started to kick off when he Perry said. moved to Tennessee. “My wife and I took a cruise when we got married and there was UCOR received VPP approval in early a competition on the boat called ‘Pop Star.’ 2015 and got the flag in October. In 2014, The cruise was 17 days so it was a long Perry started seeing preparations and changes competition. I won that and was the ‘Pop made to the site in advance of applying for Star’ of the cruise. I got to sing in front of a VPP status. “It’s been a safe site for the entire couple thousand people so that was a lot of time I’ve been here. We just started to put fun,” Perry recalls. the additional documentation behind the safe processes already being performed. They “Then, in east Tennessee, they had a local have always made a point to hammer in competition called ‘East Tennessee’s Got safety on a daily basis,” explained Perry. Talent’ and I won that, but I’ve entered other competitions where I haven’t done as well. As a 20-year Air Force veteran, following those kinds of rules and regulations was nothing

new to Perry and it all just made sense to him. that say ‘be safe, wear a harness’ but they don’t I have sung the nationalTransitioning to a similar safety mindset at really enforce it and they aren’t really pushing anthem for them aUCOR was easy. They have a monthly safety it. They mention it every once in a while but couple times a year forbriefing about a highlighted safety subject it’s not really a culture like it is at UCOR. It’s the past five years. It’sranging from driving safety, lifting safety or really impressive. I might be walking down always a very humblinghazards from the seasons changing such as new the stairs and someone will say ‘be sure to feeling to stand upbugs and snakes to be on the lookout for. Daily hold the handrail!’ Or, I’ll be carrying boxes in front of a crowd ofreminders are also sent to employees. and I always get, ‘Can I give you a hand with people and sing that that?’ It’s just the culture,” said Perry. song, especially being a Perry explained, “Safety was second nature veteran. It just really hasfor me. It just seemed like the logical step As far as what Perry is hoping to get out of a deep meaning for meafter the military. You are trained to look the conference and what he expects, he says and I just love to sing it.after people and yourself and being safe is that he is going in with an open mind andjust something that becomes so ingrained. I hoping to take in as many of the workshops aswould like to think that it wasn’t a hard turn possible. “I’ll be listening to as many peoplefor us here at UCOR because everyone was as I can and will try to get as much out of italready safety conscious. When you are doing as possible to learn about what pertains to mythis kind of work, you have to be. When you job, especially when it comes to lifting.”are tearing down a four-story building full ofnuclear waste, you have to know what you are When asked if he was at all nervousdoing, so VPP was an easy transition for us.” about performing the national anthem in front of thousands of people at the national Perry reports that the word ‘safety’ is conference, Perry chuckled. “As far asprobably mentioned in every minute of every butterflies go, it’s a common thing. If youhour of every day by somebody. “It’s really ever get up in front of a couple thousandevident that VPP status was well deserved. people to sing and don’t have butterflies,Safety is a way of life. As the contractor you are probably going to mess up. Thelooking in at how these guys work, you can butterflies really keep you on your toes andsee that it’s just common for all of us to remind you to stay focused. As soon as thestay safe and to work safely.” He feels very first note comes out of your mouth, theyprotected as a contractor at the UCOR site, usually go away. We have a baseball team herean uncommon feeling from many contractors in Tennessee called the Smokies. I have sungat other worksites who feel they do not receive the national anthem for them a couple timesas much training in safety. He notes that a year for the past five years. It’s always a verysome of the more dangerous professions, like humbling feeling to stand up in front of aelectrical contractors, are also working safely crowd of people and sing that song, especiallyand are cared for by the UCOR employees. being a veteran. It just really has a deep“I have worked for several other companies meaning for me and I just love to sing it.” THE LEADER vpppa.org 37

member info cornerJoin National Committees, the NationalBoard and Participate in Contests National Board Nominations of the home page. Send submissions to Sarah Neely, 2016 Nominating Committee Liaison, It’s that time of year again! In conjunction at [email protected]. with the 32nd Annual National VPPPA Safety & Health Conference, taking place VPPPA Awards and Scholarships Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2016 in Kissimmee, FL, elections will be held for VPPPA National Although you don’t do your job solely to Board of Directors’ positions. This year there receive praise, wouldn’t it be nice to be are six open positions: recognized for your hard work while also • Chairperson inspiring your peers? VPPPA features a • Treasurer number of programs, including awards, • Director from a Site without a Collective scholarships and an achievement program to recognize the extraordinary efforts of member Bargaining Agreement sites and individuals who go above and • Director from a Contractor/Construction Site beyond in their efforts to improve safety and • Director-at-Large (two positions available) health for the American workforce. Below are the available recognition programs. Submit To be elected to the VPPPA National applications by June 3: Board of Directors, a nominee must be an • The VPPPA Annual Awards for Outreach employee of a full or corporate member site in good standing with the association. If you and Innovation recognize member sites wish to nominate yourself or someone else for and individuals that have made exceptional a position, please complete and submit the contributions to the mission of the VPPPA following materials by June 15: during the previous year. • Nominations form • Have you initiated best practices? • Signed election protocols The VPPPA Safety & Health • Management commitment letter Achievement Program provides special • A platform statement of no more acknowledgement to non-managerial employees at member sites who have taken than 300 words the initiative to learn and apply safety and • Your high quality head shot, health best practices. • Or maybe you’d like to further safety and 300 DPI or higher health education for a family member or All materials are due to the nominating yourself? VPPPA’s scholarships will help committee by May 27, 2016. Nomination achieve that goal. forms may be found online at www.vpppa.org Winners will be announced at the national via the quick links on the upper left corner conference during a special reception on Sunday, Aug. 28. Apply for awards and scholarships here www.vpppa.org/advancement/ awards-scholarships or access them via the quick links on VPPPA’s homepage. Roster Contest We couldn’t make this contest any easier if we tried! To ensure each of our members are receiving the benefits they deserve, we need your site rosters to be updated. Please update the roster that was included in our membership38 THE LEADER vpppa.org

mailing with all of your current employees. After • Awards national office moved to a new system.we receive your faxed or emailed updated roster, • Conference Planning Your member ID number and email addresswe will randomly select one prime contact • Construction have remained the same, but your passwordto win a gift card! By helping us update our • Education has changed. If you have not logged intorosters, you’re also helping yourself and your co- • Labor and Management our system since October 2015, your oldworkers receive the benefits they deserve. Send • Legislative and Regulatory password will no longer work. All usersyour updated roster to membership@vpppa. • Member Services logging into the website for the first timeorg by July 1,for a chance to win. If you need • Mentoring will need to click on the “forgot your emailanother copy of your site’s roster, please contact • Marketing or password” link to receive a new password.the Membership Department via the email You may use your new password to login withaddress above or call (703) 761-1146. If you Learn more about each committee and your individual member ID or email addresshave already submitted your site’s roster, you are submit a committee interest form on our and may then change it to something that youalready entered into our random drawing. committee page: www.vpppa.org/about- will remember. Step by step directions were vpppa/committees. enclosed in your member benefits mailingCongratulations to our VPPPA’s and can be found on VPPPA’s home page andgot Talent Winner New Login Instructions here: www.vpppa.org/your-login-information- has-changedCongratulations to Perry Bonck, the 2016 As of November 1, 2015, our databaseVPPPA’s Got Talent Winner! Thank you for and website were updated and the VPPPA THE LEADER vpppa.org 39voting for the finalists this year, we had severalfantastic entries. Perry, of UCOR in OakRidge, TN, will perform his rendition of thenational anthem during the Opening GeneralSession of the 2016 national conference. Perrywill receive round trip airfare, free conferenceregistration and lodging for his achievement.Join a National CommitteeThere’s still time to express interest in one of thenational committees, but you’ve got to act quickly!Would you like to facilitate the improvement andgrowth of the mentoring program? Maybe youwant to advocate for improved communicationbetween labor and management. If you believethat you can help shape the national agenda andset the association’s priorities for the future, thenjoin a VPPPA committee! Express your interest by submitting acommittee interest form online by May 27 to beconsidered for a position on a national committeeat the next board meeting, taking place June 7. As a member of a committee, you will takepart in a monthly conference call with theother members. The call will discuss upcomingevents and opportunities taking place withinyour committee and the members will exploreways to help advance the association. There are committees that fit allschedules (approximately a two-hour timecommitment per month) and interests:

state-plan monitorCONTRIBUTED BY Arizona was not for our employees’ hard work andBOB CHARLES, ARIZONA DIVISION dedication to safety we would not haveOF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND Representatives from the Industrial been recognized today. This award showsHEALTH (ADOSH) Commission of Arizona (ICA) gathered with the dedication of our employees for taking hundreds of stakeholders at the Arizona the high road to safety every day and going Federal OSHA States State Capitol on March 14, 2016 for the home safe at the end of each shift.” State-Plan States first annual ICA Day at the Capitol. The Public Sector Only event was held to recognize partners in the The event was rounded out by Kids’ Chance community working to develop proactive and the Fred Brick Memorial Foundation. TheRight: ADOSH Director Bill Warren & L&H safety and health programs and to honorIndustrial Tyler McLaughlin Arizona workers that have been injured orBottom: Arizona State Senator Kimberly Yee lost their lives while on the job. The day started off with opening remarks by Arizona State Senator Kimberly Yee. Senator Yee applauded the ICA for focusing their collaborative process of working alongside businesses to increase safety through the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). Those honored at the Capitol for their hard work included Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Bob Bement, APS Senior Vice President of Nuclear Operations stated, “Our collaboration with the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) further demonstrates how government and private industry can work together to ensure employee injuries and illnesses are avoided, while also working together to support Arizona’s growing economy.” L&H Industrial, a heavy machinery manufacturing facility in Tempe, was among those recognized. L&H Health and Safety Manager Tyler McLaughlin stated, “If it40 THE LEADER vpppa.org

contacting each state >>Fred Brick Memorial Foundation had Seth Burns Alaska Michigan South Carolinaspeak about his inspiring success in overcoming a Bill Nickerson Doug Kimmel Sharon Dumitsevere workplace accident. Foundation Director, VPP Coordinator MVPP Specialist VPP CoordinatorLisa Clapp stated, “Having the opportunity for [email protected] Phone: (231) 546-2366 [email protected] Burns to share his story concerning the life Phone: (907) 269-4948 Sherry Scott Phone: (803) 896-7788threatening workplace injury he suffered, the www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/ MVPP Manager www.scosha.llronline.comaftermath of medical, emotional and financial oshhome.htm [email protected] brought to the forefront, the reason we Phone: (517) 322-5817 Tennesseestrive for workplace safety.” Arizona www.michigan.gov/mvpp David Blessman Jessie Atencio VPP Manager Eleven entities were recognized for their Assistant Director Minnesota [email protected] on safety and two organizations that [email protected] Ryan Nosan Phone: (615) 253-6890support the families of those injured in the Phone: (520) 220-4222 MNSTAR VPP Coordinator www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/workplace were honored. This was the first www.ica.state.az.us/ [email protected] vppStar.htmlICA Day at the Capitol. ADOSH/ADOSH_main.aspx Phone: (651) 284-5120 www.doli.state.mn.us/ UtahRecipients and honorees: California mnStar.html Karla Staker• Raytheon Missle Systems Iraj Pourmehraban VPP Manager• Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Cal/VPP & PSM Manager Nevada [email protected]• Abseilon, USA [email protected] Jimmy Andrews Phone: (801) 530-6494• L&H Industrial, Inc. Phone: (510) 622-1080 VPP Coordinator www.laborcommission.• Westec Recyclers www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/cal_ [email protected] utah.gov/divisions/UOSH/• The City of Yuma vpp/cal_vpp_index.html Phone: (702) 486-9020 VPPprogram.html• Associated General Contractors of Arizona www.dirweb.state.nv.us• Arizona Builders Alliance Hawaii Vermont• D&A Experts Clayton Chun New Mexico Daniel Whipple• Carson Sales Company Manager Melissa Barker VPP Coordinator• Mohave Community College Small [email protected] VPP Coordinator [email protected] Phone: (808) 586-9110 [email protected] Phone: (802) 828-5084 Business Development Center labor.hawaii.gov/hiosh Phone: (505) 222-9595 www.labor.vermont.gov/• Fred Brick Memorial Foundation www.nmenv.state.nm.us/ vosha• Kids’ Chance Indiana Ohsb_Website/Compliance Beth A. Gonzalez Assistance/VPP.htm Virginia VPP Team Leader Milford Stern [email protected] North Carolina VPP Coordinator Indiana Dept. of Labor LaMont Smith [email protected] Phone: (317) 607-6778 Recognition Program Phone: (540) 562-3580 www.in.gov/dol/vpp.htm Manager www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh_ [email protected] coop/vosh_vpp.html Iowa Phone: (919) 807-2909 Shashi Patel www.nclabor.com/osha/ Washington VPP Coordinator osh.htm John Geppert [email protected] VPP Manager Phone: (515) 281-6369 Oregon Phone: (360) 902-5496 www.iowaworkforce.org/ Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM www.lni.wa.gov/safety/ labor/iosh VPP/SHARP Program topics/atoz/vpp/default.asp Manager Kentucky [email protected] Wyoming Joe Giles Phone: (541) 776-6016 Karin Schubert VPP Program Administrator www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/ Consultation Supervisor [email protected] subjects/vpp.htm [email protected] Phone: (502) 564-4089 Phone: (307) 777-7710 labor.ky.gov/dows/ Puerto Rico www.wyomingworkforce. oshp/doet/partnership/ Ilza Roman org/employers-and- pages/VPP---Voluntary- Director businesses/osha/Pages/ Protection-Partnership.aspx [email protected] safety-and-health- Phone: (787) 754-2171 compliance.aspx Maryland www.dtrh.gobierno.pr Allen Stump VPP Coordinator For additional information and up-to-date contacts, [email protected] please visit www.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfm Phone: (410) 527-4469 www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/ mosh/vpp.shtml THE LEADER vpppa.org 41

chapter round-ups Region I leaders need to be ‘safety icons’ by walking- the-talk and setting positive examples others COMPILED BY SARAH NEELY, Greetings from Region I. We celebrated our can follow.” COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, 20th anniversary and are remaining strong VPPPA, INC. and continuing to grow as a region. Our Submitted by Steve Gauthier, relationship with our member companies, Region I Chairperson42 THE LEADER vpppa.org employees and OSHA allows us to understand and appreciate our mission— Region II protecting the workforce. We are pleased to announce that Region II We continued this mission by providing has a newly designed website! Check it out at education at our conference, held on May www.vppparegion2.org/ for the SGE training 2–4, 2016. OSHA’s Regional Administrator schedule, regional contests, safety & health Kimberley Stille, our lunch time speaker, news and information about the upcoming outlined OSHA’s initiatives. Jim Davidson, conference, taking place May 23–25 at the one of our keynote speakers, shared his Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. epic experiences and the critical lessons of resilience he learned. Cindy Mahoney, the OSHA Region II conducted a Special closing keynote speaker, focused on VPP Government Employee class April excellence. Attendees participated in 20 12–14, 2016 in Albany, NY. The Special outstanding workshops, four of which were Government Employee (SGE) Program was taught by OSHA. established to allow industry employees to work alongside OSHA during Voluntary Raytheon in Andover, MA, was recently Protection Programs’ (VPP) onsite reapproved as a VPP site. A celebration was evaluations. Not only does this innovative held on February 2, 2016. In attendance program benefit OSHA by supplementing were Raytheon’s 3,800 employees and 50 its onsite evaluation teams, but it gives contractors employed at the plant, along industry and government an opportunity with the vice president, safety director, to work together and share views and ideas. a representative from the International The class was hosted by VPP Star participant Association of Machinist Aerospace Workers Access Health Systems. The eight new SGEs (IAM), the Raytheon Guards Association currently work for VPP participants Curtis and International Brotherhood of Electrical Lumber (Robert Pelletier, David Swartwout Workers (IBEW). Presenting the flag and and Ron Homovich), Access Health Systems plaque was Kimberly Stille, OSHA’s Region (Kevin O’Brien and Carl Miller), Covanta I administrator, Lynnda Ignacio, VPP Energy (Daniel Davila), Turner Construction coordinator, Anthony Covello, area director, (Joseph Raffaele) and Hypertherm (Justin Brian Sullivan, compliance assistant and Gullotta). Congratulations to our new SGEs! Steve Gauthier, Region I chairperson. A Northern New Jersey Federal Safety Dib Paul, PE Director of the Integrated and Health (NNJFS&H) Council meeting Air Defense Center said, “Leaders at various was held on March 23, at the American Red levels and functions exert the most significant Cross in Fairfield, NJ. Nancy Asaro, chief influence on the VPP program in any administrative officer at the American Red organization. While worksite analysis, hazard Cross for the NJ region hosted the event for prevention and control, and safety and health safety and health professionals in the area. training are essential elements of the VPP The NNJFS&H Council Officers, Judy program, leaders tie it all together by actively Osborne, chairperson, Lawrence Parisi, vice engaging employees in the health and safety chairperson and Alice Worrell, secretary, management system. Through the setting of were in attendance. The presentation aggressive goals and objectives, committing included an OSHA update, presentations resources, performing periodic reviews and on systems of safety, safety awareness and aligning with the vision and values of the the eye safety and health awards program. organization, leaders have the responsibility Attendees had the opportunity to network of driving continuous improvement of health with other attendees about the event as well. and safety performance. Leaders need to win it with ‘presence’ through deliberate efforts The Region II VPPPA Board has to actively engage with employees. Above all, announced the Region II 2016 Special

Government Employee (SGE) of the Year Workforce, DA Collins Environmental Mobile 500 workers. He also supports multiple events put on by fall protection vendors, soft dignominee: Mr. Ronald Rogers of DA Collins Workforce and DA Collins Wilton Shop. vendors, equipment vendors, etc. at the Wilton Campus location. These events have been madeCompanies located in Wilton, NY. The DA Collins Companies have been VPP available to many local competitor companies as well as state, county and municipal governmentIn 2015, OSHA Region II offered 56 SGE participants since February of 2009. He is employees (including New York State Police Troop G, local highway departments in Saratogaopportunities during VPP evaluations in our currently mentoring a semi private/public golf County, and the Wilton Rescue Squad) for safety training and educational purposes.region, and 27 of our SGEs answered the call course country club in the VPP elements and Congratulations, Ronald, on your outstanding achievements and thank you for your35 times. Ronald participated in three VPP worker safety. contributions to safety and health excellence.evaluations in 2015, in addition to two VPP Ronald has a diverse 28-year safety Lastly, Region II asks for your continued support for the Norman Deitch AED Fund.evaluations during the previous year. He is a background in general industry and We are soliciting donations from members to purchase AEDs for worthwhile communitydependable team member and knowledgeable construction. He has worked as a lead safety groups in honor of Norman Deitch’s many years of Service. Donations of any amount will bein safety and health, especially in construction specialist for multiple projects in environmental accepted and greatly appreciated. You may also purchase an AED bracelet to support the fund.safety issues. Ronald has been an SGE since remediation, as well as local atomic power Contributed by Brenda Wiederkehr,January of 2014. laboratories and training facilities (including Region II ChairpersonRonald is currently the DA Collins contractor oversite at a local computer chipcorporate safety director and is responsible plant erection). He is an active memberfor safety compliance, contractor safety and of multiple organizations including ASSEthe Wilton office campus site safety. He (American Society of Safety Engineers), NASPhas worked for DA Collins Companies for (National Association of Safety Professionals),over three years. He is the Wilton campus NFPA (National Fire Protection Association),emergency response manager and serves NSC (National Safety Council) and VPPPA. Heas the chair at the DA Collins Companies has organized multiple OSHA Fall ProtectionVPP core team. He oversees the safety and Stand Down events at several worksites,health management for three current VPP for a total of 75 percent of the DA Collinspwacr_tVicPipPaPnAt_sa:dD_2A01C5_oLllaiynosuCt 1on1s2t/r2u9c/1t5ion1:0M7 oPbMilePage 1 Companies total workforce of approximatelyWork shouldn’t hurt.Save your knees with our ergonomic products!1 Soft Knees Knee Pads 1 2 3 42 Disposable Knee Pads3 Ergokneel Handy Mats4 Pak•A•Ladder5 Extreme Standing Mats6 Ergokneel Ground 5 6 7 8Blankets7 Garden Kneeling Strips8 Pocket Kneeler with Lanyard888-456-3372 • www.safeworker.com THE LEADER vpppa.org 43

chapter round-ups Region V Region VII Baptiste for their continued support and dedication to the annual conference. Region V is busy planning the 2016 Region It is with sorrowful hearts that we announce V Conference being held in Chicago, IL, at the passing of Michael Murphy, Chairperson In addition, we would like to thank the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Be sure to save of the Region VII VPPPA Board of Directors. everyone who joined us at OSHA Region the date—May 23–26, 2016. We’re changing Mike served on the board for two terms. He VIII Workers’ Memorial Day Event which the schedule of events this year to better was a true leader and driving force within our was held at the Denver, CO, IBEW Hall. This accommodate travel and maximize your region and beyond. Mike was very passionate solemn event remembered those we have lost networking opportunities with fellow attendees towards the safety and well-being of others. in the previous year to workplace incidents and the exhibitors. We’ve added an SGE You could witness his quiet gratification and exposures, and it served as a reminder training course on Thursday and Friday and when presenting educational content, awards, to rededicate our efforts to implement safety have moved the VPP Application Workshop scholarships and more. A generous and genuine programs in all of our workplaces. to Thursday. For additional information, soul, he has and will continue to make a including the conference brochure, exhibitor difference. Our thoughts and prayers go out The next “What’s Great in R8” planning registration and sponsorship, please visit the to all of Mike’s family, friends and those whose is currently underway. In 2015 we saw great Region V website at www.vppregionv.org. There lives were touched by this great man. He will success with this outreach and benchmarking will be a VPP site tour of Pfizer Research and truly be missed. event. Look for Region VIII’s breakout session Development Technical Center on Monday, at the national conference where the team May 23 as well as a conference welcome A VPP Application Workshop and SSQ shares the “What’s Great in R8 Journey” and reception. The conference activities taking place workshop was held on May 16 in Des the benefits we are seeing because of it. on May 24 include an Opening General Session Moines, IA. We are looking forward to with keynote speaker Jeff “Odie” Espenship, a working with new VPP companies and those We are pleased to announce our first USAF Fighter Pilot. Wednesday and Thursday striving to achieve VPP status in the future. annual scholarship in 2016 which recognizes will be packed with workshops and the exhibit There are nine companies being mentored outstanding individuals who are striving to hall. The conference will conclude on Thursday in Region VII who are working toward further their education in the fields of safety, with a closing keynote address from Mark VPP status. Regional SGEs are contacting health and environmental science in both the Briggs, Vice President of Safety Management company’s prior to their 2016 reapproval technical (trades/vocational) and professional Resources Corp. It’s not too late to attend the audits and are offering to do walk-through arenas. The Region VIII VPPPA Chapter Board conference, you may register onsite to take part and paper reviews as part of the mentoring of Directors initiated the scholarship program to in the premier educational event in the region. process. If you are up for an audit, contact give back to the membership and further safety Bill Turner at [email protected] and health excellence for the future generation The 2016 VPP assessment schedule for for more information on having an SGE help of safety and health leaders. This scholarship is Region V has been posted on our website. If provide an extra set of eyes. open to students enrolled in, or enrolling in, a you’re an SGE and looking to participate on an vocational school, college or university. assessment in 2016, be sure to review the VPP Contributed by Bill Turner, schedule and contact the OSHA lead as soon as Region VII Chairperson Lastly, we would like to congratulate Chris possible. For the VPP assessment schedule and Matthewson on his retirement. He has always the OSHA contacts, please visit the website— Region VIII been a dedicated, respected and important www.vppregionv.org/region-v-sges part of our region, and for that, we say Our 2016, “Make it Safe, Make it Home” thank you. With mixed feelings, we convey Contributed by Steve Washburn, Conference took place April 26–28 in our best wishes to him for a happy, healthy Region V Board of Directors. Greenwood Village, CO, and was a great and enjoyable retirement life. For 24 years, success. The chapter conference offered he has dedicated himself to OSHA and has44 THE LEADER vpppa.org attendees a chance to acquire valuable established a great name along the way. In knowledge and skills applicable to their addition, he left a legacy behind that will be worksite and to nurture enduring, mutually- cherished by upcoming employees not only beneficial, professional relationships. We at the Denver regional office, but across the were proud to bring together safety and United States. Region VIII would like to take health experts from different industries that this opportunity to let him know that the time are all united in their mission to create safer spent together was valuable. We are surely environments for their peers and colleagues. going to miss his advice, suggestions, presence and friendship. You have always been a source During the conference, we were able to of inspiration and guidance to us all. conduct Strengthening Star Quality and VPP Application preconference workshops. We once again congratulate you on your Region VIII would like to thank PCAPP, well-deserved retirement and we wish you all ShurSales, GE, Morton Salt and Brad the best for what lies ahead. God bless, Chris. Contributed by Mark Moya, Region VIII Chairperson



chapter round-upsRegion X safety and best practices. Gene Balsmeier was • Promoting the achievement of SHARP the keynote speaker and discussed a tragic and VPP recognitionOver the past year, Region X has been event that occurred in 1998. The theme forthrough a number of changes, some of which this year’s safety summit is: Saddle up for • Assisting companies who are already in thewere very difficult such as the passing of Mel Safety. The Region X Bylaws Committee process of becoming SHARP or VPPJames (retired from DOSH) who provided us updated the bylaws to better align with themany years of service, advice and friendship. national VPPPA bylaws. They have been • Assisting all companies in Oregon inBonnie Anderson retired in October 2015 approved by the regional board and were safety and health managementafter serving 11 years on the Region X presented at the Annual Meeting of theboard, seven of those years as chairperson Membership at the Northwest Safety and • Providing input to Oregon OSHA onand four as a director-at-large. Following Health Summit for final approval. activities, rules, and strategic planningBonnie’s retirement, Vice ChairpersonMichelle Steeler of AECOM took the helm Garrett Hamby, winner of the Steve • Serving as a resource to other members ofand became the Region X chairperson and Brown Scholarship Award, has been doing the Oregon SHARP Alliance.Rocky Simmons of Mission Support Alliance great. The scholarship helped out immensely Oregon used four SGEs on three audits(MSA) moved from secretary to the vice in reducing the financial strain on his family.chairperson. Filling his vacancy was Marjorie He is the son of Denise Hamby, a janitor at in the last six months, and has scheduledBrice of GE Power Generation Services. Mission Support Alliance (DOE-VPP Star four more SGEs on three scheduled audits.Marjorie served on the Region X Conference Site) and VPPPA Member of Richland, WA. We still have at least four audits to staff andPlanning Committee before taking her She reports, “I’m very proud of Garrett. will send out SGE requests. After a slow yearnew position. He’s a very dedicated and talented student, in 2015, Oregon had five audits scheduled his grades were nearly perfect (3.9) and he between March and June of 2016. There have been some new Conference graduated on March 23, 2016 from PerryPlanning Committee members approved by Technical Institute of Yakima, WA, where Washington State information: DOSHthe BoD: Jerome D. Jackson, Cliff Butler he was enrolled in the Electrical Technology The state conducted an onsite review ofand Tracy Williamson. Michael Bowles Program. He knew completing the program Solvay Chemical in Longview for reapproval.became the newest member to join the would qualify him to work in a variety Honeywell Electronic Materials celebratedteam of agency members. He is the VPP of fields; construction, manufacturing or a reapproaval in January in Spokane, WA.coordinator for the Alaska Occupational for electrical contractors maintaining and There is one pending applicant in the stateSafety and Health (AKOSH) Services. repairing existing electrical systems. I’m for VPP: Veolia Environmental Services Kent,Jacob Ewer, Region X Federal OSHA VPP honored to report he just got hired as an WA. There were also three onsite evaluationsmanager has accepted a new position as the apprentice electrician at Garrett Electric of this spring: Honeywell Aerospace Redmond,area director for the Bellevue office. His Richland, WA. In addition, he just moved Phillips 66 Transportation Spokane andreplacement will be identified soon. into his own apartment. Thank you, VPPPA, Moses Lake Washington in April. On March for selecting Garrett as the award winner.” 24, Washington held it’s 4th Annual VPP The Region X Annual Meeting of the Seminar at the labor and industries building inMembership took place during the 22nd Oregon Information: Tumwater, WA.Annual Northwest Safety & Health Summit Oregon’s VPP sites continue to networkat The Grove Hotel & Boise Centre, Boise, and mentor with the Safety and Health Michelle Steeler, Region X VPPPAID, May 17–19, 2016. Six education tracks Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) chairperson, assisted with the 11th annual Boisewere offered to attendees ranging from companies through their support of the Safety Fest. She has been involved in this eventbeginner to advanced in topics such as VPP, Oregon SHARP Alliance. Currently, 10 for all 11 years. Michelle participated in the of the 18 board members of Oregon opening ceremony by reviewing housekeeping SHARP Alliance work at VPP sites. The items and promoting the sponsors and vendor Oregon SHARP Alliance is an advocate bingo. She presented an hour of the two for excellence in occupational safety and hour module “Promoting Safety & Health.” health, continuous growth of the program, The other hour of the presentation was done the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) by Bill Bankhead from OSHA. Michelle and for a positive relationship with Oregon coordinated the vendor trade show which pays OSHA. The Oregon SHARP Alliance is a for the supplies, break food and discount lunch nonprofit organization comprised of Oregon coupons for the volunteers and instructors employers who currently hold SHARP or and student handbooks for the first aid classes. VPP status, companies working toward it. Its Region X VPPPA sponsored a break and had a goals include: booth at the trade show. There were 38 vendors that participated, which brought in over $7,000 to support this Safety Fest. Michelle also coordinated six first aid classes. Contributed by Jack Griffith, Region X Communications Chair46 THE LEADER vpppa.org

calendar of events VPPPA ContactsMay To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visitMay 16–18, 2016 June www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please referRegion VII VPPPA June 3, 2016 to the contact information below.Chapter ConferenceDes Moines Marriott Award and Scholarship R. Davis LayneDes Moines, IA Applications Due [email protected] Senior AdvisorMay 16–19, 2016 June 7, 2016 Sara A. Taylor, CMPRegion VI VPPPA National Board of Directors’ Meeting [email protected] Conference Washington D.C. Director of OperationsFort Worth Convention Center and Ext. 107Omni Fort Worth Hotel June 8–9, 2016Fort Worth, TX Amanda McVicker VPPPA Congressional Outreach [email protected] 17–19, 2016 Senior Conference Coordinator June 21–23, 2016 Ext. 112Region X VPPPA Chapter ConferenceBoise Centre and the Grove Hotel Region IV VPPPA Sarah NeelyBoise, ID Chapter Conference [email protected] Lexington Convention Center and Communications ManagerMay 23–25, 2016 Hyatt Regency Lexington Ext. 121 Lexington, KYRegion II VPPPA Chapter Conference Jamie MitchellTropicana Casino July [email protected] City, NJ Communications Coordinator July 1 Ext. 117May 24–26, 2016 Roster Contest Ends Tom WebbRegion V VPPPA Chapter Conference [email protected] Regency O’Hare July 11 Strategic Development &Rosemont, IL Member Services Manager Regular Registration Rate Deadline Ext. 114May 27, 2016 for National Conference Natasha ColeBoard of Directors Nominations Due [email protected] Member Services CoordinatorMay 27, 2016 Ext. 111Committee Interest Forms Due Katlyn Pagliuca [email protected] August Government Affairs & Special Projects Coordinator August 29–September 1, 2016 Ext. 115 32nd Annual National VPPPA Safety Heidi Hill & Health Conference [email protected] Event Sales & August 29–September 1, 2016 Advertising Coordinator Ext. 111 Take a Selfie with a Board Member Contest Michael Khosrofian [email protected] Accountant Ext. 104 Bryant Walker [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Ext. 110 Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Government Relations Counsel Ext. 105 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