The Leader Summer 2019 - Slips, Trips & Falls

VOL6/NO3/SUMMER 2019

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CONTENTS VOL 6 | NO 3 | SUMMER 2019 FEATURES 10 30 Slips, Trips and Falls: Cringe Worthy Excuses The Dangers of a That Lead to Slips, Commonplace Hazard Trips and Falls By Joshua Franklin, Board of By Anita Hawkins, Safety Pros Certified Safety Professionals 34 14 Emergency Response Walking-Working Pertaining to Slips, Surfaces and Pedestrian Trips and Falls Safety: Gaining Traction in your Walking-Working By Lee Vernon, Code 3 Surfaces Program Medical Services LLC By Scott Gaddis, 36 Intelex Technologies What Slips, Trips and 26 Falls Signage Can Teach Us About Workplace Worker Fatigue As Communication A Factor in Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries By Carolyn Voelkening, The Marlin Company By Kris Smith, GSC On-Site Services 41 Product Fall Protection: SECTIONS The Danger of Falling Objects in 8 Infographic Corner Industrial Settings 44 Membership Corner 46 State-Plan Monitor By Lee McCord, 48 Regional Round-Ups Adrian’s Safety Solutions 50 Calendar of Events COLUMNS 4 A Message from the VPPPA Chairperson 6 Global Safety and Health Watch

A Message From the VPPPA Chairperson W elcome to the Summer issue of Wednesday, August 28, Keynote the Leader magazine, addressing several of the most frequent Gary Guller led the largest group of people hazards in the workplace: slips, trips and with disabilities to Mount Everest Basecamp, falls. I’d like to give a special shoutout to our and then continued up the mountain, to authors for sharing their expertise with us. become the first person with one arm to ever summit Mount Everest. Since that time, It is time to be very excited about the he has traveled around the globe sharing annual Safety+ Symposium in New Orleans, the Team Everest story with corporations, LA, this August 26–30. There is a new nonprofits and other organizations, as well look and feel for the Safety+ Symposium as founding Make Others Greater, which this year, beginning with pre-symposium raises funds for communities in Nepal. Gary workshops and three inspiring and will talk to us about his journey that took informative general sessions that are sure to “thirty-five years of passion, focus and start your days with purpose in the Big Easy. dedication for thirty-one minutes on the Here are some highlights from this year’s top of the world.” His inspiring journey is Safety+ Symposium. featured in the documentary, “Team Everest: A Himalayan Journey.” Gary is an actor in Monday, August 26, the movie: “Sherpa Stew: The Climb Beyond Pre-Symposium Workshops the Summit” and is co-author of the book: “Make Others Greater—From Mt. Everest to • VPP Application Workshop the Boardroom: Vital Lessons from Dynamic • American Heart Association Heartsaver Innovators, Explorers and Everyday Heroes That Will Inspire the Way You Lead.” CPR Certifications Thursday, August 29, Keynote • Basic & Advanced Employee Response to and Birthday Bash an Active Shooter • Terry D. Gray inspires organizations to • What’s New in DOE-VPP? cultivate conscious commitment to safety • SGE Training from August 24-26 culture creation and compliance. Terry works as a pipefitter for Huntington Ingalls Tuesday, August 27, Keynote Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding, a Power Hour VPPPA member company, the sole provider of aircraft carriers for the U.S. Navy and • Frank King, Suicide Prevention the largest industrial employer in Virginia. Terry will deliver a powerful message to Speaker and Trainer, The Mental inspire the next level of safety performance Health Comedian, will be speaking at your site. about mental health. • Get ready to ring in our 35th birthday • Abby Ferri, Vice President, Hays with a huge Birthday Bash! Unwind, Companies, will be speaking about women network and enjoy a VPPPA-style empowerment/women in safety. celebration like none other. We are • Glenn Trout, President & CEO, VelocityEHS, will be speaking about working with Millennials. 4 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

celebrating 35 years of distinction in SafetyPro Podcast broadcast live daily. When www.vpppa.org helping our membership protect every you need a break, make your way to our worker, everywhere. There are more new Relaxation Room on Wednesday and VPPPA National Board of Directors prizes and giveaways than ever before. Thursday to unwind and decompress. Chairperson Friday, August 30, Closing Day Interested in attaining industry CEUs? J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE, Raytheon Register for one of our pre-symposium Company, LLC • Additional workshop sessions from top workshops on Monday, August 26, or choose from more than 100 sessions Vice Chairperson industry speakers. throughout the week. Along with our Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP usual educational tracks, we are thrilled • We are excited to announce a special to announce a new leader track. Leaders Treasurer can now enjoy world-class professional Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratory musical performance by Demarcus Swopes development at Safety+. Other tracks from our VPPPA member company, include behavior-based safety, worksite Secretary Sherwin-Williams in Morrow, GA. analysis, employee engagement, Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International management commitment, hazard • The family is in the house… a Family Feud prevention and control, health/medical, Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Unit that is! Enjoy an engaging, hilarious and Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau intriguing competition to see who is the Remediation Company truly the best of the best in the industry. Director from a Site Without a Collective Get ready to ring in our 35th birthday with a huge Birthday Bargaining Agent Bash! We are celebrating 35 years of distinction in helping Johnathan “JD” Dyer, Shermco Industries our membership protect every worker, everywhere. Director from a DOE-VPP Site A Few More Safety+ Updates safety management systems and safety Stacy Thursby, AECOM and health training. In addition, there are Enjoy our 1980s-themed VPPPA Membership sessions on health-related issues including Director from a VPP Contractor/ Booth in the Expo Hall, featuring 1980s mental health, drugs and weight control. Construction Site movies, pinball, smoothies and frappes Brad Gibson, S&B Engineers & Constructors during morning and afternoon breaks. We As always, if you have any thoughts, will have a “Mongo Map” where you can comments, questions or ideas, please reach Director-at-Large place a pin on the board to indicate where out to me, our amazing National Office Staff or Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE you are from; and games in the registration the National or Regional Boards of Directors. Cintas Corporation area, such as battleship, cornhole, Everything we do is for you, our members. You shuffleboard, giant pong and more. asked, we listened and we are forging a new Director-at-Large and exciting future in this regard. Sean D. Horne, Valero Energy We also have powerful opportunities for you to network with the best of the best in We are truly transforming tomorrow together. Director-at-Large safety management system excellence, as Alice Tatro, Acushnet Company—Ball Plant II well as informative and topical workshops —J.A. Rodriguez, Jr. with top-notch speakers. Stop by our Director-at-Large Media Center to watch and listen to The Kimberly Watson, Oldcastle Infrastructure Director-at-Large Vacant Director-at-Large Vacant Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. EDITORIAL MISSION The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 • Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities. vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 5

Global Safety and Health Watch By Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc. Global Outbreaks: Investigating Diseases While it is rare, It often feels as if the partners with the United States Most foodborne disease the Ebola Virus news reports an outbreak government, and other nations, outbreaks in the U.S. are Disease is one of disease daily. On the to prevent avoidable epidemics, reported by consumers to that often sparks local level, we might see detect threats early and create their local health departments. fear and panic. empty shelves at the grocery effective responses. They have a According to Food Safety store where the romaine lettuce long history of successful public Magazine, “The Foodborne 6 Leader—Summer 2019 should be. Or perhaps you have health programs, such as the Diseases Active Surveillance received an automated call President’s Emergency Plan Network (FoodNet) is the warning you that a product you for AIDS Relief, the President’s principal foodborne disease purchased, and ate, months ago Malaria Initiative, Global component of the Centers was potentially contaminated. Disease Detection Centers, Field for Disease Control and The Food Recall Widget on the Epidemiology Training Programs Prevention (CDC) Emerging Centers for Disease Control’s and more. These programs are Infections Program (EIP). (CDC) website provides a the gold standard in the public FoodNet is a collaborative scrolling list of companies health realm and have been project of the CDC, nine state and grocery stores with recall adopted by various countries. sites (California, Colorado, notices—a salami company, Connecticut, Georgia, New meat and poultry products, bacon How Outbreaks York, Maryland, Minnesota, breakfast wraps, frozen pizzas, are Investigated Oregon and Tennessee), the quiches—the list goes on and U.S. Department of Agriculture on (and those were just a few In the last two years, the (USDA) and the FDA. The project from June 2019). Salmonella, CDC has sent scientists and consists of active surveillance E. coli and other pathogens are doctors to respond to more for foodborne diseases and quite commonly the culprit than 750 health threats. When related epidemiological regarding recalled foods. a foodborne disease outbreak studies designed to help However, the CDC’s website also is detected, public heath and public health officials better alerts international travelers of regulatory officials must act understand the epidemiology additional outbreaks: a global fast. Officials aim to collect as of foodborne diseases in the measles outbreak in June of this much information as possible United States.” In addition year, Polio in Indonesia, Ebola in to find the root cause of the to FoodNet, “PulseNet” is a the Democratic Republic of the illness and prevent more people collaborative project between Congo, Rubella in Japan and more. from getting sick. Investigators the CDC, FDA, USDA and state collect three types of data: health departments, and uses Headquartered in Atlanta, a national computer network GA, the CDC (then known as Epidemiologic—Geographic to confirm outbreaks of the Communicable Disease distribution patterns of illnesses. foodborne illness and to link Center) opened its doors on cases/clusters occurring in July 1, 1946. Their website Traceback—A common multiple states. Public health notes that, “Although medical point of contamination in the laboratories across the country epidemiologists were scarce distribution chain. perform DNA “fingerprinting” in those early years, disease on bacteria that may be surveillance became the Food and Environmental foodborne and use the system cornerstone of CDC’s mission Testing—The germ that caused to exchange findings when of service to the states and illness found in a food item outbreaks of foodborne disease over time changed the practice collected from a sick person’s occur. The network permits of public health.” The CDC home, a retail location or in the food production environment. vpppa.org

rapid comparison of these explained Dr. Henry Mwebesa, critical information on which disease are, of course, wildly “fingerprint” patterns through Director-General of Health treatments are most effective at different situations. News an electronic database at the Services for the Ugandan Health treating Ebola.” stories flood our televisions and CDC. The DNA “fingerprinting” Ministry, shortly before the first social media feeds urging us to method is called pulsed-field case in Uganda was confirmed. Although the risk for stay away from certain foods or gel electrophoresis (PFGE).” He continued to say, “Any contracting Ebola is low for alerting us to new developments case of high fever with some most travelers to the DRC, regarding widespread diseases. Not every outbreak is solved. bleeding is considered an alert, other infectious diseases are However, while the news Sometimes they end before and we’ve made sure we have at a higher risk–like malaria. cycle dies down and stories enough information is gathered enough infection prevention The CDC recommends receiving change, there are constantly to identify the likely source. and control materials in place… vaccines before travel, taking countless doctors, scientists However, each outbreak is We can also test blood samples medicine to prevent malaria and and other officials investigating investigated, and officials are here in Uganda now, giving us making an effort to avoid bug these events domestically and continuously developing new the results in just 24 hours.” As bites when abroad. globally–all with the shared ways to investigate and solve of June 24, there had been a total goal of keeping the public these issues faster. of three confirmed cases of Ebola Getting sick from healthy and safe. in Uganda. All three had recently contaminated foods in your This summer, traveled to the DRC, and all local grocery store and succumbed to the disease. contracting a devastating Uganda is facing What Else is Being Done SOURCES their first confirmed with Ebola Research? www.cdc.gov/outbreaks/index.html Ebola cases. The National Institute of www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/security/cdcrole.htm Allergy and Infectious Diseases From E. Coli to Ebola (NIAID) notes, “In August www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/investigating-outbreaks/index.html 2018, the Democratic Republic While it is rare, the Ebola Virus of the Congo (DRC) Ministry of www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/december- Disease is one that often sparks Health declared the country’s 2000january-2001/fdas-role-in-traceback-investigations-for-produce/ fear and panic. There is no cure, tenth outbreak of Ebola virus and since it is spread by contact disease. In November 2018, ncsm.gov.in/whats-scary-about-ebola-and-why-we-should-not-fear-it/ with bodily fluids, the disease NIAID and the National Institute takes a harsh toll on doctors for Biomedical Research www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/ebola-treatment and nurses aiming to help sick (INRB), part of the Democratic patients. The disease acts quickly Republic of the Congo Ministry wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/ebola-democratic-republic-of- and results in fever, weakness, of Health, began a Phase 2/3 the-congo vomiting, diarrhea and internal clinical trial testing multiple bleeding. The disease was first investigational Ebola therapies. www.cdc.gov/about/history/index.html discovered in 1976 near the The trial is enrolling patients Ebola River in the Democratic with confirmed Ebola virus www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/history/chronology.html Republic of the Congo (DRC), and disease at Ebola treatment units scientists do not know the origin. run by medical humanitarian www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/ organizations. The trial aims symptoms-causes/syc-20351173 A travel notice for the Ebola to compare mortality among virus was released in April of patients who receive one of afro.who.int/news/ugandas-groundwork-preparedness-bodes-well- this year for the DRC. For the three investigational Ebola stopping-ebolas-spread-within-its-borders last 40 years, the disease has drugs with a control group emerged periodically, usually of patients who receive the in African countries. While investigational monoclonal the disease is devastating for antibody cocktail treatment those infected, it luckily cannot ZMapp, developed by Mapp be transmitted as easily as a Biopharmaceutical, Inc. common cold or flu virus. Investigators hope that the trial, which could extend across This summer, Uganda is multiple Ebola outbreaks in facing their first confirmed various countries, will provide Ebola cases. “In over 10 months since Ebola appeared in Congo, we dealt with over 600 alerts,” vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 7

