The Leader Winter 2017 - The Future of Safety

4:30 PM 97% VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1, WINTER 2017Tech Tools for the Safety Professional How Apps, IoT and Big Data Analytics will Change your Game 1 2017 EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK 2 36



message from the executive directorMike Maddox A s most of you know, I stepped down as chairman of the National VPPPA Board ofExecutive Director Directors in August 2016 and retired from my company, for the second time, on January 31, 2017. For the last three years, in addition to being chairman, I have also served as the acting executive director for the association. The board has graciously appointed me to be the full time executive director. It is a great honor to serve as the sixth executive director in the association’s 33-year history. These are exciting times for VPP and VPPPA. I fully expect we are entering into another period of rapid growth in the number of VPP sites. We, as an association, look forward to again having a strong and positive relationship with our OSHA partners both at the federal and state level. In order to accomplish the numerous goals for the association that have been established by the national board, we need everyone’s assistance starting with renewing your site’s membership or joining for the first time. Codification of VPP continues to be a major goal and we look forward to new bipartisan bills being introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. In conjunction, we continue our successful education of members of Congress on the importance and value of VPP. Last year, we conducted over 500 educational meetings and more are scheduled for 2017 in March, June and November following each board meeting. If you can join us for these interesting and fun congressional meetings, please contact me at my new email address, [email protected] or call me at (703) 761-6503. It is also very important for everyone to contact their senators and representatives to express how important VPP is to you and your site. Additionally, send me information about VPP celebrations at your sites and if possible, I or one of that national board members will try to attend. Thank you for your support, Mike Maddox Executive Director THE LEADER vpppa.org 3

LEATHE DER CONTENTSVOL 4. ISSUE 1 WINTER 2017cover1 8 Tech Tools for the Safety Professional—How Apps, IoT andBig Data Analytics willChange your Game An explosion of new safety products, processes and services are made possible by disruptive technology developments in consumer products, medical devices and through the adoption of innovative new business models. The impact in risk and exposure assessment is already being seen with the widespread adoption of safety apps, low cost embedded sensor networks (Internet of Things) and the use of ‘big data’ analysis and crowdsourcing of information to make more informed conclusions and decisions about workplace safety.features8The Future of Safety 12Top Five Practices From 14Lowering Fatality Rates: as a Profession: OSHA: Construction The Mining IndustryGet Ready for Some Safety Recommendations Through Enhanced HazardMajor Swings to Incorporate in Your Recognition and Training WarehouseCurrent projections suggest that the The number of fatal injuries has beeneconomy is still recovering and choosing One of OSHA’s measures is to foster safety on the decline in recent years, butsafety as a career choice is not enticing. through conceived recommendations certainly, mining operators everywhereCompanies are hiring more generalists that will undoubtedly raise the bar in want to see this number go to zero.than specialists and trying to survive with warehouse operational safety. This Technological advancements in thelimited staffing. Optimistic projections creates a brighter future for construction industry have helped achieve thesesuggest that the jobs currently held by safety as innovative tools, practices reductions and will continue to do so,baby boomers will begin to open up in and approaches will further streamline but the reduction in fatalities could notthe next decade as they retire, and the laborious processes while reducing the have come about without the focus andjob prospects for younger professionals likelihood of workplace incidents. dedication to safety provided by safetymay begin to flourish. professionals, company management and the miners themselves.4 THE LEADER vpppa.org

features continued www.vpppa.org24In Loving Memory of 38The Future of VPPPA National Board of Directors Cynthia Mahoney Safety Training in a Mobile World ChairpersonIn November 2016, the VPPPA community Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Grouplost a fierce advocate for the safety Life today is extremely mobile and fast-and health world. She was a consistent, paced, creating a legion of employees Vice Chairpersonunwavering fixture within the industry, at who are often overwhelmed, distracted Rob Henson, LyondellBasellconferences and a hub of wisdom and and eager to receive digestibleadvice to the many friends she gathered information—fast! In examining the Treasurerthrough the years. We all knew her as way that learners are influenced by Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratorythe strong, dauntless safety professional, this increasingly mobile world, we canmotivational speaker, regional board gather insight about the state of mobile Secretarymember and national board member learning today, why mobile learning Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LPbut she was also a beloved wife, works and some of the best mobiledaughter, sister, aunt and friend. safety training solutions. Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Agentsections Don Johnson, Phillips 66MESSAGE FROM THE 3 Look for these topics highlighted in the Director from a Site Without a Collective EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR top right corner of each section. Bargaining Agent 6 Richard McConnell, Austin IndustrialGLOBAL SAFETY AND G overnment at LyondellBasell HEALTH WATCH 28 Membership 29 H ealth Director from a DOE-VPP SiteMEMBER SPOTLIGHT 30 Business Stacy Thursby, AECOMMEMBER INFO CORNER 33 OutreachSTATE-PLAN MONITOR 36 Director from a VPP Contractor/VPPPA REGION ROUND-UPS 42 Construction SiteWASHINGTON UPDATE 43 Jamie Robey, CSP, SGE, The Brock GroupINFOGRAPHIC CORNER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Director-at-Large J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Director-at-Large Kimberly Watson, Southwire Director-at-Large Carey West, The Mundy Companies Director-at-Large Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Director-at-Large Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Editor Sarah Neely, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. Editorial Mission The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600-E Leesburg Pike • Ste. 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities. THE LEADER vpppa.org 5

global safety and health watchWhat Does Brexit MeanFor Safety & Health? BY JAMIE MITCHELL, O n June 23, 2016, a referendum was succeed. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) COMMUNICATIONS held to decide whether the United interprets EU law with judgements that are COORDINATOR, VPPPA INC. Kingdom (U.K.) should leave or binding for all member states. However, now remain in the European Union (EU), an that the EU will no longer control laws in6 THE LEADER vpppa.org economic and political partnership involving the U.K., concerns have been raised about 28 countries. The decision to leave the EU the future of safety and health regulations. narrowly won the vote, and shocked the Could changes to these laws put workers’ world. An agreement known as Article 50 rights and safety at risk? According to Brexit of The Lisbon Treaty states, “Any Member Secretary, David Davis, the answer is no. State may decide to withdraw from the Union Davis has stated, “To those who are trying to in accordance with its own constitutional frighten British workers, saying, ‘When we requirements.” Theresa May, the Prime leave, employment rights will be eroded,’ I Minister of the U.K., has confirmed that the say firmly and unequivocally, ‘no they won’t.’” U.K. will trigger Article 50, leaving the EU, The two-year period of negotiations between and begin a two-year period of negotiation to the U.K. and EU will determine the future agree to the terms of the split. Therefore the of this relationship, however, Theresa May U.K. will be expected to have left the EU by has confirmed her plans for the U.K. to leave the summer of 2019. The government will the European single market and work out a also enact a Great Repeal Bill—ending the new trade deal with the EU. It appears that primacy of EU law in the U.K.—allowing the EU regulations will be utilized similarly for government to decide which parts of the law to now, and eventually become modified as the keep, change or remove. Many have wondered U.K. seems fit—because while EU laws may what Brexit (a merging of the words “Britain” control aspects of the U.K.’s safety and health and “exit”) will mean for the future of politics, programs, the U.K. is a known safety leader economics, travel and more. But what are the in Europe. According to a paper by Teresa implications of Brexit on safety and health? Hitchcock and Bob Martens, “Health and safety law as it applies between employers and The European Communities Act dictates employees, as opposed to between businesses that when there is a clash between U.K. and third parties, is now largely set by EU Parliament and EU Law, the latter will always

Directives, but following a pattern originally effectiveness not just on its origin…The “To those who are tryingadopted in the U.K. under the Health and British Safety Council urges government to to frighten British workers,Safety at Work Act 1974. The U.K. is unlikely ensure that any proposed alteration to items saying, ‘When we leave,to want to change this speedily, particularly of health and safety and environmental employment rights willsince the U.K. has one of the better safety legislation is considered carefully. These be eroded,’ I say firmlyrecords in Europe, generally at acceptable cost important decisions must be properly and unequivocally, ‘noto businesses.” evidence-based and ensure continuity of they won’t.’” proportionate and effective protection for The U.K. and EU will begin the two-year workers in the U.K.” —DAVID DAVISperiod of negotiations soon, and until that —Louise Ward, Director of Policy andhas concluded, the future of relations betweenthese bodies will be somewhat unknown. Standards, British Safety CouncilPredictions show that the future of safety andhealth is bright. Both the U.K. and EU value “The Personal Protective Equipment marketworkers and their futures—meaning safety and in the UK has been based on EU directiveshealth regulations are definitely a priority. The for a generation. After years of discussion,following are a few predictions and concerns the new Regulation (EU) 2016/425 camefor the future of safety and health in the U.K. ‘into force’ in April this year. We can onlyand EU from experts in the field: at this stage assume that the market will continue to recognize it. The Federation will “Post-Brexit, the UK now has less influence work diligently with legislators to be on the over EU law. Now we’re exiting, it’s vital inside of any discussions, and we will ensure the U.K. continues to apply our successful that members of the BSIF are kept up to risk-based health and safety system, which date with all pertinent developments.” includes laws from EU directives, because —A lan Murray, Chief Executive, British it’s been found to be fit for purpose by several independent reviews and is respected and Safety Industry Federation imitated across the world…IOSH will continue to promote agreed international References standards and to defend against any erosion of health and safety protections…As UK 1. www.thsp.co.uk/brexit-mean-health-safety/ organizations will want to continue to trade with Europe, it will be in everyone’s 2. www.dlapiper.com/en/uk/insights/ interest to maintain the status quo…The publications/2016/04/brexit-at-a-glance/ U.K. has already helped to influence sound brexit-safety-health-environment/ foundations for European health and safety and beyond and our expertise will continue 3. www.shponline.co.uk/brexit-health-and- to be sought and valued.” safety-reacts/ —Richard Jones, Head of Policy 4. www.healthandsafetyatwork.com/ and Public Affairs, Institution of regulation/eu-referendum-result Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) 5. www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon- “Now that the U.K. has voted to leave the treaty/treaty-on-European-union-and- EU, and depending on the terms of any comments/title-6-final-provisions/137- future agreements, there may be a need to article-50.html review the framework. Caution is required here if we are to continue to maintain our 6. www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887 current standards and protect the health and safety of workers in the UK. The 7. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/23/ objective must be to judge each element leave-or-remain-eu-referendum-results-and- of the framework on its own merits and live-maps/ 8. www.smh.com.au/world/theresa-may- brexit-speech-pm-reveals-uk-will-leave- single-market-flags-australia-trade-deal- 20170117-gttd98.html 9. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ great-repeal-bill-brexit-law-eu-law-theresa- may-david-davis-a7343256.html 10. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ great-repeal-bill-brexit-law-eu-law-theresa- may-david-davis-a7343256.html THE LEADER vpppa.org 7

BY BRENDA WIEDERKEHR, CSC OWNER OF ACCESS COMPLIANCE, VICE PRESIDENT OF ACCESS HEALTH SYSTEMS AND VPPPA REGION II CHAIRPERSONTOHFESFAUFTEUTRYE as a PROFESSION: GET READY FOR SOME MAJOR SWINGS8 THE LEADER vpppa.org

