Winter Leader Magazine - Best Practices

VOL8/NO1/WINTER 2021 COVID-19 Exposure Control at Work Performing a Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis Safety Training Emergency Eyewash & Shower Strategic Safety Communications New Employee Short Service Worker Program Manual Material Handling Bootcamp

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CONTENTS VOL 8 | NO 1 | WINTER 2021 FEATURES 8 24 20 Latest Recommendations Protecting the New COLUMNS on COVID-19 Exposure Employee—The Brock 4 Message from the Chairperson Control at Work Group’s Short Service 6 Global Safety and Health Watch Worker Program By Douglas Kalinowski, CIH, SECTIONS Directorate of Cooperative and By The Brock Group HSE Team State Programs, OSHA 28 12 Best Practices in Best Practices for COVID-19 Management Performing a Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis By Colin Brown, PhD, CSP, CIH and Jessica Richardson, CSP, By Timothy J. Myers, Ph.D., CHST, STSC, CIT P.E., CFEI; Sean O’Hern, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, LEED® AP; Michael 32 Stern, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI; Alfonso Ibarreta, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI Three Keys to Turn Safety Training Into a 16 Best Practice Emergency Eyewash & By Michael Hancock BCSP SMS, Shower Best Practices SGE, Director of Safety, MCAF During COVID-19 Quantico; VPP Site Coordinator; Owner—Creative Safety LLC By Wesley Day, Guardian Equipment and James 36 Fountaine, Cintas Ergonomics Training 20 Program Not Working? Put Workers Through Strategic Safety a Manual Material Communications— Handling Bootcamp Aligning your Team for Success By Shelly Carmichael, Staff Editor, Coca-Cola; Contributed By Lynn Tegeler, CH2M HILL by: Brock Anderson, Ergo-ology Plateau Remediation Company 40 Membership Corner 41 Infographic Corner 42 Ad Index vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 3

A Message From the VPPPA Chairperson By sharing your Hello my fellow VPPPA members, knowledge, written protocols and safe work A s we put 2020 behind us and look forward to what 2021 will bring, I could not practices, you have be prouder of our amazing VPPPA membership. The countless stories I have supported one another, heard of member helping member are nothing short of amazing! By sharing and together, we’ve your knowledge, written protocols and safe work practices, you have supported one made it through 2020 another, and together, we’ve made it through 2020 as safely as possible. The continuous as safely as possible. caring and sharing that occurs each and every day by the VPP community is inspiring. Keeping with that spirit, I could not be more excited for our first virtual conference, Next Level Safety, coming safely to your computers April 20-21. We have many talented and experienced speakers lined up, including an entire track from our partners at OSHA, to continue our sharing and caring philosophy during this virtual event. I can’t wait to see all of you that I have come to know through the years, and I look forward to the new friends I’ll meet as well. Although we will be seeing each other through a screen instead of in person, I cannot wait. I am also excited about our Safety+ Symposium in Nashville this year, taking place from August 31-September 2. I hope to see many of you there, face-to-face. Don’t worry, the safety and health of our attendees remains our top priority, and we will be following all COVID protocols to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. For those who can’t make it in person, we will still have plenty for you to see and do virtually. We have received an overwhelming number of requests from our membership to have this conference. As versatile as virtual events have become, we know our membership finds the most benefit from networking, sharing and learning from each other. We want to give our members the option to attend the Safety+ Symposium in whatever format best fits their needs. I am very eager to share this hybrid event with our members, and I hope to see you then—either virtually or in person. I am sure there will be more opportunities for our membership to shine and come together to help each other face challenges in the coming year. I don’t know what 2021 will bring, but I do know with our amazing VPPPA members all working together, nothing can stop us. We are better together. Sincerely, Terry Schulte, VPPPA Chairperson 4 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

24 Workshops 3 Tracks 2 Days of Learning 0 NEED TO TRAVEL! VPPPA PRESENTS NEXT LEVEL SAFETY A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE Coming safely to your computers April 20–21, 2021 REGISTER TODAY! vpppa.org ■ #NextLevelSafety

Global Safety and Health Watch By Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc. COVID-19 Long-Term Effects on Health & Safety A s of January 2021, like a common cold or flu, Patients in this study had a COVID-19 has or possibly no symptoms at mean age of 44 years, so were killed over 2 million all. However, some people very much part of the young, people globally. endure severe symptoms and working-age population.” Additionally, 14.6 million need hospital care. Yet there doses of the vaccine have been is another phenomenon that Many COVID survivors administered around the world is not yet fully understood. wonder if their lives will ever so far. Cases continue to spike, After surviving the virus, some return to normal—or is fatigue, yet with vaccines on their people suffer from what has shortness of breath, and an way for the public, there is been named “long COVID.” altered sense of smell and taste finally a potential end in sight. their new daily life. As more When the pandemic is behind According to Gavi-The research is done on COVID us, what aspects will carry Vaccine Alliance, “Long survivors, we will learn more on into the future? What are COVID is characterized by a about the long-term effects of the true long-term effects of constellation of symptoms, the virus on the lungs, heart COVID-19? including—variably— and other organs. shortness of breath, marked Long-Term COVID fatigue, headache, and loss Long-Term COVID Effects on the Body of ability to taste and smell Impact on normally. A relatively large Workplace Safety Fortunately, most people study of 384 individuals infected with COVID-19 ill enough to be admitted Safety is essential for every experience mild symptoms to hospital with COVID-19 worker, especially anyone showed that 53 percent who must physically report remained breathless at a to a workplace. While a lot follow-up assessment one to of people continue to work two months later, with 34 from home, essential workers percent having a cough and (including many VPPPA 69 percent reporting fatigue.” members) do not have that Data shows that people with luxury. This pandemic provides more severe initial symptoms, a unique opportunity to build in addition to being older, workplace safety protocols having a higher body mass that go above and beyond index and being female, can the norm and continues a also contribute to suffering pattern of inclusion in safety from long COVID. policymaking. Another study looked at a Sharon Block, executive 200-person sample of those director of the Labor and who had recovered from Worklife Program at Harvard COVID-19. It found “mild Law School, pointed out that, organ impairment in 32 “Employers and federal and percent of people’s hearts, 33 state leaders should develop percent of people’s lungs and more collaborative decision- 12 percent of people’s kidneys. making processes and find more Multiple organ damage was ways for workers to have a found in 25 percent of patients. voice.” She also said she would 6 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

like to see “more joint problem- norm… Yes, that includes Note from the author: Thank you to the authors, Blue solving with employers, organizations taking steps House Design Company, Master Print and the amazing labor unions, advocates and to protect their workers VPPPA members that make every issue of the Leader government leaders.” from being infected by the magazine possible. This will be my final time putting coronavirus. But it also means together the magazine and I have loved collaborating Workplace safety is more the employees themselves with everyone each quarter. important now than ever stepping up to avoid spreading before. A COVID outbreak at it to their colleagues. SOURCES a site can be a detriment to Workplace safety encompasses workers’ lives and to the future all factors that impact the https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/ of the business. safety, health, and well-being employment-law/pages/covid-19-pandemic-shaped-the-future-of- of employees…” work.aspx In Chuck Pettinger’s article for Industry Week, “5 Signs This issue of the Leader https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/risk-comms- You’re Building A Culture of magazine details a wide updates/update-36-long-term-symptoms.pdf?sfvrsn=5d3789a6_2 Safety—For A Pandemic and variety of safety and health Beyond,” he stated: best practices. On page 8 you https://www.industryweek.com/operations/safety/article/ can even read six examples of 21138971/5-signs-youre-building-a-culture-of-safety-for-a- “Workplace safety has how worksites quickly adapted pandemic-and-beyond become a buzz-phrase in to continue their operations 2020, as the pandemic has in a pandemic. Workplaces https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/12/15/which- made safety concerns related that show their commitment economies-are-most-vulnerable-to-covid-19s-long-term-effects to the spread of COVID-19 a to keeping workers safe at top priority for most business all times, especially during https://wellcome.org/news/more-health-crisis-covid-19-impacts- leaders. Safety is all about a global pandemic, will have are-far-reaching-and-long-term people, and building a culture continued success. of safety is about instilling https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/long-term-health-effects- behaviors that become the covid-19 vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 7

Latest Recommendations on Exposure Control at Work By Douglas Kalinowski, CIH, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, OSHA 8 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