Infographic Corner Slips, trips and falls Injuries from slips, trips are the leading cause of and falls in the workplace cost U.S. businesses unintentional injury- $17.54 billion annually. related deaths. Being struck by an object In 2017, OSHA published or equipment is the changes to the standards related to fourth most walking-working disabling injury surfaces and personal fall protection systems. in U.S. workplaces, according to the 2018 Liberty Mutual Workplace The Bureau of Labor Safety Index. Statistics says that on average, slips, trips Nearly 33,381 and falls cause nearly people died 700 fatalities from falls in 2015, per year. according to the National Safety Council (NSC). According to the NSC, Falls are 100% slips, trips and falls accounted for preventable. 25.8 percent The most at-risk age of all lost workday injuries. group for injuries involving slips, trips and falls are those 55 years old and over. 8 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

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The Cost What are Slips, Trips Contaminants on the Floor and Falls? According to the 2019 Liberty • Provide and maintain a written housekeeping program Mutual Workplace Safety Index, Before determining and • Keep floors clean and dry injuries from slips, trips and implementing effective • Use proper cleaning procedures for floors falls (STF) in the workplace cost mitigation techniques to • Wear slip-resistant shoes U.S. businesses $17.54 billion prevent and reduce STF annually. These seemingly incidents and injuries in your Poor Drainage: Pipes and Drains benign actions resulted in workplace, let us define STF. 887 deaths and 227,760 lost • Correctly aligned drain pipes workday incidents in 2017 Slip: Too little friction between • Unclog drains regularly (e.g., kitchens) alone. According to the most feet/footwear and the walking/ • Redirect downspouts away from pedestrian areas recent National Safety Council’s working surface, resulting “Injury Facts” (2017), STFs in a loss of balance (with or Indoor Walking Surface Irregularities accounted for 25.8 percent of all without a fall). lost workday injuries. Workers • Replace loose carpeting and remove damaged vinyl tile typically lost 12 days on the Trip: The foot or leg hits an • Patch cracks greater than ¼ inch wide job, and if the worker was in object and the upper body • Reduce trip hazards over ¼ inch high, bevel ¼ inch to an industrial setting such as continues moving, resulting mining, the average days lost in loss of balance (with or ½ inch to a slope, and ramp changes over ½ inch went up to 60 days, according without a fall). Also occurs to the National Institute for from stepping down to a lower • Consider replacing smooth surfaces exposed to liquids Occupational Safety and Health surface and losing balance. (NIOSH). The most frequent with rougher-surfaced flooring injuries included in workers’ Fall: Both falls to another compensation claims were level, and falls to the same Outdoor Walking Surface Irregularities sprains, strains, dislocations level, usually from a loss of and muscle/ligament tears. balance, are included in this • Patch cracks greater than ½ inch wide single definition. • Highlight elevation changes with Safety Yellow Although the most at-risk age group for injuries involving What are the Most warning paint STFs are those 55 years old and Serious STF Hazards? over, every worker demographic Weather Conditions: Ice and Snow is exposed to the hazard for Each industry has its own an average of 23 lost workday unique challenges and • Promptly remove ice and snow from parking lots incidents per 10,000 workers. environments and therefore How much does an injury as specific hazards vary by and sidewalks commonplace as a sprain cost? workplace. But many hazards According to the OSHA “Safety are common across various • Place freezing weather warning monitors at entrances to Pays” calculator and numbers industries. One well-studied provided by the National Council industry example, with parking lots on Compensation Insurance, STF hazards similar to Inc., an average sprain costs retail, transportation and • Provide mats in winter months and slip-resistant footwear over $30,000 in direct costs and warehousing, is the healthcare $33,000 in indirect costs. With industry. According to a NIOSH to employees a three percent profit margin, report on STF prevention for depending on the industry and healthcare workers, the 10 most Inadequate Lighting company, that equates to $2 frequent STF hazards, and million in sales to cover a single several associated prevention • Install more light fixtures in parking structures, walkways sprain injury. methods, are: and storage rooms vpppa.org • Verify light bulbs have the necessary brightness Stairs and Handrails • Paint or tape each step (top and bottom) • Check stair treads and nosing for slip resistance • Confirm all handrails are 34–38 inches from the stepping surface Stepstools and Ladders • Train employees on the proper use of ladders • Provide the proper ladders for the job • Maintain three points of contact with the ladder while ascending and descending Tripping Hazards: Clutter, Loose Cords, Hoses, Wires and Medical Tubing • Organize storage areas (housekeeping) • Clear walkways and work areas • Cover cords with a beveled protective cover • Route all cords underneath desks Improper Use of Floor Mats and Runners • Use non-slip mats in wet areas • Replace worn mats and/or those with ripped edges • Secure mats from moving and paint small markers on the floor to lay mats in correct position Leader—Summer 2019 11

Slips, trips and How Do I Prevent STFs areas are all examples. Use these Surveillance falls aren’t just in my Organization? data points to train employees something that History on spill cleanup and who/when Create a STF reduction plan happens. They cost to call for larger spills. that includes a checklist of billions in workers’ What is your company’s history workplace-unique hazards. For compensation and of STFs? Where and when do Additionally, provide training example, you might consider lost productivity. injuries and close calls occur on how to report damaged a daily walkthrough of areas in your facilities, and on what and worn surfaces such as where housekeeping needs type of jobsites? Survey your cracks and gaps in walking and attention and a weekly visit workers. Where do they feel is working surfaces and damaged to places affected by weather, the most likely area for STFs and tiles, carpet or other flooring but with less frequent worker what would they recommend materials. You might also presence, like a remote parking to prevent future incidents? provide contact information lot or seasonal storage area. Does your organization have for repairs and spill response. If Finally, use a list, such as the a fall prevention program (in you’ve identified slip-resistant checklist example provided applicable workplaces) and does footwear to reduce an identified by NIOSH on page 35 of Slip, it function as designed (e.g., do STF hazard, provide workers Trip, and Fall Prevention for employees follow prescribed with a choice in footwear and Healthcare Workers. safe work practices to include have a policy of when and how it the installation of guarding should be worn. Conclusion where applicable and personal protective equipment)? Recognize employees who Slips, trips and falls aren’t do report unsafe walking and just something that happens. Training working conditions. Consider They cost billions in workers’ accredited certifications, such compensation and lost With information gathered as those from the Board of productivity. By deliberate from the historical review, next Certified Safety Professionals, analysis of your workplace’s STF create a list of common hazards for employees with history and site conditions, as and associated areas. Locations responsibilities in safety and well as training and surveillance, subject to weather changes like health to recognize education, to include the implementation rain, snow and ice; transitional training and experience, of NIOSH-identified best hazards like spills and vehicle and show an organizational practices, STF losses can be movement areas; and temporary commitment to excellence and reduced and eliminated. worksites like construction continuous improvement. Joshua Franklin, MBA, CSP, SMS, CET, CPCU, ARM is a safety and professional development expert and serves as the Business Growth and Partnership Director at the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Josh is a military veteran who culminated a 21-year career as the Air Force’s Safety career field manager, where he oversaw the training and development of 781 military safety professionals across the globe. Josh had the honor of deploying to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Rwanda, and many other less-than-safe locations to further advance the safety and health of both military and civilian workers. Josh is a Certified Safety Professional, Safety Management Specialist, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, and someone who fervently believes in the power of safety and health professionals to change the world. Josh previously served as an adjunct faculty member at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he taught courses on business strategy and safety and health. Josh holds a Bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle and a Master of Business Administration from Walden University. Josh is originally from Ithaca, NY, and currently resides in Indianapolis, IN, with his wife Karen and their children Sydney and Hunter. He is actively involved in mentoring programs across various organizations and is at home when hiking on muddy trails in far-off mountain ranges. SOURCES injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/topics/ErgonomicsandMSDPrevention.html www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-123/pdfs/2011-123.pdf www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/safetypays/estimator.html business.libertymutualgroup.com/business-insurance/Documents/Services/RC2026.pdf 12 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

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Gaining Traction in Your Walking- Walking-Working Surfaces Program SurfWacoersking and Pedestrian Safety By Scott Gaddis, Intelex Technologies 14 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

On average, slips, trips and falls cause nearly 700 fatalities per year. Furthermore, twenty percent of the 30,000 forklift accidents that occur each year involve a pedestrian being struck by the vehicle. P edestrian safety is Preventing pedestrian same level and to the working not an issue to be accidents in the workplace has surface itself, are part of the overlooked. The long been challenging. Working control expectations. The Bureau of Labor alongside a wide range of regulatory language used in Statistics says that on average, material handling equipment, the final rule is “performance- slips, trips and falls cause traveling across ill-prepared based,” meaning there’s more nearly 700 fatalities per year. work surfaces and dealing room for employers to select OSHA reports that as many as with elements like weather, the equipment and controls 30,000 forklift accidents occur congestion and poor illumination that will be most effective in in the United States annually is, in many cases, part of work the workplace. Simply put, it and close to 20 percent of for many. Add a distraction such requires the knowledge of the those accidents involve a as a cell phone, and we have a employer to perform to the pedestrian being struck by perfect storm of substandard intent of the rule. the forklift. Of these forklift conditions met by an increase of events, 35 percent resulted in undesired behaviors. Pedestrian safety and how death to the pedestrian. the worker navigates his or her Protecting Workers walking-working environment Falls from both heights, as from Slips and Falls requires a complete well as same-level working understanding of risks, the level surfaces, are among the leading In 2017, OSHA published of risk posed to the worker and causes of serious work-related changes to the standards the controls warranted that injuries and deaths. OSHA related to walking-working provide better safety. estimates that, on average, surfaces and personal fall approximately 202,066 serious protection systems to better How Falls Occur (lost-workday) injuries and protect workers in general 345 fatalities occur annually industry from these types of Both slips and trips result from among workers directly hazards and the dangers posed an unintended or unexpected affected by OSHA’s final rule to the pedestrian worker. The change in the contact between to update, align and provide final rule has updated and the feet and the ground. greater flexibility in its general clarified standards and added Slipping occurs when the industry Walking-Working worker training and equipment friction between the foot or Surfaces and Fall Protection inspections as required steps in shoe sole and the floor surface standards. Over 60 percent of risk mitigation. While I believe provides insufficient resistance all falls occur on the same level, the updated changes focus on to counteract the forward or the result of slips and trips. falls from heights, falls to the rearward forces that occur during the stepping process. vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 15