The chance to predict the future is a great and somewhat risky business. Going out on a limb is not safe… but someone has to do it. In researching this topic, I had the chance to look at some of the existing projections. Many articles discuss how there will be improvements in personal protection equipment. Others focus in on the changing workforce dynamics, such as identifying the trend of manufacturing jobs leaving the United States and being replaced by service jobs with far fewer hazards. One can alsofocus on the relationship between the rise and fall of regulatory powers on the employers. After all, when OSHA was aggressively developing standards and putting them out in rapid fashion in the 1980s withpenalties, we saw a rise in safety programs and jobs for safety personnel. Now, with a far less aggressive and understaffed set of federal and state agencies, combined with a very slow approval process fornew regulation in most federal and state programs, we find attendance at safety meetings dropping. This has also been impacted by the recent ailing economy. The level of government funding for regulatoryagencies could be a predictor of the future of jobs for safety professionals. There is no indication of a big financial boost for these agencies on the horizon.L ooking towards the more distant future ability of their safety department, while failing even the personnel and equipment at the site in and the bigger picture items, it seems that to plan for an upcoming generational shift and minutes. Bring back a “boomer” 10 years after predicting the future depends upon two experience shortfall. It’s not uncommon to retirement, and it’s likely they will see very little things: how far out you want to look and your hear: “All of our safety professionals have been that is familiar. Data access can turn a specialist vantage point. here for at least 20 years.” into a generalist, or vice versa, by giving instant availability to answers in the field. The vantage point issue addresses concerns. It is a very common scenario, but in fact, If you want to predict the future of safety how great is it? What will happen in 10 years Let’s Explore the New as a career choice, you would be looking at when all of this experience has retired? On the Administration’s Impact on Safety the projected supply and demand of safety surface, that issue is quite concerning, but it professionals in the marketplace. Are we may not be a problem. Research shows that the 1. The new administration has attacked “bullish on safety?” It is a complex task younger population, particularly millennials, companies for trying to take advantage since the demand for safety personnel is have a different way of solving problems that of cheap overseas labor, particularly when multifactorial. Will there be new regulations? could be dampened by too much mentoring. it comes to losing U.S. manufacturing Will regulatory agencies be more involved jobs. By adding hefty tariffs on imported with compliance or looking to penalize? Will It is not that millennials know how to solve goods, will we begin to reverse the U.S. the economy grow, leading to expansion of the problems, which come up in an industrial trend of steadily losing manufacturing safety as a motivating factor, or shrink, with environment without having the experience; it jobs and becoming a service economy? resources put towards production at the cost of is that the solutions will likely be far different Maybe these jobs will return if this type prevention? How will green technology impact and more efficient than the current set of of “isolationist” legislation is enacted. the field? What about the supply side? eyes can imagine: Technology based…cloud The larger corporations appear to be based…real time…shared data…artificial anticipating this with reports of large The current projections suggest that the intelligence…analytics. Even the simplest task, employers cancelling the construction market is still recovering and the choice such as finding a piece of personal protective of factories overseas and stopping of safety as a career choice is not enticing. gear, will be a simpler process. The old guard the transfer of work out of the U.S. Companies are hiring more generalists than looked through a catalogue from a supplier Obviously, if manufacturing companies specialists and trying to survive with limited while the new guard will search the world return to the U.S., it should benefit the staffing. However, optimistic projections and find the latest and best technologies. As safety community…theoretically. suggest that the jobs currently held by baby an example, the old guard would examine a boomers will begin to open up in the next problem, write up a report, bring it back to 2. A major objective of the new decade as they retire, and job prospects for the office and try to track down the people administration is going to be promoting younger professionals may begin to flourish. to deal with it. The new guard will use a cell fossil fuel energy. Hazardous jobs in the The situation creates an odd dynamic. A phone, share a video, analyze the data right on fracking, drilling and mining operations company will boast about the experience and the phone and have a solution in seconds, or THE LEADER vpppa.org 9

If U.S. production ramps up fracking companies. This would stop the economics and growth of renewable energyagain, as it likely will, we rapid growth in the U.S. and competitive sources. However, even if we generatewill see some major growth advantage. Remember when gasoline our electricity by air, sun and water, thein chemical manufacturing dropped below $2.00 again after many growth of chemical companies producingin the U.S. with jobs years? This was an economic action by the feedstock chemicals to make many otherreturning from Asia and the Middle East producers designed to cripple products is likely to continue to expand.European Union. the U.S. fracking industry. China has tried to match this effort using its gigantic coal reserves as the source for will all need safety professionals. In Due to financial pressures on these these “feedstock” chemical production addition, the recent price advantage countries, this is now coming to an end, plants, but this has generally failed to be as by a supply of cheap natural gas in the as is reflected in the rapid rise of gasoline competitive as our cheap natural gas. U.S. which, is literally well below world prices again. If U.S. production ramps up 3. Another area of particular interest prices, had started a boom of chemical again, as it likely will, we will see some to the new administration is a focus manufacturing operations to produce major growth in chemical manufacturing on infrastructure. This means jobs in “feedstock” precursor chemicals from the in the U.S. with jobs returning from Asia building roads, bridges, airports, rail and natural gas to give us a manufacturing and the European Union. The fly in the other federally funded supports to the advantage over the world. The recent glut ointment is the question of whether the industrial economy. It is a job stimulus of oil production by Saudi Arabia and oil and gas manufacturers will be allowed program similar to Roosevelt’s New Deal other nations was designed to create a to sell the U.S. production freely overseas, that brought the U.S. out of the Great drop in the cost of oil and gas that would bringing down the world price and losing Depression of the 1930s. Safety for drive prices below profitable levels for U.S. the U.S. advantage for the chemical construction projects is likely to grow if industry. Large natural gas export facilities these federal programs are funded. in the gulf are testimony to the current On the other hand, if your vantage point administration’s willingness to allow is the technology of safety and its future, the short-term profit for the oil companies conversation changes to evolutions in how we over the long-term benefit for U.S. jobs. protect workers. Clearly, there is an evolution If we are careful and prevent domestic in personal protective equipment that fuels production from being sold overseas, safety convention hall floors with a wide array of jobs in petrochemical production will be in ever-expanding, cool things to prevent human demand for the next 20 years. The major bodies from sustaining injuries from their potential obstacles to this program are work environments. However, there are always the impact of environmentalism and the10 THE LEADER vpppa.org

new challenges to overcome based on the new course trainers will go the way of travel agents. Here is the future of safety:technologies introduced to the workplace. For Is this something for future generations to deal The human risks will beexample, a worker in 1960 would have no with? Tomorrow is here my friend. Take a look almost eliminated as willneed for protection against lasers because they at these headlines: production jobs.did not yet exist in the workplace. Neither • The U.S. Military Announces Plans todid a large number of the chemicals we see The challenge will be to find new jobs forused in production or manufacturing. As new Acquire Self-Driving Tanks us to do. Will they be unsafe? Well, theretechnologies advance, there will be a need to sputniknews.com/us/ will still be environmental issues. Theredevelop new protections for new hazards. 201607031042353288-us-army-self- will still be the risks of interacting with driving-tanks/ this multitude of self-directed machines.Let’s Talk Nanoparticles and • U.S. military Christens Self-Driving Walking across the street with an oncomingSci-fi Concepts…The Real Future ‘Sea Hunter’ warship self-driven truck is projected to be almost www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military- accident free with automatic impactAll of these viewpoints are fun to think about robot-ship-idUSKCN0X42I4 detectors and self-stopping mechanisms, butbut what I don’t see in existing projections is the • Ohio to start testing Otto self-driving what about the unexpected? I guess we willrealm to more distant possibilities. To go there trucks on two routes on public roads figure that out as we go.you have to think sci-fi—artificial intelligence www.digitaltrends.com/cars/and robotics will really change the landscape. otto-self-driving-truck-testing-ohio/ Safety? Here is the key until artificialTo understand that, I would use the example of • The Autonomous Ship intelligence eliminates this option: The safetya computer chip foundry, the place where the www.unmanned-ship.org/munin/about/ person of the future might be protectingchips are made to run computers, phones and the the-autonomus-ship/ machines rather than humans. Computer“Internet of Things.” These are manufacturing • Automated Warehouse Systems analytics and programming will be part ofplants where the step-by-step building of chips and Distribution Solutions the job. A falling girder can still do quiteis done virtually and entirely by computer www.egemin-automation.com/en/ a bit of damage to an expensive robot.programming. The really fascinating fact is that automation/material-handling-automation_ Science fiction movies of the 1950s anddata shows that the productivity of these plants ha-solutions/automated-warehouse-systems 1960s projected that we would eventuallyis enhanced when the human employees are off • The Robots Are Coming! Driverless be serving robots instead of the other wayon vacation. Hands-on human involvement Dozers and the Dawn of Autonomous around. Well, it seems they were right,is a hindrance rather than a benefit. Another Vehicle Technology in Construction but then of course, robotic machines mayexample: self-driving taxis and soon, self-driving redshift.autodesk.com/autonomous-vehicle- someday be your best personal companiontrucks and cars. Could package delivery by drones technology-in-construction/ and dearest friend. As for flesh and bloodbe far off? • The Economics of Drone Delivery people…I used to know a few. www.flexport.com/blog/ Here is the future of safety: The human drone-delivery-economics/ Brenda Wiederkehr, CSC, has been a VPPPArisks will be almost eliminated along with • Amazon Prime Air member since 2002 and is currently theproduction jobs. If you want to buy a television www.amazon.com/Amazon-Prime-Air/ vice president at Access Health Systems, theset, it will be built by robots, shipped to a b?ie=UTF8&node=8037720011 Owner of Access Compliance and the VPPPAwarehouse by self-driving vehicles, unloaded by All of this seems sci-fi when we think about Region II Chairperson.self-propelled machines, stored in a warehouse a paper plant or a high rise being entirely runthat has automated stocking and picking, then or built by computers, robots and machines,the item will be delivered by a combination of but it’s not. Millennials will see all of theseself-driving trucks and drones. We can all sit things happen in their lifetimes and frankly,back and watch as we order from our phones the biggest challenge will be finding the jobs ofand have items delivered in an hour. the future for displaced workers. In the 1960s, people warned us that the What does the future hold for road computer would eliminate jobs, just as I amconstruction? It depends on how long it is implying a similar scenario now. This did notbefore self-driving vehicles and the operating of happen as there are more people employedheavy equipment are exclusively performed by today than ever in our history. Does thatmachines, thereby eliminating human error. mean they were wrong? Where are secretaries and stenographers? Where are travel agents? What else will we see? Self-flying air Why are malls dying or morphing intotransports? Self-sailing battleships…“plot a entertainment areas? How many soldiers can acourse for”—already done…Of course these drone replace?are technically doable right now. Mechanizedmedical care by a “Watson” type computer?Absolutely, and with fewer errors. By 2020,this will all be commonplace. Defensive driver THE LEADER vpppa.org 11

BY TOM REDDONTOP FIVE PRACTICES FROM OSHA: Construction Safety Recommendations to Incorporate in Your Warehouse12 THE LEADER vpppa.org