OSHA often hears from employers, “It is so difficult to control employee exposures to COVID-19!” While the last several months have been a challenge for everyone–hospitals, long-term care facilities, manufacturers, retailers, construction contractors, office workers, restaurants and the hotel industry, just to name a few, we have continued to learn more on controlling worker exposures to this potentially deadly virus. SHA has been working combined strategies will help wherever feasible and used diligently with the protect health care, essential barriers and face shields where Centers for Disease businesses and schools; adequate distancing was Control (CDC), the effectively bridging a future not possible. National Institute for with high community coverage Occupational Health and of effective vaccines and a safe A home siding various stakeholder groups to return to more activities in a company in South Carolina, create and refine recommended range of settings. work practices for controlling developed and is implementing workplace exposures to OSHA has heard from many an effective COVID-19 written COVID-19. A host of general employers, including VPP program. The company has a and industry-specific participants, about some of their regular practice of temperature recommendations can be found effective approaches to address checking, social distancing, on OSHA’s website at COVID–19 in their workplaces. sanitizing practices and www.osha.gov/coronavirus. A few examples of employers restriction of visitors and non- On December 4, 2020, the taking proactive steps to protect essential personnel in the plant. CDC released a Summary their workers include: Employees have been very good of Guidance for Public about reporting symptoms and Health Strategies to Address A major poultry quarantining until they meet High Levels of Community processor in Florida, and the protocol to return to work. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 The company also requires and Related Deaths. This report VPP participant, created a documentation of negative highlights that COVID-19 playbook very early in the test results (if tested) before pandemic control requires a pandemic with a crisis team to employees return to the plant. multipronged application of address every initial notice of Employees are not penalized for evidence-based strategies a positive case, emphasizing absences related to COVID-19. while improving health equity, the importance of privacy, including: universal face mask discussing and notifying labor The company has routinely use, physical distancing, representatives and local had a few employees out on avoiding nonessential indoor health department officials, quarantine, but only two spaces, increasing testing, ramping up cleaning and employees have received a prompt quarantine of exposed providing information and positive COVID test as of this persons, safeguarding those training to supervisors and article. Neither case could be at increased risk for severe employees. The employer linked to exposure at the plant illness or death, protecting created a FAQ factsheet for and both recovered 100 percent essential workers, postponing supervisors to engage with without any hospitalization. travel, enhancing ventilation employees, implemented Through contact tracing, the and hand hygiene and site-wide mask mandates and company determined that no achieving widespread COVID-19 employee screenings including other employees had been vaccination coverage. These temperature checks, limited exposed (less than six feet/ site visitors and vendors, no mask) to the employees implemented social distancing exhibiting symptoms. vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 9

A wood pellet proactive on preventing technology; and conducting manufacturing employee exposures to viruses health screenings for anyone company in West dating back to the SARS virus, entering the facility. took additional steps to protect Virginia developed a detailed employees from COVID-19 Increased Cleaning COVID-19 Safety Protocol exposure, such as developing & Sanitizing and Best Practices document a poster to help provide that covers protocols for information to its employees. Increasing sanitation and employees who are sick at The company also requires that disinfection efforts, including work, physical distancing and if someone in an employee’s whole facility deep cleaning contact reduction measures, household tests positive for every day; hiring dedicated appropriate PPE, enhanced COVID-19, all family members staff whose only job is to workplace sanitization, must test negative after continuously clean facilities, employee post-infection quarantine before the employee including common areas return to work policies, visitor returns to work. Additionally, beyond the production floor; protocols, rapid incident if that employee carpools with and using ultraviolet (UV) reviews and enhanced and other employees, the company germicidal air sanitation and effective communications. asks that the other employees plasma air technology to in the carpool get tested. neutralize potential viruses A cooler manufacturer in plant ventilation and air No employees purification systems. in Iowa adheres to CDC have tested guidelines with a daily positive for Team Member Support review of the latest guidance COVID–19 as of for updates and changes. this article. Removing vulnerable populations Employees are kept abreast from their facilities; offering on updates with periodic The company also aids any full pay and benefits; covering reminders to keep the employee needing help with 100 percent of COVID-19 health information fresh in their obtaining a medical provider, expenses for team members and minds. All hand tools, tables through several nearby urgent their dependents enrolled in the and other equipment are care facilities and occupational company’s health plan; requiring sanitized before and after medicine units. They provide sick team members to stay home each shift. Breakroom and employees, including temporary from work; waiving short- bathrooms are sanitized employees, with access to free term disability waiting periods; regularly. The employer influenza vaccines. The company educating and encouraging conducts temperature checks has generally had a much lower team members to practice social on employees when entering rate of employee exposures due distancing at home and in the prior to shifts, and ensures all to its continuous training and community outside of work; doors are locked, no guests preventive measures. and implementing flexible or truck drivers can enter the work-from-home practices for building, and employees are A large meat processor corporate team members. effectively practicing social distancing. Weekly startup has implemented and continues Safety Measures meetings include new policies, to improve various corporate- guidelines and updates, with wide COVID–19 employee Increasing spacing in cafeterias, materials placed on breakroom protection strategies, including: break and locker rooms, tables for review. No including placing dividers in employees have tested positive Health & Wellness Checks common areas and on the for COVID–19 as of this article. production floor; providing extra The employer has found that Conducting random, routine personal protective equipment its efforts, including social surveillance testing of (PPE), including face shields distancing, daily temp checks, asymptomatic team members; and protective masks, which are and instructions to stay home temperature testing all team required to be worn at all times; if sick without repercussions members prior to entering promoting physical distancing have proven to be practical facilities, including the use by staggering shifts, start times, preventative measures. of hands-free thermometers and breaks; hiring staff to and thermal imaging testing assist with education, training An auto parts and enforcement of COVID-19 manufacturer in Georgia preventive measures; and restricting access to facilities. with a history of being very 10 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

Enhanced Safeguards the preventive measures and Many employers have and be willing to share new entrance screening protocols demonstrated the effectiveness ways to improve on the The employer recognizes as the virus spreads across the of proactive measures and recommendations that are its responsibility as a country. The employer has also follow up processes to in place. Together, we must food company during this enhanced health benefits to protect their employees from commit to keeping workers, unprecedented crisis and retroactively cover 100 percent COVID–19 exposures. With a their families and communities has continuously modified of all COVID-19 related health vaccine on the horizon, now safe and healthy. OSHA is doing operations, based on the expenses for its team members is not the time to relax and everything we can to help latest available guidance from and their family members let our guard down. We must achieve this goal. We encourage experts, to improve coronavirus enrolled in the company’s continue to protect workers every employer and worker to preventive measures. To date, health insurance plan. from exposures to COVID-19 continue their efforts as well. the company has invested more than $200 million in health and safety measures to protect its workforce and more than $160 million in increased wages and bonuses. The company’s free surveillance testing program allows them to quickly identify potential introduction of COVID-19 from the community into the plants and mitigate spread through immediate quarantine and contact tracing procedures. This also gives them the opportunity to continually assess and validate the effectiveness of ® • Keeps extension ladders from Ladder falls – slipping on slick surfaces such as 2nd leading cause of composite decking work-related • Unique design of foam creates tiny injur ie s! * suction cups that grip the surface, even when wet * https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ nioshtic-2/20034690.html • Light weight for easy use, weighs less than 6 pounds Working Concepts, Inc. • Works on smooth surfaces, plastic, 888-456-3372 • www.softknees.com • [email protected] wood, concrete, etc., even when wet Patent Pending • Prevents marring and scratches to deck caused by ladder feet • Attaches to the bottom ladder rung, with adjustable strap, for easy movement of ladder along wall • Fits most extension ladders, up to 21” wide • Replaceable self-adhesive foam pad vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 11

BEST PRACTICES FOR PERFORMING A HAZARD ANALYSIS By Timothy J. Myers, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI Sean O’Hern, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, LEED® AP Michael Stern, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI Alfonso Ibarreta, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI 12 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

INTRODUCTION Owners and operators of facilities across strong team led by a qualified individual [NFPA 652 sec. multiple industries, including manufacturing, food production and chemical 7.2.2]. The qualified individual, processing, are tasked with identifying and mitigating combustion hazards who may be an employee or a associated with the production and handling of combustible particulate solids. retained consultant, should be While the premise of such an assessment, referred to in practice as a Dust familiar with conducting a DHA Hazards Analysis, or DHA, is relatively straightforward, the actual execution and with potential combustible is not. The NFPA standards that govern DHAs permit the owner/operator to dust hazards. The team should follow multiple methodologies and strategies that impact the quality and be diverse in their roles cost associated with both the initial DHA as well as any mitigation strategies within the company to ensure undertaken by the facility. NFPA 652 contains a September 2020 deadline for that a variety of viewpoints retroactively performing DHAs on existing facilities that has recently passed. and technical specialties are The purpose of this article is to provide guidance to owners and operators on included in the analysis. Teams how to prepare for and perform a DHA based on the authors’ experiences. may consist of staff from EH&S, engineering, operations, Goal of a DHA In order to meet these 652 sec. 8.7.4]. The owner/ maintenance and production. objectives, the owner/operator operator is also responsible for The NFPA standard that is responsible for the following preparing written procedures After assembling a team, the governs the fundamentals of activities [NFPA 652 sec. 4.1]: for operations at the facility owner/operator must gather combustible dust, NFPA 652 1. Determining the (including maintenance and the appropriate Process Safety Standard on the Fundamentals servicing operations), as well Information to ensure that of Combustible Dust, outlines combustibility and as retaining all appropriate the team has a complete and the intended outcomes of explosibility hazards documentation [NFPA 652 sec. accurate understanding of the a compliant facility. These of materials; 8.3.1, 8.3.2, 8.4.7.2, 8.7.3, 8.13.1]. process as well as the existing objectives are as follows:[NFPA 2. Identifying and assessing safety features. The Process 652 sec. 4.2] any fire, flash fire, and Preparing for a DHA Safety Information may include: 1. Reasonably prevent serious explosion hazards; 3. Managing the identified Performing a DHA that • Combustible dust testing data injury from flash fires and fire, flash fire and explosion appropriately identifies hazard • Process Information (P&IDs, injury from explosions; hazards; and scenarios requires significant 2. Provide occupants not in 4. Communicating the hazards preparation on the part of the Energy and Mass Balance the immediate vicinity of a to affected personnel. owner/operator. Three steps Tables, Process Flow combustion event the time of preparation that should Diagrams, etc.) to evacuate, relocate or The first two items be carried out by the facility take refuge; should be performed as owner/operator prior to starting • Equipment Information 3. Prevent or mitigate fire and part of the facility’s DHA. the DHA include the following: explosions that can cause the The DHA conclusions and 1. Assembling a team (Operation and Maintenance failure of adjacent buildings recommendations should 2. Gathering appropriate Manuals, Control Systems, or building compartments; provide guidance on how items Alarms, Safety Interlocks, etc.) 4. Reasonably protect adjacent (3) and (4) can be achieved. Process Safety Information properties and the public After the completion of the 3. Selecting the • Safety information (existing from the effects of a DHA, the owner/operator is combustion event; and responsible for establishing hazard assessment area electrical classifications, 5. Limit damage to a facility and implementing “a methodology(ies) documentation on fire to ensure the ongoing corrective action plan with and explosion protection production capability of an explicit deadline” [NFPA One of the most important systems, etc.) the facility. aspects to performing a high- quality DHA is to assemble a • Information on past incidents and near-misses After assembling the team, the owner/operator should select one or more methodologies to evaluate the fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards. Typical methodologies utilized include What-if Analyses, “Check- List” Analyses, Hazard and Operability Analyses (HAZOP), vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 13