Lighting According to an ergonomic study impacted by production • Shared Surface Inclusion— requirements performed by T. Leamon, there materials like wet and dry should be are two types of slips: a “micro sifted ingredients, dust, Mixing of pedestrian workers considered with slip” that is shorter than 1.18 oils and greases; equipment and motorized or non- ample research inches (3 cm) and a “slip” that required to run with water motorized equipment is since there is is as long as 3.14–3.9 inches or other fluids; food service; dangerous. Where these areas not one solution (8–10 cm). Sliding also should and around sinks and outdoor are present in your operation, for everyone be considered, and it is regarded areas affected by the weather risk assessment should be considering as the uncontrolled movement like ice and snow. Drains performed to understand the wide array of the heel when the slip length where liquids may accumulate where work tasks are of tasks. Every exceeds approximately 3.9 and where downspouts performed in or near areas facility is different. inches (10 cm). disperse rainwater also where motorized and non- should be assessed. motorized equipment may Microslips generally pass enter the walking-working unnoticed. A slip will result in • Changes in Surface surface. Assessment areas instinctive efforts to regain should consider barriers, postural control. A slide is likely Elevation—As previously designated walk paths, to lead to a loss of balance mentioned, it takes very little exclusion zones, clothing resulting in a fall. A trip occurs elevation change to impact and required equipment when the swing phase of the safety for the pedestrian interaction areas. foot is interrupted unexpectedly worker. Assessments should due to inadequately clearing be conducted to understand • Blind Corners—Creating the ground. Irregularities of damaged or uneven flooring, as little as 3/16 inch (5 mm) the heaving of the floor surface a safe work environment in the walking surface may be or wide cracks commonly between groups of workers, sufficient to cause a trip. These found in concrete flooring, especially those who are all are critical considerations uneven door thresholds, interacting with material when planning fall prevention ramps, floor mats and thick handling or motorized at your worksite. carpets, to name a few. equipment is a real and present danger. Assessments Inspecting for Slip, • Surface Illumination—The should be conducted where Trip and Fall Hazards people could inadvertently appropriate level of light run into each other and where Fall prevention strategies in the work environment is workers could be struck by an should be comprehensive challenging. Assessments object like a forklift or falling and multifaceted but should should be done with a full object. Particular attention also begin with a complete understanding of what should be focused on corners, understanding of the variable tasks are being done and the where there is poor visibility risk factors that create an detail of those tasks. Poor of the walking environment. opportunity for loss potential. illumination offers dimly Given that there have been lit walk-work surfaces, • Obstruction and Obstacles— changes to OSHA’s walking- promoting injury risk, but too working surfaces standard, much light increases glare, Carrying materials that it’s prudent to consider risk which also promotes risk to obstruct the view of the assessment as a starting point the worker. The Illuminating walking-working surface to understand the robustness of Engineering Society (IES) has increases the chance of your program and if you should published appropriate light falling. Assessments should be doing more. levels and has recommended be performed by watching lux levels for different workers and how they are Consider what risks in your industrial applications. carrying out these types of workplace may lead to slips and In general, lux levels for duties. Also, obstacles like trips. Here are a few areas that warehouses and walkways electric cords, parts left should be evaluated: should be 100, general work outside of storage locations, areas 150, general assembly tools and equipment and air • Slippery Surfaces—It’s a 300, detailed assembly 500 hoses also should be assessed. and fine inspection 1000. safe assumption that most Lighting requirements • Worker Urgency—It’s just a injuries occur on a slippery should be considered with floor. Assessments should be ample research since there fact; workers usually have a conducted to understand if is not one solution for purpose for pedestrian travel, the floor surface is impacted everyone considering the and things like fast-paced by liquid or dry spillage. Some wide array of tasks. Every work, missing co-workers or areas to consider are surfaces facility is different. attending to an operational upset, increase the potential for slips and falls. Assess the pace of the work and the 16 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

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behaviors of workers to gauge • Provide details of identified Risk Matrix if they are working above their level of competence in their risks or hazards and The risk matrix is a commonly ability to maintain safety. provide context to build used assessment tool for understanding. evaluating and estimating risk After your inspection process Level. The method assesses has concluded, it’s time to • Utilize a measurement system whether the hazard and gain traction in your walking- possible risk are acceptable, working surfaces program. to evaluate risk understanding scores it and then plots and decide precautions. findings on a risk matrix to Risk Assessment help decide the level of control. • Build controls that protect If the activity rating rises The objective of risk assessment above acceptable levels, then and analysis is to understand people and the work controls are warranted at the the level of risk associated with environment. level of control mandated or the hazards found in the work For the safety and health desired to lower scores to an environment as well as the practitioner to manage walking acceptable level. For every concerns related to how people and working surface risks hazard identified during the are navigating walking and with a degree of control that walking-working surfaces working surfaces. All associated is equitable to the threat, inspection and for each activities need to be judged with a method of assessment associated activity, ask the criteria that assist in building a process should be considered. question “What if?” What is the credible understanding of what The U.K.’s Health and Safety worst-case outcome regarding is acceptable or not acceptable. Executive (HSE) has developed the hazard or concerning a risk assessment process that activity? Is it a fatality? A Most regulatory bodies supports this well. The tool, significant injury/permanent require some form of risk largely adopted throughout disability or permanent health assessment and all follow a Great Britain and the European effect? Is it a minor injury or similar template: Union, addresses risks through even an environmental concern hazard understanding and or something that could cause • Identify risks to the worker evaluation, and who may plant damage? Using the risk be affected. The assessment matrix, a judgment of the associated with work activity. process focuses on prioritizing likelihood and severity of harm the risk. In this case, a hazard occurring can be made. • Identity hazards found in the is identified as anything with the potential to harm workers. The severity (the degree or work environment that pose a Risk is the likelihood of harm amount of expected loss) and threat of loss. resulting from a hazard. the likelihood (how likely is it that the loss will occur) help determine the risk rating (the probability and severity of the risk before and after control actions are taken). Using this approach of a five-point (5x5) matrix, you can estimate the likelihood (probability) and severity (consequence) within the five descriptive levels for likelihood and the five for the severity of consequence. In the example shown in the photo below, a worker is expected to walk into the work area to feed raw material and must, at times, cross the machine frame to reach the other side where other tasks are performed. In this scenario, the worker steps up to the platform 18 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

and onto a metal surface where Almost CertainLikelihood 5 10 15 20 25 most of the metal surface 4 8 12 16 20 area is covered with a loose Very Likely 3 15 rubber mat. Worker interviews 2 6 9 12 10 indicate that the mat is used Likely 1 5 because the surface becomes Minor 468 Major slippery. The mat appears to be Unlikely 234 in poor condition. Improbable Low Medium High The severity and Red = High Severnity the likelihood Yellow = Medium Green = Low help determine Likelihood Scale the risk rating. Rating Score Qualitative Element Definition There also are two product roll stands 15 inches (38cm) 0 Impossible No injury or illness, damage or other loss is possible. above the work surface and they are empty with exposed 1 Improbable Loss, injury or illness could only occur under freak conditions. sharp edges. Worker interviews The situation is very well managed, and all reasonable indicate that these stands are precautions have been taken. empty because of the current machine setup requirements. 2 Unlikely This situation is generally well managed; however occasional The stands are struck often by lapses could occur. This also applies to cases where people workers performing tasks and are required to behave safely to protect themselves, but are have caused significant knee well-trained. and shin injuries. Based on this scenario, the likelihood of 3 Likely Insufficient or substandard controls in place. The loss is falling is a 4, which means very unlikely during normal operation; however, it may occur in likely. This decision is based on emergencies or non-routine conditions. the elevation change, poorly marked leading edge of the 4 Very Likely Serious failures in management controls. The effects of elevation change, the roll stands human behavior or other factors could cause an accident and the condition of the mat. but are usually supported this additional factor (e.g., ladder The severity of falling in this not appropriately secured, process upset, oil spilled on the situation also is a 4, since—in floor, poorly trained personnel). a worst-case scenario—the consequence could result in The absence of any management controls. If conditions permanent disability. 5 Almost Certain remain unchanged there is nearly 100 percent certainty that Given this information: an accident will happen (e.g., broken rung on a ladder, live Likelihood (4) x Severity (4) = Risk Rating (16). Referring now exposed electrical conductor). to the risk matrix (5x5 Matrix), a rating of 16 tells us that the Severity Scale hazards and work activity is a high risk, and the condition Rating Score Qualitative Element Definition requires control to ensure the work environment is safe. 0 None No injury or illness, damage, sickness or other loss is possible. In the previous scenario, we 1 Minor Minor injury, illness or loss (e.g., light cuts, scratches, started with a qualitative risk insignificant damage to property). rating of 16, and mitigation action was required. While 2 Low Significant injuries or illnesses (e.g., sprains, bruises, the worker is still expected lacerations and events needing medical care). Damage to to walk into the work area to property or process. feed raw material rolls and at times must cross the machine 3 Medium Temporary disability (e.g., Fractures, finger amputation). Lost frame to perform other tasks, work days due to injury or illness; substantial damage or loss of property or process. 4 High Permanent disability (e.g., significant loss of movement, loss of limb, sight or hearing). 5 Major Causing death to one or more people. Loss or damage is such that it could cause serious business disruption (e.g., major fire, explosion or structural damage). Likelihood (Probability) X Severity (Consequence) = Risk Rating vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 19

Required Actions The purpose of risk assessment and evaluation is Rating Score Action Required to assist the decision-making process based on the analysis 0-3 No action required. Broadly acceptable level of risk. Verify controls are in regarding which hazards 4-8 place and upgrade risk control measures to reduce risk as low as reasonably and associated risks require 9-15 practical if appropriate. action and how to prioritize 16-20 them. As referenced in the 25 The risk is tolerable, but risk control measures should be considered if above scenario, the risk of risk rating is not as low as reasonably practical. Special attention should be operating within the described considered to lower risk when approaching the upper-risk scoring scale. work environment is now tolerable, but with additional Remediation action is warranted and should be given the appropriate priority. risk reduction opportunities Steps should be taken to lower the risk as low as reasonably practical (ALARP). available if desired. Urgent mitigation action is required. The process/equipment should go Employing the through continued risk assessment and mitigation until the risk is reduced as Hierarchy of Controls low as reasonably practical (ALARP). Understanding control and how Immediate action is required. Operations will stop until risk can be reduced best to manage your walking as low as reasonability practical (ALARP) and go through continued risk and working surfaces program assessment until control is achieved. are more significant than the outputs of the risk assessment the leading edge is marked color scheme and operating process. The process defines with a patterned contrasting procedures updated. good control actions specific color noting elevation change. to hazards and risks, but it The frayed rubber mat was Based on this scenario, the is not the only process that removed and replaced with likelihood of falling now is a can be used. While I’m a firm slip-resistant flooring material 2,which means it is unlikely believer in the risk matrix adhered firmly to the metal based on the cumulative control and scoring approach, I also surface. The roll stands were actions. Severity from tripping would recommend the widely covered in a protective soft or falling is estimated now as 3, accepted approach within the sleeve to minimize injury since in a worst-case outcome, safety and health practice potential in the event of a trip the consequence still could called the hierarchy of controls. or fall. Additional signage result in temporary disability. This process is simple to was applied to warn workers understand and is quite useful of other hazards. Workers Given this information: in gauging the control appetite were trained on the new Likelihood (2) x Severity (3) = of the organization and should Risk Rating (6). This means that serve as the overarching the risk is considered “tolerable.” methodology for how we best deliver the right level of program control within the scope of the walking-working surfaces program. The control hierarchy shows the most effective controls at the top, which are engineering solutions, followed by administrative controls and finally the reliance on personal protective equipment. Though not intended to be an exhaustive list, it points out there are control considerations when dealing with improving the walking- working surface program. 20 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org



Hierarchy of Controls Summary and Monitoring Controls Most Hierarchy of Controls Control Feature Examples of Control Control Elimination Like much of our past thinking, Completely eliminate • Eliminate motorized once a project is planned and Least Substitution the hazard. and material handling executed, we tend to lean on Control Engineering Controls equipment from the idea that the work is done. Administrative the facility. W. Edwards Deming recognized this as an issue and in the PPE • Remove elevation 1950s, authored a simplistic changes from the process approach that is still walking-working surface. widely used to analyze and measure process deviation. • Hose reels or electrical Deming was a proponent that receptacles located the work system needed to at the equipment and reside in a continuous feedback arranged not to cross loop so that managers could the walking-working identify and change the parts surface. of the process that needed improvement. He called this Reduce a hazardous • Install slip-resistant the PDCA cycle for Plan, Do, situation, component, flooring. Check and Act. material and/or piece of equipment that does • Resurface flooring with Continuously monitoring not have the same level etching to improve slip- your walking-working surfaces of hazard or posed a resistance. program ensures that you have risk. Substitution often gained control of the issues requires significant • Improve material raised during the inspection changes, and it can be handling practices process, that the control strategy difficult to implement to reduce personnel eliminated the problem or in-process. movement outside of reduced it to a tolerable risk the localized workspace. level. The fundamental questions often asked is did you achieve Isolate people from an • Install guarded barriers your goals and can such goals be identified hazard or to separate pedestrians sustained? Factually, and for the risk. While this control is and material handling safety and health practitioner, viewed not as protective equipment. what it means is that unless you as elimination or can genuinely say that you’ve substitution, this focus • Stop contamination eliminated the deviation (issue) still controls exposure from getting to the and it can’t come back, you at the source of the walking-working are never done looking for, hazard, before it surface. evaluating and controlling risks contacts the workers. in the work system. • Improve illumination to the walking-working Scott Gaddis is Vice President, surface. Global Practice Leader, Safety and Health, at Intelex Technologies. Take steps to follow • Highlight ramps and He has over 25 years in EHS and support safe work designate aisles leadership experience in heavy practices by altering the and work zones with manufacturing, pharmaceuticals way workers perform contrasting color and packaging industries. Before their work so that you markings. joining Intelex, Scott served as can reduce risks they Vice President of EHS for Coveris have on the job. In • Improve housekeeping High Performance Packaging, general, these controls inspections, snow was Executive Director of EHS at are changes that can and ice removal and Bristol-Myers Squibb, and was include safety policies, increase conditions Global Leader for Occupational rules, supervision, monitoring. Safety and Health at Kimberly- schedules, and training. Clark Corp. • Train workers on the slip/trip and all hazards and other risk associated with safe pedestrian travel. Protection worn by a • Require slip-resistant worker to protect them footwear. or reduce loss threshold from a hazard. • Require high-visibility clothing. 22 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