The Occupational Health and 1. E nforce Regulatory Adhering to theseSafety Administration (OSHA) Compliance recommendations willis a federal level organization lower liabilities, enhancecalibrated and committed A commitment to safety starts with adherence accountability andto conceptualizing and to regulatory compliance. On a local, federal or ultimately build quality-integrating protocol and organizational level, these narratives are applied driven, safety-focused teamspolicy geared toward on a daily basis. Understanding and gaining that will assuredly proliferateenhancing employee safety comprehension of these directives can prevent growth for any enterpriseand reducing accidents and liabilities while solidifying a foundation for heading into tomorrow.injuries in the workplace. improving workplace safety. Employers andOne of OSHA’s measures staff can visit OSHA’s website to learn each of 5. E nhance Overallis to foster safety through their established directives as well as download Business Operationsconceived recommendations their construction safety recommendationsthat will undoubtedly raise the literature. Many of these imperatives can be Believe it or not, many of the modernbar in warehouse operational seamlessly integrated into the warehouse. business methodologies geared to enhancesafety. This creates a brighter overall business operations can play anfuture for construction safety 2. Establish Emergency Plans influential role in improving safety withinas innovative tools, practices your warehouse. Bolstering the mantra ofand approaches will Establishing an employee emergency plan “work smarter not harder” actually decreasesfurther streamline laborious is essential to the welfare and safety of all the likelihood of worker fatigue andprocesses while reducing personnel. First and foremost, in the event of an exhaustion which, in turn, can decrease thethe likelihood of workplace emergency, implementing a response framework incidence of tribulations in the workplace.incidents. Adhering to these is optimal in terms of minimizing collateral Leading the way in these ‘best practices’ isrecommendations will damage and preventing the hazard. In addition, LEAN and Six Sigma. Both schools valuelower liabilities, enhance a chain of command and action plan should and champion efficiency and productivityaccountability and ultimately also be implemented for various incidents. It is while achieving prescribed business goals andbuild quality-driven, safety- imperative that all employees know what to do objectives in fail-safe approaches. OSHA is afocused teams that will when certain scenarios unfold. huge proponent of businesses incorporatingassuredly proliferate growth these ideologies into the standardizedfor any enterprise heading 3. Equip Personnel to Deal operating procedures.into tomorrow. While the With Various Hazardsfuture is bright, there are still Tom Reddon is a forklift specialist and blogmany steps any business Many workplace accidents are brought manager for the National Forklift Exchange.can take to foster such an forth by many avoidable circumstances He also sits on the Material Handlingoutcome. Here are steps and variables that could be circumvented. Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA)your business can take to Equipping employees with the skill set to Executive Dialogue Team. Follow him onassure conformance to OSHA recognize, manage and deal with various Twitter at @TomReddon.while also preventing deadly hazards is encouraged for many reasons.workplace incidents. From an enterprise-level, it will catalyze productivity. Employees that are not focused are more prone to fail to perceive a potential hazard and thus, there is an increased likelihood of an accident. 4. Encourage Communication Communication is fundamental for workplace safety. This interaction should be endorsed and encouraged by management and administrators. This should be an initiative that is promoted from top to bottom. If something appears unsafe or hazardous, personnel should feel safe in notifying the appropriate party and collaborating to address the situation. Communication and coordination as a whole enhances employee relations and drives a level of trust and support that will be instrumental in the event of an actual emergency. THE LEADER vpppa.org 13

BY MARGARET S. LOPEZ, ESQ. OGLETREE DEAKINS In 2016, the United States mining industry experienced a significant milestone in safety and health—the lowest number of fatal accidents ever recorded. There were 26 fatalities in total. Nine of those occurred in coal mines and 17 in all other types of mines, which are classified collectively by the federal government as “metal/nonmetal” mines. These include stone, sand, aggregate, zinc, silver, copper and gold mines plus certain types of milling and processing facilities such as cement plants. In 2016, the entire mining industry included 330,000 miners in 13,000 mining operations.14 THE LEADER vpppa.org

LOWERINGfatality rates IN MINTHIE NGINDUSTRY Through Enhanced Hazard Recognition and Training THE LEADER vpppa.org 15

Effective safety programs T he number of fatal injuries has been on require that of their workers. This emphasizes at mines typically the decline in recent years, but certainly, to the miners the important role they play in go well beyond the mining operators everywhere want to safety. It also reinforces good hazard recognition minimum federal training see this number go to zero. Technological skills. Every miner is given the authority and requirements. Most mines advancements in the industry have helped responsibility to address safety hazards by have weekly or daily achieve these reductions and will continue to do shutting down equipment or work and by safety meetings. so, but the reduction in fatalities could not have reporting hazards to management. come about without the focus and dedication to16 THE LEADER vpppa.org safety provided by safety professionals, company Mobile equipment examinations: In management and the miners themselves. addition to examining working areas for safety and health hazards, miners are also required by The mining environment is ever-changing. law to examine their mobile equipment prior Safety conditions can change quickly and to operating it each shift. This includes trucks, sometimes without warning. Unexpected, sudden forklifts, tractors—anything that moves about hazards contribute to the incidence of accidents the mine. Most operators use checklists for the and injuries, but there are two preventable things examination and these can be very detailed. that are a causal factor in many occurrences. Safety and Health Observations: Many It is easy to skip the steps necessary for mining operations have implemented a formal safety in the haste of trying to complete a task. program of safety and health observations This often occurs with inexperienced workers where miners are encouraged to note and who are not fully aware of risks and safety report a certain number of safety occurrences procedures. It also can occur when doing a every shift. These may be examples of familiar task and thinking it will just take a positive safety activity, such as wearing minute to complete—so it’s okay to take a fall protection. This reinforces good safety quick shortcut to get it done. behavior by recognizing someone for doing something right. Observations also may be Another common cause of accidents is safety issues requiring correction. These may inattention. Working in the same environment include adverse conditions found in the work daily can lull workers into not noticing environment. They also may be unsafe acts hazards. They become numb to the risks. performed by the observer himself or by Inattention also occurs when distractions fellow miners. Observations also may include interfere with good safety practices. Cell notation of corrections made. When carried phone use while driving is a common example. through in a positive way, this type of program Fatigue can also cause inattention. reinforces good safety consciousness and rewards personal responsibility for safety. In recent years, the mining industry has focused increasingly on hazard recognition Safety and Health Audits: Mine and enhanced safety training to address these operators have found that safety audits common causes of accidents. This emphasis on provide for improved hazard recognition. finding and correcting hazards and reinforcing Many audit programs provide for the audit good safety practices has contributed significantly inspections to be performed by individuals to the current reduction in fatalities and can be who do not regularly work in that location. expected to continue in the future. Their “fresh eyes” increase the likelihood of finding hazards that have gone unrecognized. Hazard Recognition These types of cross-audits also create opportunities for generating new ideas for There are several hazard recognition initiatives safety and sharing best practices across the that are often a key feature of effective safety organization. Outside consultants are also programs at mines: sometimes used for mock inspections and to perform safety culture audits, which take a Workplace examinations: Federal broader look at the safety program and safety regulations mandate that all working areas at consciousness of the organization. a mine be examined each shift for hazards that may exist. Hazards found in the examinations Training are corrected or other protective measures are taken before work begins. Examination Federal mine safety and health regulations requirements differ depending on the type of mandate multiple forms of training for miners. mine, but many mine operators go beyond what Specific requirements differ, depending on is required in the federal standards. The law does the type of mine, but in general, all miners not mandate that every miner perform his or her own examination, but many mine operators do

must have comprehensive new miner training, using virtual reality features is also being improvements and cultural foundationstraining on hazards specific to that particular used for evacuation and rescue training for at mines that will provide for continuedmine site, training on the rights of miners to underground mines. Other types of simulation improvements in safety and health.engage in protected safety-related activities drills are also used to help miners learn how to Initiatives aimed at enhancing recognitionand training on the safety and health aspects don escape respirators and navigate evacuation of hazards that are present, or have theof tasks to be performed on the job. Certain in smoke conditions. potential to develop on the shift, trainingtopics must be repeated through annual in finding adverse conditions, as well asrefresher training. Operators also reinforce hazard recognition remaining focused on safety and following skills through physical mock-ups of hazards. safety procedures will be critical to meeting Effective safety programs at mines typically Computerized, virtual reality and classroom this goal.go well beyond the minimum federal training training are also being used to introduce variedrequirements. Most mines have weekly or daily forms of hazard recognition training. Margo Lopez is the managing shareholder of thesafety meetings. Topics may include a review of Washington, D.C. office of Ogletree, Deakins,accidents and injuries at mines, new procedures To promote a robust safety culture, some where she specializes in mine safety and healthand best practices or hazards that have been mine operators have found great success through law. She represents companies nationwide inrecently identified and addressed. Trainers and rolling out company-wide, comprehensive, all segments of the mining industry in casestechniques for training may be changed from safety program improvements, essentially re- contesting enforcement actions under thetime to time to keep the training fresh and branding their safety program with renewed Mine Act and has argued precedential mineinteresting. Often, there is also an opportunity emphasis on promoting safety awareness safety cases before U.S. Courts of Appeals. Shefor miners to share safety observations and and leadership in carrying forward the safety also advises companies concerning regulatorydiscuss possible changing conditions at the objectives of the organization. Training is a key compliance and provides training on safety andmine that may affect safety. These meetings component of this and generally includes all health law. She handles legal representationprovide a regular opportunity for mine levels within the organization. In addition to in complex accident investigations, specialmanagement to reinforce the safety culture and the more traditional safety topics, training may investigations and safety discrimination cases.direct everyone’s focus for the day’s activities on include leadership training to encourage safety- Margo Lopez is a frequent speaker and authorworking safely. focused supervision. on mine safety topics and is a co-author of the Occupational Safety and Health Law Handbook Technological advancements in training Conclusion published by Bernan Press.tools have provided new options for mining.Equipment operation simulators are being While 2016 produced another recordused now to train miners. Simulation software low number of fatalities in the industry, mine operators are striving for safety THE LEADER vpppa.org 17

BY ROB BRAUCH18 THE LEADER vpppa.org

TECH1TOOLS for the SAFETY PROFESSIONAL How Apps, IoT and Big Data Analytics will Change your GameRapid changes in technology are affecting every aspect of our lives— and workplace safety is no exception. An explosion of new safety products, processes and services are made possible by disruptivetechnology developments in consumer products, medical devices and through the adoption of innovative new business models. THE LEADER vpppa.org 19

FIGURE 1 T he impact in risk and exposure is now used interchangeably in place of FIGURE 2 assessment is already being seen with the smartphone for describing these incredibly widespread adoption of safety apps, low powerful machines. Another form of HHD is20 THE LEADER vpppa.org cost embedded sensor networks (Internet of the Tablet PC, which for the purposes of this Things) and the use of big data analysis and article should be considered interchangeable. crowdsourcing of information to make more According to CIO Magazine, business-related informed conclusions and decisions about apps grew by more than 200 percent in 2014, workplace safety. for both Apple (IoS) and Android platforms, with business apps for IoS outpacing all other With examples of 3D printing being used for categories including social networking, lifestyle aircraft components, buildings and even human and catalog apps. Undoubtedly, some of these tissue, plus new miniaturized sensors for detecting were related to the business of safety. chemical and biological hazards, technologies that were developed for other applications and Features that found their way onto didn’t exist until recently are now changing the smartphones, and which customers now demand, landscape of the safety and health discipline include high-quality video and audio recording, as manufacturers adapt and adopt these as well as GPS location capability. There are many developments into useful new products. other attributes buried in your HHD including sensors that can be used to measure vibration, Getting What You Need— light level and pressure—which in turn can derive Whenever and Wherever You things like position and altitude (when combined Want It with GPS could say you are located at 411 Elm Street—and you are on the 6th floor—facing The introduction of the smartphone west—and you’re leaning forward at a 30 degree fundamentally changed how we communicate angle). Many users have no idea these capabilities in our daily lives, way beyond real-time voice are at their fingertips, as the device makers do not communications—we now gather and quickly make it obvious when you take delivery of that share information in many forms including sleek new phone. But those popups for expensive text, email, image and video. coffee drinks target you right where you happen to be…how smart is that? You’re already accessing safety related information from the internet—but where Many apps have been developed that it once was difficult and time-consuming ‘unlock’ those hidden capabilities in the to research new ideas, processes or products device and you can put them to good use— for improving your VPP methods or get amplifying your effectiveness on the plant the message out about new safety policies, floor, in the field or at training meetings. best practices, or regulatory guidelines and standards, the smartphone has made it Apps for safety and industrial hygiene tend blindingly fast—you get information delivered to fall into some broad categories—one useful onsite, virtually anywhere. category is knowledge bases/reference tables— including regulations, standards, procedures Remember using the PC for that? They and processes, MSDS’s, etc. Since the reference traditionally rely on a local area network material is often contained within the app (LAN) to access other PCs which is fine when itself, you don’t need cell coverage or access to you’re in the office. But as a ‘portable portal’ Wi-Fi to access this information onsite. It’s like to all things safety and health related, the having a safety library in your pocket. smartphone has singlehandedly revolutionized how we react in real-time to new or different Other types of apps include engineering hazards and risks, giving us instant Googled calculation tools, remote data entry and retrieval, access to expert knowledge bases, technical training and measurement apps which can turn references on internal processes, available your phone into a noise meter, light meter, angle services, product manuals, equipment indicator or other handy device. specifications and more. Some examples of apps specifically Getting More than Before developed for safety professionals include: from your HHD • Lone Worker Safety • First Aid/Triage Apps have revolutionized the functionality • Arc Flash Calculator of the powerful computer you carry in your • Lifting Equations pocket, which also happens to make phone • Office Ergonomics calls—and the term hand-held device (HHD) • Heat Stress