Self-heating is and Failure Modes and Effects The second step in and processes that could result known to lead to Analyses (FMEA). While the performing a DHA is to in the material being lofted smoldering of a descriptions of these types of determine where a combustible into a cloud. Often overlooked material and can analyses is outside of the scope dust may come into contact equipment that can lead to dust serve as its own of this article, the reader may with a competent ignition clouds includes fans used for ignition source find detailed descriptions in the source in the presence of an comfort and compressed air at the point of Center for Chemical Process oxidizer, typically oxygen in wands used for cleaning. self-heating or Safety (CCPS) books published air. Potential ignition sources downstream by the American Institute of include hot surfaces, high Mitigation Strategies in process Chemical Engineers (AIChE), temperatures, arcs and sparks, equipment Combustible Dust Hazard and open flames. To determine After identifying the hazards, [UN Test N.4]. Analysis, 1st edition, 2017 and if these potential ignition mitigation and prevention Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation sources are competent, testing strategies (i.e., safeguards) Procedures, 3rd edition, 2008. of the combustible dust in the need to be considered based area of the potential ignition on either the prescriptive Performing the DHA source is required. Properties NFPA requirements, or in of the combustible dust the order to sufficiently reduce After preparing for the DHA, owner/operator may want the risk to life safety, based the first step in performing to characterize include on the Performance-Based a DHA is to determine if a the following: approach. Safeguards may combustible or explosible 1. The minimum ignition also be warranted if the risk dust is present, and if so, to of operability disruptions or characterize its properties as energy required to environmental releases exceeds required to support the DHA cause ignition of a dust the desired level. For example, [NFPA 652 sec. 5.1]. Areas in cloud, which is useful in an outdoor and remotely located which to locate and collect the identifying the types of dry material dust collector for material for testing should electrical arcs that may lead non-metal combustible dust include the following: to ignition; [ASTM E2019] may not require explosion 1. Inside process equipment 2. The minimum temperature protection based on life required for a dust cloud to safety considerations. Adding (silos, bins, mixers, etc.) auto-ignite; [ASTM E1491] explosion protection, however, 2. Inside dust collection and might significantly reduce 3. The minimum temperature downtime in the event of an equipment (ducts, of a surface required to ignite internal deflagration within baghouses, cyclones, etc.) a layer of dust. [ASTM E2021] the collector. 3. On conveyers belts and inside bucket elevators The owner/operator Mitigation and prevention 4. Locations containing should not fail to overlook strategies generally work by fugitive dust, including the potential for self-heating eliminating one of the sides of elevated surfaces (such as events. Self-heating is known the Explosion Pentagon (Figure tables, structural beams, to lead to smoldering of a 1): presence of combustible floors, under grates, etc.) material and can serve as its dust, presence of an oxidizer own ignition source at the point (e.g., oxygen), presence of an While NFPA 652 permits the of self-heating or downstream ignition source, dust dispersion, use of historical facility data in process equipment [UN Test and confinement. The presence or published data to determine N.4]. Material is more likely of combustible dust can whether a dust is combustible to self-heat when exposed to sometimes be eliminated or or explosible, the owner/ elevated temperature (such as reduced by choosing different operator should be cognizant when passing through a dryer), feedstocks that are not of the fact that variations in but may also occur at ambient combustible due to a change particle size and morphology, conditions, depending on the in the chemical or physical moisture content, composition, material properties. (i.e., particle size) nature of the or other properties could material. Alternatively, dilution affect the combustibility and When identifying the of the feedstock with an inert explosibility of a material. Thus, locations where combustible material can render the mixture testing of a representative dust are proximate to a non-combustible. The presence sample using the Combustibility potential ignition source in the of an oxidizer can sometimes Screening Test (Trough Test) presence of an oxidant (such as be eliminated or reduced and the Explosibility Screening the oxygen in air), the owner/ through addition of an inert Test (Go/No Test) is typically operator should consider fans, gas to partially displace the the preferred methodology blowers, and other equipment [NFPA 652 sec. 5.4.1 and 5.4.3]. 14 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

oxygen-containing air within Ignition Dispersion equipment. Confinement can be reduced by adding explosion Oxygen DUST Confinement vents; while dispersion can be EXPLOSION reduced through addition of dust collection systems and Fuel housekeeping procedures. Explosion Pentagon (public domain) As discussed previously, NFPA standards offer a series There is no one correct alleviating identified hazards of prescriptive requirements format for a DHA. The chosen to be tailored based on the for mitigation and prevention format should be one that best most practical options for the strategies. Following the communicates the findings to facility. For example, for a prescriptive requirements is the personnel at the facility. facility that possesses a dry one method to reduce the risk This could be in the form of a media dust collector that lacks of a combustible dust hazard table that contains information explosion protection, it may to an acceptable level. In some broken down by location or make more sense to focus the cases, however, some or all the equipment, as a slide deck recommendations on adding prescriptive requirements are including pictures of the vents or chemical suppression infeasible or undesirable for a equipment, locations, and to the existing collector, rather given system. Alternatives to findings, or as a written prose than focusing on how a new wet the prescriptive requirements report. For example, a DHA dust collector could also satisfy may be permitted by the report that focuses heavily the requirements. NFPA standards if they are an on housekeeping may be best Equivalent Design (alternative suited for a slide deck that can Conclusions safeguards or design that show examples of appropriate provide a level of safety and inappropriate levels of By design, the standards that equivalent to or greater than accumulations. A report focused outline the requirements for a the prescriptive requirements), on equipment compliance DHA permit the owner/operator a Performance-Based Design, issues, for example on whether to pursue multiple options for or based on a Risk Evaluation explosion vents are properly compliance. While this flexibility (as allowed in the prescriptive sized, may be better suited to a permits an owner/operator text of the NFPA standard). written report. to tailor a DHA to meet their specific requirements, it may Performance-Based Designs Preparation of the report is also leave some owners/operator must be evaluated by qualified preferably an iterative process with questions about how best person based on design with involvement of the facility. to proceed. Our hope is that the objectives, including life safety Involvement of the facility guidance in this article answers objectives set forth in the NFPA allows for recommendations for a few of those questions. standards and other criteria for operability acceptable to the owner/operator. The design objectives are then used to define performance criteria that ultimately determine the conditions that must be met in order to achieve the performance criteria. The development of these conditions and their evaluation must be documented. Report Findings Reporting findings is the final step in completing a DHA. After the DHA is complete, however, addressing the findings becomes the responsibility of the owner/ operator. This final process may continue for some time. vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 15

EMERGENCY EYEWASH & SH W By Wesley Day, Guardian Equipment and James Fontaine, Cintas 16 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

ER Did You Know? BEST PRACTICES • More than one half of work-related eye injuries DURING COVID-19 occur in the manufacturing, service, and vpppa.org construction industries.1 • Most chemical and thermal eye injuries occur when persons are at work.1 • Each year nearly 800,000 eye injuries occur on the job, including 36,500 that require the injured employee to take time off from work.2 • Only 40 percent of Environmental Health and Safety professionals are “extremely confident” that their eyewash station is regularly maintained. Only 30 percent are “extremely confident” that the station would function properly in an emergency.3 • Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation.4 History Worker safety and minimizing workplace accidents has been a priority for the United States government, private and public- sector employers since the passing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a part of the U.S. Department of Labor, was formed to set and enforce standards that are aimed at ensuring workplace safety.4 One of those standards, 29 CFR 1910.151(c), created the framework of the emergency eyewash & shower industry by stating, “where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”4 ANSI, in conjunction with the Industrial Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), adopted the Z358.1 standard in 1982 that “… establishes minimum performance and use requirements for eyewash and shower equipment.” ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 provides guidance on how to manufacture, design, select and install emergency equipment for immediate flushing of the eyes and body. Leader—Winter 2021 17

Upwards of 45 percent of emergency the hazard and the path of travel allow for the movement of the eyewash and shower units installed are shall be free of obstructions.”5 unit to different placements in not properly tested on a weekly basis. a facility. The latest revision to the Key Takeaways Z358.1 standard also includes the Self-contained units require concept of tepid water. Tepid, regular inspections to ensure Location, location, location. as defined by ANSI, is a flushing water level, cleanliness, Now more than ever, during fluid temperature between functionality, and ensure the times when companies may 60–100F. The temperature unit has not been used or be bringing in additional of the flushing fluid (usually tampered with. cleaning products, disinfectants water) must be in this range and even hand sanitizers in for the full flushing duration, Application larger quantities than any which is defined as 15 minutes. other time in history; where a The required temperature range Not all emergency equipment facility places, or installs, its was introduced as a revision to is made equal. An outdoor emergency equipment is often the standard in order to ensure application at a wastewater the most important factor to the user is comfortable and can treatment facility is much consider. ANSI/ISEA tells us that easily withstand a full 15 minutes different than that of a research emergency equipment “shall using the shower or eyewash.5 laboratory. Likewise, a push be in locations that require no flag handle activated unit is more than 10 seconds to reach” Equipment Styles & much different than a swing in relation to the hazard, or Applications down auto flow activated unit. injurious corrosive material. The Equipment Styles Assessing the environment, standard does go on to define space constraints and, believe 10 seconds more narrowly as 55 There are varieties of product it or not, the aesthetics of your feet, providing a more tangible offerings within emergency facility is critical when selecting number to work with. Take eyewash and shower, both an emergency fixture. this a step further, and the plumbed and non-plumbed emergency equipment must be types. They can range from: Have a Plan “installed on the same level as eyewash units, eye/face wash units, emergency shower units Upwards of 45 percent of and combination safety stations emergency eyewash and shower (a unit that has both an eyewash units installed are not properly or an eye/face wash and an tested on a weekly basis. emergency shower). Within each product offering are different Emergency eyewash and mounting styles, activation shower equipment are safety methods, construction material devices designed to protect and hazard classifications. With workers from serious injuries no clear guidance from ANSI or in the event of chemical OSHA on which unit to choose, exposure. More importantly, it is important to keep certain these pieces of equipment must factors in mind when deciding be maintained and inspected to which “suitable facilities for assure proper functionality and quick drenching or flushing” are protection to workers. right for your facility. Testing. It is an industry Self-contained eyewash units requirement that plumbed are becoming more popular eyewashes and showers be within the industry. They are activated weekly and self- oftentimes referred to as “15 contained units be visually minute” stations and are gravity inspected on a weekly basis. It fed. These are usually placed next is not required to run plumbed to hazards with high potential units for the full 15-minute for eye injury (e.g. forklift flush; rather, just long enough charging stations, machinery, to confirm they operate, to tooling equipment, chemical confirm the flushing fluid is storage, etc.). These units can be available and, very importantly, wall mounted, freestanding or to clear out any stagnant water attached to a stand that would that might be in the plumbing lines. Adhering to proper testing procedures will in turn 18 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

promote proper maintenance facilities (both voluntarily and Guardian Equipment is a leader of the equipment and reduce involuntarily) have been forced in the emergency eyewash and issues down the line. to shut down for extended shower industry with contributions amounts of time. These from Cintas Corporation’s First Aid Training. The key component shutdowns have created unique & Safety division. behind any successful safety hazards that may not be on a program is education. The normal safety checklist. The Cintas Corporation can be a Z358.1 standard requires that CDC states, “the temporary resource to provide eyewash “any employees who may be shutdown or reduced operation products and services to exposed to hazardous materials of a building and reductions your organization. shall be instructed in the in normal water use can location and proper use of create hazards for returning Wesley Day has been with emergency units.” Showers and occupants.” They go on to say, Guardian Equipment for six years. eyewashes can be intimidating “Ensure safety equipment Before becoming the National (understandable given the fact including…eyewash stations Sales Manager, he held the titles an emergency shower produces and safety showers are cleaned of Regional Sales Manager and approximately 10 times more and well-maintained.” This Sales Manager for the plumbing water than a residential emphasizes the importance and new construction channel. shower) to employees who of testing and maintaining He holds an MBA degree from do not understand them. emergency equipment, the University of New Hampshire Educating and training on their but it might not always be and is always looking for ways use, location and purpose can that intuitive. For example, to improve and better himself. go a long way in securing the before a facility shuts downs, Wesley recently became ASSE safety of any workplace. they may turn off certain 12080 certified as a Legionella water supplies to remote or Water Safety and Management The New Normal infrequently used sections of Specialist. He is extremely the building. Understanding passionate about Guardian Several of the CDC recommended the facility’s plumbing design Equipment and the value disinfecting products that are and what plumbing fixtures they bring to all layers of the effective against COVID-19 are potentially affected by emergency eyewash and shower require a nearby eyewash station shutdowns is important. industry. His passions outside of during use per the safety data work are his wonderful wife and sheet (SDS). Same space, different layout. three young children and chasing Eight months ago, the term a little white ball around on the The arrival of COVID-19 has “social distancing” did not golf course. made us rethink workplace exist. Today, you cannot go out safety. What was never a to eat, fly on a plane or go to James Fontaine started with Cintas simple process to begin with, work without hearing or seeing in 2008 as an Industrial Sales Rep COVID-19 has introduced those words. The concept has in Rental. In FY09 he was named complex threats and challenges crept into every aspect of our the Uniform Rep of the Year in the for safety professionals and lives and that includes at our Central Plains Group and was businesses across all industries. workplace. Everything from promoted to Market Sales Manager lab spaces to office cubicles for Salt Lake City, UT and Boise, New hazards. Facilities are are being spread out to meet ID locations. In 2016, James was purchasing large quantities of social distancing guidelines and asked to be the General Manger of cleaners and disinfectants to promote worker safety. Thus, location 180 in Salt Lake City, UT and help eliminate bacteria/viruses facilities are forced to reassess helped turn around a struggling and keep their employees safe. where their hazards are located location. James and his wife live in Done with good intentions, in relation to their workers. Lehi, UT with their four children. this represents a large influx This could mean the addition of hazardous material into of new emergency eyewash SOURCES the workplace, that was not and shower equipment, or the otherwise present, and must relocation of such equipment 1 American Academy of Family be properly supported with to ensure an ANSI compliant Physicians emergency eyewash and shower 55-foot maximum distance is equipment. Hazards come and met. Staying compliant means 2 National Institute for go, but safety stays constant. staying diligent. Occupational Safety & Health Shutdowns and Re-Openings. 3 Harris Poll 2018 Throughout the year, many 4 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 5 ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 19

STRATEGIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS BEST PRACTICES 20 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

Best practices are activities As a prime contractor for the that are recognized or U.S. Department of Energy’s believed to be correct or most (DOE) Richland Operations effective for an organization. Office, CH2M HILL Plateau The foundation for successful Remediation Company communication is built on (CHPRC) has built a strong management leadership, safety culture as demonstrated employee involvement, by being a DOE Voluntary training and strategic Protection Programs planning. While every Participant’s Association organization has its own way (VPPPA) Star of Excellence and to accomplish its goals, there Legacy of Stars Site, as well are some steps that can help a as through recognition with team be successful. VPPPA awards at regional and national conferences. Achieving ALIGNING safety excellence requires YOUR TEAM effective communication, and FOR SUCCESS these are some of the things we have found that helped increase By Lynn Tegeler, CH2M HILL Plateau employee engagement in safety. Remediation Company Three concepts we use to help drive success are: • Be in alignment • Have a strategic plan • Know our audience These key concepts are discussed below with techniques for delivering overarching company level or project level communications and implementation for field work. Be in Alignment We all need to know the direction we are headed before we start, and it is essential to align our communications with the workforce so that everyone understands the goals. We begin with a strong foundation for successful communication within our organizational structure. Each communications team member is paired with a project or organization as a consultant. The communications “consultant” develops a one-on-one relationship and encourages management leadership and engagement, conveys the value and role of effective communications, gains buy-in, and equips senior leadership with the tools to communicate to the project or organization for success. vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 21

It is also critical We constructed our Developing a strategic Messages to look inward communications team to be communications plan and perform a integrated with the projects The communication strategy SWOT analysis and organizations to maximize First, it is important to determine should include information to identify impact. Through relationship your desired headline, the about how to reach the strengths, building and consistency effect you want your audience important groups identified weaknesses, with communications, we get to experience, your vision for above and the messages that opportunities to know our segment of the success, and ultimately, your big will appeal to them. Key and threats. workforce and how they best picture result. messages are the backbone receive information. With of the communications plan. this, we can benchmark and Key elements of the Keeping messages concise, measure our success. communications plan consistent and memorable incorporate a purpose, an guides all communication Having this structure overview, a goal to define that follows. When developing has proven to be extremely success, specific objectives and overarching key messages effective, and our management a big picture schedule. Success ask, what is our elevator team values the consultant role must be measurable as well speech—that is, if you were of the communications team. as visualized. You must ask on an elevator and only had questions such as: the time until you reached Have a Strategic Plan your floor to tell about your • What does success look like organization, what would you Essential to achieving our say? Your elevator speech goals and communicating in each of the next five years? should answer: strategically is having thoughtfully developed • What current challenges/ • Who are we and what do communications plans. In developing communication barriers could keep us from we value? plans, it is important to being successful? understand the “why” of • How do we explain strategic plans, define strategic • What are potential communications objectives, our brand? develop key messages and risks/barriers? know our audience. • What good stories can we You need to identify the Each communication influencers and stakeholders: share to help tell our story? plan defines which channels are most effective to reach • Who is our audience? • Who can help us tell each audience, when they • Who has an impact on should be leveraged and key those stories? messaging. The plan includes the outcome? methods for interaction Communications Tools and creates consistency, • Who are the stakeholders? and Strategies helping to reduce confusion • Who are the decision makers? or missed information. • Who specifically supports There are multiple ways Sharing consistent and timely to communicate the same information demonstrates each element? message. Using several transparency and a sense of methods can increase the knowing what is happening • Who can affect the success? opportunity for audiences with the company. • Who do we need to carry to be aware. “Push” communications, when a The consequences of not our story? message is sent or posted, following a plan can be a and “pull” communications, lack of communication or • What are the influencer’s when the audience takes inconsistent information, the initiative to look for leaving the workforce feeling current perceptions? information such as on a frustrated. When there is a web site or publication, lack of communication, the • Why does this audience care? are both effective means of workforce will fill in the blanks • What do they find relevant? communication, each with with their own ideas, which • And what are they pros and cons. Some push can create rumors and distrust. communications include receptive to? publications that may be at any interval - daily, weekly, It is also critical to look inward monthly, quarterly or yearly. and perform a SWOT analysis to Communication campaigns identify strengths, weaknesses, for specific safety issues, opportunities and threats. programs and events are effective tools, as well. The framework provides a clear view of the people who need to be influenced and the scale of the work involved in meeting the stated communication goals. Involving employees in plan development provides different perspectives and often firsthand knowledge about the intended audience. 22 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

Know our Audience Communication A simple communication barrier can Strategic Communication Obstacles in the Field make a task difficult and potentially A simple communication Much of the time, we can deliver barrier can make a task unsafe. Through safety and health the same message to a broad difficult and potentially unsafe. audience. But other times, Through safety and health training, workers learn the correct messages should be tailored to training, workers learn the the audience. This helps with correct way to wear Personal way to wear Personal Protective getting buy-in from workers. Protective Equipment (PPE) We have seen success when we and the processes to get the Equipment (PPE) and the processes have project specific or company work done. Even with that level safety challenges that training and knowledge, PPE is to get the work done. are work-related, productive something we often overlook and beneficial while engaging as a communication barrier in These are a few examples the workers and adding an the planning stage. Respirators, of best practices for aligning element of fun at work. These hoods, face shields, hearing communication within our safety challenges are tools to protection etc., can hamper team. Having a shared vision, communicate expectations for the ability to communicate by a strategic plan with key everyday tasks. limiting visual and auditory messages and choosing the most cues. For example, hearing appropriate communication Teams try to take work out of protection might be applied tools are essential. the challenge and turn it into a to lessen the damaging effects creative way of performing tasks of a high-pitched piece of As a team, we must be in by creating a theme around operating machinery, however alignment, to know which things workers enjoy. When the this protection also lessens the direction we are headed and activity is fun—preparing for an ability to hear one-another establish a plan to follow. inspection, for example—crews creating a communication This strategic plan is key to look forward to the opportunity barrier that needs to be guiding the organization, to show off their projects. mitigated. Identifying the event or milestone each step barriers, obstacles and hazards of the way. As we develop In every case, leaders must before beginning work, and the plan, we must know our communicate the results, both finding a solution, is paramount audience and choose how to positive and negative. Leaders to keeping workers safe. best communicate based on the share any positives or best audience we are addressing. practices found. Too often Organizations respond only the negative gets shared, and achieve success in many Lynn Tegeler has more than 30 overshadowing the good work. ways. CHPRC has a solid years of experience developing Highlight good work first and safety and health culture, strategies and coordinating foremost and acknowledge key and worker involvement is communications and community workers. Then communicate key to our safety success and activities for both large and deficiencies found so that project performance. Being small organizations. As part workers know what to look for recognized as a DOE-VPP of the CH2M HILL Plateau before the next inspection. Star Site confirms CHPRC’s Remediation Company (CHPRC) commitment to safety and communications team, she Finally, winners of the most represents sustained excellent currently supports the Safety, recent safety challenges are performance resulting in Health, Security and Quality publicly acknowledged and consistent injury and illness organization as a communications praised at quarterly all-hands rates significantly below others consultant within CHPRC at meetings. Hearing from each in the same industry. the Hanford Site in Richland, other helps to strengthen the Washington. Lynn earned a overall safety culture. B.S. in Business Administration with a major in marketing from Oklahoma State University and has a Certificate in Corporate Community Relations from the Carroll School of Management Development Program from Boston College. Originally from Oklahoma, Lynn lived in southern California for eight years before moving to the Tri-Cities to work at Hanford in 1997. vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 23

24 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

Some call it the according to data from the North America. Contracts can “Short Service Bureau of Labor Statistics, and be for short-term projects Worker Program” nearly one-quarter of these or multi-year maintenance and some call it the cases resulted in 31 or more operations. Regardless of “Mentoring Program,” days away from work. duration, the industry must but regardless be ready for increases and what it is called, Comparing these statistics to decreases in employees needed. this Best Practice Brock’s statistics, we identified Thus, Brock must have a robust is a key part of this that short service workers process in place to on-board organization’s safety were a majority of the injuries personnel efficiently and with a success. Keeping occurring on our job sites. thorough understanding of the employees free from Having identified the risks hazards presented. harm is imperative with short service workers, we to any organization's started brainstorming how to The objective of the Short success, and it is the help ensure these employees Service Worker Program is to driving force behind understood the dangers of complement the new employee Brock’s Bsafe Culture their work environment and safety and health orientation of Respect and Caring. how to prevent accidents. The and compliance programs, finished product became the introduce new employees to the N early one-third of the Short Service Worker Program, company and facility/worksite, nonfatal occupational which was designed to provide provide them an ongoing injuries or illnesses that employees with less than 90 learning opportunity in the site involved time away from work days experience on the work standards, and instill in them are suffered by workers with site or within the company a firm understanding of our less than one year of service, with safe work guidance safety expectations. through the use of a qualified Mentor and training. For Brock, a short service worker (SSW) is defined as an Brock is a service contractor, employee, temporary worker, providing services in a variety or subcontractor with less than of client owned facilities across 90 days experience within the PROTECTING THE NEW EMPLOYEE The Brock Group’s Short Service Worker Program Submitted by The Brock Group HSE Team vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 25

Mentor relaying safe work practices to a Short Service Worker. provide a method to identify implementing the program was new employees and program to identify and train mentors The Brock Short Service Worker program graduates, standardized training to ensure the short service is an excellent component for VPP for new hires, pairing new workers would receive the success. The program embodies all of the employees with experienced training and mentorship from elements of VPP: Management Commitment— employees as mentors, and the qualified individuals. management dedicates the time and resources opportunity for graduates to required for the program; Employee Involvment— become mentors. Mentors are the key to re- this is an employee to employee process. More enforcing the SSW's training, experienced employees are teaching safe work The Short Service Worker skills and work habits. Mentors habits to less experience employees; Training— program consists of a six are selected by identifying the Short Service Worker program enhances week program that is divided leaders in their specific craft general safety training the employee has into three sections. The first with a willingness to participate received before arriving at the site.” four weeks are dedicated to in the program. It is important reinforcing the employee's that the Mentor is a coworker —Jamie Robey, CSP, SGE—HSE Director, The Brock Group understanding of regulatory with responsibilities working and best practice requirements. alongside the SSW where they facility/worksite; an employee The 5th week focuses on can develop a close working with less than 90 days with the strengthening the employees relationship allowing the SSW company; an employee that understanding of craft specific to feel comfortable asking has left the facility/worksite expectations and requirements. questions and seeking guidance. or the company for more than The 6th week is reserved for six months; or an employee makeup in the event of an The Mentor leads the SSW who has been identified as absence during the training or through the process and has exhibiting a lack of knowledge if a SSW requires additional the responsibility to coach and in the subjects covered in the coaching in an area that has educate the SSW on the site Short Service Worker Program. previously been reviewed. safety standards while visually supervising the SSW on the job To accomplish our goals, The Brock Short Service site and notifying management we knew at a minimum we Worker Program includes if there are any problems with wanted our program to provide delivery of training material a new employee such as a poor structured and progressive through handbooks that attitude or lack of interest. learning that was validated, increase efficiency, establish mitigation plans for sudden To reinforce the SSW's increases in personnel understanding of regulatory and provide for better and best practice requirements, accountability. The first step to a discussion guide was developed that assists the Mentor with conducting daily discussions with the SSW on prescribed topics pertaining to training the SSW has received. The Mentor discusses the training's critical elements in a real-world atmosphere, re-enforcing the training and allowing the SSW to ask questions after experiencing a real work scenario. After completing the program, the SSW must pass a comprehensive practical examination and verbal review by the site SSW Program Administrator. This part of the program helps us identify if the employee understands our programs and expectations, or if additional steps need to be taken to provide the employee with the nessasary knowledge 26 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

and skills to perform their a changing workforce and As the workforce becomes younger, less work safely. work environments with a experienced, the Short Service Worker focus for opportunities to Program is one of the most valuable safety When the SSW successfully increase the efficiency of programs we have. Whether you are new to the completes the program, they program implementation and industry or new to Brock, this integral part of our become classified as an At management in addition to training management system has proven over Risk Employee. An At Risk driving consistancy of the the years to better allow newly hired employees Employee has completed the material being presented. to return home to their families safely at the end SSW Program but has been The program was piloted in of each day.” with the company for less than select areas where we saw a six months. These employees 26 percent decrease involving —Drew Ashcraft, CSP-VP HSE, The Brock Group continue to be monitored and short service workers. Once the evaluated by both Mentors program was fully adopted, and application of that training. The Brock Group provides and supervision to help the we saw a 60 percent decrease Working alongside a mentor specialty craft and maintenance employee successfully reach the involving short service workers with adequate knowledge services to key industries across company and site health, safety from the pilot date. of the hazards within the North America. Brock is dedicated and environmental expectations. industry and the craft to offering the safest and highest Any short service worker competencies we perform, a quality service and solutions. We Having recognized that program's success is dependent short service worker gains the view ourselves as partners with not all SSW's or job sites fit upon management and knowledge needed to safely our customers, our employees the same mold, we developed employee dedication to making perform their job functions. and the communities in which we different ways of implementing sure they are committed to Before development and operate. Our performance-driven the program to accommodate a safety culture that ensures implementation of the Short culture is led by having and the specific needs of employees everyone performs their work Service Worker Program, developing the best people, the who had many years of safely. With short service we saw a trend of newly most efficient processes and the experience in their crafts workers being the leaders in hired employees being more right tools for the job. and the work environment, workplace injuries, it only susceptible to getting injured an accelerated program for makes sense to focus on on the job than anyone else. immediate staffing needs and their needs and address them Since implementation of this a program that addresses our appropriately. By instilling program, we have significantly mobile workforce. safe work habits from the improved that trend across beginning of a worker’s time the organization and have The Brock Short Service with the company, it builds almost eliminated injuries to Worker Program is very a culture that makes safety employees with less than six comprehensive and requires second nature, improving the months with the company. engagement with SSW's workforce and the lives of at many different levels everyone involved. and documentation of the SSW's progress. The Short The Short Service Worker Service Worker Program was Program ties the general developed and piloted before safety training an employee companywide implementation. receives with the host site It has been periodically orientations to real, field level revised to meet the needs of vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 27

BEST ELIMINAT PRACTICES IN COVID-19 PPE MANAGEMENT Colin Brown, PhD, CSP, CIH Jessica Richardson, CSP, CHST, STSC, CIT 28 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

ENGINEERING TION/SUBSTITUTION WORKERS’ COMPENSATION/ RECORDABILITY vpppa.org ADMINISTRATIVE Leader—Winter 2021 29

Introduction When it is not possible several large construction to eliminate all exposure or companies who conduct The risk of worker exposure interaction, organizations can preventative measures such to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that work to reduce exposure. For as after-hours fogging in causes COVID-19, is a new example, increasing virtual preparation for the following day. challenge to the world and meetings or video conferencing the construction industry. can reduce the need to meet To address surfaces and The Occupational Safety and in-person. Where possible, high-touch areas, employers Health Act of 1970 requires organizations can also examine can use hands-free equipment each employer in the U.S. to their processes to identify such as soap dispensers, trash provide a workplace free from opportunities to minimize receptacles and door openers. recognized hazards that cause, shared spaces or interaction Employers can also use or are likely to cause, death or with other people. antimicrobial tape on buttons, serious physical harm. Because handles, and other areas with a COVID-19 is a known hazard, Engineering high likelihood of hand contact. many organizations have developed innovative best Many organizations have Administrative practices to mitigate workers’ implemented engineering risks and perform essential controls to separate workers Administrative controls, work safely. Hazard and risk from exposure. Joaquin Diaz, including comprehensive control measures vary in MM, CIH, CSP, CHST, OHST, procedures and protocols, are their degree of risk reduction, current President of BCSP critical to an overall response effectiveness and reliability. and Environmental, Health, to COVID-19. The hierarchy of controls and Safety (EHS) Director is structured with the most at Skanska, described how Health monitoring is an effective and reliable options Skanska uses physical barriers essential tool and best practice. at the top and descend to the throughout all projects in an Professor Stockel notes that lowest level of protection, office environment and limited many large construction prevention or mitigation. In construction activities. It is companies began monitoring and this article, we asked board important to note that we checking temperatures several members from the Board of should not consider physical times a day. Other best practices Certified Safety Professionals barriers as a primary control that have emerged include facial (BCSP) to describe best since it is challenging to verify scanning with temperature practices in managing disinfection and sanitation screening and tracking COVID-19. protocols’ effectiveness. employees with color-coded wristbands. These types of team- Elimination/ Mario Varela, CSP, ASP, based approaches allow for self- Substitution Past President of BCSP and the monitoring and collaboration. Vice President of Corporate Many organizations have EHS at Fresenius Kabi USA, Some organizations require implemented several strategies LLC, highlights ventilation temperature screening as to eliminate or reduce exposure. as a critical control measure, an entry requirement and For example, BCSP transitioned specifically, “increased filter must consider additional to working remotely full-time efficiency via HEPA filtration factors such as maintaining during the COVID-19 pandemic at higher performance.” This is physical distance, training and to minimize potential exposure. achieved through more frequent temperature reader accuracy. filter replacements, more filters Self-administered systems To further reduce exposure in series for added filtration, such as face scanners are to COVID-19, employers should and ultraviolet (UV) lighting. another option. When using work to identify and isolate Diaz adds that ionization can be self-administered scanners, potential cases quickly. Early used as another step of filtration Diaz notes that it is important reporting of symptoms by in ventilation systems. to consider placement, how using procedures or screening to record results, scanner measures is a critical step in Leslie Stockel, MS, CSP, SMS accuracy and ensuring that this process. When workers is the current Vice President of the scanners are operating begin to present symptoms BCSP and Assistant Professor effectively as employees enter in the workplace, employers of Professional Practice, and re-enter the building. should have policies to isolate Fire Protection and Safety individuals safely at work or Engineering Technology at As noted earlier, cleaning is send them home, coupled with Oklahoma State University. critical, particularly in areas medical evaluation. Professor Stockel spoke with where an employee has tested positive. This cleaning process should include deep cleaning, 30 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

disinfecting high contact areas chemical storage. Organizations (such as desktop phones) every can also install signage and floor eight hours and reducing the markers to channelize traffic. overall use of high-contact Given the need to increase equipment or areas. storage of flammable liquids such as sanitizers, it is critical Contact tracing is a process to perform flammable liquids of identifying, informing and training and develop procedures tracking people who come with distributors for just-in- in close contact with those time deliveries to reduce the who have tested positive for amount of disinfecting and COVID-19 while they were sanitizing liquids on site. infectious. By informing and notifying people who PPE “. . . one of the best practices for all had contact with infected individuals, organizations Personal protective equipment companies is excellent communication, can implement quarantine (PPE) is a vital element in protocols that will limit the a comprehensive response which is vital given the complexity of spread of disease. to COVID-19. Respiratory protection and face masks COVID-19 mitigation measures.” There are many ways to are critical to protecting conduct contact tracing. Diaz employees and preventing the of workers’ compensation notes one method of contact spread of COVID-19. Professor claims, as well as the tracing by using electronic Stockel notes that many recordability of work-related trackers that are worn by construction companies have contagions. The applicability of employees. The trackers can added face masks to standard workers’ compensation claims identify whether other workers PPE protocols, supplemented depends on each state, so it are within physical distancing with social distancing. Since is essential to research your requirements, as well as the multiple people are necessary state’s requirements. It can length of time that people are for many projects, the be challenging to determine near each other. This type of employees must consistently recordability in some cases, tracing can evaluate positive wear their face masks. and therefore a comprehensive cases and identify employees contact tracing program is within physical distances. It is also critical to consider critical to pinpoint the origin Manual contact tracing the procurement of PPE. At the of exposure. relies on the investigation beginning of the pandemic, of infection timelines and many organizations were Conclusion identification procedures for not well stocked with PPE. infected individuals. Diaz notes that Skanska set The past year has challenged up a National Distribution organizations to quickly adapt Organizations can use Network for PPE, which and develop best practices to a standard form to help included working with certain prevent and control the spread investigators ask the distributors and identifying of COVID-19. Employers can appropriate questions, such quantities for onsite use the hierarchy of controls to as which crews were assigned, availability. One of the benefits implement these best practices which tools were shared, of this approach is that it and develop a roadmap to and what level of contact helped distributors prepare working safely and effectively. employees had with each and maintain inventory to Professor Stockel notes that other. Other best practices ensure they had enough PPE one of the best practices for at construction sites include available for workers. all companies is excellent posting QR codes to identify communication, which is employees and crews for the Workers’ vital given the complexity of day, which provides valuable Compensation/ COVID-19 mitigation measures. data that can be used for Recordability The spotlight is on SH&E contact tracing. professionals, and this is a Varela remarks that it critical moment to elevate the Training and procedures is essential to conduct profession and transition these are necessary to familiarize comprehensive COVID-19 hierarchy discussions into other employees with protocols investigations for positive cases. safety challenges. related to social distancing, These investigations are critical contact tracing, personal to determining the applicability protective equipment and vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 31