Walking-Working Surface Inspection Checklist YES NO YES NO Surface Composition Surface Condition (Outdoor) Is the walking-working surface smooth and Is there debris (pebbles, rocks, leaves, grass highly polished, limiting slip resistance? clippings) on outdoor walkways? Do contaminants like liquids and fine Are there any slippery conditions (water, particle dust affect the slip resistance of the ice, snow) present in outside areas and at walking-working surface? building entrances? Are walking-working surfaces that have Are concrete wheel stops and curbs in the been treated with slip-resistant floor parking areas highlighted with paint to coatings or grip-tape worn smooth or highlight tripping hazards? damaged? Are entrance doors fitted out with water- Does metal grate or mesh flooring have a absorbent mats and umbrella covers to non-slip pattern, and is the surface secured prevent water transfer into the building? with clips to prevent movement? Are snow and ice removed promptly to Surface Condition (Indoor) prevent slipping? Does the walking-working surface have Surface Level Changes holes or cracks or are there elevated protrusions that are trip hazards? Are there sudden changes in the walking- working surface elevation greater than 1/4” Is carpeting buckled, loose, frayed or that pose a tripping hazard? curled? Is the walking-working surface uneven, with Does the walking-working surface abrupt changes in level greater than 1/2” feel greasy, damp or slippery? Does that pose a tripping hazard? condensation collect? Are there walking-working surfaces where Are liquid contaminants present (water, subtle elevation changes are present grease, oil, cleaning solutions, in-process (slopes, ramps) that pose a trip hazard? Are materials) that create a slip hazard? handrails used where appropriate? Are dry contaminants present (powder, Are changes in the walking-working surface sawdust, dirt, flour, food, wax chips) that elevation highlighted with a common color create a slip hazard? scheme adopted by the facility? Do mats have abrupt, squared-off edges Are curbs highlighted in a common color lacking a bevel that pose a trip hazard? scheme adopted by the facility? Are water-absorbent mats used in work This walking-working surface inspection checklist was created areas where water or fluids collect? by Scott Gaddis. You can use this resource as a quick reference guide at your worksite perhaps while training employees, or as Are there parts of the work process where refresher material for yourself. contamination (fluids, solids, dust or debris) falls to the walking-working surface from continued on next page overhead?

YES NO YES NO Surface Obstructions PPE Are cords or hoses prevented from crossing Are workers wearing slip-resistant shoes the walking-working surface? (safety shoe marked as slip resistant) when required? If cords or hoses intrude into the walking- working surface, are they covered with Are workers found wearing shoes with soles a beveled protective cover or taped that have worn-down treads? securely and highlighted in a color to signify the trip hazard? Are workers’ shoe treads found to be clogged with dirt, in-process Are hallways, stairs, and walkways clear of materials, debris or snow that could clutter (boxes, cords, equipment)? affect slip resistance? Do bins and/or containers intrude into Are workers required to wear high- the walking-working surface, creating a visibility clothing (vests) in areas where trip hazard? pedestrians and equipment share the walking-working surface? Surface Separation Management Factors Are there measures, such as the use of safety barriers, taken to prevent Are observation reports such as near miss pedestrians from crossing into the path and accident reports reviewed frequently of danger? to understand walking-working concerns, trends and patterns of loss? Are there designated walkways for workers and are permanent aisles and Are workers seen discarding debris, passageways appropriately marked? in-process materials and waste onto the walking-working surface instead of using Are walking-working surfaces marked appropriate containers? along aisles and in a common color scheme used to designate paths that Are workers observed doing tasks like separate pedestrians from forklifts, heavy carrying items that restrict their view, machinery and other hazards? increasing the chance of a slip, trip and fall? Are hard pedestrian barriers and guardrails Are workers observed rushing or working used to keep pedestrians and vehicles with urgency above their capability to separated along busy aisleways and maintain good balance? work surfaces; at crossings and transport interchanges; and entrances and exits Are workers observed slipping on the dry where equipment (forklifts, vehicles) and walking-working surface, indicating a pedestrians could come in contact? cleaning or floor health issue? Are safety mirrors used to provide extended Are all workers trained to understand slip visibility to workers by helping them see and trip hazards and how to recognize around corners and down aisles with and mitigate such hazards? Do workers forklifts, heavy machinery and other hazards understand the pedestrian worker associated with material movement? requirements for maintaining their safety on all walking-working surfaces? Surface Illumination Walking-Working Are light bulbs burned out above the Surface Inspection walking-working surface? Checklist Are any areas dim, poorly lit or shadowy because of building infrastructure or equipment? Are lighting levels compliant with local codes, ANSI and/or Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA) recommendations? Is light reflecting on smooth walking- working surfaces creating glare?

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WFAOTRIGKUEER AS A FACTOR IN SLIP, TRIP AND FALL INJURIES By Kris Smith, GSC On-Site Services 26 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

Fatigue can result from strenuous activity or immense concentration, or as a symptom of illness or simply from staying up too late. If you ask a group of people what they mean by fatigue, you’ll likely get a wide range of answers. Fatigue is complex. As a result of this complexity, and despite studies that focus on fatigue from sleep deprivation or muscle fatigue, surprisingly little is known about how fatigue affects workers across various industries. S o, what is worker fatigue? their personal, firm and societal Age of your workforce has More than According to the National costs are a substantial problem also been statistically shown to Institute for Occupational in the automotive sector. impact the frequency of work 43% Safety and Health (Center for Health and Safety injuries, as seen in a recent (NIOSH), fatigue is Innovation, December 2012.) study completed by the National of workers are physical or mental exhaustion Council on Compensation sleep-deprived that can be triggered by 62 percent of night Insurance (NCCI) in April of stress; medication; overwork 2019. Aging muscles are more (heavy workload without shift workers susceptible to fatigue and conditioning); excessive reduced flexibility that can lead heat; or underlying medical complain about to overexertion and result in conditions such as mental and MSD injuries, slips, trips and physical illness or disease. sleep loss. falls. These are still the highest frequency of injuries according Neuro-muscular fatigue According to the National to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (known as muscle fatigue) Safety Council, work often and NCCI. “Young workers involves the muscles and the requires us to override those suffer relatively more contact central nervous system. Muscle natural sleep patterns. More than injuries, middle age workers fatigue in the trunk, shoulders 43 percent of workers are sleep- more overexertion injuries and and hand/arms can have deprived, and those most at risk older workers more falls, slips multiple negative effects on a work the night shift, long shifts and trips.” Workers between person, including reduced work or irregular shifts. Following are the ages of 55–65 years old capacity, increased discomfort, a few facts for employers: have increased by 50 percent poorer motor control (with during the last five years (Baby negative effects on product • Safety performance decreases Boomers are adding 10,000 quality) and risk of acute injury. individuals per day) and slip, For these reasons alone, muscle as employees become tired. trip and falls account for 44 fatigue should be minimized by percent of all injuries in those the application of ergonomics. • 62 percent of night shift workers over age 65. Additionally, if the fatigue is constant and of long duration, workers complain about Musculoskeletal disorders it is believed to be a precursor to sleep loss. (MSDs) represent one of the work-related musculoskeletal leading causes of lost workdays disorders (MSD), such as • Fatigued worker productivity in industry and are associated shoulder injury or low- with major economic costs back pain. Existing research costs employers $1,200 to (American Academy of has already confirmed that $3,100 per employee annually. Orthopaedic Surgeons [AAOS], musculoskeletal disorders and 2008). In 2004, 16.3 million • Employees on rotating shifts are particularly vulnerable because they cannot adapt their “body clocks” to an alternative sleep pattern. vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 27

strains and/or sprains were shown to be more severe than Equal Employment Opportunity treated in the U.S. health care the average nonfatal workplace Commission (EEOC) and system, and the estimated cost injury or illness, to require Americans with Disabilities of treating all musculoskeletal longer recovery times, and Act (ADA) guidelines. NIOSH injuries was $127.4 billion to be responsible for millions says that 10 percent of all (AAOS, 2008). MSDs have been of lost workdays every year incumbents cannot perform the (AAOS, 2008). physical demands of the job that Safety Calendars they are applying for. Post offer All this data and the research testing should always monitor AIM’s Custom Calendars promotes your that has been completed to date the pass/fail rates to be within message to employees 365 days a year shows us that fatigue is a major this range. whether it is Safety, Health, Environmental factor in work-related MSD, or HR issues. Let AIM run a drawing contest slip, trip and fall injuries. Safety Once an employee starts with your employees’ children/grandchildren professionals need to be aware of work, programs that focus on from which your calendars can be created. the factors that influence fatigue flexibility and conditioning such as: shift work, job rotation, such as pre-shift warm up, 1-800-220-1818 • AIMFORSAFETY.COM overtime, age of workforce, body including both static and Call us or visit us online for more info. mechanics and work postures dynamic flexibility for stability and ergonomic impact. 28 Leader—Summer 2019 In 2004, Solutions for safety professionals to consider 16.3 reducing the risks related to million fatigue start with the hiring process. Job analysis can strains and/ provide the true picture of or sprains were what the physical and mental treated in the U.S. requirements for a job are. In health care system. addition, ergonomic solutions that can reduce muscle fatigue and reduce the risk for slip, trips and falls are integrated into a comprehensive job analysis. Once completed, companies that choose to conduct post offer agility testing can identify those prospective employees that are at risk of injury within the vpppa.org

and flexibility can produce Worker positioning is the root Kris Smith is the Managing Member for GSC On-Site Services, an Arizona documented reductions in cause in over 85 percent of MSD based, national injury prevention company. Kris is an Occupational workplace injuries. According cases based on outcome metrics Therapist by background but has spent more than 35 years working to the article published in from job coaching and ergonomic in industry with companies across all business sectors. She and her 2015, companies that have evaluation data collected by an husband and business partner, Gil Smith, started GSC On-Site Services to implemented a flexibility injury prevention company. provide companies with options to prevent injuries such as Job Analysis, program that includes dynamic ergonomic risk assessments, body mechanics risk assessment and and balance exercises have Job rotation to utilize coaching, first aid only early symptom intervention and an innovative experienced an 86 percent alternative muscle groups, shift pre-shift warm up flexibility program. Kris is an expert at developing increase in overall flexibility work rest breaks and information meaningful outcome metrics for the programs and services that GSC that has translated to an 89 regarding nutrition can assist On-Site offers. percent reduction in MSD, slip, with fatigue prevention. trip and fall workplace injuries. Additional injury prevention Kris has published many of her outcomes, presented at national, (AAOHN, 2015) such as maintenance of flooring regional and local safety, risk management, occupational health to prevent uneven surfaces, and xwoccupational therapy conferences. She teaches industrial rehabilitation at three Arizona Universities. Her years of experience lend Worker positioning is the root cause in themselves to creating innovative solutions for customers. over 85 percent of MSD cases based on outcome metrics from job coaching and SOURCES ergonomic evaluation data collected by an injury prevention company. National Safety Council. (2019). Fatigue- you’re more than just tired. www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/fatigue. In addition, body mechanics appropriate safety identification training and coaching are for steps, ladders, etc. will help to U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease valuable tools for preventing prevent slip, trips and falls. Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety fatigue that comes from and Health, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health overexertion or increased Worker fatigue is an area Administration. Preventing worker fatigue among ebola healthcare workload activities. Root cause that needs additional study and workers and responders. www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ebola/pdfs/ for MDS injuries is typically solutions, but for now, safety preventingworkerfatigueamongebolahcw122914.pdf due to professionals and companies 1. equipment, can employ many proactive U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease 2. process or strategies to increase awareness Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and 3. worker positioning. and reduce the effects of fatigue Health (NIOSH). (2018, August 29). Work schedules: shift work and long in the workplace. hours. www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/workschedules/default.html Tucker P, Folkard S. Working time, health and safety: a research synthesis paper. Conditions of Work and Employment Series. 2012;31:3-60. Gallagher S, Heberger JR. Examining the interaction of force and repetition on musculoskeletal disorder risk: a systematic literature review. Hum Factors. 2013 February;55(1):108-124. University of Waterloo Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD). (2012, December 4). Reducing fatigue and preventing MSDs in the workplace. uwaterloo.ca/centre-of-research-expertise-for-the-prevention-of- musculoskeletal-disorders/events/past-events/reducing-fatigue- and-preventing-msds-workplace University of Waterloo Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD). Updates from research: reducing fatigue and preventing MSDs in the workplace. uwaterloo.ca/centre-of-research-expertise-for-the-prevention- of-musculoskeletal-disorders/about/brochure/updates-research- reducing-fatigue-and-preventing-msds Smith K, Singarajah E. Evaluation of a stretching program to increase worker flexibility. Workplace Health Saf. 2013;61(8). Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Developed by the researchers and clinicians at the University of North Carolina’s Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700. Gschwind YJ, Kressig RW, Lacroix A, Muehlbauer T, Pfenninger B, Granacher U. A best practice fall prevention exercise program to improve balance, strength/power, and psychosocial health in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics. 2013;13:103. vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 29