• Ladder Safety measurement apps available—but you must• PPE Selection exercise a great deal of care when selecting• Job Safety Analysis an app of this type, as there are no standards• HazMat Guide governing their accuracy.• Lightning Alerts• Hearing and Vision Tests This becomes tricky when you consider that the• Sound/Noise Measurement sound level meters and noise dosimeters used for compliance purposes are required to meet ‘TypeMeasuring and Monitoring 2 Standards’ (loosely interpreted as having an accuracy of +/- 2dB (decibels), although the actualUsing sensors already built into the phone, ANSI and IEC standards are much more detailedapps like NIOSH Ladder Safety can be used regarding acceptable levels of uncertainty in theon the jobsite to directly measure angle of measurement device) and that to ensure they areinclination by simply holding the edge of functioning properly these need to be calibratedthe device up against the ladder when it is in using an acoustical calibrator which also hasplace—it gives an audible and visual alert to accuracy standards governing it performance.the user as to whether the angle is safe or not(see illustrations on page 20, Figures 1 and 2). Fortunately, some organizations, including NIOSH, have performed tests to determine Measurement apps now allow HHDs if HHDs with measurement apps couldto displace ‘traditional’ stand-alone be accurate enough to be used in place ofinstrumentation in areas like noise ‘traditional’ meters which cost hundreds ormeasurement. The features offered on these even thousands of dollars. NIOSH found thatapps include more than simple dB level many apps are not very accurate, and they alsoreadings, they can include features like max proved that smartphones (which use a veryhold, peak (impulse) noise capture and even low cost microphone designed for voice inputoctave band and FFT (frequency specific) rather than industrial noise measurement)measurements. There are dozens of sound level have a limited measurement range compared to real meters. But there are ways to enhance THE LEADER vpppa.org 21

Now you can with Bluetooth or WiFi to the discrete of thousands of dollars—and again, some ofdemonstrate apps and stand-alone safety, industrial hygiene and these IoT devices will be safety equipment oftheir functionality to large environmental monitors that you may already some kind. Already there are IoT alert modulesgroups for safety training... be using including air sampling pumps, noise which can clip to safety glasses that transmit dosimeters, IAQ monitors and other sensors. visual data, such as simple color-coded alertsthe performance of HHDs by using external This allows you to take advantage of remotely that can mean whatever the supervisor wantsmicrophones that are low cost (<$20) yet greatly viewing and controlling the ANSI Standards- them to, such as four blue flashes means “radioenhance the accuracy and range of the dB compliant devices that do meet regulatory to base” and three red flashes repeating meansmeasurements and could even be acoustically requirements while they are being worn by “evacuate now.” Other systems can shut downcalibrated. NIOSH has even gone so far as to workers without interrupting the workers. heavy equipment like excavators if a workerhave developed its own SLM app which has met Some of these systems allow you to monitor other than the operator comes within 10 feetbasic accuracy standards and recently posted this groups of workers’ exposures throughout of the machine. Still others allow multiple gason their website for free download. Will noise the work shift if you have deployed multiple monitors to link up automatically in ad-hocdosimeters and sound level meters be displaced pumps or dosimeters, for example. flocks to allow every worker on a project tofrom common use much the way taxis are being know if one worker’s monitor detects a hazard.disrupted by the existence of Uber? According One last word about smartphones, tablets And IoT connected devices will gather vastto NIOSH, not likely at this time. An app that and apps: Most HHDs have an app available reservoirs of data on operating conditions,performs to the accuracy level of a Type 2 SLM from the manufacturer to connect your laptop exposure levels and other important data safetystill does not meet the entire specification of and display your screens in real time on a professionals can use to improve their programs.measurement range plus environmental and PC—meaning you can easily project yourother performance parameters that an ANSI apps interactively on a large flat panel or LCD Making a New Realitycompliant meter does. projector. Now you can demonstrate apps and their functionality to large groups for safety Augmented reality and virtual reality areMonitoring by Multiples training—if doing a ladder safety training already finding applications in safety with session, you could use the NIOSH Ladder instrumented helmets such as DAQRI whichIn addition to using plug-in sensors like Safety app to walk through the actual steps of sense your position and orientation and projectthe external microphones used with the the process with the team. visual data into your view; these are alreadyNIOSH app; HHD’s can be used to connect being used by utility workers to visualize where Machines that Monitor Themselves high voltage lines are buried, or tell them rotational speed, pressure and temperature of Much has been made lately about the Internet the smart machines described in this article. of Things (IoT) with estimates of as many as 10 to 16 billion devices connecting to the internet With millions and billions of machines and by 2020. These estimates include everything people being instrumented and connected, from toasters and refrigerators to dedicated the need for more powerful data analysis is plant process equipment, power generation growing, and the ability to distill actionable and instrumentation costing in the hundreds safety measures from massive amounts of raw data (big data) will be another tool in the safety professional’s box. Already, internal health and safety databases can be used to predict workers which might be at risk for acquiring noise induced hearing loss or respiratory illnesses from dust exposures—and crowdsourcing (using similar data from multiple sources) is being used to monitor radiation and noise levels in the environment from measurements taken directly from peoples’ smartphones. When added together, smart technologies in just the past 10 years—the first iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007— have dramatically changed the way we live our lives both on and off the job. As safety leaders, we should learn as much as possible about the vast number of apps, devices and programs that are already changing the way we protect our workers and ourselves from today’s real hazards and reduce the risk of injury and illness in the days and years to come.22 THE LEADER vpppa.org

THE LEADER vpppa.org

ICn lYoviNngTmHemoIrAy of (CINDY) MAHONEY JANUARY 12, 1966–NOVEMBER 7, 201624 THE LEADER vpppa.org

In November 2016, the FOR MANY, MANY YEARS while Cindy AS FORMER VPPPA EXECUTIVEVPPPA community lost a and I were on the national board, we always DIRECTOR and OSHA Deputy Assistantfierce advocate for the safety hung out together at board meetings or the Secretary, I had the good fortune to knowand health world. She was conferences. The joke between us was that I and work with Cindy Mahoney for over 15a consistent, unwavering was her conference husband and she was my years. Like so many others, I was so saddenedfixture within the industry, at conference wife. That way, if her husband or to learn of her sudden passing.conferences and a hub of my wife could not attend then we would takewisdom and advice to the care of each other. If only one of our spouses Cindy truly was a safety and healthmany friends she gathered could attend then the other automatically professional with a strong commitment tothrough the years. We all became the “third wheel.” We did this for VPPPA. Her passion for the mission was onlyknew her as the strong, years but the best times were when all four surpassed by her dedication to keeping peopledauntless safety professional, of us were together at a conference—what a safe in the workplace. She never had anmotivational speaker, regional great time it was! I have so many wonderful unspoken thought, but her enthusiasm andboard member and national memories of the four of us. attention to detail could never be disputed.board member but she wasalso a beloved wife, daughter, My tribute to Cindy Mahoney would With a youthful spirit and a smile onsister, aunt and friend. Some of have to start with the word “spunk!” She her face, Cindy was always ready with aher friends have shared their had so much of it!! This word encompasses quick retort. One of my favorite memoriesstories and memories of Cindy all of Cindy’s qualities: spirit, toughness, really captures Cindy’s spirit. For the 25ththrough the years. determination, courage, bravery and anniversary edition of VPPPA’s magazine, boldness. She had that spunk in every facet of The Leader, we featured photos of the her personality, her marriage, her career, and National Board of Directors as they were 25 her personal relationships in addition to her years ago. Without her knowledge, we put love for safety and health and the VPP and a photo of a very young Cindy, as a high the VPPPA. She loved the folks in the VPP school cheerleader, on the front cover. True family and it was such an important part of to her nature, she quickly mailed the office her life for many years. an autographed copy with an inscription “Payback is a b****!” written in big black The other word I would use to describe bold letters. She put a smile on all of our Cindy would be “passionate!” This word faces—a smile that lasts to this day. encompasses another side of Cindy’s qualities: fervent, obsessive, fanatical, adoring and Cindy is missed and I know she is working loving. She was all of these, yet so much more. on a retort for this. Her smile would light a room and you knew from the minute you met her that she was —Davis Layne, Former Executive Director, one of a kind. When we lost Cindy, we lost Honorary Lifetime Member a wonderful human being, the likes of which you might never again meet in your lifetime. CINDY WAS A GO GETTER and would God bless you Cindy Mahoney, you will not let anything nor anyone stand in her way always have a very special place in my heart as of voicing her opinions, ideas or concerns a great friend and a wonderful confidant. on a topic at hand. Cindy was a great person to work with and had an overwhelming love —B ill Harkins, Former VPPPA for us as a staff. She had a passion for people National Board Member and made sure they had the means and ideas to work safely. It was a pleasure and honor CINDY‘S DEVOTION TO WORKER to have known and worked with her. Cindy SAFETY and the principles of VPP was empowered us and gave us direction to make enhanced by her kindness and generosity. I our ideas come alive. shall always remember her gleeful smile as she took off a necklace I had admired and put it —B ryant Walker, VPPPA Information & around my neck. It is my Cindy talisman. Data Analyst Manager —June Brothers, Former VPPPA National Board Member and Honorary Lifetime Member THE LEADER vpppa.org 25