3 to Turn Safety Training Into A “Best Practice” By Michael Hancock BCSP SMS, SGE, Director of Safety, MCAF Quantico; VPP Site Coordinator; Owner—Creative Safety LLC 32 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

I would love to know how many safety colleagues have been challenged with one or more of these nagging thoughts: “Is my safety training changing behavior?” “A re people actually learning anything?” “W hy is there so much push-back to attend required training sessions?” “W hat’s wrong with these people, don’t they realize this training is key to their wellbeing?” T hese thoughts were the source when purchased in batches of 25, 50, or 100, of torment as I worked through everyone is receiving the same message; a our annual self-assessment. little more personal than a store-bought Although completion percentages card, but is it personalized enough to make a looked great, we had solid documentation connection with the receiver? and curriculum was up to date with current standards and regulations, I was confronted What if you took a card, regardless of with the realization that a majority of those what was on the front, and you took time attending required safety training had very to create a message unique to the receiver. little desire to be there, even if it was for their A thoughtful statement penned on the own good. So, the journey began to determine card that comes from your knowledge “why,” then work to restructure safety and understanding of that individual. By training strategies going forward. making this message unique to them it creates a greater opportunity for connection. Three Keys to turn Safety Regardless of age or background the greater Training into a Best Practice: connection the receiver can have with the Key #1—Make a Connection sender, the greater chance the message being communicated is received, retained We love to receive Christmas cards. Card and repeated. Translating this to our training companies have made fortunes designing programs, the greater connection the sender cards in different shapes and sizes, some with can make with the receiver increases the witty or sentimental sayings, and some even probability that the training material is being come (and I’m not a fan) with glitter. But no received, retained and reflected in the work matter how hard the card company works habits of the employees. to write something meaningful, our eyes are always drawn to what the sender, not the I am in no way saying your training card company, writes to us. program is responsible for creating individual curriculum for each employee, that is simply Allow me to make one more comparison. not feasible, nor realistic. However, it doesn’t With the advance of print on demand get us off the hook from taking a hard look at technology, we can now design and order our our safety training and acknowledging what own cards in bulk. On the front we add family our desired end-state is. Are we more about photos and the back is a more personalized rosters and completion percentages, or are message. This may be more meaningful, but we about developing curriculum that actually makes a difference in the lives of the workers? vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 33

The truth is, if we desire a and Health Training element Key #2—Realize safe and healthy workplace should always be a high that Adults Learn where leadership supports priority, as effective training Differently safety training efforts, and will influence and strengthen employees are involved and all other VPP elements. According to The Journal of engaged, our safety training Education, the average adult strategies and knowledge Regardless if you develop forgets 25 percent of what transfer methods need to your own training curriculum, they learned within one hour, connect in ways that modify purchase an off the shelf and 85 percent within one prior poor practices, bad product or can afford a third- week. Additionally, adults will habits, even workplace peer party contractor to develop enter the training environment pressure. Let’s be honest, custom material for you, the with a “what’s-in-it-for-me” safety training is typically not key to connection is to do your attitude. We simply cannot high on the excitement list for homework on your audience, use the same approach in management, supervisors or and work into the curriculum training the adult workforce as workers. Why is that? Maybe a relatable material designed to children are taught in schools. connection is missing. make a connection. Don’t get In fact, there is a name for the bogged down by regurgitating different approach to teaching No connection = No value added. policy and regulations where adults: Andragogy: the method the entire hour is spent on and practice of teaching adult No value added = No buy-in. countless dos and don’ts. Are learners. In 1980, Malcolm they important? Absolutely. But Shepherd Knowles was an Are you compliant? Probably. they only provide a foundation, American adult educator, But as VPP sites we should not a connection. famous for the adoption of the strive for more than simple theory of andragogy. Knowles compliance. We desire Here’s an example of a theory of andragogy identified excellence, so striving for best simple connection: five assumptions that we practices throughout the Safety would be wise to consider as Good: PowerPoint presentation we develop safety training of 29 CFR 1910.147—The strategies. Control of Hazardous Energy. Self-Concept—“Because adults Better: A small group are at a mature developmental discussion of 29 CFR 1910.147 stage, they have a more secure and how it applies locally. self-concept than children. This allows them to take part in Best: A small group discussion directing their own learning.” (machine side if possible) with When developing your safety all Mixer-Grinder operators training it is important to covering 29 CFR 1910.147. The realize that adults are capable discussion is led by Charlie, (and often respond better) to a well-known and respected self-paced learning, discussion coworker. Charlie discusses and individual or group local policy and recounts the research. Don’t get in a rut time his right middle finger where students get stuck in a was amputated when he classroom staring at a screen reached into a Hobart model where the facilitator reads MG1532 Mixer-Grinder to PowerPoint slides. Slides are remove a frozen block of meat okay to be used but should while the machine was still not be the sole medium for running. Following Charlie’s material delivery. discussion, organize a hands- on activity where teams of Past Learning Experience— two conduct supervised power “Adults have a vast array of down procedures. To close, experiences to draw on as they review OSHA amputation learn, as opposed to children investigation findings and who are in the process of gaining the corrective actions taken, new experiences.” This can be followed by a comprehensive good and bad. As material is quiz in the training room to being delivered, adult learners evaluate comprehension. 34 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

immediately evaluate the by nothing more than an Although more recent studies to-study.com/learning-style- content and determine if opportunity to take part in show varying degrees of assessment/index.asp.) it is relevant to their lives. training to feel a sense of accuracy, the principle remains Depending on which side of satisfaction, to learn something the same. By incorporating One last thought. Don’t the line they fall on, their new, or to tackle a new multiple delivery techniques hesitate to listen to pushback. experience has a great deal of challenge. With no expectation into the period of instruction, The foundation of pushback influence on their acceptance for an external reward, there you can strategically deliver may be grounded in one of the or rejection of the content are personal satisfactions that critical information using three keys above, or you may you provide. drive the adult learner. higher retention methods. discover other areas that need If you want to take your to be addressed. On March 9, Readiness to Learn—“Many Key #3—Understand training to an even higher 1832, seeking his first seat to adults have reached a point that Everyone Has level, conduct a learning-style the Illinois General Assembly, in which they see the value of a Style assessment as part of your on- a young 23-year-old Abraham education and are ready to be boarding strategy. By tracking Lincoln wrote “Upon the subject serious about and focused on A learning style that is. In individual learning styles in of education, not presuming learning.” This requires safety the early 1960’s the National your local Safety Information to dictate any plan or system trainers to evaluate the delivery Training Laboratories Institute Management System, even respecting it, I can only say that method and the material developed what is called “The greater learning can take place I view it as the most important being presented and ask the Learning Pyramid,” and from by creating targeted content subject which we as a people can hard question, will the learner the three primary learning to that unique audience. There be engaged in.” Mr. Lincoln was identify with the value of the styles (Kinesthetic, Visual, are several sites that provide well ahead of his time, as those training? If done well, and the and Auditory) established an learning style assessments. words are as fitting today as learner can identify the content average “rate of retention.” (One free site is: www.how- they were 189 years ago. of the session as an investment of their time, because they are ready to learn, they will engage in the session with eagerness and will communicate to others the importance of attending the training. Practical Reasons to Learn— “Adults are looking for practical, problem-centered approaches to learning. Many adults return to continuing education for specific practical reasons, such as entering a new field.” Adult learners are busy with a wide range of responsibilities. Adding a training event to an already busy schedule can be a major reason for pushback. By recognizing this, training should be designed in a way that helps solve problems at work or strengthens opportunities for career progression or change. Driven by Internal Motivation— “While many children are driven by external motivators—such as punishment if they get bad grades or rewards if they get good grades—adults are more internally motivated.” Also known as intrinsic motivation, adults can often be driven vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 35

ERGONOMICS PUT WORKERS TRAINING THROUGH A MANUAL PROGRAM MATERIAL HANDLING NOT WORKING? 36 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

Written by Shelly Carmichael, Staff Editor, Coca-Cola Contributed by Brock Anderson, Ergo-ology According to Liberty Mutual’s 2020 Workplace Safety Index, overexertion from handling heavy objects is the number one cause of disabling workplace injuries, costing businesses nearly $14 billion per year. any employers in the “For jobs that are so physical, we warehousing, logistics, felt it was important to have a very manufacturing and physical element to the training. It construction industries allows for real-time, individualized are familiar with the term “industrial coaching, and it provides an athlete,” which posits that workers in opportunity for workers to feel their very physical jobs need training just bodies performing motions correctly to like a pro-athlete, including education start building some muscle memory.” on proper lifting techniques and conditioning exercises. The obstacle course also creates a Despite their best efforts to deliver positive experience; trainees naturally this training, though, most employers get competitive over who can finish the do not see sustained reductions in course in the fastest time with proper OSHA-recordable soft tissue injuries. form. Fun and interactive activities help “The three most common flaws in participants retain more information manual handling training programs are over the long term. that they are not applicable, engaging or scalable,” said Brock Anderson, 2 Customized to owner & principal ergonomist of Workplace Demands Ergo-ology, a consulting firm helping employers to assess and improve Importantly, no two obstacle courses workplace safety conditions. The Bootcamp is designed to are the same. Every course is designed specifically combat the three common shortfalls of workplace ergonomics to reflect the specific tasks and training programs. Here are the key features attendees will learn about: workflows performed by workers at their facility. “It’s 100 percent customized. We use the same equipment that they use and try to match the way they work as much as possible. This way, lessons learned from the course are directly 1 Hands-on applicable to the workers’ day-to-day Physical Training experience,” Anderson said. What would a bootcamp be without an Custom courses are especially obstacle course? effective to improve form and technique The centerpiece and key on tasks that take place outside of a differentiator of the Bootcamp facility’s four walls. On site, there may approach is a short two- to three- be a variety of engineering controls to minute course that allows trainers help workers avoid overexertion, such to assess workers’ form on a variety as vacuum-assisted lifts. But when of tasks. Course runs are videotaped, workers are out making deliveries or letting workers see for themselves working on an off-site project, “that’s where their technique might be flawed. where training and behavior change “We often hear workers say, ‘I know rise to the top,” Anderson said. to lift with my legs and not my back. “Engineering controls should be the I know to avoid twisting.’ But then primary method of risk reduction, but they see the tape and they realize their behavior change arising from specific form was not as spot-on as maybe they and applicable training will go with the thought it was,” Anderson said. worker wherever they are.” vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 37

Ergonomic 3 Scalable and Participants must Anderson’s co-presenter injuries dropped Sustainable demonstrate competency in Jayne Welliver, safety & by 29 percent the six core principles, after loss prevention manager over 18 months Often, employer-implemented which they become certified for Coca-Cola Bottling Co., after Bootcamp trainers themselves, capable of will offer some of the injury implementation. training programs suffer from administering the classroom reduction results realized after training, obstacle course implementing the Bootcamp. lack of sustainability. “They’re and coaching that constitute the key pillars of the Among the most impressive too difficult, too complex, and “Bootcamp” approach. stats: don’t create the capabilities to “This very formalized ‘train • Ergonomic injuries dropped the trainer’ instruction is what deliver training repeatedly over creates the ability to sustain by 29 percent over 18 the program going forward,” months after Bootcamp the long term,” Anderson said. Anderson said. implementation. The Manual Material “Once they grasp the six • By 30 months, injury rate core principles and learn the Handling Bootcamp creates methodology or infrastructure for was down 60 percent. the manual material handling those capabilities through bootcamp, attendees can take • Also, at the 30-month mark, what they learn back to their intensive classroom instruction workplace and implement much workers’ compensation of this approach themselves, claims costs had decreased of on-site supervisors, who will even if they don’t use us as a by 70 percent. consultant. The information alone “Jane will provide be responsible for delivering the is very valuable,” Anderson said. testimonials and a case study of success for Coca-Cola training long after Anderson Attendees will also hear that we believe are relevant a firsthand account of how for employers across several and his team have gone. successful this approach can be. sectors, including logistics, warehousing, construction, and “We spend a few hours with healthcare,” Anderson said. supervisors of the frontline workers covering our six core principles, which overall are about teaching people how to maximize power and increase the body’s ability to withstand stress as much as possible to counterbalance the physical demands of work,” Anderson said. 38 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

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Membership Corner Follow us on social media! Facebook @VPPPA Twitter: @VPPPA Instagram: @VPPPA_Inc LinkedIn: VPPPA, Inc. Winter Members Take Your Safety Introducing “VPPPA of the Month Program to the Chats”—A New Series Next Level Congratulations to our winter New Year, new member benefit! Registration is now open We are excited to introduce a new (December, January, February) for VPPPA’s new virtual interactive experience—available event—Next Level Safety! to VPPPA members only. VPPPA Members of the Month: Chats will provide an opportunity Maria Pavez, Samantha W. Reasons to Attend: for a small group of members Shoope and Christa Kalcic. to learn directly from industry • Access to all 24 leaders about a variety of safety Want to submit someone to and health topics. Each session workshops, including is open to only 20 people to be considered as a VPPPA Q&A sessions allow for attendees to easily ask and presentations questions and create a meaningful Member of the Month? Email conversation with the host. Have [email protected]. Visit • Workshops presented you ever wanted the opportunity vpppa.org to read more about the to chat with industry leaders, by top federal and VPPPA National Board members, current Member of the Month. state-plan VPP OSHA company CEOs and more? This representatives FREE opportunity is for you! • Direct dialogue with See You in Nashville! presenters during the 2020 was a tough year for live Q&A sessions everyone and we are looking forward to a better and brighter • Maximize your time: 2021 ahead. Safety+ is back! But it will look a little different. 30 minutes of learning, Not ready to leave the comfort of plus 15 minutes for your home? No worries. live Q&A Missing in-person networking? We’ve got you covered too. • 3 educational tracks: Welcome to the new Safety+— a hybrid event! VPP, “New to Safety,” Date: August 31–September 2, 2021 OSHA. Location: Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, TN Topics include: AND your computer Be on the lookout for more • Virtual audits information as we get closer to • Walking working the event. Sponsored by VPPPA & surfaces Region IV VPPPA. Registration will open in March! • Top 10 OSHA Violations • ROI of VPP (roundtable vpppa.org discussion) • And many more! Tune into the workshops from the safety of your own home, during your lunch break or after work. You can find more information and register at vpppa.org. Date: April 20-21, 2021 Location: Your computer screen! Cost: $299 for VPPPA members/$399 for nonmembers 40 Leader—Winter 2021

Infographic Corner VPPPA Year in Review The Leader magazine & VPPPA Blog won a total of three APEX Awards. VPPPA provided The Leader featured VPPPA awarded 4 20 38 safety scholarships and health webinars. articles. to students pursuing careers in safety and 6 annual awards to companies & individuals going above and beyond in safety. 10 “Hero VPPPA hosted In November 2020, Awards” VPPPA launched a five days were dispersed among new website & VPPPA members for of lunch & learn database. their inspirational work sessions. during the pandemic. VPPPA shared over VPPPA participated in 40 #GivingTuesday new blog posts. on December 1, 2020, and raised money for our Scholarship fund. vpppa.org Leader—Winter 2021 41

www.vpppa.org VPPPA National Board of Directors Ad Index Chairperson Advertiser Website Page Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP AIM www.aimforsafety.com 40 Vice Chairperson Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Bollé www.bollesafety-usa.com 44 Treasurer Creative Safety www.creativesafetyllc.com 34 Sean D. Horne, Valero Energy Ericson www.biokinetix.com 38 Secretary Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Glen Guard www.glenguard.com 43 Cintas Corporation Glove Guard www.gloveguard.com 7 Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Unit Next Level Safety www.vpppa.org 5 Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Roco Rescue www.rocorescue.com 2 Director from a Site Without a Collective Working Concepts www.softknees.com 11 Bargaining Agent Johnathan “JD” Dyer, Shermco Industries VPPPA contacts To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visit www.vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, Director from a DOE-VPP Site please refer to the contact information below. Vacant Sara A. Taylor, CMP Sierra Johnson Director from a VPP Contractor/ Director of Operations Special Projects Coordinator Construction Site [email protected] [email protected] Brad Gibson, S&B Engineers & Constructors Natasha Cole Kerri Usher Director-at-Large Events Coordinator Communications Shelly Ettel, PCAPP [email protected] & Outreach Manager [email protected] Director-at-Large Heidi Hill Bill Linneweh, CSP, Hendrickson International Senior Event Sales & Katlyn Pagliuca Advertising Coordinator Membership Manager Director-at-Large [email protected] [email protected] Andy Youpel, SGE, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company Director-at-Large Christina Ross, Morton Salt Director-at-Large Rocky Simmons, Mission Support Alliance Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. EDITORIAL MISSION The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 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. 42 Leader—Winter 2021 vpppa.org

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