NO HARM, IT NO FOUL WASN’T ME CRINGE-WORTHY EXCUSES THAT LEAD TO SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS IT’S NOT By Anita Hawkins, Safety Pros WORTH THE TIME Slips, trips and falls are among the most common cause of workplace injuries and deaths. They are a hazard in almost all occupations and can happen anywhere, at any time. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics ranks slips, trips and falls as the second highest cause of workplace fatalities in 2017. To be exact, there were 887 fatalities caused by slips, trips and falls; with the majority of these resulting from falls to a lower level. 30 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

W hile workers in seeks to identify and control Encouraging employees In a recent survey by construction hazards, which reduces risks to make safety a personal the National Safety and fishing are and the potential for harm. responsibility is a challenge Council, 30 percent of most at risk, falls most employers face. Slip, workers said they’re can happen in agriculture, Organizations that take time trip and fall hazards often go afraid to report safety manufacturing, transportation, to react to near miss reports unreported and unaddressed issues. They cited fear of and virtually any other find the most success. They simply because employees do retribution as the primary industry. Common causes of collect the near miss report not feel personally responsible reason for not coming these incidents can be wet, data, analyze what caused the for safety. forward about potential or oily floors, unanchored near miss and determine what slip, trip and fall hazards floormats, spills, poor lighting, they need to do to avoid this The only way to rid the they did not create. uncovered wires or cables, type of incident in the future. workplace of the, “It wasn’t wrinkled rugs, drawers and Organizations should use me!” mindset is to promote Leader—Summer 2019 31 cabinets being left open and the information gathered to open dialog about potential clutter impeding the walkway. educate and train employees on hazards without fear of accident prevention. Not only retribution. Communication Not only can all of these should workers be trained on between employers and occurrences be addressed, they how to identify and recognize employees is crucial in can be prevented. So why are potential hazards properly, but managing the risk associated workers still getting involved in they should also have training with safely executing their slip, trip and fall incidents? The on how to reduce those hazards. work. Engaging the entire excuses are cringe-worthy. When organizations react and workforce and managing risk is offer continuous improvement everyone’s responsibility. No Harm, No Foul training based on near miss reports, it shows employees It can be helpful to keep a According to OSHA and the that their safety is valued. It journal or list of hazards or National Safety Council (NSC), enforces the importance of near unsafe situations where “It the definition of a near miss miss reporting and improves the wasn’t me!” could have been incident is, “an unplanned event safety culture. responsible for an accident or that did not result in injury, injury. By noting the number illness, or damage–but had the It Wasn’t Me of times a safety hazard goes potential to do so.” ignored, and sharing these Ever walk around the worksite moments with employees, they This means, any time an and see things out of place? will begin to understand why employee finds themselves Power cords stretched across they are responsible for their dodging injury or preventing walking paths, safety guard own and everyone else’s safety. property damage, it is rails not installed properly or Using these potential slip, trip considered a near miss. boxes and equipment piled and fall hazards as teaching Reporting these incidents is too high in the storage closet. tools will help employees to pertinent to maintaining a The list of potential hazards identify areas where they have healthy work environment. is long. Have you ever asked become complacent in their However, many employees your employees, “Who is safety protocol and encourage hesitate to report near misses responsible?” and get an them to take corrective actions. due to fear, embarrassment or answer that is less than ideal? the perception that reporting It’s Not Worth the Time is pointless. For many, these “It wasn’t me!” is an incidents are easily written off as answer safety managers and Probably one of the most “no harm, no foul” situations. supervisors hear all too often. cringe-worthy excuses for not reporting a slip, trip and fall Nearly 50 near miss incidents In a recent survey by the NSC, hazard is the, “It’s not worth occur for every one injury that 30 percent of workers said they’re my time” excuse. Employees gets reported. That means, for afraid to report safety issues. who are rushing to complete every one person who reports an They cited fear of retribution tasks are less likely to report injury, 50 people have already as the primary reason for not potential risks. But the real passed over the potential cause coming forward about potential question is to determine if time without reporting it. slip, trip and fall hazards they is the issue, or is something did not create. In some cases, else at play. Identifying and investigating employees responded saying they near misses is a crucial element failed to report a risk because There are several reasons to finding and controlling risks they were not following safety employees may use time as an before workers are injured. procedures and knew they could excuse for not following through Collecting near miss reports get in trouble. on slip, trip and fall hazard helps create a safety culture that vpppa.org

FALLS ARE 100% hazards could be that they Having quick access PREVENTABLE. don’t have the training or tools reporting systems such as needed to do so. mobile near miss reporting reporting. Tight work deadlines makes it easy for employees to seem like the apparent reason, Employees may be ashamed report hazards and near miss but there could also be issues in to admit that they are unaware incidents from their phone or how employees are trained to of the procedure, or they don’t work tablet. These programs report potential hazards. understand the reporting form. automatically feed information It’s much easier to say, “I don’t into a database and allow • Do employees know how have the time,” then it is to administrators, supervisors admit that they don’t know how. and company safety officers to to identify slip, trip and Other employees may think it’s analyze what happened, why fall hazards? easier to verbally warn their and what should be done to coworkers to look out if they correct the issue. Reporting is • Is there a standard procedure notice an outstretched cord or done in real time, making it fast a puddle of water on the floor and easy for employers to know for reporting hazards? rather than go through the what went wrong and why in a entire process of documenting matter of minutes as opposed • Do all employees have access the hazard and still having to to days or weeks with paper take time to correct the issue. form reports. In cases where to reporting platforms? Is the offline reporting is necessary, reporting platform available Another reason employees make paper reports easy to at any time and place? don’t take time to report slip, trip understand and complete. and fall hazards is because they • If the reporting process is are viewed as too trivial to report. Why It Matters They feel if they have avoided through an electronic form the issue and verbally notified Slips, trips and falls can be costly or tracking program, do others to prevent the problem, accidents. Not only are they employees have access to, then there is no need to tell the expensive, but they can also be and have the training to company. Why take time away fatal. They are the leading cause utilize, company computers from the task at hand to spend of unintentional injury-related to submit their report? several minutes filling out forms deaths, and nearly 33,381 people to report a hazard that they can died from falls, at home and at • Is the reporting process resolve in a matter of seconds? work, in 2015 (National Safety Council, 2019). inundated with questions that While it is frustrating to do not pertain to the incident, hear that employees are not Why does this matter? Because or to the employee that is reporting slip, trip and fall falls are 100 percent preventable. filing the report? hazards because “It’s not worth the time,” think about Prevention starts with • Do employees know how the process for reporting and training employees on how if there is anything that can be to recognize slip, trip and to follow up on a report to done to shorten that process or fall hazards and to follow provide additional details? make it more effective. through with reporting when While it might be easy to assume employees are lazy, uncaring or irresponsible, their reason for not being proactive in reporting slip, trip and fall 32 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

they see something that could Nothing kills a near miss hazards and report them The best way to potentially become an accident. reporting process faster than immediately. Reiterate that eliminate excuses when Employees who are confident employees coming forward reporting potential hazards is it comes to reporting is and comfortable with reporting with an incident, only to have part of a positive process, not a to show employees that potential hazards contribute it dismissed or treated like punitive one. Creating a positive it matters. to a much healthier work it’s inconsequential. culture without the threat of environment. When companies reprimand helps employees encourage employees to be a Being proactive in slip, to feel more comfortable with proactive part of the solution, trip and fall hazard reporting coming forward when they see they are cultivating a stronger creates a culture that something rather than hiding safety culture. assesses risks and uses data behind the excuses, “No harm, to reduce the likelihood of an no foul. It wasn’t me. It’s not Not only do employees need accident. Employees should worth my time.” to be held accountable to the be encouraged to identify health and well-being of not only themselves, but their Anita Hawkins is the Digital Marketing Specialist and Blogger for Safety coworkers, they also need to Pros located in Tampa, FL. Under the direction of company owner, Michele see that their employers are Adams, Safety Pros develops comprehensive online safety incentive doing something with the slip, programs for companies of all sizes. As part of the Safety Pros team, trip and fall hazard reports. The Anita educates clients on the importance of safety while also helping best way to eliminate excuses them discover effective safety recognition solutions for their workplace. when it comes to reporting is to As members of VPPPA for 30 years, Safety Pros has established a strong show employees that it matters. reputation as experts in the safety incentive industry. All levels of management need to comply with the same rules SOURCES and report all near misses. More importantly, when an Bureau of Labor and Statistics. (2018). National Census of Fatal employee reports a slip, trip or Occupational Injuries in 2017. US Department of Labor. fall hazard, something needs to be done with that information. National Safety Council. (2019, June 05). Make Fall Safety a Top Priority. Retrieved from National Safety Council: www.nsc.org/work-safety/ safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls Universal fit Visit us at Durable studs Industrial quality Safety+ 2019 Hi-Vis adjustable strap New Orleans Can be worn while driving Rotate as needed August 27-30 Booth #757 ORIGINAL LOW PROFILE HIGH PROFILE INTRINSIC LOINWTPRRINOSFICILE K1 Mid-Sole Ice Cleats can be rotated to the top of the boot to keep employees safe and productive without having to take the cleats on and off. Plus, Geroline offers the only internationally certified +1 (905) 892-6000 - Geroline.com INTRINSIC (spark proof) ice cleats in North America. vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 33

By Lee Vernon, Code 3 Medical Services, LLC O ne of the most an accident resulting in a fall. common injuries Some of these scenarios could EMERGENCY that a responder will be a diabetic episode, dizziness, RESPONSE face on a routine syncopal episode, stroke, heart PERTAINING TO basis involves slips, trips and attack, etc. If it was indeed a falls. Granted we can teach and medical incident that resulted preach prevention, but the fact in such an accident happening, of the matter is that accidents, then we may have two issues especially slips, trips and falls, that need stabilizing instead of will still happen. I want to bring just one. Never rule out medical to light some common points as a cause. Keep in mind, too, that we need to be cognizant of that if the patient has a history when dealing with patients who of medical problems, then a have sustained an injury due to traumatic event such as a fall such an accident. Remember, could also induce a medical there are multiple factors that emergency that one would have can dictate the outcome of a to deal with as well. patient, but we are going to look at the most common issues Assessing the Damage faced when giving patient care. Once we determine the extent, Medical Emergency scope and cause of the injury Vs. Accident there are some key aspects during our patient evaluation First, when we arrive on scene that we need to make sure get and find someone laying on the addressed. When it comes to a ground, or complaining of an traumatic injury, we also need injury due to a fall, we need to to keep in the forefront of our ask ourselves a question. Was mind that the four main medical the injury a result of having priorities (hemorrhage, airway, a medical emergency which breathing, & circulation) and caused the person to slip, address them first. trip or fall, or was it indeed a true accident? We need to Next on our list of big think about all of the medical concerns pertaining to falls scenarios which could cause would be any trauma to the head, neck and/or back. This is where a thorough head-to- toe assessment is important. We need to palpate (feel) the patient to check for bruising, rigidness, swollenness/ deformations and pain. If any 34 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

Don’t neglect to rule out a possible medical condition that could Life threatening injuries should always take priority over other issues have been the cause of the slip, trip or fall. such as broken bones, sprains or dislocations. of that is in the region of the If a patient cannot answer Proper Training the employer a key advantage in head, neck or spine, then we three simple questions, then reducing liability and potential need to further evaluate the that should be a red flag to One last piece that is often payouts, especially when the patient for complaints such as dive a little deeper and suspect overlooked, is how imperative intentions may not be above tingling or loss of sensation possible head trauma. Also, if it is to have properly trained board. Simply being prepared in extremities. If tenderness a patient is complaining of a and competent emergency goes a long way when it comes or pain is in the spinal region, headache, that could be a red responders to attend to these to being responsible for the care proper spinal immobilization flag. If any patient has any types of injuries. The reason of your employees when they needs to be implemented. signs of bleeding or increased for that comes down to one need it most. pressure in the brain, then they important word: LIABILITY! Outside of the spinal/back need to get to a surgery room Most of these injuries, if not Lee Vernon, owner of Code 3 region, we also need to do a at a hospital immediately, as properly dealt with, can result Medical Services LLC, has over thorough cognitive exam to rule interior cranial pressure due in longer recuperation times 26 years as a Retired/Active First out any head trauma such as a to bleeding can be fatal if not and additional time away from Responder/Firefighter/EMT. Having concussion or bleeding in the addressed. the job. Not to mention, many of spent the majority of his career in brain. If a patient is complaining these injuries result in law suits, a large metropolitan city where of any head pain, then we need Those are some worst- whether legitimate or not. his immediate response area to look and feel for signs of case scenarios that we need to industrial, manufacturing, brain trauma. Of course, we do to keep in mind. Most of the To reduce liability and warehouse, corporate and not have x-rays or CAT scans in time injuries resulting in a potential losses, it is to the violence prone environments the field, but we can indeed look slip, trip or fall will result in a employers’ advantage to were routine, he has a perspective and feel for swelling, loss of sprain, strain, dislocation or have skilled and competent and knowledge base experienced any fluid such as spinal or blood possibly broken bone. Those are responders who can perform by few in the industry. Code 3 leaking from eyes, ears or nose. relatively easy to address with thoroughly. Not only is this Medical & Safety Services team We can check for bruising or basic bandaging and splinting important when it comes to of active first responders focus bleeding around the base of the skills. Support and immobilize patient care, but also for proper on medical and safety training in eyes or the back of the ears. the injured area in a position of documentation procedures. the petrochemical, industrial and comfort, assess for distal pulses Those two factors could give manufacturing arena. We can ask some simple if it is an arm or leg, and do a questions that will give us a thorough patient primary and Having properly trained emergency response personnel can foundation to start from as far secondary exam. Nothing major reduce liabilities and demonstrates that management cares about as a mental cognitive state. or complicated with patient care their employees. Some questions I like to ask in most instances. Again, simple are ones that are generic, yet injuries are easy to deal with, specific enough, that the patient it is the more complex issues should be able to answer. that one needs to be mindful Examples include: of. Remember, distracting injuries can possibly mask or • How many dimes make hide other major issues that a patient or responder may not be a dollar? aware of, so being thorough is imperative even on the small or • What year is it? insignificant injuries. • What city are you in? • What is the exact location that the patient is currently at? • Who is the President? vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 35

WHAT SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS SIGNAGE CAN TEACH US ABOUT WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION By Carolyn Voelkening, The Marlin Company 36 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

vpppa.org It doesn’t matter what your job is or where you work, you know the slips, trips and falls warning sign: a black figure on a yellow background, arms out, one leg about to lose contact with a surface, the other leg bent-knee in mid-air. Stuck in perpetual, impending disaster, this instantly recognizable stick figure can teach us a lot about effective safety communication in the workplace. Lesson #1: Make it visual The slips, trips and falls image is the perfect example of the old adage, A picture is worth a thousand words. It conveys a clear message without any text, and it’s easily understood by all audiences, regardless of education level or native language. While the reliance on visual imagery in safety is nothing new, it’s taken on increasing importance in the last few years with OSHA’s current Hazard Communication Standard (HCS, 29 CFR 1910.1200). As part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), the nine standard pictograms required by HCS cement the importance of visual imagery as a way to communicate across languages and cultural barriers. But visual communication doesn’t just belong on signs and hazcom labels. It’s an approach that can, and should, be used in safety training, according to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Safety Science. The study looked at the effectiveness of using visual communication in safety training and found that using images and symbols increased workers’ comprehension and job satisfaction. The study also concluded that while images themselves are useful, a Leader—Summer 2019 37

Using videos summed up the challenge and in your safety importance of redundant safety communications messaging this way: “We train is a great and them on Monday, but if we familiar way to don’t reinforce the message, grab and keep they forget it on Tuesday, and employees’ they’ve developed a bad habit attention. by Wednesday.” more effective method is to use actionable takeaway. Before Lesson #4: cartoon or icon-like symbols delivering any safety message, Keep it moving on photographs to highlight force yourself to articulate the hazards and best practices. single takeaway you want your With the proliferation of audience to remember and then video on YouTube, Instagram, Lesson #2: Know tailor your information to focus Facebook and streaming media your takeaway on that takeaway. channels, consumers have grown accustomed to getting An easy way to test the Lesson #3: Say it their information through video. effectiveness of any safety again, and again, If a slips, trips and falls picture communication is to ask and again is worth a thousand words, a yourself, What is the one short-form video—with its thing I want employees to The slips, trips and falls figure natural beginning, middle and remember when they walk is ubiquitous, appearing end—is those thousand words away? The slips, trips and everywhere we go. We see it in arranged into a compelling falls image is so impactful schools, in grocery aisles, in story. Using videos in your because it communicates a hospitals and at work. And each safety communications is a single, actionable message: time we see it, the message great and familiar way to grab Be cautious! A slip, trip or fall is equally important, because and keep employees’ attention. hazard is present. safety messaging—or any kind of messaging, for that matter— Lesson #5: Be in Imagine if, instead of the isn’t a onetime thing. the right place at falling figure, you saw an the right time explanation of the existing It’s a simple rule of hazard, a reference to the marketing that people need How effective would a slips, relevant standard and all the to be exposed to a message trips and falls caution sign possible behavioral responses. seven times before they take be if it was placed far away Clearly, it would be a much action. Especially in a climate from the hazard? One of the less effective approach, of workforce instability— challenges with on-the-job yet it’s the approach many employee shortages, high- communication is ensuring companies fall back on when turnover and seemingly all employees see and/or hear communicating about safety. endless onboarding—it’s it, especially in a shift-based They lump multiple topics into critical to reinforce messages. environment. one message or training session, The Director of Safety for a rather than focusing on a single, national supermarket chain Consider, for example, the company that tries to address employee morale by recognizing employees in an email newsletter, without stopping to consider that most shift workers don’t actually have company email. Or, the manager who announces a company event at a morning huddle, forgetting to convey the same information to the night crew. Even the most well-crafted, well-intentioned message won’t resonate with employees if they don’t see it. Communication needs to reach employees where they congregate and work: in break 38 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

rooms, cafeterias and on factory an employee makes the right Carolyn Voelkening is the Chief floors—and it needs to reach or wrong choice at a pivotal Content Officer at Marlin, a them at the right time, whether safety moment, which is global leader in workplace digital that’s 3AM, 7AM or 4PM. why emotional engagement signage. She has over 20-years of is so important for all experience in building audiences Lesson #6: workplace communications. and reshaping traditional Make it personal By recognizing the whole communication strategies person, and balancing direct to leverage digital disruption. The slips, trips and falls safety messages with employee Carolyn leads a team of OSHA- image works, ultimately, recognition, health and certified content strategists, because we connect to it on wellness and holiday messages, designers and writers who create an emotional level. As the employers can recognize the Marlin’s award-winning, industry- figure slips backwards, trips whole person and connect with critical content. forward or falls into space, we workers on an emotional level. respond personally to the idea SOURCE of slipping, tripping or falling, Putting it Into Action which is what causes us to take Occupational safety and visual precautionary action. We have While the slips, trips and falls communication: User-centered a vested interest and we’re sign warns us to be cautious, design of safety training material emotionally connected to every step in the communication for migrant farmworkers in Italy. the outcome. journey is a step in the right Lucia Vigoroso, FedericaCaffaro, direction. By thinking visually EugenioCavallo, www. Every employee is more and communicating with sciencedirect.com/science/ than their job. They’re a your employees in a clear, article/pii/S0925753518306106, whole person with interests, focused way, you can build the Safety Science, November 2018) concerns and priorities that foundation of an employee- may have nothing to do with driven safety culture. You just the workplace. These personal have to take the first step. motivations can be the reason ® • Keeps extension ladders from Ladder falls – slipping on slick surfaces such as 2nd leading cause of composite decking work-related • Unique design of foam creates tiny injur ie s! * suction cups that grip the surface, even when wet * https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ nioshtic-2/20034690.html • Light weight for easy use, weighs less than 6 pounds Working Concepts, Inc. • Works on smooth surfaces, plastic, 888-456-3372 • www.softknees.com • [email protected] wood, concrete, etc., even when wet Patent Pending • Prevents marring and scratches to deck caused by ladder feet • Attaches to the bottom ladder rung, with adjustable strap, for easy movement of ladder along wall • Fits most extension ladders, up to 21” wide • Replaceable self-adhesive foam pad vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 39

Prod ct F ll P ote tion The Danger of Falling Objects in Industrial Settings By Lee McCord, Adrian’s Safety Solutions 40 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

Typically, when considering fall protection, we object or equipment, caught in consider the dangers that could cause employees or compressed by equipment to fall—exposed wires, uneven platforms, unsafe or objects, or struck, caught scaffolding or untidy work areas. However, fall or crushed in [a] collapsing protection also refers to the dangers caused by structure, equipment or falling or dropped objects, including equipment. material” results in 26 percent of injuries. This is the second- ost often, objects in the workplace. Let’s highest cause of workplace we hear examine how you can prevent injury, right behind overexertion. about falling falling object hazards from objects on affecting your stock and the According to EHS Today, many construction safety of your employees. companies “only invest in safety sites, where tools that are not after a tragic event occurs.” secured fall from a higher level. Falling Object But it is imperative for them But overall, there are more Prevention to realize that fall protection than 50,000 struck-by falling for both people and equipment object recordable incidents each Preventing objects from falling should be addressed before year, according to the Bureau of is an incredibly important something happens. Protecting Labor Statistics. Furthermore, aspect of warehouse and employees and customers from the Liberty Mutual Workplace workplace safety. It’s even falling objects must continue Safety Index ranks struck- more vital in large, big box to be a priority for retailers and by incidents as the fourth and warehouse stores where warehouse operators. most disabling injury in U.S. both employees and customers workplaces. In a warehouse, are in areas with warehouse Protecting employees and manufacturing plant or racking and pallets of product customers from falling objects distribution center, objects are stored. You will often notice must continue to be a priority for that fall from storage racking additional protection equipment retailers and warehouse operators. can damage your products, like steel cables and safety equipment and even fatally netting in these settings. How Dangerous are injure your employees. Falling Objects? The current OSHA standards for Were these precautions keeping loose items secured state not in place, the risk of injury While a loose product or small that, “all materials, equipment, could be detrimental to the piece of equipment falling and tools, which are not in use business. According to the from a shelf might not seem while aloft, shall be secured National Safety Council, one especially dangerous, when against accidental displacement.” workplace injury occurs every distance is factored in, a These guidelines do not seven seconds. While these small object can become more provide a great deal of direction numbers are staggering, harmful and cause injury. An when it comes to preventing injuries are completely example from Industrial Safety damage or injury caused by preventable and can be avoided and Hygiene News (ISHN) cites falling products. Too often, with the proper precautions. the damage even a small object employers wait until an injury, can do when falling from a fatality or near miss occurs to The National Safety Council higher level. ISHN reports an address the hazards of falling also reports that contact with “…incident at a construction objects and equipment, such as site in Jersey City, New Jersey, being “struck by or against [an] [where] a truck driver was delivering sheet rock and was killed when a worker 50 stories above dropped a tape measure.” vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 41