IN NOVEMBER, THE LORD CAME beyond work. We crossed paths with our WHEN I JOINED THE BOARD OFDOWN AND TOOK TO BE WITH HIM mutual friends at after work gatherings, BBQ’s DIRECTORS NINE YEARS AGO, CindyIN HEAVEN one of the most spirited and and I even found out, through no fault of her and I struck up an instant friendship thatloving persons I have even known. I don’t know own, she was a Buffalo Bills fan . . . yes, our continued all these years. She became mywhy he chose to do this when Cindy had so rivalry began as I am a Jets fan. One Sunday we mentor, but most of all, a very good friend.much more to give. All I can think is that maybe went to a Jets game and she brought her new Cindy taught me not to be afraid of steppinghe needed one of the best and brightest safety boyfriend, Michael Mahoney. She introduced out of my comfort zone and to step up andprofessionals’ help as he was expanding heaven him to the gang and you could tell by the look speak out. Cindy’s passion was volunteeringand was not happy because it was not being in her eyes, he was the one. and helping anyone and everyone that neededdone safely. He needed a point person that had it. She was never afraid of a challenge. Shea background in construction, fixed site EHS As time went on, her company ventured was a true inspiration to me and others whosystems and most of all, the ability to motivate into VPP and became a member of the knew and loved her. Cindy’s knowledge andpeople to excellence. He picked the best. VPPPA, one of the first construction expertise will certainly be missed in the safety companies in the program in our region. Her community and all future national conferences I met Cindy in the mid-80s when we were company supported the program but the only and she will be missed greatly by all who lovedboth young safety professionals trying to find thing I could see that was missing was her her for being our Cindy.our way, trying to turn our visions into reality participation in the VPPPA.and trying to use the ideals we had to make our —C hris Adolfson, VPPPA Nationalsites and our communities a safer place. At the time, I was the Region II Board of Directors Treasurer chairperson and we were going through an When we first met, she was the captain of election period for the board. She was sitting CINDY AND I WERE NEVER ON THEthe Summit Rescue Squad. I was running my next to me during the chapter business BOARD TOGETHER; she came onto thesite’s first ever CMA Community Response meeting at the opening of the annual regional board in 2001 as secretary in as I was retiringDrill and she came with her town’s First Aid conference and I leaned over and told her, no as vice chair. I later became the executiveResponse Team to conduct the drill with us. matter what I say, just shake your head and director in 2002 and had to depend on CindyFrom the moment we shook hands I knew say yes. We had an opening for a director-at- for the meeting minutes; they were alwaysthen and there that she was driven, focused, large, and yes, I nominated her and of course complete and she would always say “Paulie, Iknowledgeable, special and different . . . in a she won the election. So for those of you that got your minutes ready just in time.”very good way. interacted with her in VPPPA, blame me for getting her into this! There is so much one can say about Cindy; Over the next few years we forged a great but the one thing that will always be firstwork relationship that was more of a friendship My company was having some issues with and foremost in my mind was her love ofand a partnership. I found out that she was construction safety. So of course, I called Cindy the VPP effort and love for the VPPPA. Sheactive in the NJ Safety Council, the local to have her come up to make a presentation always placed the good of the employee abovechapter of the ASSE and worked for Torcon to our safety leaders. She did a fantastic job anything else and was passionate about safetyConstruction Company as a Safety Director. as you would expect. When she was all done, and health in the workplace. General ElectricWe knew a lot of the same people in our that night over dinner, I told her that we were benefited from her involvement, but everysurrounding communities and we ended up looking for a senior leader in safety to oversee other company benefited just as much. Sheat many of the same meetings, conferences, our construction programs. She asked if she was a true leader in Region II as well as ontraining seminars and partnering on a lot of could apply and get an interview. I told her, the national board. Cindy was a fixture at thepresentations about safety. that she passed the interview with flying colors national conferences and she will be missed. when she gave her presentation and answered The nice thing, as most of you know, Cindy everyone’s questions. So for those of you that —Paul M. Villane, CSP, OHST, Former VPPPAwas always developing new friendships. Of worked with her in our company, blame me National Board Member, Former Executivecourse, our friendship grew and extended for this also! Director, Honorary Lifetime Member I sit here thinking back and could go on and on with stories that would make you understand who Cindy was and why she was loved and respected by so many. So I say with tears in my eyes; we all miss the loss of a colleague, a true safety professional, an inspiration and most of all, a good friend. May you continue to do God’s work to protect and keep others safe and from harm. In loving memory, —M ichael J Vigezzi, EHS Integration Leader—Senior Program Manager— GE Power, Former VPPPA National Board Member26 THE LEADER vpppa.org

IN 2006, I WAS AT THE REGISTRATION CINDY HAD A HEART OF GOLD and she A SPECIAL KIND OF PAIN IS FELT whenDESK WORKING AT A REGIONAL and I connected as friends. One of my first your friend and colleague’s time on Earth hasCONFERENCE, ALONE, for the very first interactions with her was when we ran against come to an end. The loss can throw you into atime. The halls were crowded with lots of noise each other for a national board position. She tailspin of sadness. Often, when we are grievingas I stood nervous, but smiling and waiting came up to me and was being friendly and being a great leader, like Cindy, we are not onlyto help anyone who was in need. Then a little new to the association myself, I didn’t realize grieving the memories or moments that we’velady who was full of energy came to me and who she was at first. And then I said, “Wait a had, but also the lessons that she hasn’t yetasked with a smile “Hi (as she firmly shook my minute, we are running against each other.” She taught. I feel as though we keep showing up inhand), how do you like working for VPPPA?” I laughed and said, “I know, it doesn’t mean we class and there isn’t any teacher and there is noreplied with a smile “I absolutely love it; we are can’t talk and interact and be friends with each substitute for Cindy.one little family. When one has, we all have.” other!” From that point on, we were friends.Cindy just stood there and smiled and said She was there for me through my divorce, my What we can’t see, in the blurriness of our“Awesome.” As I returned to work to following deployments and my mom passing and she was pain, is that our great friend has left us withweek, Davis Layne, former executive director someone that I knew I could pick up the phone a detailed map, fostered relationships withfor VPPPA national office shared during a anytime and she would be there for me. It went internal and external stakeholders, unions,staff meeting how happy the board was to hear both ways through the years. She and I used to suppliers, customers and government agenciesa response as such coming from a new staff talk a lot while on the board together and we which have impacted us. Remember that amember who had no clue that Cindy was on kept in touch through the years after we were off true leader never really dies, their work lives onthe board. The moral of the story is, always the board outside of conferences. within us.watch what you say because you never whoyou are talking to. Cindy, you were a little lady, Her mentality was that nothing was ever If you were blessed with the opportunity toyet so powerful in many ways. You are deeply about her. It was always about the people know Cindy, you have these memories that shemissed. Until we meet again, rest in paradise. around her, about the association and about left behind along with her lessons of wisdom everyone but her. You would see that from her and grace. These things will never die. You—Carlena Meredith, at board meetings because the things that she made a difference in people’s lives and we will Former VPPPA Employee would bring up and talk about showed that she miss you Cindy. had no hidden agenda. She was doing what wasVPPPA WAS MY FIRST JOB OUT OF best for the association, the membership and —Steve Gauthier, Colleague,COLLEGE and I was still learning about how safety and health. She was a solid person who Region I VPPPA Chairpersonto find my footing in both the world and my put everyone’s interests ahead of her own.career. I started just a few months before thenational conference where I first met Cindy —Bob Hamilton, Former VPPPAMahoney, a true force to be reckoned with. Board MemberFor such a tiny lady, she packed an enormouspunch. She was vivacious, absolutely hysterical, CINDY AND I HIT IT OFF the minute I gotkind and a true leader. To me, Cindy was the elected to serve as the Region VIII chairperson.perfect representation of how to be a powerful The year after that, she came up to me at acareer woman. As a woman, I always try to board meeting and told me “I’ve got big planschannel my inner Cindy! for you.” Those plans were that I would run for secretary of the national board in 2006 so—Laurie Montanus, Former VPPPA Media she could move into the vice chair position. Relations and Communications Director We worked closely when she was the national board liaison for the Chapter Chair CommitteeCINDY MAHONEY WAS ABSOLUTELY and she was instrumental in getting me toFEARLESS. Her small stature was a front for a eventually serve as the chair of that committeegiant of a woman. Though her successful career too. I remember one year when we both wererequired her to be assertive, she had a sweet running unopposed and we were sitting inand tender side. During my time at VPPPA, the general session trying to come up with ashe was a coach to the staff and always put us speech at the last minute in case there were anyin a position to succeed. nominations from the floor and the best we could come up with was “I do everything, so—Joseph G. Cephas, Vice President, don’t even think about it!” Cindy was a source Communication at the American of knowledge and reason that I will never be Society of Interior Designers, Former able to replace. I miss her a lot. Communications & Outreach Coordinator at VPPPA —Kelli Heflin, Southwest Gen, Former VPPPA National Board Member THE LEADER vpppa.org 27

member spotlightFrank Ragone BY JAMIE MITCHELL, F rank Ragone started his long career for a cause I’m personally involved in; finding COMMUNICATIONS with Cintas in 1999 as a maintenance a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.” COORDINATOR, VPPPA INC. supervisor at the Washington, D.C. location. Then, at its inception in 2004, he Our VPPPA members are always an Walk MS 2017 joined the Corporate Safety Team where he inspiration through their hard work, drive In 2016, teaM cintaS raised over $13,000 currently supports the Mid-Atlantic region. and commitment to safety. But who inspires at Walk MS Baltimore, with more than 130 When his company began to pursue VPP them? Frank answered, “Many people have walkers on the team. The team is getting in 2008, Frank took the opportunity to inspired me throughout the years, most Ready™ for Walk MS Baltimore 2017 on get involved with VPPPA and has been an of them are gone and many of them I’ve April 29, 2017. influential member ever since. never met. Some inspiration comes from people in history who overcame challenges28 THE LEADER vpppa.org When asked about his proudest to accomplish goals that others said couldn’t accomplishments within his career and be done. A few of them include Lincoln, experience in VPPPA, Frank noted, “Cintas FDR, Beethoven and Raphael.” He added, currently has 44 Star VPP sites. That wouldn’t “My late father and his family that emigrated have been possible without support from the from Italy inspired me to work hard and to VPPPA”…he continued with, “During one appreciate everything…All the great people of the congressional outreach events with the I work with at Cintas inspire me every day, I VPPPA, I was surprised to hear that Charles continue to look towards many of them for Rangel (D-NY) co-sponsored the (VPP) bill guidance both professionally and personally. shortly after my meeting with his staffer.” Specifically our General Manager from Richmond, VA, Howard Baron, who was the VPPPA members often have a strong safety VPPPA Region III mentor of the year.” And culture at both work and home—including finally Frank mentioned, “The thousands Frank, “My safety mindset at work and home of people living with Multiple Sclerosis are the same, there is no difference. However, I’ve met since my diagnosis continue to be there are less hazards at home than at the an inspiration as we hope, advocate and workplace. Mostly, I keep housekeeping fundraise to find a cure.” and organization at its best along with basic maintenance of everything such as the heater When it comes to employee relations, and appliances. I find that when you keep Frank stressed that putting in the extra effort it simple and to the fundamentals such as was crucial for achieving the best safety keeping everything clean, organized and up results. He advised, “Listen carefully to to maintenance standards, the environment the employees that perform the work, and influences safe behaviors.” involve them before implementing changes that affect them. As safety professionals, While VPPPA has allowed Frank to expand we’re here to help create a safe work his education through conferences and environment with the employees. It’s easy webinars, the largest impact VPPPA has had and efficient to write a new procedure that on Frank’s life is the congressional outreach. may forget the employee’s needs, or is hard While serving as a volunteer on The Hill to to understand and implement. Sometimes advocate for the VPP Act, Frank learned more it’s harder and more time consuming to about outreach and how he could use his create a sustainable simple solution with all skills from serving the association in his own the involved people, but it’s worth the effort life. He said, “Participating in several VPPPA and time.” congressional outreach events has provided me with exposure to the legislative process Finally, when asked what kind of legacy and the influential capabilities of outreach he hopes to leave behind, Frank stated, and advocacy. It’s also inspired me to become “The legacy I’d like to leave at Cintas, the a District Activist Leader with the National VPPPA and the NMSS is simply that of being Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) with supportive and helpful to the people I have significantly more advocacy responsibilities exposure to.”

member info cornerRenew Your VPPPA MembershipI t’s that time of the year—your for safety! This contest is an excellent way for • The photo will be posted to VPPPA’s Facebook membership with VPPPA is up for members to share their personal experiences page in the “How I Safety” photo album renewal. An email containing your and spread awareness of safety practices. invoice was sent out in December as well • Submit a photo of yourself to VPPPA’s • The photo with the most likes will win as a hard copy in January. You can easily a complimentary Safety+ registration, renew your dues by clicking on the “renew” Facebook page or Twitter page representing free airfare and lodging at New Orleans tab located on the left side of VPPPA’s how you are promoting/practicing safety Marriott or New Orleans Sheraton on home page at www.vpppa.org. If you have in the workplace, community or at home. Monday, August 28–Friday, September 1 forgotten your password, simply click on the Examples: Wearing your PPE, teaching a The rules and requirements to enter this option that allows you to reset your password safety class, attending training, following and follow the directions. Once logged in, safety procedures, etc. contest are as follows: you will be able to seamlessly renew your • Write a short description or caption • Must be a member of VPPPA membership with VPPPA. explaining the photo • VPPPA has all rights to use the • Include the #howisafety hashtag in your We would like to thank our members photo description pictures submitted for their support over the past year. Your • If you don’t have a facebook or twitter • No nudity, graphic language or content, membership and participation enabled us to account, you may email your photo entry to accomplish a wide variety of achievements [email protected] firearms or alcohol may be shown in any including our new website and much more! artwork or pictures submitted We encourage you to re-dedicate your support Submit your entry online or by email to VPPPA and renew your membership today. before June 1, 2017. You can email entries to With numerous benefits, VPPPA is a great [email protected]. resource for today’s safety professional. If you have any questions regarding your membership or dues, contact membership@ vpppa.org or call (703) 761-1146.Newly Launched Job Board Calling all employers and employees! We have launched a job board on the VPPPA website. VPPPA’s job board provides a database of professional opportunities available throughout the EHS industry. Constantly updated with new job openings, the job board is a great resource for those looking to make a professional move. Employers—do you have any jobs you would like to post? Please email communications@ vpppa.org with the following: • Job title • Company name • Location • Description/requirements of the position • Expiration date for the posting • How to apply#HowISafety Contest We are thrilled to announce our newest contest, #HowISafety. One of the greatest things about our members is their passion THE LEADER vpppa.org 29

state-plan monitor COMPILED BY KATLYN PAGLIUCA, California Applications currently pending for MEMBERSHIP AND OUTREACH MVPP include: MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. From November 29–December 1, 2016, • Marathon Pipe Line LLC, Woodhaven the Cal/VPP team consisting of Iraj • Eaton Corporation, Grand Rapids Federal OSHA States Pourmehraban, Ruben Garza and Manou • Walbridge, Dearborn Campus State-Plan States Sarfehnia conducted the special team member Public Sector Only training at the San Francisco State building. Transformation, Detroit The training was moderated by Todd Habets • Cintas, Westland November 29, 2016 Cal/VPP from NuStar Energy. Terry Schulte, the VPPPA • Cintas First Aid & Safety, Kentwood Special Team Member training at the representative from a site without a collective • G.E. Aviation, Grand Rapids San Francisco State building bargaining agent, arranged the sponsors and • Robert Bosch, Farmington Hills logistics. Special thanks goes to the Cal/VPP30 THE LEADER vpppa.org sites Covanta, Ethos Energy, NRG, NuStar, Onsite Reviews Phillips 66 and Valero for their sponsorship. Onsite reviews have been performed at: Wendi Walker and the Cal/VPP office support • Cintas, Westland staff coordinated the sign up and emailed • Barton Malow, East Lansing (FRIB Project) handouts to make the training paperless. • Marathon Pipe Line, LLC, Michigan Woodhaven/Samaria Reevaluation onsite reviews have been There are currently 27 sites in the Michigan performed at: Voluntary Protection Programs (MVPP), with • Holly Construction, Detroit 25 Star and two MVPP/C (construction) sites. There are currently no Rising Star (Merit) sites Reapprovals in the MVPP. Sites that have been reapproved for participation in the MVPP include: Promotion • Potlatch Land & Lumber, Gwinn The fall MVPP mentors’ meeting was held in • Herman Miller Hickory, Spring Lake October. The meeting was well attended with representatives from many of the MVPP sites Upcoming Events attending in person and others attending remotely The spring 2017 MVPP/MVPPC via interactive media. mentors’ meeting will be held April 10 in Novi in conjunction with the Michigan The MVPP Advisory Group also met in Safety Conference. the fall. In addition to continuing its work on identifying additional ways to promote the “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on MVPP, the group looked into streamlining Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube: reports and the best way to integrate SGEs www.youtube.com/c/MIOSHA_MI into the program. For further details on the MVPP, contact Doug Kimmel, MVPP Specialist at (231) 546-2366, or visit the MIOSHA website at www.michigan.gov/miosha. Minnesota The Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Workplace Safety Consultation Unit saw a reduction in the number sites participating in the Minnesota VPP (MNSTAR) program in 2016. Two employers voluntarily withdrew from the program and one employer was terminated. Minnesota currently has 37 Star sites and one Merit site participating in the MNSTAR Program. Of the 37 Star sites, 35 are general industry locations and two are resident contractors. One new participant successfully achieved Star status in FY2016. In addition, nine employers

had approval audits completed. Statistically, using further information about the MNSTAR We hope to see lots of new2013–2015 data, the three-year average for all Program, please visit www.doli.state.mn.us/WSC/ attendees at the Region XMNSTAR participants (the Total Case Rate) is Mnstar.asp or contact Ryan Nosan, MNSTAR conference, taking place56 percent below the national average and the VPP coordinator at [email protected]. May 16–18, 2017. We alsoDays Away Restricted Transfer Rate is 64 percent hope to see a lot of potentialbelow then national average. Oregon new SGEs at the SGE class on May 13–15 in Spokane. The following site achieved MNSTAR status We have five audits scheduled so far for earlyin FY2016: 2017, and four more audits will be scheduled.• Sysco Asian Foods—St. Paul, MN was We have nine SGEs scheduled to work in the first five audits, and are hoping to get six or recommended and approved as a full seven more for the next four audits. MNSTAR site. The following sites were visited in FY 2016: We hope to see lots of new attendees at• New Ulm Medical Center Reapproved— the Region X conference, taking place May New Ulm, MN; 16–18, 2017. We also hope to see a lot of• Honeywell Defense and Space potential new SGEs at the SGE class on May Reapproved—Plymouth, MN; 13–15 in Spokane.• Liberty Paper two-year rate reduction— Becker, MN; Washington• Monsanto Soybean Production Reapproved—Redwood Falls, MN; Washington State VPP currently has 31 Star sites.• HB Fuller one-year conditional— Farmington, MN; Recent Reapprovals• The Valspar Cooperation Reapproved— • Nucor Steel, Seattle Minneapolis, MN;• Monsanto Glyndon Reapproved— Recent Reapproval Ceremonies Glyndon, MN; • CMC Biologics, Bothell• GE Water and Process Technologies • Honeywell Electronic Materials, Spokane two-year rate reduction—Minnetonka, • Solvay Chemicals, Longview MN; and • Honeywell Aerospace, Redmond• Norbord Minnesota, LLC Reapproved— Solway, MN. Recent Onsite Evaluations The MNOSHA Workplace Safety Conducted with Reports in ProgressConsultation Division continues to receive • Cintas in both Spokane Valley and Pascoinquires and has begun visiting employersthat have indicated they will be submitting had onsite evaluations for approval.an application in FY2017. The small teamapproach has allowed MNOSHA to remain Upcoming Onsite Evaluationsconsistent from site to site and help develop • Reapproval onsite at Columbia Vistarelationships with the participating employers. FY2017 will see 12 reapproval visits at existing Sawmill in VancouverMNSTAR employers’ sites. If you would like • Approval onsite at Trident Seafoods in Everett, WA. THE LEADER vpppa.org 31

state-plan monitorcontacting each state >>Alaska Michigan South Carolina A Washington VPPMichael Bowles Sherry Scott Sharon Dumit networking event wasVPP Manager MVPP Manager VPP Coordinator hosted by Belinda [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] and her team at thePhone: (907) 269-4948 Phone: (517) 322-5817 Phone: (803) 896-7788 Starbucks Coffee Company Kent Flexible Plant onArizona Minnesota Tennessee November 16, 2016.Jessie Atencio Ryan Nosan David BlessmanAssistant Director MNSTAR VPP Coordinator VPP Manager Special [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] A Washington VPP networking event wasPhone: (520) 220-4222 Phone: (651) 284-5120 Phone: (615) 253-6890 hosted by Belinda McDowell and her team at the Starbucks Coffee Company Kent FlexibleCalifornia Nevada Utah Plant on November 16, 2016.Iraj Pourmehraban Jimmy Andrews Jerry ParkstoneCal/VPP & PSM Manager VPP Manager VPP Coordinator Starbucks gave a tour of their site and providedipourmehraban@ jimmy.andrews@ [email protected] lunch. Oliver Lyles of Nucor Steel in Seattlehq.dir.ca.gov business.nv.gov Phone: (801) 530-6901 led a discussion on getting safety committeesPhone: (510) 622-1080 Phone: (702) 486-9046 engaged and Belinda McDowell of Starbucks led Vermont a discussion on promoting safety culture.Hawaii New Mexico Daniel WhippleClayton Chun Melissa Barker VPP Coordinator Upcoming EventSupervisor/VPP VPP Coordinator [email protected] There will be a 2017 Voluntary ProtectionCoordinator [email protected] Phone: (802) 828-5084 Programs seminar: Melvin E. James [email protected] Phone: (505) 222-9595 Lectures on Safety. The seminar will be held onPhone: (808) 586-9110 Virginia March 30, 2017 in Tumwater, WA. North Carolina Milford SternIndiana LaMont Smith VPP Manager Topics will cover:Beth A. Gonzalez Recognition Program [email protected] • 100 Years of Workers’ CompensationVPP Team Leader Manager Phone: (540) 562-3580 x 123 • Building a Culture of Safety [email protected] [email protected]: (317) 607-6118 Phone: (919) 807-2909 Washington an “All About the Money” or “Bleeding John Geppert Heart” Safety Program Makes Sense!Iowa Oregon VPP Manager • Journey to VPPShashi Patel Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM [email protected] • Best Practices in Employee InvolvementVPP Coordinator VPP/SHARP Program Phone: (360) 902-5496 • Success [email protected] CoordinatorPhone: (515) 281-6369 mark.e.hurliman@ Wyoming Some Updates for WA Star Sites oregon.gov Clayton Gaunt Cascades Sonoco Tacoma closed out anotherKentucky Phone: (541) 776-6016 VPP Manager calendar year without any accidents. It bringsBrian Black [email protected] their grand total to over four and a half yearsVPP Program Administrator Puerto Rico Phone: (307) 777-7710 without an accident (five years in April) [email protected] Ilza Roman over six and a half years without a lost-timePhone: (502) 564-3320 Director accident (seven years in June). [email protected] Phone: (787) 754-2171Allen StumpVPP [email protected]: (410) 527-4473For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visitwww.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfm32 THE LEADER vpppa.org

regional round-upsCOMPILED BY JAMIE MITCHELL,COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR,VPPPA, INC.Region I the lead Region I VPP coordinator position. The work that is Another bittersweet announcement is that constantly being doneRegion I held its fourth quarterly regional I will be retiring as chairperson on April 1, by all of you, allowingmeeting at Raytheon in Tewksbury, MA. The 2017. It has been an incredible journey, one our folks to go homemeeting agenda contained regional updates that has inspired me every day. I have had the unharmed each day, isas well as OSHA updates regarding the new pleasure to work with fantastic people who the most important taskrecordkeeping rule, which was presented have provided inspiration. The work that is anyone can ever do.by Andy Palhof. In addition, Brian Sullivan constantly being done by all of you, allowingprovided information regarding the hearing our folks to go home unharmed each day, is theconservation program. Another highlight was most important task anyone can ever do.the recognition of Lynnda Ignacio’s retirementand presentation of a plaque. Contributed by Steve Gauthier, Region I Chairperson Region I is currently drafting the agendafor our first quarterly regional meeting, Region IIwhich is being hosted by Hypertherm inLebanon, NH, a VPP Star site. The highlight Congratulations to the employees at theof the meeting will be “Industrial Robots, PGD Fossil and Solar fleet’s Jamaica Baythe Collaborative Robot Systems—Safety and Bayswater plant for being recognized forRequirements.” Hypertherm, and other excellence in safety by OSHA as a Voluntaryexperts, will share their experience with the Protection Programs (VPP) Star site.team working on the project. Contributed by Brenda Wiederkehr, Our member companies are continuing Region II Chairpersonto mentor companies across the region withDarwin Irish as our mentoring chair. Jack Region IIIPopp, from Cartamundi, has hosted meetingsfor interested companies by providing Our 20th annual conference is taking placeinformational and networking opportunities. May 9–12, 2017, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Mount Pocono, The Region I conference will be held May PA. Guest speakers include Vince Papale,15–17, 2017, at Killington Resort Center in Philadelphia Eagles walk-on legend andKillington, VT. inspiration for the movie, “Invincible,” Dave Madaris, President of Chesapeake Region The 2017 conference will open withOlympian Josh Davis as the keynote speaker.Following the opening there will be workshops,eight-hour courses and Raytheon’s “MagicalMoment of Employee Engagement” two-hourcourse. There will be a special governmentemployee roundtable session, serving as a placewhere attendees can discuss their experiences. Region I will also hold elections for theBoard of Directors as the current terms expirefor some. Nominations are open—if you areinterested please see the two required forms,which can be found on the Region I website.The submission deadline is April 1, 2017. The conferences’ closing speaker willbe Randy Royall, who has over 25 years ofexperience with safety issues. The Region I OSHA Cooperative andState Program (CSP) Team is excited toannounce that Brian Sullivan has accepted THE LEADER vpppa.org 33