Now imagine that the falling • The first step to preventing injury by keeping you aware object is a 200-pound pallet. of potential hazards. By This load, falling from a height damage and injury from regularly checking your work of 25 feet for 1.25 seconds, has falling objects is providing area for safety concerns, they an impact of 10,000 pounds. employees with clear can be addressed quickly, training. Investing in proper keeping everyone safe. Not only is that force likely training can positively impact Finding the perfect solution to destroy whatever item fell, your bottom line by reducing to secure your products in place but it could easily cause severe product loss and insurance can be challenging. The right injury to any employees or premiums and shows your safety solution keeps inventory, customers that are struck by employees that you are equipment, and employees safe the object. Inventory can also invested in their safety. without hindering every day fall onto, and cause damage operations, causing massive to, equipment and conveyors, Most safety installation downtime, or resulting in expensive repairs breaking your budget. Taking or replacement in order to keep professionals the time to find the right your facility running. solution for you warehouse will agree that safety save time and money overall In addition, if items fall and protect your employees. into the longitudinal flue begins at home space between racking arrays, Building a sprinkler systems cannot and should extend Safety Culture operate effectively in the case of a fire. Because the fallen objects to the work setting. Building a strong culture are blocking the sprinkler’s path around safety in your industrial to the floor, the fire is likely to • In addition, properly stored workplace is important for spread more quickly and cause preventing more than just additional damage. products are less likely struck-by hazards. Most safety to fall into a work area professionals agree that safety The impact that a small and potentially injure an begins at home and should object’s fall can have is employee. Safely loading, extend to the work setting, since significant—and it only securing and moving most accidents and injuries increases when you factor in products and pallets helps in the U.S. occur off the job. height of the fall with heavier, protect racks against But considering the cost of larger objects such as crates, unnecessary damage from unintentional work-related pallets, or inventory. overloading or collisions. injuries was at $161.5B in 2017, according to the National Safety How Can I Prevent • Make sure your racking Council, your company should Falling Object Damage? be incentivized to make safety Load Capacity Plaques are the top priority. Objects can fall from pallet properly displayed. The Rack racks or shelving for a variety of Manufacturers Institute ANSI According to a study in reasons—incorrect stacking, a MH16.1-2012: Specification EHS Today compiled by using bump from a forklift, or damaged for the Design, Testing and millions of data points, top racks. Here are a few ways to Utilization of Industrial Steel safety performers have certain keep your workspace safer: Storage Racks, section 1.4.2, behaviors that they regularly states that the rack “owner perform that bottom performers • Of course, it’s always is responsible for displaying simply do not. Though many in one or more conspicuous hazards exist in all workplace important to use personal locations a permanent settings, safety performers in protection equipment plaque(s).” the top quartile perform four properly to keep employees safety activities a week and their safe, but the best solution • Anywhere that steel pallet employees report 10 times more is to keep accidents from hazards than bottom performers. happening in the first place. racking is in use, rack safety In turn, their injury rates were Accident prevention can be systems are critical for reduced by 3.5 times or more. done by making the items keeping your employees safe. on your racks as fall-proof Industrial rack safety systems We asked the safety expert as possible. As a result, you such as netting, or straps here at Adrian’s Safety Solutions, will save money caused by should be an integral part of Warehouse Manager Phillip lost product or damaged protecting your facility from Cook, how he incorporates equipment and protect the falling objects. lives of your employees. • Finally, performing regular safety checks prevent falling object damage and 42 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

workplace safety into everyday incidents–even minor first Lee McCord is the VP of Sales & Product Development at Adrian’s Safety operations. “Safety is simply aid needs and near misses—as Solutions. Lee McCord has been with Adrian’s Safety Solutions since 1997 another asset that needs to be potential hazards. Something and has overseen the launch of two safety equipment product lines. In maximized like any other. Good that seems minor at first can his role, he has helped design workplace products that are centered on safety practices are co-equal to cause larger problems later, and safety and simplicity of use. Adrian’s offers both cargo control solutions all other best practices in your you want your employees to feel for fleets and pallet rack safety equipment for warehouses. McCord’s operation,” said Cook. secure knowing they can report dedication to organizational and worker safety has enabled Adrian’s to anything that may be dangerous. continually develop new designs that allow for a safer workplace. Safety activities include observations, job hazard Encourage employees by SOURCES assessments and identifications, involving them in the entire corrective actions, and more–in safety planning process. You www.nsc.org/work-safety/tools-resources/infographics/ short, any action that helps will gain a better understanding workplace-injuries assess and improve safety of what hazards your employees measures around the warehouse. face every day and let them njuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/work-safety-introduction/ know that you’re taking their Concentrating on building a safety seriously. culture that prioritizes safety will make a huge difference in The important thing to note the safety of your warehouse about building a safety culture is and morale of your employees. that you are constantly building Employees must feel safe it. There is no final step. Instead, coming to their supervisors and this is a constantly-evolving reporting accidents and damage process. It’s important to keep to racks and equipment so they making improvements and can be replaced promptly. stay up to date on what your warehouse needs as it grows. Educate your employees on the importance of reporting OSHA VPP Excellence VPP Certificate Program Program Description OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is one of the most highly Totally Online sought after and respected cooperative programs available today. The Six Courses University of Alabama at Birmingham’s OSHA VPP Excellence Certificate Program provides students with the tools and knowledge necessary to develop and maintain a safety and health program which conforms with or exceeds OSHA’s rigorous requirements to achieve VPP Certification. Program Details Peer-to-Peer Learning This certificate program is strategically aligned with the VPPPA’s mission For Working Professionals to promote the VPP Program and support member organizations who have achieved, or are in the process of preparing for, admission to the VPP Program. The program will also equip students with the leadership skills Live Lectures needed to guide transformational change within the safety culture and enable them to lead from behind or to manage from the middle. Upon completion of this certificate program, students can expect to be fully prepared to manage through the VPP process, using the knowledge gained to achieve OSHA VPP Certification or Re-certification. uab.edu/asem | 205.975.3891 | [email protected] vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 43

Membership Corner Like us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter: @VPPPA & Instagram: @VPPPA_Inc Meet the VPPPA Team Summer Members New to Safety+ This Year of the Month As VPPPA members, you talk to • A Relaxation Room sponsored National Office Staff members on Congratulations to our the phone, chat with us via email summer (May, June, July, by Monsanto, a member of the and sometimes see us at regional August) Members of the and national events. But we want Month: Craig Buelo, Mike Bayer Group of Companies. our members to be able to more Troutman, Todd Habets, easily put names with faces. and Bret Skellenger. Want • The SafetyPro Podcast will Check back here in future issues to submit someone to be to see more VPPPA National considered as a VPPPA be recording daily live from Office staff member profiles. Member of the Month? Email membership@vpppa. the event. Name: Bryant Walker org. You can also check out all of the previous • A Search for Seymour the Star Job Title: Information & Data Members of the Month on Analyst Manager our website. Contest with prizes. Nickname: I’m known as VPPPA Trivia • Games! We will have Wizard or B & Prizes shuffleboard, corn hole and Length of Time with VPPPA: We are celebrating our 10 years all together (2005– 35th birthday all year long other fun games onsite. 2009, 2013–present) with VPPPA trivia contests! We are posting trivia • An 80s-themed VPPPA Favorite Parts of Working for questions twice a month VPPPA: Learning from others with prizes for the winners. membership booth with both internally and externally. You can find the trivia Also, being able to enhance questions at vpppa.org/ movies, trivia, prizes systems and services to operate membership/vpppabirthday. and function successfully. Congratulations to our and music. winners so far: Sheri F., Hometown: Brookneal, VA. Cintas; Kim B., Acushnet • A finale sendoff brunch Golf; Vanessa K., Nucor; Alma Mater: Liberty University Brian B., Shermco; with mimosa and bloody (Class of 2004….Go Flames!!) Joshua H., Prairie State Generating Company; Mary bars. Fun Facts About Me: I’ve being Elisa C., Huber; Keenan playing drums for over 25 years M., Solvay; Nevena • And much, much more… and still learning. Also, I won S., Sherwin; Neha S., a dance competition back in Honeywell; Leischen Follow VPPPA college at one of the largest live N., Alstom Group; Jake On Instagram talent shows on campus. V., Occidental Chemical Corporation. We are super excited to Favorite Food: A messy brisket sandwich with honey BBQ We will be giving out announce that we now have sauce…Yum! even more prizes at the Safety+ Symposium in an Instagram page! Follow us Favorite Movie: Fifth Element, New Orleans, LA, from Avatar, Inception, or Avengers: August 27-30. We can’t @VPPPA_Inc on Instagram to Infinity Wars …I can’t decide. wait to see you there! check it out. The Leader Magazine in Spanish We are now offering the Leader magazine articles in Spanish! Visit www.vpppa. org/advancement/the-leader- magazine/leaderinspanish to check it out. Special thanks to our translators who have worked so hard to translate the articles for us. Want to help translate? Email [email protected]. 44 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

#HowISafety Contest Congratulations to the winner of the 2019 #HowISafety Contest, Sara Smith! Below is her winning photo. The winner of the #HowISafety Contest receives a free registration for the 2019 Safety+ Symposium, plus airfare and hotel. Thank you so much to everyone who entered this year’s contest. We loved seeing all of our member’s entries. You can check out some other entries below. “Here at Robins Air Force Base—Georgia, we promote safety with PPE and recognizing our shining stars of every month for going above and beyond in our hangar for VPP. We ‘hear no,’ ‘see no’ and ‘speak no’ to being unsafe!” “Knight Industrial Services were recipients of three ISTC Awards this year, including: 1 Million Man Hours Worked without an Incident, Sustained a Zero Recordable Incidence Rate, and Nine Years Worked without an Incident. Thank you to our employees for continuing to support, live and breathe our #SAFETYFIRST culture. Safety is everything.” “Geared up and stayin’ “This is one of the many ways of how Batelle Energy safe while kayaking on Alliance, LLC at INL & Fluor Idaho/INL does safety; by the Wenatchee River reaching out to our community kids to help them be safe!” near Leavenworth, WA. Sunscreen, sunglasses, lifejacket, and my wife ready to rescue me!” vpppa.org Leader—Summer 2019 45

State-Plan Monitor Compiled By Katlyn Pagliuca Membership Manager, VPPPA, Inc. CALIFORNIA California Natural Colors Cal/Star flag raising ceremony, Fresno May 2, 2019. California Natural Colors Cal/ Star Ceremony MICHIGAN California Natural Colors in Fresno celebrated their Cal/Star There are currently 31 sites in the Michigan Voluntary Protection achievement on May 2. The site produces grape juice concentrates, Programs (MVPP), with 27 Star, one Rising Star (Merit), two MVPP/C grape seed extract and natural colors. They were mentored by Derrick (construction) and one MVPP/C Rising Star site. Jarvis, CSP, STM, Director of Corporate Safety & Health at the E. & J. Gallo Winery. The Cal/VPP team included Ruben Garza as Team The following is a quick update of MIOSHA MVPP activities. Leader, Manou Sarfehnia VPP Consultant, David Matsumoto VPP Consultant and Tony Christofferson as Special Team Member from Promotion Wheelabrator. The team performed the onsite evaluation from August 27–30, 2018. The Cal/VPP team interviewed thirty-seven of seventy MVPP Specialist Doug Kimmel gave a presentation on the MVPP/C employees during the visit. at the 2019 Michigan Safety Conference. He also met with representatives from Meijer, Inc., on May 9, to discuss the MVPP. This site has significantly reduced injury/illness incident rates in 2018 by primarily focusing on ergonomic improvements. To address An MVPP onsite review was conducted from April 9–11, at these concerns the site has implemented the following leading Honeywell in Muskegon. indicators: emphasize powerlift techniques, job specific stretching, reduce use of hoses, employee task assistance and reaching out to Applications currently pending for the MVPP include: other VPP sites for best practices. • Cintas Fire Protection—D26 (Troy) The site also received the FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System • Honeywell (Muskegon) Certification) award in 2012. • Robert Bosch (Plymouth) Special Team Members Upcoming Events Special Team Members continue to participate in various aspects of • MVPP/C Mentors meeting—October 29, 2019 California VPP. At the VPPPA Region IX conference in Tucson, AZ, Mr. • MVPP/C Advisory group meeting—November 7, 2019 Charles Busch, Special Team Member from Raytheon, was recognized • MVPP SGE training—October 17, 2019 for his outstanding contributions to VPP during recent years. “Like” us on Facebook @MichiganOSHA, follow us on Twitter For more information on Cal/OSHA VPP, visit: www.dir.ca.gov/ @MI_OSHA and subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ dosh/cal_vpp/cal_vpp_index.html. c/MIOSHA_MI HAWAII For further details on the MVPP, contact Doug Kimmel, MVPP specialist at 517-719-7296, or visit the MIOSHA website at On May 28, Hawaii celebrated the Star status reapproval for Covanta www.michigan.gov/miosha. Honolulu Resource Recovery Venture, LLC. MINNESOTA IOWA Since the last publication, a MNSTAR flag raising was held on May 2 There are currently 45 VPP sites in Iowa. The following is a quick update for Monsanto—Redwood Falls Pre-Commercial, located in Redwood of Iowa OSHA VPP activities. Falls, MN. The company received an initial certification for three years beginning in December of 2018. New VPP Sites Valmont Industries, Inc, located in Farmington, MN, met all of the Sites that have recently been approved for participation in requirements of the one-year conditional status when we met with the program: them in April. The certificate remains in place until a recertification visit in June of 2020. • Duro-Last (Sigourney)—Mentored by Clow Valve Metal Flint Hills Resources, located in Rosemount, MN, was placed in a Casting Foundry two-year rate reduction plan. The company has implemented several impressive initiatives including having two ergonomics companies • NuStar Energy (Le Mars) working onsite with employees, partnering with some key contractors • NuStar Energy (Milford) to implement a laceration prevention program, and a heightened • NuStar Energy (Rock Rapids) focus on slips/trips/falls, specifically during the winters in Minnesota when ice is always a significant hazard for employees. Reevaluation Onsite Reviews We look forward to working with companies in Minnesota that Onsite VPP recertifications have been performed at: are interested in the MNSTAR program. Minnesota currently has 35 MNSTAR sites. Of the 35 MNSTAR sites, 33 are classified as general • LyondellBasell (Clinton) industry sites and two are resident contractors at a refinery. • BrandSafway—VPP Star Resident Contractor at If you would like further information about the MNSTAR Program, LyondellBasell (Clinton) please visit www.doli.state.mn.us/WSC/Mnstar.asp, or contact Marnie Prochniak, MNSTAR/VPP Coordinator, at [email protected]. • G4S—VPP Star Resident Contractor at LyondellBasell (Clinton) • Monsanto—Ankeny Research Lab (Ankeny) vpppa.org • Cargill Corn Milling (Cedar Rapids) • Clow Valve Metal Casting Foundry (Oskaloosa) 46 Leader—Summer 2019