Safety Council and Allan Karl, a world traveler, There were 335 attendees at our 2016 information, to register for the conference andadventurer, photographer and entrepreneur. conference, which included 55 vendor for other learning opportunities. companies. Please visit www.vppparegion3.org Region III will also sponsor an SGE for more information. Region IV has also been very pleased to offerworkshop, VPP Application Workshop and webinar learning opportunities for our membersseveral pre-conference workshops, including Contributed by Rich Foreman, as well as others who are interested in improvingconfined space entry, first aid/CPR/AED Region III Chairperson the health and safety at their respective worksites.and rigging, prior to the conference. There Subjects of these webinars have included: Thewill also be panel discussions and numerous Region IV Complexity of Failure and Incident Investigationbreakout sessions that will assist attendees Using Trisection/Lean—Six Sigma Tools. Visitwith improving their safety programs, and The Region IV VPPPA Board of Directors our webpage to learn more about upcomingallow for beneficial networking among peers. would like to recognize the Marine Corps Air educational opportunities offer by the RegionAdditionally, an expo including a stellar group Station in Beaufort, SC, for receiving approval IV VPPPA.of vendors will be promoting their products as a VPP Star worksite. Congratulations on yourand assisting attendees with solving some of achievement and thank you for your service to Contributed by Christopher Colburn,their greatest challenges in the realm of safety. our country! We would also like to congratulate Region IV Treasurer Tim Irving (OSHA) who was the winner of We will be offering a variety of safety and the 2017 Region IV VPPPA Safety and Health Region Vhealth conferences and trainings throughout Excellence Conference logo contest. 2017 Conferencethe year: Registration is now open for the 2017 Region• New Castle, PA: May 23–24, 2017— IV VPPPA Safety and Health Excellence Our 2017 VPPPA conference will take place Conference that will be held June 20–22, May 16–18, 2017 at the Grand Geneva Resort SGE class at Ellwood Industrial Facilities 2017 at the Atlanta Sheraton Hotel in historic located in Lake Geneva, WI. Highlights for this• Jessup, MD: September 13–14, 2017— downtown Atlanta, GA. In addition to the year’s conference will be an SGE workshop, VPP conference, which will offer 54 educational site tour of GE Healthcare—Waukesha South SGE class at Cintas breakout sessions on various topics, we will Operations, VPP Application Workshop and• Virginia: April 5, 2017—VPP best practice also provide pre-conference workshops, an many informational workshop presentations. OSHA ten-hour class and an OSHA special New this year will be an 18-hole golf scramble day at Raytheon, Dulles government employee class. Please visit our at one of the golf courses located at the resort.• Virginia: May 2017—VPP electrical website at www.regonivvpp.org for more For more information and sponsorship opportunities please visit the Revion V website workshop at GE Energy Management at www.vppregionv.org.• Virginia: October 2017— This year’s conference opening keynote VOSH Conference speaker will be Scott Waddle, a former commander in the U.S. Navy and assigned toAtlanta, Georgia the USS Greenville, a submarine stationed in Pearl Harbor. He is the author of the book, The Right Thing—a fascinating tale of success and lessons for anyone trying to navigate today’s uncertain business seas. The closing keynote speaker will be Hap Pigsley, a safety consulting specialist whose seminars focus on getting employees to “buy-into” workplace safety through accountability and responsibility. Conference at A Glance: • SGE Workshop—Grand Geneva Resort— Sunday and Monday May 14–15 • VPP Site Tour—GE Healthcare Waukesha South Operations Tuesday May 16 • VPP Application Workshop—Grand Geneva Resort—Tuesday May 16 • Welcome Reception—Grand Geneva Resort—Tuesday May 16 • Conference Opening Session—Grand Geneva Resort—Wednesday May 1734 THE LEADER vpppa.org

• Opening Keynote Speaker—Scott Waddle— conference. We will also be conducting the Region VIII is proud to U.S. Navy Commander VPP Application and SSQ workshops. bring together safety and health experts from• Closing Keynote Speaker—Hap Pigsley— Contributed by Bill Turner, different industries that are Safety Consulting Specialist Region VII Chairperson all united in their mission to create safer environments• Workshops and Exhibitors—Wednesday and Region VIII for their peers and Thursday May 17–18 colleagues. Region VIII is proud to bring together safety• 18-Hole Scramble—Grand Geneva Resort and health experts from different industries VPPPA scholarship this year, Bervin Hall Golf Course Thursday afternoon May 18 that are all united in their mission to create Memorial Award, Mentor of the Year as well We would like to welcome three new board safer environments for their peers and as a Chairman’s Award during our regional colleagues. We are looking forward to seeing conference. For all region VIII informationmembers to Region V: you at our Annual VPPPA Safety & Health and 2017 conference information please• Randy Schwartzkopf, Afron Chemical, Conference at the DoubleTree Hotel— visit www.regionviiivpppa.org/ or Colorado Springs, CO, on April 25–27, www.regionviiivpppa.org/category/2017-summit/. Sauget, IL 2017! VPP Application, Strengthening• Craig Sievert, NuStar Energy, Star Quality, and VPP101 pre-conference Contributed by Mark Moya, workshops will take place April 25, 2017. Region VIII Chairperson San Antonio, TX SGE training will take place in June 2017• Deborah Krajicek, Marathon Petroleum, at Hellman & Associates, LLC in Wheat Region X Ridge, CO. Findlay, OH There are a few updates to the Region X Board Region VIII presented three VPPPA sessions of Directors:Contributed by Steve Washburn, at NDSC’s annual conference in Bismarck, • Rocky Simmons, ChairpersonRegion V Director-at-Large ND, in February. We would like to thank the • Max Van Valey, Vice Chairperson NDSC for the opportunity to collaborate at • Cliff Butler, Director-at-LargeRegion VII their annual conference. On January 10–19, 2017 the Department ofAs we prepare for our 2017 Midwest Safety Sturgeon Electric earned industry Energy-Headquarters& Health Expo and Conference taking place recognition with awards for two unprecedented (DOE-HQ) conducted the Star reapprovalMay 8–10, 2017, the Region VII Board of projects in Colorado. Sturgeon Electric of CH2M HILL Plateau RemediationDirectors are in the process of rebranding Company, Inc. was also awarded and Company of Richland, WA.our conference. We are looking to include recognized by Associated General Contractorsattendees that are new to VPP. With this (AGC) with the Award for Construction Region X VPPPA will be hosting a VPPrebranding effort, we are reaching out to new Excellence (ACE) and Engineering News Application Workshop at the 23rd Annualvendors, workshop presenters and speakers Record (ENR) Mountain States—Best Northwest Safety & Health Summit on May 16.with the thought of being a safety and health Regional Projects 2016 for performance on two The cost is $250. It is open to all interestedexcellence conference instead of focusing unprecedented projects: Eisenhower/Johnson sites. Regional elections will take place at theonly on VPP. Memorial Tunnels—Fixed Fire Suppression 23rd Annual Meeting of the Membership on System (EJMT) and US-HWY 36 Managed May 17–18, 2017. Our conference keynote speaker this Lanes Project (US-HWY 36).year will be Olympian medalist Josh Davis. Contributed by Jack Griffith,Josh earned five Olympic medals while We hope to match Energy Keepers (Kerr Region X Chairperson and National Boardmodeling a life of integrity and balance. Dam) in Polson, MT, with CDM Smith in Director-at-LargeHe was able to achieve family and business Libby, MT, Johns-Manville in Belgrade, MT,goals while pursuing an Olympic dream. MillerCoors in Huntley, MT or U.S. AirJosh learned to maintain this balance by Force—309th Electronics Maintenance Groupdeveloping seven habits for achieving goals. at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, UT. EnergyInevitably, applying these habits has thrust Keepers is owned by the Confederated SalishJosh into leadership opportunities and he has and Kootenai Tribes and is the first VPP sitedeveloped the skills to perform under intense operated by a tribal entity.pressure and bring out the best in his team. There will be four Board of Directors positions A few of the Region VII board members open for election in 2017. Nominations werewill be attending the Congressional accepted February 6–March 3, 2017 and willOutreach in Washington D.C. In addition, be announced during our annual regionalwe have recently had an uptick in interest conference in April. Region VIII will bein VPP. We have had three new mentor/ presenting our Inaugural “Spirit of Region VIII”mentee matches made in the last month anda few other companies are in conversationabout VPP. There will also be numerouspositions up for re-election during the May THE LEADER vpppa.org 35

washington updateOSHA in a Trump AdministrationBY COURTNEY M. MALVEAUX, ESQ., I n the wake of one of the most interesting Far more than most, President TrumpGOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNSEL, campaign seasons, many wonder how has tended to select corporate executivesVPPPA, INC. the Trump Administration will operate. or individuals with a significant business Few know, but most agree, that there will be background. That is a significant departure significant changes in Washington, which from President Obama’s appointees who more is sure to reach the Department of Labor often came from academia, political activism and ultimately, the Occupational Safety and and in the case of the Department of Labor, a Health Administration (OSHA). labor background. The best tool to use in predicting the future Our new president tends to appoint is a crystal ball. Considering that crystal balls people who will not tinker with the edges. are in short supply these days, I find it useful to His appointees often have been outspoken use another approach. Consider three factors: on policy matters. Certainly, Trump’s labor personnel, policy and approach. secretary designee has publicly supported change on a variety of labor issues, such as Personnel the minimum wage, the Affordable Care Act, overtime rules and paid sick or family leave. Personnel is policy. The common refrain “Drain the swamp” was the mantra of the holds especially true in agencies. The Trump Campaign. Tinkerers need not apply; policy direction and just as importantly, its Trump wants game-changers. implementation, are largely determined by the people who run an operation. Policy We hire employees, and people show up. By default, a change in party often brings a Employees bring their life experiences, biases certain set of changes. When it comes to OSHA, and proclivities with them. It is true for an democratic administrations have tended to push electrician, a teacher or an assistant secretary more protective regulations and push enforcement for OSHA. Let’s consider likely profiles for in their policies, budgets and approaches. appointees to run the agency.36 THE LEADER vpppa.org