OREGON WASHINGTON Oregon was proud to host the 25th Annual Northwest Safety & Health Washington State VPP currently has 32 Star sites and one Merit site. Jacobs of Walla Walla was reapproved as a Star site and Cintas Summit by Region X VPPPA, from May 14–16, at the Red Lion on the Corporation #460 in Everett was approved as a Star site. River at Jantzen Beach, in Portland, OR. The conference theme was Recent VPP Ceremonies: “Sustaining Safety Excellence While Protecting People.” The keynote • Starbucks Roasting Plant in Kent. • Jacobs of Walla Walla. speech on Wednesday was “Just a Second Ago” by Brad Livingston, VPP Seminar: Melvin E. James Honorary Lectures followed by his daughter Kayla Rath, on Thursday morning, covering on Safety “The Ripple Effect.” The event was held on March 19, in Tumwater, WA, with 168 people in attendance. There were many great sessions ranging in topics from The Region X conference was supported by 264 attendees, the annual VPP self-evaluation to employee involvement. representing 82 companies, 50 exhibitors, 25 sponsors and five supporting government agencies. There was a SGE workshop prior to this conference, held from May 11–13, and hosted by Sherwin-Williams’ Purdy Brush Facility and Owens Corning’s, Linnton Asphalt Plant, and Region X added 10 new SGEs. Cliff Butler, from Sherwin-Williams Purdy, was named the Region X SGE of the Year and Eileen Tanner from Covanta Marion, Inc. was named the Region X Mentor of the year. Oregon OSHA has three upcoming conferences, including: • Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference September 16–17. • Bend Southern Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference October 15–17 • Ashland and Western Pulp, Paper, and Forest Products Safety & Health Conference December 3–6, in Portland. contacting each state Alaska Kentucky New Mexico Tennessee Christian Hendrickson Brian Black Melissa Barker David Blessman VPP Manager VPP Program Administrator VPP Coordinator VPP Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (907) 269-4946 Phone: (502) 564-3320 Phone: (505) 222-9595 Phone: (615) 253-6890 Arizona Maryland North Carolina Utah Jessie Atencio Allen Stump LaMont Smith Jerry Parkstone Assistant Director VPP Manager Recognition Program Manager VPP Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (520) 220-4222 Phone: (410) 527-4473 Phone: (919) 807-2909 Phone: (801) 530-6901 California Michigan Oregon Vermont Iraj Pourmehraban Sherry Scott Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM Daniel Whipple Cal/VPP & PSM Manager MVPP Manager VPP/SHARP Program Coordinator VPP Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (510) 622-1080 Phone: (517) 322-5817 Phone: (541) 776-6016 Phone: (802) 828-5084 Hawaii Minnesota Puerto Rico Virginia Kristin Takaba Tyrone Taylor, MBA Judith M. Cruz Concepción Milford Stern OSH Program Specialist— Director of Workplace Safety Puerto Rico VPP Manager VPP Manager Compliance Assistance Consultation MN P​ R OSHA Voluntary Programs [email protected] [email protected] Dept. of Labor & Industry Division Phone: (540) 562-3580 x 123 Phone: (808) 586-9090 Occupational Safety & [email protected] Health Division Phone: (787) 754-2172 ext 3343 Washington Indiana [email protected] John Geppert Beth A. Gonzalez Phone: (651) 284-5203 South Carolina VPP Manager VPP Team Leader Sharon Dumit [email protected] [email protected] Nevada VPP Coordinator Phone: (360) 902-5496 Phone: (317) 607-6118 Jimmy Andrews [email protected] VPP Manager Phone: (803) 896-7788 Wyoming Iowa [email protected] Clayton Gaunt Shashi Patel Phone: (702) 486-9046 VPP Manager VPP Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (307) 777-7710 Phone: (515) 281-6369 Leader—Summer 2019 47 For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visit www.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfm vpppa.org

Regional Round-Ups Compiled by Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc. REGION I • Cartamundi mentoring or areas of excellence. The best practices or areas of vppregion1.com Material Handling (East excellence were observed by Longmeadow, MA) VPP evaluation teams during Region I held its 23rd Annual a respective worksite’s VPP Safety & Health Excellence During the Region I meeting evaluation. The information Conference & Expo from May on May 20, at the 20I9 Safety & in the directory begins five 20-22, at the Holiday Inn by the Health Excellence Conference & years ago to the most recent Bay in Portland, ME. There were Expo, the following individuals evaluations. The information in approximately 213 attendees were elected or re-elected into the directory will be updated at and 32 exhibitors. There were their Board of Director positions: least annually to note additional 20 different breakout sessions Best Practices or Areas of spanning a day and a half with • Karen Girardin from L.L.Bean in Excellence and to make changes a break on Tuesday afternoon, to the VPP worksites and their allowing attendees the Freeport, ME, as Chairperson. contacts. The directory can be opportunity to get outdoors and found on the Region I website. enjoy the city of Portland. The • Paul Ludington from opening keynote speaker was Award Winners J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., Chairman of Dominion Nuclear in the VPPPA National Board of Waterford, CT, as Treasurer. • Region I Mentor of the Directors. The closing keynote speaker was Scott Lesnick, • Carl Allen from Huber Year Award Winner: Paul an author, consultant and a Ludington, Dominion Nuclear Certified Speaking Professional. Engineered Woods in (Waterford, CT) Eason, ME, as Director-at- Region I held a VPP Large (replaces Jack Popp • Region I SGE of the Year Application Workshop as a from Cartamundi of East pre-conference session on Longmeadow, MA, who retired). Award Winner: Brad May 20, where approximately Bittenbender, Jacobs six attendees learned about • Darwin Irish of FLEXcon in Engineering—based at GE the content required and how (Lynn, MA) to go about completing the Spencer, MA, as Director-at- application. Large. However, a few weeks • Regional Administrators after the conference, Darwin New Mentor/Mentee stepped off the Board of Award Winner: Hypertherm Matches Directors. So, his Director-at- (Lebanon, NH) Large position is now open. • Pratt and Whitney mentoring Contributed by Karen Girardin, • Melissa Renouf of Cintas in Region I Chairperson Sysco Corp. (Westbrook, ME) Plainville, CT, was appointed REGION II • Acushnet mentoring Chatham by the Region I Board to the Director-at-Large position www.vppparegion2.org Village Foods (Wareham, MA) that’s been vacant for multiple years. Region II currently has six upcoming VPP evaluations with A Best Practices Directory spots open for SGES. Contact is on the Region I website that Ms. Greta Olsson, Olsson.greta@ provides the name of Region I dol.gov, if you are interested in VPP worksites that have been volunteering for any of these noted to have best practices SGE opportunities. There are also more details on our website. Veolia North America donates an AED unit to Middle School 358 in Jamaica, NY. The Region II 2019 Safety Forum was held June 24–25, in Atlantic City, NJ, with bonus workshops offered on June 26. Gary Norland, our keynote speaker, presented “The Impact of an Injury, What are you Risking?” On May 10, Veolia North America donated an AED unit 48 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org

to Middle School 358, located REGION IV second and third day of the of Salt Lake City, played top in Jamaica, NY, in honor of the conference included 56 breakout golf in the Rocky Mountains Norman Deitch AED Outreach www.regionivvpp.org sessions which offered a number and toured the Federal OSHA Fund. William DePuy and of educational opportunities for Technical Center. Richard Finnegan from the The Region IV Safety and the attendees of the conference. Region II Board helped present Health Excellence Conference The final closing of the session We held a VPP Application the AED to the school. was held June 18-20 in was led by David Sarkus, a.k.a. workshop on the first day of the beautiful Chattanooga, TN. The The Safety Coach, who spoke Region VIII VPPPA conference We recently had two sites conference, by all accounts, was to the group regarding in in Salt Lake City. In addition, approved for new VPP Star a great success! The event began servant leadership and leading we held an SGE training class participation: (awaiting with an amazing presentation with heart. Region IV VPPPA at the Phillips 66 Refinery VPP ceremony scheduling by Duty Commissioner, Steve was happy to host a Special Star site located in Billings, MO, notification) Hawkins, from the Department Government Employee (SGE) from June 18–20. Finally, our of Labor in Tennessee. Class during this conference most recent SGE training class • Honeywell UOP Mr. Hawkins delivered which allowed 29 new SGEs in Region VIII was held at TIC an outstanding message, to be sworn into the program. training center in Henderson, (Tonawanda, NY) challenging the audience with Additionally, the Board of CO, from June 5–7. Twelve new his knowledge gained over his Directors would like to recognize SGEs were sworn in at the end of • Ultra Electronics / Flightline many years of experience with Michael Perry who was, for the the class. Tennessee OSHA. The Opening second time, selected as Mentor Systems (Victor, NY)—Merit Session was followed by great of the Year. The University of Utah In addition, Sithe/ reception which allowed the Safety and Industrial Hygiene Independence Power Partners, attendees, and vendors, to Contributed by Christopher Colburn, conference takes place October L.P., in Oswego, NY, and Solvay engage, interact, and enjoy Region IV Vice Chairperson 9-11. We will be representing Specialty Polymers USA, LLC, some amazing Chattanooga Region VIII at the North Dakota in West Deptford, NJ, held their Convention Center food. The REGION VIII Safety Council Conference in ceremonies in early May. February, as well as the Utah www.vppparegion8.com Safety Council Conference Contributed by Grace Irby, Media in February. Coordinator, VPPPA Region II The 2019 Region VIII Safety Summit in Salt Lake City was a Hunter Douglas Window vpppa.org great success. We had our largest Fashions hosted an OSHA numbers yet, topping out at regional manager’s meeting and over 300 attendees. In addition, tour of their VPP Star facility in our vendor hall exceeded all Broomfield, CO. The Regional expectations. Thank you to Craig Administrator, her regional Buelo for going the extra mile executive staff members, and and filling up the hall. This year the area directors and managers we offered our first leadership from the OSHA enforcement certificate program. Numerous offices throughout Region VIII companies took advantage of the participated. offering and sent their front line leaders for certification. LPR Construction Company in Loveland, CO, (VPP Mobile Thanks to the push from Workforce Star participant) is Utah OSHA, we had over 40 currently the longest-tenured participants in our application VPP participant in OSHA workshop. We also held the first Region VIII and will celebrate “You’re An SGE, Now What?” 20 continuous years in VPP in preconference workshop. Talk December of this year. about a wonderful time! The class was informative, and We held board elections everyone loved the tour of and added Craig Buelo from Morton Salt. Hill Airforce Base as a Director- at-Large. Attendees had options to socialize as well as be educated. Next year, please join us at We went on a trolley acting tour the Curtis Hotel in Denver, CO, from April 27–May 1, 2020. Contributed by Christina Ross, Region VIII Chairperson Leader—Summer 2019 49

More events to come! Check VPPPA Regional websites for up-to-date information. Calendar of Events August 12–18 OSHA Safe + Sound Week 27–30 Safety+ Symposium New Orleans, LA September October December 13 11 Mid-December Conference Priority period Membership renewals survey deadline ends for exhibitors and sponsors for 17-18 the 2020 Safety+ Symposium VPPPA Congressional 22 Outreach VPPPA Board of Directors meeting VPPPA contacts To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visit www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please refer to the contact information below. Sara A. Taylor, CMP Kerri Carpenter Katlyn Pagliuca Bryant Walker, CIOS, CSIS Director of Operations Communications Membership Manager Information & Data [email protected] & Outreach Manager [email protected] Analyst Manager [email protected] [email protected] Brielle Mroczko Natasha Cole Conference Coordinator Jamie Mitchell Member Services Coordinator Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Communications Coordinator [email protected] Government Relations Counsel [email protected] [email protected] Sierra Johnson Heidi Hill Special Projects Coordinator Senior Event Sales & [email protected] Advertising Coordinator [email protected] 50 Leader—Summer 2019 vpppa.org