The Obama Administration has been no twenty-six state plan states that run their own With new leadershipexception. The last year of it resembled the OSHA programs with respect to their penalty comes freshfinale of a fireworks show with a barrage of levels, adoption of national emphasis programs, perspective. A leaderchanges in electronic reporting, respirable annual audits and benchmark requirements with a businesssilica, walking/working surfaces and for enforcement positions. Many of these background mayincreased penalties. changes can be accomplished administratively, look at the agency for example, by changing the terms of grants anew with return on How will a Trump Administration follow under which state plan states operate, and a investment in mind.that up? First, it may not initiate rulemaking more forgiving approach when consideringon any significant new regulations. As a whether to withdraw state plan status when acandidate, Trump pledged to purge up to 70 state takes a novel approach.percent of regulations. While such a figure maybe—gasp—an exaggeration, it would be hard Resources may shift as well. Labor issuesto find a regulation the new administration in general, and OSHA in particular, barelywould like. got a peep from the Trump campaign. Shifts in spending on defense, immigration and Will the new administration eliminate any infrastructure priorities may affect otherrecently finalized rules? That would be difficult, agencies. OSHA may reconsider the balance ofbecause an agency cannot simply “walk funding between enforcement and complianceback” a final rule; it must do so by opening a assistance, including Voluntary Protectionnew (and onerous) rulemaking. The Trump Programs, Safety and Health AchievementAdministration might open a rulemaking on Recognition Programs, consultation and otherthe silica rule, which is under litigation and initiatives that encourage workplace safetydecried roundly by industry. through cooperative partnerships between the agency, the workforce and management. But as a candidate, Mr. Trump hasexpressed urgency to accomplish goals With new leadership comes freshquickly. Given that a second term is anything perspective. A leader with a businessbut certain and that the 2018 midterms could background may look at the agency anew withusher in a newly obstructionist Congress, the return on investment in mind. Could thatTrump Administration may be looking at a mean working with Congress to streamlinetwo-year window to make changes. That may citation contests? Will the organizationallead to alternative avenues, such as delaying or structure change? Will it find new ways todefunding its implementation, withdrawing leverage private resources such as specialthe defense of the litigation, defunding its government employees?implementation or settling to the satisfactionof industry interests. I conclude my thoughts in the early days of the Trump Administration’s commencement. The same may happen with the electronic My efforts to find that crystal ball failed me.reporting rule, which has perhaps seen If you come across one, would you please letmore opposition than any in recent history. me know?Alternatively, OSHA may rewrite theaccompanying guidelines to assure employers Courtney Malveaux is a regulatory, governmentthat they may continue to drug test injuredemployees without fearing a retaliation charge. affairs and corporate attorney who defends The increased penalties are a different companies cited by OSHA at Jackson Lewis, P.C.story because they were enacted by Congressin its last budget. Ninety-five percent of the in Richmond, VA. An experienced litigator, hemembers who passed it were re-elected, sodon’t bet on Congress walking it back in its served as Virginia’s Labor Commissioner throughnext budget. A more likely scenario may bea subsequent budget that does not include October 2013, and as president of the Nationalautomatic penalty level increases. Association of Government Labor Officials.Implementation Malveaux represents industrial employers onPerhaps the most overlooked factor is themany hidden ways agencies implement their the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board, andpolicies. It’s often a question of touch. Forexample, OSHA may give more latitude to the serves as Government Affairs Counsel for the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association. He can be reached at (804) 212-2862 or at [email protected]. THE LEADER vpppa.org 37

THE FUTURE F SAFETY38 THE LEADER vpppa.org

BY LAUREN KRUMPACKTRAINING in a Mobile World Technology and compliance together are ushering in an evolution in safety training. However, digital formats often collide with new realities in daily job tasks, working behaviors, habits, responsibilities and employee preferences. With these new realities come challenges in the implementation of employee training software and development programs for safety training. The future of safety training in a mobile world is one where businesses acknowledge these challenges and adapt so that employees can continue to learn, grow and have adequate instruction to work safely. THE LEADER vpppa.org 39

Oftentimes, these types of T oday, life is extremely mobile and fast- Both classroom and hands-on safety training programs guide employees paced creating a legion of employees have positive and negative aspects. Combining more easily into the hands- who are often overwhelmed, distracted them, however, with emerging mobile training on experience—as mobile and eager to receive digestible information— and learning trends can have dramatic overall training has become more fast! In examining the way that learners are positive benefits to your workplace training interactive with audio, influenced by this increasingly mobile world, development programs. In doing so, many video, stimulating graphics we can gather insight about the state of mobile employees can access a training program led and virtual realities. learning today, why mobile learning works by a tablet, computer or smartphone, but and some of the best mobile safety training have an instructor nearby who is receptive to40 THE LEADER vpppa.org solutions. At Gensuite, we’ve been keeping a questions. Oftentimes, these types of programs close eye on these trends and setting our sites guide employees more easily into the hands-on to increase options for on-the-go trainers and experience—as mobile training has become learners alike. more interactive with audio, video, stimulating graphics and virtual realities. State of Mobile Learning Today Despite the realm of possibilities, there Only one percent of a typical workweek is are perceived deterrents to employing mobile dedicated to employee training development. learning solutions. Costs, security limitations It is not unrealistic to state that this statistic or a fear of change are just a few. It may seem is partially attributed to the mode of training like overcoming high costs and security-related delivery options currently used. Classroom or issues are impossible, but as mobile learning instructor-led training remains one of the most becomes more wide-spread, these issues will be popular employee training techniques, despite less problematic. numerous technological advances. Classroom learning is often time-consuming and non- Why Mobile Learning Works interactive. That is why many employers still widely use the hands-on learning approach. Beyond the benefits of combining your Hands-on training allows employees to practice training methods, mobile learning works for skills in real-time, but oftentimes, this comes several reasons. Even employee compliance with the need for time invested in consistent training reaps key benefits to mobile coaching and trial-and-error. learning. If you train your employees for compliance, you understand that regulations are always on the rise. It can be time

consuming to constantly train employees Seek mobile solutions for trainers and Enhanced with subscriberon new regulations to stay intact under administrators to ensure your program is recommendations, Training Tracker’s incrediblethe scrutiny of law enforcement and your effective and sustainable. Gensuite Employee footprint, provides the ability for us to hearcustomers. Here’s how mobile learning helps: Training Software provides a framework from our subscriber community about how we for training leads to structure and deliver can constantly improve the application. Current Custom eLearning can be designed regulatory and program-specific training subscribers say they could benefit from trainingwith specific regulatory training needs and with training assignments made based on modules designed for the mobile device, andorganizational objectives in mind. It can also role and job activities. Administrators can for an easier way to log completions on-the-go.be updated and upgraded easily with changing access all learning configurations on a mobile Soon the application will be enhanced so usersbusiness needs, and is more cost effective as device and trainers can take quick actions can digitally enter training attendance from acourses can be re-run or re-purposed over time. such as log completions for classroom/in- sign-in sheet through a QR code scanner. person training sessions. Gamification of compliance training has We are all learners. Many of us haveproven highly effective and is being adopted by Proven training applications such responsibilities for making sure that themany organizations as an alternative to more as the Employee Training Software suite people we work with are well-informedtraditional methods of training. In addition to comes equipped with the Gensuite Training and adequately prepared. We can all learnproviding an enjoyable and interactive learning Tracker application. This has been used by collectively from advances in technology andexperience, it motivates and gives confidence to compliance leaders since 1999 with users from the correlating societal impacts. Technologyemployees during their training. 39 subscribing companies, spanning 2,000 is changing the face of compliance training, locations in 65 countries. Over 75,000 courses and we are already seeing mobile solutions BYOD (Bring your own device) training and 2.3 million requirements are managed in advancing past major obstacles, meaningis a less expensive mobile training method. Training Tracker each year. training benefits for all.With this method, employees and employerscan use personal devices to access trainingmaterials. Employees can complete training ata steady pace, as they feel comfortable and astime permits. The benefits of mobile learning extend farand wide. Whether you choose to combineyour training methods, or opt for mobile-onlymethods, you’ll experience benefits from both.As technology in this area continues to evolve,so does the list of benefits and types of mobiletraining options. The only question thatremains is—what options of training softwareand programs will work best for you?Mobile LearningRecommendationsThere are several methods and options that canhelp you transition to mobile training. No matteryour mission, there is an alternative that will workfor you. Here are some recommendations of themost beneficial solutions. Adaptive learning is an educational methodwhich uses computers as interactive teachingdevices and to orchestrate the allocation ofhuman and mediated resources according tothe unique needs of each learner. Microlearning is a way of teaching anddelivering content to learners in small, veryspecific bursts. The learners are in control ofwhat and when they’re learning. Select the right content provider to bestsuit your needs. Not all workplaces are thesame; and not all content is created equal. Dothe research, ask for preview access to trainingcontent material and involve multiple usertypes in the content provider selection process. THE LEADER vpppa.org 41

infographic corner Experts have developed It is estimated that the doubling time of 3D-printed skin for burn victims, medical airway splints knowledge for babies, biodegradable in 1950 was 50 years; in 1980, 7 years; and in 2010, implants, ankle replacements, 3.5 years. In 2020 it is casts, pills and more. projected to be More inspections predict 0.2 years —just 73 days. a safer worksite— worksites that do Experts predict that more inspectionsdriverlesscars will be in use all generally have over the world fewer incidents. within the next ten years. The top ten Computer power is in-demand jobs doubling in 2010 did not even exist every 18 in 2004. months.42 THE LEADER vpppa.org

calendar of events VPPPA ContactsApril New Orleans, LA To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visitApril 4–6, 2017 May 16–18, 2017 www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please referRegion IX VPPPA Safety Summit Region V VPPPA Conference to the contact information below.Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Grand Geneva Resort & SpaBurlingame, CA Lake Geneva, WI Mike Maddox [email protected] 25, 2017 May 16–18, 2017 Executive Director Ext. 103Early Bird Registration Deadline Region X Northwest Safetyfor Safety+ & Health Summit Sara A. Taylor, CMP The Davenport Grand Hotel [email protected] 25–27, 2017 Spokane, WA Director of Operations Ext. 107Region VIII VPPPA Safety Summit JuneDoubleTree by Hilton Colorado Amanda McVicker, CMPSprings, CO June 20–22, 2017 [email protected] Conference & Education ManagerApril 3–June 1, 2017 Region IV Safety & Health Ext. 112 Excellence Conference#HowISafety Contest Sheraton Jamie Mitchell Atlanta, GA [email protected] Communications Coordinator June 23–26, 2017 Ext. 117May 1–4, 2017 Region II VPPPA Conference Katlyn PagliucaRegion VI Annual Safety Tropicana Casino & Resort [email protected]& Health Conference Atlantic City, NJ Membership & Outreach ManagerStatehouse Convention Center Ext. 115Little Rock, AR July Natasha ColeMay 8–10, 2017 July 11, 2017 [email protected] Member Services CoordinatorRegion VII VPPPA Conference Regular Registration Rate Deadline Ext. 113The Westin Crown Center for Safety+Kansas City, MO Heidi Hill August [email protected] 10–12, 2017 Event Sales & Advertising CoordinatorRegion III 20th Annual Conference Ext. 111Kalahari Hotel and Convention CenterPoconos, PA Michael Khosrofian [email protected] 15–17, 2017 Accountant Ext. 104Region I VPPPA ConferenceKillington Resort Bryant WalkerKillington, VT [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Ext. 110 Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Government Relations Counsel Ext. 105 August 29–September 1, 2017 Safety+ THE LEADER vpppa.org 43

7600-E Leesburg Pike, Suite 100Falls Church, VA 22043-2004Tel: (703) 761-1146Fax: (703) 761-1148www.vpppa.orgVPPPA, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitableorganization, promotes advances in worker safetyand health excellence through best practices andcooperative efforts among workers, employers, thegovernment and communities.SCAN QR CODETO LEARN MOREABOUT VPPPA, INC.http://bit.ly/jVQcBo PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER