The Leader Autumn 2016 - PPE & Technology

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4, AUTUMN 2016





LEATHE DER CONTENTSVOL 3. ISSUE 4 AUTUMN 2016cover8 Turn your Smart Phone from a Toy to a ToolWelcome to 21st century safety wheremobile devices (smart phones andtablets) can be used for more thantexting, navigating and catchingPokémon. Safety procedures,guidance documents, checklists,JSAs and more can be availablefor employees anytime, anywhereon any mobile device. In 2020, over50 percent of the workforce will beGeneration X and Generation Y; theyhave lived with mobile devices in theirhands since childhood. features 20 Workers Need to be Seen 14 What’s New— Emerging Ergonomics Think about the last time you traveled. Technology How often did you come across a highway construction project? For most Despite past efforts, many organizations of us, maneuvering through orange struggle to fully control “the ergonomics construction barrels and slowing problems.” Ergonomics assessment tools down in construction zones are daily are essential for understanding and occurrences. We are so accustomed to controlling risk. However, practitioners road construction projects that we often often complain that the tools available don’t notice the workers who are working to them are cumbersome, inaccurate, in these zones. Construction workers may time consuming and do very little to only be five to 10 feet away from cars guide risk mitigation. Ergonomics job traveling through the construction zone analysis tools and the systems for their at 50 to 60 mph. How do we protect use need improvements. roadside construction workers?4 THE LEADER vpppa.org

features continued www.vpppa.org22 Exploring Innovative VPPPA National Board of Directors Technologies in PPEApplications Chairperson Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock GroupAlthough personal protective equipment(PPE) is considered the least desirable Vice Chairpersonmethod (as per OSHA’s hierarchy of Rob Henson, LyondellBasellcontrols) and therefore usually the leasteffective, is it possible to enhance the Treasurereffectiveness of PPE through the use Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratoryof technology? We recently posed thisquestion to our senior management Secretaryand challenged our team members Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LPto procure a solution to several of ourproblems where traditional PPE has Director from a Site With a Collectivebeen minimally effective. Bargaining Agent Don Johnson, Phillips 66sections 24 Designing Environments to Director from a Site Without a CollectiveGLOBAL SAFETY AND 6 Prevent Arc Flash Bargaining Agent HEALTH WATCH Richard McConnell, Austin Industrial 13 At some point in our lives we have all at LyondellBasellINFOGRAPHIC CORNER 28 heard, or perhaps stated, variations ofNATIONAL CONFERENCE the common phrase: “don’t worry about Director from a DOE-VPP SiteWRAP-UP 30 things you can’t control.” With respect Stacy Thursby, AECOMMEMBER SPOTLIGHT 32 to workplace electrical safety, there hasMEMBER INFO CORNER 33 been little change over the past 10 years Director from a VPP Contractor/STATE-PLAN MONITOR 36 in non-fatal injuries due to electricity. The Construction SiteVPPPA REGION ROUND-UPS 39 issue isn’t a lack of awareness, intent or Jamie Robey, CSP, SGE, The Brock GroupCALENDAR OF EVENTS budget, it is a lack of effective action— focusing on protection before taking Director-at-Large steps on prevention. Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Look for these topics highlighted in the top right corner of each section. Director-at-Large Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International G overnment Director-at-Large Membership J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC H ealth Director-at-Large Business Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Outreach Director-at-Large Kimberly Watson, Southwire Director-at-Large Carey West, The Mundy Companies Editor Sarah Neely, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. Editorial Mission The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600-E Leesburg Pike • Ste. 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities. THE LEADER vpppa.org 5

global safety and health watchPesticide Regulation:A Balancing ActBY JAMIE MITCHELL, the standard under section 408 of the Federal The regulation of pesticides varies betweenCOMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.’’ While this countries. For example, a pesticide that mayVPPPA, INC. standard applies to the U.S., it is not the case be tolerated in small doses on farms in the worldwide. Currently, pesticides that are not U.S. can be overused in nations with less strictC ontroversy surrounds the practice approved or registered for use in the U.S. pesticide legislation or less effective enforcement of pesticide use in farming, making can still be manufactured in the U.S. and of existing rules. For example, a high level of pesticide poisoning a global public exported to other countries. FIFRA Section exposure to organophosphates (a group ofhealth issue. While these chemicals do provide 17(a) requires that the exporters of these chemicals commonly used as insecticides) cana variety of benefits, such as increasing crop unregistered pesticides obtain a statement lead to death, and chronic low-level exposureproduction, preserving produce, repelling insects from the foreign purchaser indicating their can also lead to serious health consequences.and controlling invasive plants, anyone can suffer understanding that the pesticide is not While they are effective in keeping out invasivefrom over-exposure to pesticides. According to registered for use the United States. The EPA species, organophosphates are extremely toxicthe National Institute for Occupational Safety also sends a copy of this statement to the to humans. In foreign countries, includingand Health (NIOSH), “Approximately 1.1 Designated National Authority (part of the India and Sierra Leone, cases of death havebillion pounds of pesticide active ingredient United Nations program on Prior Informed been reported after children ate food exposedare used annually in the U.S., and over 17,000 Consent) of the receiving country, so those in to organophosphates. In addition to short-termpesticide products are being marketed in the charge of the general health and environment death after direct exposure, chronic low-levelU.S.” Also, an estimated three million acute of that nation are aware of the export taking exposure can also be risky. In his Nationalpesticide poisonings happen worldwide each year. place. These steps are crucial so leaders are Geographic article, Ker Than discusses a 2010In developing nations, where pesticide control informed of any pesticides that are banned study done by Boyd Barr and colleagues, thatlaws and training programs are often less rigorous, or severely restricted in the U.S. being used took a look at Mexican-American children livingthese poisonings are more frequent and serious. in their country. However, exporters are in agricultural regions of California. The resultsWhether you personally agree with the use of only required to print multilingual labels for discovered that “prenatal and early childhoodpesticides in farming or not, it is still important to shipping containers—not for the product exposure to organophosphates can increase thebe informed regarding the safety and health risks, packages—therefore pesticide applicators in risks of neurological disorders such as attention-as well as the legislation created to regulate these foreign countries may not be receiving the deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.”chemicals, and the effect these relationships have proper warning information. According to Jay Feldman, executive directoron the global agriculture industry, general publicand the environment. In the U.S., pesticides are regulatedunder the Federal Insecticide, Fungicideand Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and must beregistered by the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA). Before the EPA will registera pesticide under FIFRA, the applicant mustshow that the use of this pesticide “will notgenerally cause unreasonable adverse effectson the environment.” FIFRA defines theterm “unreasonable adverse effects on theenvironment’’ to mean: “(1) any unreasonablerisk to man or the environment, takinginto account the economic, social andenvironmental costs and benefits of the useof any pesticide, or (2) a human dietary riskfrom residues that result from a use of apesticide in or on any food inconsistent with6 THE LEADER vpppa.org

of the nonprofit advocacy group, Beyond • First-time ever minimum age requirement: The use of pesticides inPesticides, the United States and many other Children under 18 are prohibited from agriculture involves acountries do a good job of evaluating the health handling pesticides. delicate balancing act.risks of short-term exposure to pesticides such as While they can be viewedorganophosphates, but not the potential dangers • Expanded mandatory posting of no-entry as an efficient way toof chronic exposure… A similar predicament signs for the most hazardous pesticides. The yield more crops in aexists for evaluating the environmental risks of signs prohibit entry into pesticide-treated labor-saving manner, theychemicals, Feldman noted. While the EPA does fields until residues decline to a safe level. also pose serious healthconduct what is known as ‘Ecotox’ studies on concerns to farmers, theorganophosphate pesticides, the studies tend to • New no-entry application-exclusion zones up environment and thefocus on short-term exposure risks. ‘We have the to 100 feet surrounding pesticide application general public.same problem that we have on the human side,’ equipment will protect workers and othersFeldman said, ‘which is that we’re not adequately from exposure to pesticide overspray. Referencesassessing the risk of chronic, low-level exposureto wildlife and the environment.’” • Requirement to provide more than one way • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ for farmworkers and their representatives PMC3108117/ The use of pesticides in agriculture involves to gain access to pesticide applicationa delicate balancing act. While they can be information and safety data sheets— • www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/viewed as an efficient way to yield more crops centrally-posted, or by requesting records. agricultural-worker-protection-standard-wpsin a labor-saving manner, they also pose serioushealth concerns to farmers, the environment • Mandatory record-keeping to improve • www.farmworkerjustice.org/content/and the general public. Our water, soil, air states’ ability to follow up on pesticide pesticide-safetyand wildlife organisms all run the risk of violations and enforce compliance. Recordscontamination from pesticides due to leaching, of application-specific pesticide information, • www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-runoff and spray drift. However, a variety of as well as farmworker training, must be kept federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-aspects combine to create the possible risks, for two years. rodenticide-actsuch as the toxicity of the pesticide, measurestaken during application, the dosage applied, • Anti-retaliation provisions are comparable to • www.epa.gov/pesticides/international-the weather conditions after application and Department of Labor’s (DOL). activities-related-pesticidesmore; therefore, it is difficult to discern anexact assessment of pesticides’ effects on both • Changes in personal protective equipment • news.nationalgeographic.com/human health and the environment. For will be consistent with DOL’s standards for news/2013/07/130718-organophosphates-workers in particular, the use of appropriate ensuring respirators are effective, including pesticides-indian-food-poisoning/and well-maintained spraying equipment fit test, medical evaluation and training.and taking the necessary safety precautions • www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/is crucial. In November of 2015, the 1992 • Specific amounts of water to be used for routine OrganophosphatesAgricultural Worker Protection Standard was washing, emergency eye flushing and otherrevised to reflect a more protective stance for decontamination, including eye wash systems • https://www.theguardian.com/global-the millions of agricultural workers and their for handlers at pesticide mixing/loading sites. development/poverty-matters/2013/aug/02/families working on farms, forests, nurseries pesticide-poisoning-hidden-menace-ghanaand in greenhouses in the U.S. According to • Continue the exemption for farm ownersthe EPA, the major changes to the Worker and their immediate families with an • https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pesticides/Protection Standard include: expanded definition of immediate family.• Annual mandatory training to inform Widespread underreporting is an issue among THE LEADER vpppa.org farmworkers on the required protections the agriculture industry, and there is an urgent afforded to them. Currently, training is only need for better protection of these workers once every five years. throughout the world. It can be expected• Expanded training includes instructions to that improving these conditions will lead to reduce take-home exposure from pesticides fewer exposure incidents among farmworkers on work clothing and other safety topics. and their families, and therefore, a healthier workforce without lost wages, increased medical bills, absences from work or school and chronic illness. The majority of these revisions will become effective on January 2, 2017, and while this is a positive step forward in the United States, many nations are still lacking proper pesticide control programs. 7

TURN YOUR SMARTPHONE FROM ATOTYOOLTO A8 THE LEADER vpppa.org

BY DR. ISABEL PERRY OWNER, 21ST CENTURY SAFETY, CORP. New technology can put information in the hands of employees anytime, anywhere on any mobile device. Welcome to 21st century safety where mobile devices (smart phones and tablets) can be used for more than texting, navigating and catching Pokémon. Safety procedures, guidance documents, checklists, JSAs and more can be available for employees anytime, anywhere onany mobile device. In 2020, over 50 percent of theworkforce will be Generation X and Generation Y;they have lived with mobile devices in their hands since childhood. Even more amazing, proud parents and grandparents are posting photos on Facebook of their Generation Z babies holding a smart phone in the crib.THE LEADER vpppa.org 9

Changes on a mobile O rganizations can take advantage of So, you may ask, “why can’t I just look at a web app can be new technologies available today website on my cell phone?” Unless it has been made quickly. Unlike a and turn their mobile devices from built for mobile viewing it is not likely to be downloadable native toys to information and training tools by user friendly. With mobile design, the size of app, no third-party engaging with employees at their locations. the lettering adjusts to the screen size, pinching approval is needed No longer is it necessary to be tethered to and horizontal scrolling is not necessary and all to push the content to electricity (desktops and e-learning); break free information is included without web content your organization (i.e. of that power cord and “think mobile.” This “dropping-off.” You can convert all types of Apple/iPhone). technology is not coming—it is here and you documents (PDFs, Word, Excel spreadsheets, do not need to be a computer programmer to video, etc.) into mobile-friendly formats for10 THE LEADER vpppa.org take advantage of it. viewing on smartphones and tablets. You can build a mobile-friendly and responsive web app Before we review specific examples of how in minutes for training and communication mobile web apps are being used for safety, let’s or storing safety content that is usually explore why mobile web apps are beneficial: located in notebooks on the bookshelves. • You have 24/7 control of your content to Since 60 percent of the American workforce is not behind a computer, employees need change and adapt as you move through your information outside of the safety department own customized back-end dashboard. and they need it in real time. Your mobile web • Changes on a mobile web app can be made app supports your initiatives and does not quickly. Unlike a downloadable native replace your current company site. app, no third-party approval is needed to push the content to your organization (i.e. Using the same mobile dashboard, you Apple/iPhone). can send a text message or email campaigns. • The cost to develop a mobile web app and In addition, mobile touches and reminders the time required to build a mobile web keep employees engaged with safety. Plus, app is far less than a native app, which providing access to time-critical information is must be downloaded. a guaranteed, fast and an easy way to improve • Users do not need to download any your workplace safety program and build your software; your site is easily accessed through safety culture. a link (emailed or texted) or QR code on any smartphone. The following are real examples of successful • The mobile web apps created are also available case studies with an overview, problem and to be viewed on all devices, such as smart solution format. All of these used a mobile phones, tablets and desktops. The reverse is not web app with drag and drop features for true. Desktop viewing does not always convert information storage, two-way communication to mobile device formats. and engagement with employees. • Finally, perhaps one of the greatest advantages is that all of this can be Problem-Solution: Crisis completed without IT support. Management Communication Of the more than 4,500 fatalities in the workplace in 2015, over 400 were homicides. The OSH Act gives workers the right to safe and healthful working conditions. A recent analysis by researchers at Harvard University, further corroborated by a recent FBI study, determined that mass shootings (four or more people killed in one incident) have been on the rise. Enterprises (schools, hospitals, corporations, etc.) are seeking ways to minimize risks in the increasing number of workplace violence and lone-shooter events. Problem: Most organizations are unprepared for a crisis with the “it will not happen here” mentality. Plus, most crisis alert systems only send alerts out to employees, with no communication back from those same individuals in the field who could provide

valuable information to the crisis management of fire-suppression equipment or there was and invite 400 employees (some international)team. Employees are scared and feel helpless if a modification of systems with current to a conference center in a stunningsomething should occur. This uneasiness affects manufacturers, the sub-contractors in remote environment to attract participation. As theyworkers’ focus on the job, causing accidents. areas were stumped. This caused delayed entered the conference room, on the table at schedules and work crews standing around on each seat was an enormous safety manual of Solution: The DIY MOBI mobile web breaks as they waited for instructions. Ka-ching! conference proceedings, presentations, charts,app builder provides two-way communication checklists, corporate safety updates, etc. Eachvia text or email. The organization can upload Solution: The prime contractor in Florida of the notebooks was five- to six-inches thicktheir customized documents into their passcode decided to build a mobile web app to load all and weighed 15 pounds.protected mobile web app, such as: emergency the installation instructions, job-safety analysis,action plans, first aid videos (how to treat shock, videos, checklists and punch sheets for each Problem: Enormous amounts of timehow to treat a gunshot wound, etc.), employee of the manufacturers onto their company were spent printing thousands of pagesnames per building (employees can access and passcode protected app. The prime could easily and assembling 400+ notebooks (someindicate where they are located in real time, exit make updates without IT support and keep erroneously). Employees did not want to carrymaps, emergency phone numbers, instructions on real-time information on their system. The an additional 15 pounds in their luggage duehow to respond to various types of emergencies sub-contractor could access the prime’s mobile to lack of space or airline weight restrictions.(natural or man-made), etc. With passcode app with their smart phone or tablet and view Many employees conveniently “forgot” them inprotection, whomever sees an unusual event or all the information necessary to proceed in a safe the hotel rooms and new notebooks had to beactivity can communicate it to the emergency manner, as well as ensure that the installation of shipped to their work locations. Ka-ching!designee of their organization. An alert is sent to fire-suppression equipment was done properly.all employees and they take necessary cover. As Solution: The Safety Department budgetedthe emergency team gathers and notifies public Problem-Solution: and justified the purchase of 400 tablets (<servants, employees can access the company private Corporate Safety Conference $100 each) for their safety associates at theircrisis management portal on their smart phones or and Engagement Tool next safety conference. The vice president oftablets. Real-time communication is maintained EHS used a mobile web app dashboard to dragbetween employees, regardless of their location and On alternating years Company X would and drop all the documents that the worldwidethe crisis management team. Employees can text conduct a two- to three-day safety conference safety staff needed. All 400+ employees couldcurrent situations in the field, such as, “I am inroom 148 and I heard them go by; they said they THE LEADER vpppa.org 11are headed to the cafeteria,” or “I saw them enterthe building and they are wearing jeans and greensweatshirts,” or “I am in the library and there aretwo injured people with profuse bleeding” (thisprovides EMTs with the information to respondto the greatest risks first). Once the crisis is over,the crisis management team can text an “all clear”message and give instructions on where employeesare to go for debriefing, counseling services anda family pick-up location. With emergencyinformation at employees’ fingertips and the abilityfor two-way communication in real time, risks canbe reduced and lives may be saved.Problem-Solution:Remote Sub-ContractorsNeed Installation Instructionsto Perform SafelyA fire-suppression company in Florida bidcontracts throughout the southeastern UnitedStates. When the company and the primecontractor won the bid, the manufacturer ofthe equipment would drop ship the materialsto the job sites, over a five-state area. Sub-contractors in the local area were hired toinstall the new equipment. Problem: When the prime contractor inFlorida started working with a new supplier

access the documents 24/7, anywhere on any Problem-Solution: Immediate mobile device with their private passcode. By Information on Accidents storing content on a mobile web app, employees were able to easily locate safety information on Forrester research reports that the average their smart phones or tablets. The vice president response time for text messages over emails is of EHS could text or email a message when 90 seconds versus 90 minutes. Until recently, a new document was added or modified and text messages could only contain verbiage. employees could send comments back. Surveys, However, with new technology on the same training, reminders, special events, newsletters mobile web app, it is now possible to send and encouraging videos from the CEO were video clips, photographs, quizzes and more all included on the EHS portal. Now, all the via text message. information needed by the safety staff was conveniently held in a two pound mobile tablet Problem: A construction company rather than a 15 pound notebook that was back wanted to capture near misses and accident in the office and not available on the job site. information for reporting purposes. However, The VP of EHS used the mobile web app as a paper trails took too long and photographs did mobile safety manual to store content, as well not capture the conditions surrounding the as a portal for all types of safety communication accident site and immediate environment. with safety associates worldwide. An additional benefit is a more motivated group of individuals Solution: The construction company used who are engaged and excited about safely on a the super text feature on the mobile web regular basis. app platform. They were able to message videos of the site conditions and send forms for others to use company-wide for training purposes. Plus, they encouraged safety committee members to record hazards in their areas that needed to be repaired. This information helped the Facilities Department use their risk assessment matrix to establish priorities. The new texting platform also enabled employees to share best practices and vie for awards for contributing the best ideas. Hopefully, this article has demonstrated the endless possibilities for improvement at your worksite and outlined the positive impact of turning your smart phone or tablet from a toy to a tool. The solutions to some age old safety problems can be solved with new technology. The ideas are endless. Early adopters are usually the ones who gain a competitive advantage over other organizations. Like the computer, mobile is not going away and it is to your benefit to learn about it now. Dr. Isabel Perry served as an EHS executive in a Fortune 500 company. She later established TheSafetyDoctor.com, Inc. where she provides keynote speaking, workshops and consulting services. In 2014 she launched 21st Century Safety, Corp. that develops mobile training and communication solutions that can reach employees anytime, anywhere on any mobile device to lower safety risks and costs associated with accidents. Dr. Perry can be reached at [email protected] or 321-287-7771.12 THE LEADER vpppa.org

infographic corner Wearing gloves has been proven to reduce the risk of OSHA hand injury by estimates 60% that for every $1 an 110,000There areemployer spends on PPE, recorded lost-time handhe or she receives a $4 injuries each year.return on that investment Traumaticthrough reduced injury brain injuriescosts and improvedemployee productivity. cause 22% ofOccupational all work-relatedillness and injury fatalities.injuries costbusinesses$170 billioneach year.Hand injuries 103,920are the second knee injuries were reportedleading causeof work-related in 2013, resulting in an averageinjury. of 16 days away from work. THE LEADER vpppa.org 13

WHAT’S NEW— ETMEERCGHINNG O14 THE LEADER vpppa.org

BY DAVID ALEXANDER PE, CPE AND MOHAMMAD JEELANI, CPE AUBURN ENGINEERS, INC.N OERLGOONGOMYICSMost health and safety managers say that ergonomics-related injuries and illnesses are theirnumber one issue. In virtually every industry, we are repeatedly told that musculoskeletal disorders,generally caused by cumulative exposures and overexertion, are both the most common and themost costly types of injuries for their organization.D espite past efforts, many organizations used tools were developed in the late 1980s before the widespread use of the internet, struggle to fully control “the ergonomics and 1990s. While many of these tools and before every home and office was problems.” Ergonomics assessment tools were helpful for their time, advancements equipped with computers, tablets and smart are essential for understanding and controlling in research and technology have opened phones. While many of the commonly risk. However, practitioners often complain that the door for the development and use of used ergonomics job assessment tools have the tools available to them are cumbersome, enhanced tools. been adapted to computer-based platforms, inaccurate, time consuming and do very little mainly in the form of excel spreadsheets, to guide risk mitigation. Improvements in What Technology Offers there are huge opportunities offered by ergonomics job analysis tools and the systems for 1. New Technology modern technology. their use need improvements. Advancements in technology have made our Ergonomics job assessment tools (i.e. Tools) Technology is readily available to improve everyday lives easier and more productive. must automatically calculate results. These Tools ergonomics assessment tools that have been Unfortunately, most of the conventional should perform calculations for us, eliminating around for decades. The most commonly ergonomics assessment tools were developed the need to perform tedious math functions and THE LEADER vpppa.org 15

FIGURE 1: Are You Stuck In Time? refer to lengthy lookup tables, allowing us to focus more on quality data collection and high16 THE LEADER vpppa.org value risk mitigation. Tools must support mobile and cloud applications, allowing us to perform assessments and access data anywhere we have a data connection. Tools need to utilize database storage so assessments and outputs are easily accessible and sharable, facilitating seamless collaboration between colleagues around the world. Tools must include both analysis/ evaluation and solution development and must be equipped with project tracking, allowing us to easily follow up on the implementation of solutions. Finally, modern technology provides the opportunity for us to quickly and easily repurpose data such as developing physical demands profiles, creating work rotation patterns, assisting with return to work for injured workers and supporting post-offer, pre- employment job screening. 2. New Research and Development Ergonomics assessment tools require the use of accurate, up-to-date research. Biomechanics and kinesiology research has advanced significantly over the last 30 years, especially regarding our understanding of muscular fatigue. Ergonomics assessment tools should incorporate this research. 3. New Processes Perhaps as important as research and development, over the last 30 years practitioners have developed acumen on how to make tools both easier to use and more powerful. Tools must be comprehensive and systematic, allowing us to perform assessments on any task affecting any body part using the same assessment processes. Tools with integrated job screening allow us to prioritize tasks, sorting out which tasks actually need attention from those that do not. This screening process allows us to spend time where it is most needed—on in-depth evaluation and solution development. Tools must feature task-to-job analysis, which allows us to take complex and variable work assignments and analyze them as smaller tasks within larger jobs, and also to look at the collection of tasks as a whole. Tools should also aid in the development of solutions by letting us know which risk factors (force, posture or frequency) to reduce and how much to reduce them in order to achieve breakthrough risk levels. Tools must also be intuitively designed requiring minimal training. This is achieved by fully using technology, R&D and effective

What Technology Offers Third generation ToolsNew Technology: are integrated screening, analysis and evaluation• Automatically calculated results tools, using congruent• Mobile and cloud applications algorithms with equivalent• Database storage risk, in a shared database,• The ability to repurpose data with quantitative and stoplight risk displays.New Research andDevelopment• Accurate, up-to-date researchNew Processes• Comprehensive and systematic tools• Job screening• Task-to-job analysis• Problem solving process• Minimal training• Less time analyzing, more time eliminating problemsprocesses to develop comprehensive tools that our knowledge of the human body with theare easier to use. Our ergonomics assessment fundamentals of mechanics. We often refer totools and processes must be refined so these early assessment techniques as the Firstpractitioners are spending less time analyzing Generation of Ergonomics. First Generationand more time eliminating problems. Ergonomics required highly technical, specialized education in those sciences, andA Walk Through Time collaboration with counterparts with additional research expertise. These analyses were neitherIn order to understand where we need to go simple to perform, nor to understand, but theywith our Tools and technology, we need to created a platform on which to build the field ofunderstand where we have been. Most of the applied ergonomics.commonly used ergonomics assessment toolswere developed in the late 1980s and 1990s. Second Generation Ergonomics toolsThe bookends of this time period are (1) opened up ergonomics to a much widerOSHA investigations, including a major $4.3 audience including practitioners in alliedmillion citation in the meat packing industry fields such as safety, industrial hygiene andresulting in a keen industry awareness of engineering. These tools were much easier andergonomics, and (2) the Disapproval Of quicker to use than the assessment techniquesDepartment Of Labor Ergonomics Rule previously available.(Senate—March 6, 2001) resulting in adiminished interest in ergonomics. While The downside to these tools was that theysome of the best tools predate this period, each performed a niche analysis and thus,notably the Liberty Mutual psychophysical multiple tools had to be used to performtables for material handling, the NIOSH comprehensive analyses, users had to be trainedLifting Equations, others like the Rapid on multiple tools, assessments were timeUpper Limb Assessment (RULA) and the consuming and calculations were manuallyStrain index came of age in this period. made using complex formulas and lookup tables. Few actually aided with the creation We often refer to these tools as the Second of solutions since they were focused on riskGeneration of Ergonomics, as they replaced assessment, not correction. These tools arethe primitive and highly technical assessment almost 30 years old and do not take advantagetechniques with applied tools designed for of current technology, research and developmentindustrial use. Prior to the development of or process experience and knowledge.these tools, ergonomics assessments tookplace in the form of in-depth biomechanical As we continue to optimize our tools,analysis applying first principals, combining taking advantage of emerging technology and research, we are entering the Third Generation THE LEADER vpppa.org 17

As new tools continue to be of Ergonomics. Third Generation Tools are advancement in the field of ergonomics, as they are developed, we encourage integrated screening, analysis and evaluation becoming a standardized model for understanding the innovators in the field tools, using congruent algorithms with equivalent fatigue. The limitation to this model is that it is to fully take advantage risk, in a shared database, with quantitative and not readily available as an applied tool and still of current technology, stoplight risk displays. Well-designed Third requires (for practitioners) complex manipulating, research and development Generation Tools not only allow us to quickly including determining maximum voluntary as well as process understand the risk associated with the job in a contractions and duty cycle percentages. experience and knowledge comprehensive and systematic manner, but also in order to provide users with point us to solutions and allow us to use the job Potvin Biomechanics has developed the highest value and utility analysis data for business purposes. a software application called HandPak, when using these tools. which is used to quantify acceptable forces Moving Forward and torques for occupational tasks placing18 THE LEADER vpppa.org demands on the forearm, wrist and hand. Since the Department Of Labor Ergonomics This software application utilizes current Rule was disapproved in 2001, only a few research, and provides automatic calculations open literature tools have been developed. based on simple inputs provided by the user. While biomechanics research continues to expand our understanding of the human Auburn Engineers offers a cloud-based body, very few tools have incorporated these software application called eTools SHOP, which findings into their calculations. Despite is a comprehensive ergonomics system providing technological advancements such as mobile users with the ability to scan, screen and evaluate and cloud applications, very few tools are tasks as well as to develop and implement taking advantage of this technology. solutions. The eTools SHOP system utilizes the latest research findings to provide accurate While there is a shortage of new tools risk assessments that properly consider force, that take advantage of current research and frequency and posture interactions. This system technology, several tools are being developed, also guides users through the development of including some commercial tools by private solutions by providing breakthrough levels companies. We will discuss three examples of and mitigation options for risk reduction. The emerging tools. system features a sophisticated database where assessments and evaluations can be stored and ACGIH has published “Upper Limb Localized shared with the option to repurpose data for Fatigue TLVs” which allows practitioners the development of physical demands profiles, to determine limits for force and duration job rotation schedules and return to work combinations for work involving upper limb protocols. New in the 2016 release of the muscular activity. These thresholds are a major system is the option to perform assessments at either the task or job level and automatically combine exposures for multiple tasks to form a comprehensive job evaluation. Call for Action Despite advancements in the field of ergonomics, ergonomics-related injuries and illnesses remain the number one problem in most industries. Practitioners have been struggling for decades using tools that were previously successful, but have not kept up with contemporary research and technology trends. As new tools continue to be developed, we encourage the innovators in the field to fully take advantage of current technology, research and development as well as process experience and knowledge in order to provide users with the highest value and utility when using these tools. Concurrently, we challenge practitioners to demand more from their tools and to seek out better tools to replace their obsolete and archaic toolsets.



Think about the last time you traveled. How often did you come across a highway construction project? For most of us, maneuvering through orange construction barrels and slowing down in construction zones are daily occurrences. We are so accustomed to road construction projects that we often don’t notice the workers who are working in these zones. Construction workers may only be five to 10 feet away from cars travelling through the construction zone at 50 to 60 mph. How do we protect roadside construction workers? We need to slow our speed down, be aware of how close workers are to the road and increase workers’ visibility to motorists and to each other. Let’s look at the visibility options available to workers in low-visibility environments.20 THE LEADER vpppa.org

BY STACEY SIMMONS PRODUCT MANAGER FOR INDUSTRIAL HEAD AND FACE PROTECTION PRODUCTS, BULLARDA wareness from state and federal agencies and law enforcement personnel who are orange would be a better choice. Keep in mind across the United States to protect exposed to struck-by hazards in roadway or that high-visibility hard hats need to be checked workers in low-visibility environments off-road work environments. frequently to be sure the color hasn’t faded.is a growing concern. Today, there are many Below are examples of occupational activities Prolonged ultraviolet rays can cause the color ofsolutions available to workers to help protect for each of the classifications: the hard hat to fade and compromise workers’them against the hazards of not being seen. High- • Type O/Performance 1: Parking attendants, safety. In addition, remember not to store yourvisibility personal protective equipment (PPE) shopping cart retrievers, warehouse workers hat in a rear window of a vehicle because it cancan help protect workers from the dangers they with equipment traffic, sidewalk maintenance become degraded by the sun’s rays.face while working in low-visibility environments. workers or delivery vehicle drivers. • Type R/Performance 2 or 3: Railway workers, Striping is another way to add high- Although road construction crews are the most forestry workers, school crossing guards, visibility to a hard hat and increase workerobvious, we cannot limit our discussion only to airport crews, law enforcement personnel safety. By using striping that is reflective and/these workers who face high-visibility challenges directing traffic and accident site investigators. or fluorescent in color, hard hats can providewhile on the job. Utility workers, emergency • Type P/Performance 2 or 3: Roadway enhanced worker visibility both day and night.personnel including police and firefighters, tree construction personnel, utility workers, The same highly reflective striping that isservice technicians, school crossing guards and survey crews, emergency response personnel applied to clothing to meet the ANSI/ISEAairport crews all face the hazards of not being and flagging crews. 107-2015 standard can also be applied to hardseen. Think about the work that loggers are doing The apparel worn by workers in accordance hats. When reflective striping is ordered fromin sort yards and landings and the dangers facing with the standard must provide 360-degree the hard hat manufacturer, wearers’ can beairport workers during the early morning hours visibility during the day and night. For assured that the striping has been tested so itor late at night. High-visibility hazards affect instance, a safety vest that provides reflectivity doesn’t harm the hat.hundreds of thousands of workers daily. only on the back and torso does not meet the standard. Or, fluorescent garments that make a To achieve improved retro-reflectance striping, In 1999, the International Safety Equipment worker highly visible during the day but nearly manufacturers use a high candlepower (CPL)Association (ISEA) developed an American invisible at dusk does not meet the standard. number. A wide range of stripes are available fromNational Standard for High Visibility Apparel Head protection is not specifically covered reflective/fluorescent orange and yellow stripes(ANSI/ISEA 107-1999) that offered a guide to by the ANSI/ISEA standard, although wearing with a CPL of 175 to reflective silver stripesusing high-visibility and reflective apparel. This high-visibility hard hats reflects safe thinking. with a CPL of 500. Striping can be added all thewas the first standard that focused on protecting Hard hats are required on almost every way around the brim of the hard hat to achieveworkers in low-visibility jobs. The standard worksite and there are millions of hard hats in 360-degree reflectivity and on the top of the hatwas modified in 2004 (ANSI/ISEA 107-2004) use in North America. States such as Missouri to help workers be seen while bending or fromto include headwear. Today, the ANSI/ISEA and New York have made it mandatory that other workers stationed above them. Many hard107-2015 Standard for High-Visibility Safety roadway workers wear head protection with hat manufacturers customize head protection byApparel and Accessories consolidates the ANSI/ reflective striping. The sanitation workers applying striping as well as custom logos.ISEA 107-2010 standard for High Visibility in Lexington, Kentucky, wear high-visibilitySafety Apparel (HVSA) and the ANSI/ISEA hard hats while on the job. Hard hats that The ANSI/ISEA standard is in place to ensure207-2011 American National Standard for are manufactured in high-visibility colors are workers in low-visibility environments are providedHigh-Visibility Public Safety Vests into a single a smart choice for workers and the perfect with PPE that keeps them safe on the job. Wearingcomprehensive standard. By combining the complement to high-visibility apparel. With high-visibility gear including reflective vests,two standards, ANSI/ISEA added to its current several high-visibility options available, a hard jackets, trousers and hard hats greatly benefitPerformance Class 1, 2 and 3 requirements by hat can help workers be seen and be safe. workers in environments where low-visibility is aincluding three new garment types: High-visibility shell colors for hard hats include safety concern. Choosing high-visibility products• Type O (off-road) or Performance Class 1: orange, yellow and green. It’s important for to keep workers safe is the smart choice. workers to keep in mind their work environment Non-roadway use where workers are when choosing a color. For instance, roadway Stacey Simmons is the product manager not exposed to high traffic or temporary workers need to stand out from the orange barrels control zones. and signs in their work environment so yellow for industrial head and face protection• Type R (roadway) or Performance Class or green might be better shell color choices. 2 or 3: Workers are exposed to traffic from However, a high-visibility green color would products at Bullard (www.bullard.com), a public access highway rights-of-way or not be the best choice in a densely wooded area; roadway temporary control zones. leading manufacturer of personal protective• Type P (public safety) or Performance Class 2 or 3: Emergency and incident responders equipment and systems worldwide. Her product responsibilities include head and face protection and body temperature management. THE LEADER vpppa.org 21

IENXPNLOORIVNGATIVE TECHN O W ith a crumbling, outdated Although personal protective infrastructure, our country foot-candles being generated. Then, I equipment (PPE) is considered continues to invest in highways reviewed the ANSI Class 3 vest and pants the least desirable method (as and bridges. According to the United States our workers were using while working in per OSHA’s hierarchy of controls) Department of Transportation Federal close proximity to live traffic. Next, I turned and therefore usually the least Highway Administration, in 2010 there my attention to other control measures that effective, is it possible to enhance were 87,606 crashes in work zones and 576 could be enhanced within our work zones to the effectiveness of PPE through the fatalities that occurred within work zones— provide a safer work environment. With the use of technology? We recently equaling one work zone fatality every 15 construction limit work zone near misses and posed this question to our senior hours. This makes work zones one of the accidents increasing due to excessive speeding management and challenged most dangerous environments in construction and distracted driving, I needed to find a our team members to procure a today. As the senior EHS manager of the solution that would keep our workers safe solution to several of our problems transportation sector for my company, and by alerting a distracted driver when they had where traditional PPE has been the growing amount of highway and bridges crossed into an active work zone. minimally effective. Odebrecht is work that we are building, I felt obligated a heavy civil, roadway contractor to explore new technology and alternative As previously mentioned, our outdated who is routinely tasked with means and methods to keep our workers headlamps needed to be replaced so I began performing night operations. The safe. Additionally, I wanted to review searching for safer options and found percentage of our night operations our nighttime PPE to determine if newer a cutting edge solution which was the is regularly increasing to freeway technology was available to enhance the safety Halo Light. The Halo Light is a patented and travel lane restrictions placed of our work crews. 360-degree personal active safety system on us by our clients. (PASS) that attaches to any hard hat and Traditionally, we assign head lamps to our produces a ring of light around the wearer22 THE LEADER vpppa.org workers to supply extra lighting to perform enabling him or her to continuously see and their tasks safely and efficiently. The problem be seen in all directions. Fully illuminating with the old head lamps was that at times they the task area out to their visual periphery, the did not provide enough lighting to do their Halo Light also provides visibility at all times, assigned tasks in a safe manner. For instance, and in all directions over 0.25 mile away. This while working on top of a beam or cap there new technology allowed for our workers to was not enough lighting for a carpenter to increase their visibility not only to the trucks perform the task at hand due to insufficient and vehicles in our work zone, but more

BY DWAYNE JEFFERY, CSHO, CHST SENIOR EH&S MANAGER, TRANSPORTATION SECTOR, ODEBRECHTN OLOGIES IN PPE APPLICATIONSimportantly to the third party vehicles passing The genesis of the idea for the work zone The problem with the oldby our work zone at a high rate of speed. intrusion alarms was generated from multiple head lamps was that work zone intrusions by third party vehicles at times they did not Our road workers were using ANSI Class 3 presenting a significant hazard to our workers. provide enough lightingvests and work pants while working in close While researching existing technologies to to do their assigned tasksproximity to traffic, but I wondered if this increase motorists’ awareness as they travel in a safe manner.was enough. Is there another way to make through work zones, I found that the Newthem stand out from the average construction Jersey Department of Transportation had supervisors to explain how to install the Sonoworker? I had received numerous complaints implemented the use of work zone intrusion Blasters on drums, cones and barricades andfrom workers that they were not adequately alarms on their projects throughout the state. also to place them in key areas.visible to motorists, and the workers were After looking through the various vendorsnot visible to the equipment operators and of work zone intrusion alarms I purchased A variety of benefits have stemmed fromtruck drivers inside the work zones. After the Sono Blaster from Transpo. The Sono these innovative practices and cutting edgeresearching ANSI-approved Class 3 uniforms Blaster is an impact-activated safety device technologies, including: an increase inI found Alpha WorkWear technology. I that warns our roadway workers and errant worker morale, increased visibility in adversereached out to them and discovered that their vehicle drivers simultaneously. We mounted working conditions and additionally providedproduct was using three different technologies the devices on work zone barricades, cones, increased safety and awareness to the travelingcombined into one garment, offering the drums and other barriers. Upon impact of public. Although PPE is at the bottom of thelatest safety solutions. It also offered three an errant vehicle, the Sono Blaster’s horn hierarchy of controls we should continue tolevels of protection: fluorescence, reflectivity sounds at 125 dB to signal workers that their utilize these tools and benefit from thinkingand phosphorescence. These products are protective zone has been violated, giving our outside the box.powered by natural or artificial UV light workers critical reaction time to move out ofand require no external power supply. harm’s way. The three objectives of the design THE LEADER vpppa.org 23Therefore, there are no heavy batteries that of the intrusion alarm include, alerting theneed recharging, they are low maintenance, driver that they have crossed into an activeno special cleaning is required, they provide work zone, providing an effective warning fora strong afterglow and they last up to eight workers that a vehicle has breached the workhours. This enhanced technology enables zone and to offer an extra enhanced feelingthe crews to be highly visible to the traveling of protection and safety to our workers. Ipublic by drawing attention to the workers. collaborated with our traffic control crews and

BY ANDREWCOCHRANPRESIDENT OF I-GARDCORPORATION DESIGNING ENVIRONMENTS TO PREVENT DON’T RELY ON JUST PPE, FOCUS ON PREVENTION BEFORE PROTECTION At some point in our lives we have all heard, or perhaps stated, variations of the common phrase: “don’t worry about things you can’t control.” With respect to workplace electrical safety, there has been little change over the past 10 years in non-fatal injuries due to electricity and the issue isn’t a lack of awareness, intent or budget, it is a lack of effective action—focusing on protection before taking steps on prevention.24 THE LEADER vpppa.org

W hen considering the arc flash FIGURE 1 hazard there are two questions we need to ask: FIGURE 21. What is the likelihood an arc an arc flash event nor does it reduce theflash will happen? magnitude of the arc flash.The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics For those professing that PPE does reduceindicated that there were nearly 6,000 fatal the severity of exposure, let’s pause and considerelectrical injuries to workers in the U.S. what it means to wear ARC rated clothing—between 1992 and 2013. The National there is a 50 percent probability of receivingSafety Council reported in its 2014 edition second degree burns. We can’t accept this as safe.of Injury Facts that there were 961 fatalinjuries from 2008 to 2010 due to exposure Electric arcing may produce temperaturesto electric current. A study of electrical as high as 35,000 degrees and in additioninjuries over a 20 year period at a Texas burn to causing severe burns there is the realcenter found that 40 percent of burns were possibility of hearing loss, eye injuries as wellelectrical arc injuries. as lung damage and blast injuries from the pressure wave.2. How severe will the impact be?The Washington State Department of Laborand Industries “Burn Injuries Facts” reportedthat worker’s compensation costs for 30 seriousarc flash or blast burn injuries that took placebetween September of 2000 and December of2005 were in excess of $1.3 million. In 2014, OSHA estimated a value of $62,500per non-fatal injury for workers performingelectric distribution work (direct costs only). The American Society of Safety Engineersestimates that indirect costs may be as muchas 20 times higher than direct costs. Recent changes to NFPA 70E and CSA Z462aligning these safety standards with the hierarchyof risk control in ANSI Z10 (occupational safety)support the approach of directly answering andaddressing the aforementioned two questions.NFPA 70E Annex 0 GeneralDesign Requirements 0.2.2This design option decision should facilitatethe ability to eliminate hazards or reduce riskby doing the following:1. Reducing the likelihood of exposure.2. Reducing the magnitude or severity of exposure. The conventional approach to workplaceelectrical safety has been to conduct an arcflash study after the installation is complete,calculate the incident energy levels, postwarning signs and labels, provide trainingon safe work practices and then purchaseappropriately rated PPE. Posting warnings, conducting awarenesstraining, purchasing and issuing PPE doesnot in any way reduce the likelihood of THE LEADER vpppa.org 25

An arc is developed in FIGURE 3milliseconds and leads tothe discharge of enormousamounts of energy. The positive news is that we can control This is consistent with and therefore additional control steps must be both the likelihood of exposure as well as the statements in the Industrial taken to ensure an electrically safe workplace. magnitude of exposure with technology that Power System Grounding is proven, readily available and already being Design Handbook which states Reduce the Magnitude used by enlightened companies leading the that 95 percent of all electrical of Exposure way in improving workplace electrical safety. faults are phase-to-ground faults and IEEE141-1993 Recommended Practice Again referring to NFPA70E, Annex 0 clause Control the Likelihood for Electric Power Distribution for Industrial 0.2.4 2 states, “Arc flash relay. An arc flash relay of Exposure Plants 7.2.2 which states, “there is no arc flash typically uses light sensors to detect the light hazard (on HRG systems) as there is with produced by an arc flash event. Once a certain The first and obvious step is to de-energize solidly grounded systems, since the current is level of light is detected the relay will issue a the electric circuit before conducting any limited to approximately 5 amps.” trip signal to an upstream overcurrent device.” work whenever practical. If this isn’t practical In FM Global Standard 5-18 Protection or safe, then consider options that reduce the of Electrical Equipment Single Phase and An arc is developed in milliseconds and likelihood of an arc flash event occurring. Other Related Faults it states, “Sustained leads to the discharge of enormous amounts arcing faults in low voltage apparatus are of energy. The energy discharged in the arc is Again referring to NFPA70E, often initiated by a single-phase fault to directly proportional to the square of the short Annex 0 clause 0.2.4 3 states, ground which results in extensive damage to circuit current and the time the arc takes to “A great majority of electrical switchgear and motor control centers.” develop (i.e. energy = I2t). faults are of the phase-to-ground If we already understand that the vast type. High-resistance grounding majority of arcing faults start as single-phase- The damage resulting from the arc depends will insert an impedance in the ground return to-ground faults, whether the specifics are on the arcing current and time, and of these path and below (at 5 kV nominal or below), 95 percent or the great majority, and that two factors time is the most easily controlled leaving insufficient fault energy and thereby by employing high resistance grounding, and managed. Rules of thumb for different arc helping reduce the arc flash hazard level.” a technology that has been around for 50 burning times are: years and used in all manner of industries • 35ms or less—no significant damage to persons26 THE LEADER vpppa.org including petro-chemical, food processing, automotive, paper manufacturing, data centers, or switchgear which can often be returned to use etc. we can reduce the exposure to the hazard after checking for insulation resistance. significantly, and pose the question of “why is • 100ms—small damage to switchgear that this not the standard practice for grounding requires cleaning and possibly some minor industrial facilities?” HRG as a technology is repair. Personnel could be at risk of injuries. recommended by IEEE, it is recognized by • 500ms—catastrophic damage to equipment NFPA 70E, it is promoted by FM Global and and personnel are likely to suffer serious injuries. yet it is still not the default option when making The goal of arc mitigation technology is the grounding decision for industrial facilities. to protect personnel and property and to Of course high-resistance grounding does effectively accomplish this we must first detect not protect against phase-to-phase faults, nor the arc and then cut the flow of current to does it lower the incident energy calculation the arc in as short a time as possible. As noted above the target is to achieve a total reaction time of 100ms or less from detection of the arc to isolation of the circuit.

FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 Arcs produce light at intensity levels that excess The solution may be as simple as modifying phase of a project. Then, we move forward20,000 lux. This can be pinpointed through the approach to add an impedance into the and conduct the arc flash study, define thespecial arc detection optical sensors connected to circuit so that as the arc is detected by an risk and quantify the hazard. Next, we employa relay system that has a typical operating time optical detection relay, a signal is sent to elimination technology (high-resistanceunder one millisecond and is the fastest arc flash initiate the arc quenching device, which closes grounding), then technology to lower thedetection technology currently available. The onto a resistor placed between the quencher hazard level (arc flash detection relay or activeoperating time is independent of the fault current and each phase of the bus bar. The high levels arc mitigation system), redo the study, re-magnitude since any current detector elements of fault current are dampened and controlled quantify the risk and the hazard (which willare used only to supervise the optical system. by a resistor on each phase eliminating the be much lower), post the warning labels and concern over mechanical stresses. then finally purchase the PPE. With optical arc protection technologyinstalled the relay operating time is essentially The addition to arc quenching technology, A workplace where the likelihood of annegligible compared to the circuit breaker controlled through an impedance, could result in arc flash is 95 percent lower and the impactoperating time, and the cost is fairly low since lowering the incident energy levels in the event of of an arc flash can be minimized to very lowcurrent transformers are only needed on the an arc flash to very low and even safer levels. levels is possible today—we just need to takemain breakers. If we combine the circuit breaker control and use technology already available.operating time and the optical arc detection time, A safer workplace can easily be achieved Prevention before protection is always thewe are well below the goal of 100ms regardless of if we simply change our approach by safer approach.the age and speed of the circuit breaker and have conducting risk assessment during the designmitigated the damage to a lower and safer level. THE LEADER vpppa.org 27 FIGURE 6 Simply changing from standard coordinationand instantaneous settings on the relay (suggestedby some consultants as sufficient) to a protectionsystem which uses optical arc detection, results ina substantial reduction of incident energy levels. NFPA70E, Annex 0 clause 0.2.4 1 states,“Energy-reducing active arc flash mitigationsystem. This system can reduce the arcingduration by creating a low impedance currentpath, located within a controlled compartment,to cause the arcing fault to transfer to thenew current path, while the upstream breakerclears the circuit. The system works withoutcompromising existing selective coordinationin the electrical distribution system.” Arc quenching has been used in Europe formore than 30 years but due to concerns overthe mechanical stresses caused by initiating athree-phase bolted fault, it is a technology yetto be fully embraced in North America.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!28 THE LEADER vpppa.org

THE LEADER vpppa.org 29

member spotlightMike MaddoxBY JAMIE MITCHELL, M ike Maddox undoubtedly has an a friend. “The meaning of VPP isn’t aboutCOMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, impressive resume and a long list the procedures or conditions—it’s about theVPPPA, INC. of accomplishments throughout culture and people are what drive culture. his career. Spanning numerous years and Mike knows all of the rules and procedures, involving a variety of companies—including but at the end of the day he knows what Valero, The Mundy Companies, NuStar drives VPP it its people,” said Terry Schulte, Energy, LP and more—he has developed VPPPA National Board Secretary. Fostering relationships with many organizations. While relationships and maintaining contact with most know Mike as a “coach” or mentor when everyone he helps is one of the key things it comes to safety, few know he was also a Mike is known for doing; he helps others college football coach in the 1970s. If you ask realize their potential, and supports them his colleagues about “Mr. VPP” himself, they in achieving their goals. The American will tell you his legacy has touched thousands workplace is safer today because of Mike of lives. His mission is not only to improve Maddox—the number of lives he has saved the safety of every company he comes in from work accidents as well as the lives he has contact with, but to help everyone he meets touched personally, truly cannot be measured. achieve their personal and professional goals as both a mentor, and more importantly, as Thank you for your service Mike, and congratulations on your retirement!30 THE LEADER vpppa.org

I have known Mike for 25+ years and he Mike and I have worked together for 28 One of Mike’s favorite stories to tellhas been a great friend, mentor and leader. years and for over 20 years of that time, is about how timid I used to be aboutI have learned a lot from Mike and hope we were involved with VPP and VPPPA, asking people to correct hazards when Ito continue to learn from him during his starting in Region VI. Mike is a great first started in VPP vs. how I handle itretirement. When we talk about VPP/ mentor and a great teacher, not only as now. I used to follow him around so IVPPPA we always refer to Mike as “Mr. it relates to the VPP programs or the learned from the best! Mike, you haveVPP.” There will never be another one association, but also in life as a whole. I been a great mentor and I am foreverlike him and his contributions will be have learned so much from Mike, it’s hard grateful for all that you’ve taught me.remembered! Mike has been very fortunate to describe his impact on me. He also had I’m looking forward to you and Sharonto have CEO’s that have allowed him to a great deal of influence in my career and being closer—guacamole time!!!pursue his passion—VPP/VPPPA—and a great deal of what I am today is becausehe did it with all his soul. Mike, enjoy your of Mike and his influence on my life. —Y OUR DAUGHTER, PAMretirement, you have earned it and the time Anyone who has ever met Mike Maddox BARNES—Valero, Region VIis right! is a better person because of it. He is a Vice Chairperson—M IKE GUILLORY, The Brock great husband, father and friend. I wish Mike and his family all the happiness in On behalf of the Region II Board, and Group, National Board of the world as they prepare to enjoy the our member sites, we would like to Directors, Vice Chairman fruits of their labor. thank you for your contribution to the VPPPA and promoting safe workplacesMike Maddox has no doubt been the —BILL HARKINS, Ohmstede throughout this great nation. As a leader,driving force behind the success of Industrial Services, National you have articulated our message and haveVPPPA during his tenure. His pit bull Board of Directors, Director- had a profound impact on getting ourtenacity and passion for safety, and at-Large voices heard in Washington, D.C. As athe success of the organization, has mentor, you have developed an incrediblebeen manifested in his undying and team, built on a strong foundation thatrelentless pursuit of achieving a world will secure our future going forward. Weclass program. Personally Mike has will miss the sparkle in your eyes whenchallenged and encouraged me to use you are about to face a foe. As a gladiatormy experience and associations with you are among the most feared. As aindustry and labor to help further the friend, we are all extremely grateful thatmission of VPPPA and help educate we have had this time together. I wishthose we associate with to strive for a you the best. We hope that you attacksafe workplace, Thanks Mike!!! retirement the way you do everything else, with everything you have. —D ON JOHNSON, Phillips 66, National Board of Directors, —B RENDA WIEDERKEHR, Director from a Site with a Access Health Systems, Collective Bargaining Agent Region II ChairpersonMike, Region IV VPPPA would like to thank you for the ongoing support of our conferences. You attended for many years and we always lookedforward to the great feedback and leadership you provided to us. You are very passionate about VPP and we loved that passion at our conference.We will miss you and want to thank you for all you have done for us, your national commitment and for what you have done for VPP andVPPPA. We wish you all the success and happiness in your retirement. —REGION IV VPPPA Chapter THE LEADER vpppa.org 31

member info cornerRenew Your VPPPA MembershipI t’s that time of year—your membership We urge you to recommit your support to • On a more personal level, where did you begin with VPPPA is up for renewal. An email the association and to the safety and health and how did you get to where you are now? containing your invoice will be sent industry by renewing your membership. out in November, as well as a hard copy Continue to reap the rewards of • What does VPP, and your involvement with in December. You can easily renew your participation, renew your membership now! VPPPA, mean to you and your company? dues by clicking on the “renew” tab located No words are necessary, simply use your on the left side of VPPPA’s home page at If you have any questions regarding your www.vpppa.org. If you have forgotten your membership or dues, contact membership@ own artwork and photos. The most creative password, simply click on the option that vpppa.org or call (703) 761-1146. entry will receive a two page spread in the allows you to reset your password and follow summer issue of The Leader; the left side the directions. Once logged in, you will be Illustrated Journey Contest will include your artwork and the right side able to seamlessly renew your membership will include an explanation (500 words) with VPPPA. If you have pride in your company and its of the pictures, company background VPP journey, VPPPA’s Illustrated Journey information and contact information. This We would like to thank our members Contest is for you! Depict your journey is a great chance for members to share their for their support over the past year. through VPP by using original pictures and experiences and promote themselves and Member participation and dedication to artwork. In portraying your journey, please their company’s achievements! the safety and health industry facilitated represent the following: our association’s many accomplishments. • Show others how your company got The rules and requirements to enter this contest are as follows: involved with VPP. • Must be a member of VPPPA • You must have the rights to the photos used • If using original artwork, it can be computer generated or a drawing • VPPPA is not responsible for any lost/ damaged artwork or photos • VPPPA has all rights and ownership to the submissions • VPPPA reserves the right to make any minor edits • Images must be in high resolution (300 dpi or higher) • No nudity, graphic language or content, firearms or alcohol, may be shown in any artwork Submit your entry, including your name and member ID number, by April 7, 2017 by email to [email protected], or by dropbox. You can also mail your entry to VPPPA’s National Office at VPPPA Inc., Attn: Membership, 7600-E Leesburg Pike, Suite 100, Falls Church, VA 22043.32 THE LEADER vpppa.org

state-plan monitorCOMPILED BY KATLYN PAGLIUCA, California E&J Gallo employees enjoying Cal/StarGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL barbeque ceremony on September 9, 2016.PROJECTS COORDINATOR, VPPPA, INC. On September 9, 2016, E&J Gallo Livingston held their fifth Cal/Star recertification ceremony. Cal/VPP Workshop hosted by Control Federal OSHA States This location is the largest and only winery Components Inc. in Rancho Santa Maria State-Plan States that has achieved and maintained Star status. on September 15, 2016. Public Sector Only The winery was first recognized as Cal/Star in 2002 and has been a great partner with Cal/ Tennessee OSHA in promoting safety culture. The site has Process Safety Management (PSM) coverage On July 26, 2016, TOSHA Administrator, and recently provided a one-day training to Cal/ Steve Hawkins, presented the employees of OSHA PSM compliance officers and other state Bayer HealthCare in Cleveland with their and local dignitaries responsible for the Risk Volunteer Star Award as part of the site’s Management Program. The Cal/VPP onsite fourth certification effort. evaluation team included Ruben Garza, team leader; Barry Blodgett and David Matsumoto, In addition, a successful onsite evaluation VPP consultants; Iraj Pourmehraban, Cal/VPP was recently conducted at Firestone manager; Mike Butler, special team member Industrial Products in Dyersburg. (STM) from Valero Wilmington Refinery and Ethan Chang, Cal/VPP student assistant. The E&J Gallo management staff is planning to present at the 2017 VPPPA Region IX conference in San Francisco. Iraj Pourmehraban and Eugene Glendenning, Cal/OSHA consultation acting program manager, attended the ceremony and congratulated all employees for maintaining Cal/VPP Star status and their partnership with Cal/OSHA. The Cal/VPP site, Control Components Inc. (CCI), in Rancho Santa Margarita hosted a Cal/VPP workshop on September 15. James Herbert, Vice President, and C.M. Merrimon, CEO, welcomed attendees and expressed the values and benefits of Cal/VPP culture at their operations. Mike Weddle, EH&S Senior Manager, moderated the session extremely well. Attendees were from Cal/VPP Star sites and new applicant sites. Wendi Walker, Cal/VPP MST, coordinated the sign-up and made the workshop paperless. THE LEADER vpppa.org 33

state-plan monitorOregon currently has 37 Star sites and one Merit site • NuStar Energy Moorhead Terminal, participating in the VPP MNSTAR program. Moorhead, MNOregon is pleased to announce our newest VPP Of the 37 Star sites, 35 are general industryStar site, Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. in Grants locations and two are resident contractors at • Aveda Midwest Distribution Center,Pass. Duro-Last submitted their application in our MNSTAR certified refinery. Blaine, MNJanuary 2016, had their application approved In FFY 2016 we successfully completedin April and underwent their pre-approval We continue to receive inquiries aboutreview in July. They were awarded VPP Star VPP and have visited with multiple employers 13 recertification visits with our currentstatus on September 9, 2016. Duro-Last interested in the MNSTAR program. The MNSTAR employers and added one newRoofing joins NuStar Energy in Portland as small team approach has allowed MNOSHA site. We continue to have a dedicated staff toOregon’s two new VPP Star sites in 2016. to remain consistent between sites and helped process any new applications that are received. develop relationships with the participating If you would like further information about Recent re-approvals in Oregon include: employers. We continue to look for new the MNSTAR Program, please visit www.doli.Coca-Cola’s Portland syrup plant, Oldcastle applications and employers with the desire to state.mn.us/WSC/Mnstar.asp or contact RyanPrecast in Wilsonville, Roseburg’s Engineered achieve this status. Nosan, VPP MNSTAR, Coordinator, atWood products facility in Riddle and Timber [email protected] Spectrum facility in White City. In FFY 2016 we saw one employer achieve full MNSTAR status: Nevada Oregon continues to rely on SGE services to • Sysco Asian Foods, St. Paul, MNaugment VPP audit teams, having used nine Nevada OSHA has approved CintasSGEs over the last 12 months and plans to Since the last edition of The Leader, we have Corporation, Location 623 (based out of Reno)continue to use them in the next year. successfully completed recertification visits at: into the program as of February 26, 2016. • HB Fuller Company, Fridley, MNMinnesota • NuStar Energy Roseville Terminal, MichiganThe MNOSHA Workplace Safety Roseville, MN There are currently 28 sites in the MichiganConsultation division has been working to • NuStar Energy Sauk Centre Terminal, Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP), withincrease the number of VPP participants 26 Star and two MVPP/C (construction) sites.in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota Sauk Centre, MN34 THE LEADER vpppa.org

contacting each state >>Promotion Alaska Michigan South CarolinaAn informational MVPP workshop was Bill Nickerson Doug Kimmel Sharon Dumithosted by Marathon Petroleum, Detroit. VPP Coordinator MVPP Specialist VPP CoordinatorRepresentatives from several companies Phone: (907) 269-4948 Phone: (231) 546-2366 Phone: (803) 896-7788attended to learn about the MVPP, as well www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/ Sherry Scott www.scosha.llronline.comas the application and approval process. oshhome.htm MVPP Manager Phone: (517) 322-5817 Tennessee MVPP specialist, Doug Kimmel, met Arizona www.michigan.gov/mvpp David Blessmanwith representatives from JAC Products, Jessie Atencio VPP ManagerShelby Township, to discuss and field Assistant Director Minnesota Phone: (615) 253-6890questions about the MVPP. Phone: (520) 220-4222 Ryan Nosan www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/ www.ica.state.az.us/ MNSTAR VPP Coordinator vppStar.html Applications currently pending for the ADOSH/ADOSH_main.aspx Phone: (651) 284-5120MVPP include: www.doli.state.mn.us/ Utah• Barton-Malow—FRIB project, East Lansing California mnStar.html Holly Lawrence• Marathon Pipe Line LLC, Woodhaven Iraj Pourmehraban VPP Manager• Eaton Corporation, Grand Rapids Cal/VPP & PSM Manager Nevada Phone: (801) 530-6494• Walbridge—Dearborn Campus Phone: (510) 622-1080 Jess Lankford www.laborcommission. www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/cal_ VPP Coordinator utah.gov/divisions/UOSH/ Transformation, Detroit vpp/cal_vpp_index.html Phone: (702) 486-9046 VPPprogram.html• Cintas, Westland www.dirweb.state.nv.us• Cintas First Aid & Safety, Kentwood Hawaii Vermont Clayton Chun New Mexico Daniel Whipple An MVPP Star award celebration was Manager Melissa Barker VPP Coordinatorheld at Marathon TT&R in Muskegon. Phone: (808) 586-9110 VPP Coordinator Phone: (802) 828-5084The event was attended by MIOSHA labor.hawaii.gov/hiosh Phone: (505) 222-9595 www.labor.vermont.gov/Consultation, Education and Training www.nmenv.state. voshaDirector Nella Davis-Ray as well as Indiana nm.us/Ohsb_Website/Doug Kimmel. Michael Gaskill ComplianceAssistance/VPP. Virginia Manager htm Milford SternOnsite Reviews Phone: (260) 373-2860 VPP CoordinatorReevaluation onsite reviews have been www.in.gov/dol/ North Carolina Phone: (540) 562-3580performed at: LaMont Smith www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh_• Potlatch Land & Lumber (Gwinn) Iowa Recognition Program coop/vosh_vpp.html• Michigan Packaging Co. (Mason) Shashi Patel Manager VPP Coordinator Phone: (919) 807-2909 WashingtonNew MVPP Sites Phone: (515) 281-6369 www.nclabor.com/osha/osh. John Geppert• Marathon TT&R, Muskegon, was approved www.iowaworkforce.org/ htm VPP Manager labor/iosh Phone: (360) 902-5496 as an MVPP Star site on July 11, 2016. Oregon www.lni.wa.gov/safety/ Kentucky Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM topics/atoz/vpp/default.aspRecertifications Brian Black VPP/SHARP ProgramSites that have been recertified for participation VPP Program Administrator Manager Wyomingin the MVPP include: Phone: (502) 564-3320 Phone: (541) 776-6016 Karin Schubert• OxyChem, Ludington labor.ky.gov/dows/ www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/ Consultation Supervisor• Herman Miller Midwest oshp/doet/partnership/ subjects/vpp.htm Phone: (307) 777-7710 Pages/VPP---Voluntary- www.wyomingworkforce. Distribution, Holland Protection-Partnership.aspx Puerto Rico org/employers-and-• DTE River Rouge Power Plant, River Rouge Ilza Roman businesses/osha/Pages/ Maryland Director safety-and-health-Contact Us Cynthia L. Wheeler Phone: (787) 754-2171 compliance.aspx“Like” us on Facebook, follow us on VPP Coordinator www.dtrh.gobierno.prTwitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel Phone: (410) 527-4473at www.youtube.com/c/MIOSHA_MI. www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/ mosh/vpp.shtml For further details on the MVPP, pleasecontact Doug Kimmel, MVPP specialist, at For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visit231-546-2366, or visit the MIOSHA website www.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfmat www.michigan.gov/miosha. THE LEADER vpppa.org 35

region round-ups COMPILED BY JAMIE MITCHELL, Region I Danny McCree (left) of Johns Manville COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, receiving his award for SGE of the year. VPPPA, INC. Greetings from the New England VPP Stars! Pratt & Whitney in Maine on November 9, Flexcon Company, Inc. in Spencer, MA, Quarterly Regional Business Meeting 2016. Please see our website for more details. celebrating the company’s 60th birthday. VPPPA Region I held its quarterly regional business meeting at the national VPPPA Contributed by Jack Popp, Region I Chairperson, Steve Gauthier, and conference in Kissimmee, Florida. During the Region I Director-at-Large former Chairperson, Jack Popp, presenting meeting, a special recognition was held for a Region I recognition plaque and gifts to retiring National Chairman, Mike Maddox Region II Mike Maddox. and Steve Gauthier presented gifts from the region. Jack Popp presented an award of The 2017 Region II SGE class will be held36 THE LEADER vpppa.org appreciation plaque to Mike to thank him April 11–13, 2017 at VPP Star site, Covanta for his outstanding VPPPA leadership and Essex, in Newark, NJ. The SGE application tremendous support of Region I and VPP in deadline for this class is January 15, 2017. New England. Best wishes on your well- Please share this information with your deserved retirement! coworkers who may be interested in becoming Special Government Employees. For more Following the acceptance of the previous information, please visit: www.osha.gov/dcsp/ regional meeting minutes, prepared by vpp/sge/sge_training.html. Secretary Debra Bowie, and the approval of Karen Girardin’s Treasurer’s report, the Contributed by Brenda Wiederkehr, Region I Board of Directors in attendance Region II Chairperson gave updates on the activities and future plans of their respective committees. Region IV Communications Chair, Alice Tatro, updated the group on Region I Communications— Region IV VPPPA would like to congratulate please check www.vppregion1.com for all Danny McCree of Johns Manville in 2017 regional conference announcements. Ridgeland, MS, for being selected as the 2015 Nominations Chair, Jack Popp, reported Special Government Employee (SGE) of the that all incumbents were re-elected without year. We would also like to recognize our other contest. The 2017 elections will be held outstanding SGE’s who were nominated: at the Region I conference in Killington, Danny Province, GE Appliances, Decatur, AL; Vermont. Glen Garfield, Chair of the Dan Hempsall, Johns Manville, Jacksonville, Membership Committee, discussed gaining FL; Duston Escott, Nucor Vulcrat, Fort Payne, and retaining members, as well as dues AL; Donna Pullman, Aerojet Rocketdyne, payment. Mentoring Chair, Darwin Irish, Stennis Space Center, MS. Region IV VPPPA discussed the mentoring process, current would also like to recognize the Naval Air mentor and mentee pairings as well as the Station of Jacksonville, FL, which was selected mentoring openings available. Steve Gauthier as the 2015 Region IV Mentor of the Year. reported on several labor management activities and presented an awards Region IV hosted SGE training class and committee update. an OSHA 10-Hour training at the 2016 Safety and Health Excellence Conference in Region I Conference News Lexington, Kentucky. These classes were very Work continues in preparation for the 2017 successful and will be offered again at the Region I VPPPA “Best of the Northeast” 2017 Region IV VPPPA Safety and Health Conference & Exposition, which will be held Excellence Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. at Killington Grand Resort in Killington, Vermont from May 15–17, 2017. The opening keynote speaker will be Josh Davis and the closing speaker will be Randy Royall. The winner of the regional meeting raffle for a complimentary Region I conference registration was Raytheon. On behalf of Region I, we hope to see you at our next quarterly regional meeting to be hosted by

The Region VI Board of Directors. Front row: Bubba Johnson, Pam Barnes, Sandra Garner, Rae Badeaux, Haney Robertson and Kirk Crandall. Back row: Dan “A–Z” Aleksandrowicz, Jonathan Dyer, Johnny Collazo and Danny Barrett.HEB Bakery, Houston, TX, VPP celebration. Region VI New Star Sites • Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Region IV is proud to welcome Lori Thomas Upcoming Trainingsof General Electric to the Board of Directors • November 15–17, 2016; SGE Training Sweeny Complex, Sweeny, TXas a Director-at-Large. We are also pleased to • Total Safety Corpus Christi District Office,announce the election of Christopher Colburn being held at Baton Rouge Area Office,to the position of Treasurer. Retiring from the Baton Rouge, LA Corpus Christi, TXBoard of Directors are Earl Hilson and Floyd • March 14–6, 2017; SGE training being • Canrig Drilling Technology, LTD,Billings. We thank both Earl and Floyd for their held at Chevron Phillips Chemical, Themany years of service to the Board of Directors Woodlands, TX Magnolia, TXand Region IV. • April 29–1, 2017; SGE training being held • Insultations, Inc. at Phillips 66 Refinery, at Little Rock Marriott, Little Rock, AR Region IV is currently seeking workshop • July 12–14, 2016; SGE training being held Belle Chasse, LAand the logo submissions for the 2017 Region at Valero, San Antonio, TX • Cargill Corn Milling North America,IV VPPPA Safety and Health Excellence • September 12–14, 2017; SGE trainingConference in Atlanta, Georgia. Please visit the being held at NASA—Johnson Space McAllen, TXRegion IV website at www.regionivvpp.org for Center, Houston, TX • Evergreen—Marathon Texas City Refinery,more information. For more information and deadline dates go to www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/sge/sge_training.html Texas City, TXContributed by Christopher Colburn, Region VI recently held an SGE class prior • Husqvarna Forestry Products N.A.,Region IV Director-at-Large to the Region VI Safety & Health Conference that was held in Ft. Worth, TX in May Nashville, ARRegion V 2016. There were 33 new SGE’s sworn in— • OCI Beaumont, LLC, Nederland, TX congratulations to everyone and we are looking • Raytheon EO Innovations, Richardson, TXPlans are underway for the 2017 Region V forward to seeing you out on the audit teams. • Total Safety Texas City Service Center,VPPPA conference that will take place May 16– We would also like to extend our19, 2017 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake congratulations to Jamie Robey with The Texas City, TXGeneva, Wisconsin. The conference will include Brock Group, who was awarded the Nationala VPP Site tour, VPP application workshop and SGE of the Year. Recertificationsnew this year, a Region V golf outing. Region VI board members Haney Robertson • Phillips 66 Pipeline LLC Coke Handling and Kirk Crandall recently led an outreach There are two open board positions event at the 2nd Annual DiVal Safety Summit Terminal, Westlake, LAincluding, Director-at-Large and Hourly in Pasadena, Texas. In addition, Region VI • Cargill Turkey Production, Temple, TXRepresentative from a Non-Union Site. Please board member Danny Barrett has recently • Frito Lay San Antonio, San Antonio, TXcontact Bill Linneweh at 630-874-9727 if you started to mentor Cintas Uniforms in Conroe, • Halliburton—Duncan, Duncan, OKare interested in being considered. Texas; Kirk Crandall also continues to mentor • Huber Engineered Woods, Broken Bow, OK Tenaska Frontier in Shiro, Texas. • Instrument and Valve Services-Emerson,Contributed by Steve Washburn, Region VDirector-at-Large Gonzales, LA • NRG Texas, LLC—W A Parish Power Plant, Thompsons, TX • Phillips 66 Dowtown Bartlesville, Bartlesville, OK • Roco Rescue, Baton Rouge, LA • SI Group, Texas Operations, Freeport, TX • Thermo Fisher Scientific, Austin, TX • 97th Maintenance Altus Air Force Base, Altus, OK THE LEADER vpppa.org 37

region round-ups• Cargill Turkey Production Gentry Hatchery, percent. Most importantly, we continue approved bylaws that now better align with Gentry, AR sound relationships with our federal and National VPPPA standards. state plan states as we continue to coordinate• Entergy Ops Denham Springs Service events with WY Workforce Services and the The following people/locations were Center, Denham Springs, LA North Dakota Safety Council. Furthermore, recognized for their accomplishments our “What’s Great in R8” outreach/ this year:• Entergy Sterlington Plant, Sterlington, LA benchmarking events continue to be a huge • Regional Chairperson Award: Liz Norton;• Firestone Polymers—Lake Charles Facility, success and our region now has two members • Innovation Award: Idaho Treatment Group on National VPPPA Committees. • Mentor of the Year Award: Max VanValey Sulphur, LA • Special Government Employee:• GP SW LA Lumber Ops, Dequincy, LA Region VIII will be conducting SGE• Husqvarna Outdoor Products, training October 18–20, 2016 at Hill AFB Amelia Maule in Layton, Utah. The next “What’s Great in • The Safety and Health Award: CH2M Nashville, AR Region 8” outreach benchmarking events• Terra Nitrogen Verdigris Plant, will be hazard recognition at PCAPP in HILL Plateau Remediation Company; Pueblo, CO, and electrical qualified training Cinda Guenther and Jan Seely of Mission Claremore, OK at Sturgeon Electric in Henderson, CO. We Support Alliance• USPS Mission Post Office, Mission, TX launched and continue to modify a user- The Region X Board of Directors thanks friendly website: www.RegionVIIIVPPPA.org our sponsors: ConocoPhillips, AK; CH2MContributed by Kirk Crandall, Region VI where you can stay current on all HILL Plateau Remediation Company,Director-at-Large regional updates. Richland, WA; CH2M-WG, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Clearwater Paper, Lewiston, Idaho;Region VII We would like to welcome and Mission Support Alliance, Richland, WA; congratulate our three newest VPP sites: AECOM, Meridian, Idaho; UniSea, AK;We would like to thank Mike Maddox for Monsanto in West Fargo, North Dakota; Washington River Protection Solutions,his unwavering support of VPP and Region TIC based in Denver, Colorado and Johns- Richland, WA; Monsanto, Idaho; OregonVII. We wish him and Sharon the best in the Manville in Belgrade, Montana. SHARP, Oregon and a special thanks toyears to come. AIM, Glove Guard and the Idaho Keni Thomas and Chad Williams will be our Potato Commission. An SSQ workshop will take place on 2017 April conference keynote speakers which The Board of Directors and the conferenceDecember 8, 2016 in Lenexa, KS. We also will be held at the DoubleTree in Colorado planning team are working to prepare forhave six new SGEs in the region, nine Springs, CO. The region’s first “Spirit of Region the 23rd Annual Region X Northwest Safetymentor/mentee match ups and have been VIII” Scholarship will be awarded at the & Health Summit that will be held at theapproached by three other companies about conference. Finally, open board positions for Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane, WA.the possibility of having mentors visit their 2017 include Chairperson, Treasurer, Director- A SGE class will be offered to VPPsites. Iowa Contract Fabricators in Riceville, at-Large #2 and Union Representative. member sites on May 16–18, 2017.IA celebrated their Star status award with a Derek Engard is the new Region X federalflag raising on July 12, 2016. Contributed by Mark Moya, OSHA VPP manager. He replaced Jacob Ewer Region VIII Chairperson who accepted a new position as the OSHA The following two spots on the Board Bellevue area office manager. Derek has a bachelor’sof Directors have been filled: Brent Nelson, Region X degree in aviation operations and served five yearsDirector-At-Large #5 from Monsanto and Jerry in the United States Air Force. He decided toWachtel, Labor Rep. from a Site Without a The 22nd Annual Region X Northwest Safety make a career change and went back to schoolCollective Bargaining Agent from NuStar Energy. & Health Summit took place May 18–19, at completing a master’s degree in industrial hygiene. The Grove Hotel & Boise Centre in Boise, Derek was a compliance officer for OSHA at the We are actively pursuing new sponsors, Idaho. Our workshop tracks included a variety Denver area office for five years. He then moved tovendors and new workshops for the Region VII of topics such as: VPP basics, strengthening the OSHA National Office working in the Officeconference in Kansas City, May 8–10, 2017. Star, management/leadership, technical, of Chemical Process Safety and Enforcement wellness and preparedness. The workshop Initiatives. His work in D.C. focused on corporateContributed by Bill Turner, sessions offered participants many educational settlement agreements and temporary workers.Region VII Chairperson opportunities to learn about VPP from entry to Derek has also worked as an environmental health the advanced level. The keynote speaker, Gene and safety representative for a semiconductorRegion VIII Balsmeier, conveyed a message that resonated company based in Santa Rosa, CA. with attendees and provided participants withThe state of VPPPA in Region VIII remains important concepts to consider, both at work Contributed by Jack Griffith,strong. Together we have increased our and in their personal lives. The membership Region X Chairpersonannual conference attendance and revenue.Our social media followers have increasedby about 65 percent while our regionalconference attendance increased by about 61percent. In addition, our regional conferencesponsorships have increased by about 8038 THE LEADER vpppa.org

calendar of events May 10–12, 2017 VPPPA ContactsDecember Region III 20th Annual Conference To reach the VPPPA National Kalahari Hotel and Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visitMid-December Convention Center www. vpppa.org. To reach a Poconos, PA particular staff member, please referMembership renewals to the contact information below. May 15–17, 2017January R. Davis Layne Region I VPPPA Conference [email protected] Killington Resort Senior Advisor Killington, VTMembership benefits mailing Sara A. Taylor, CMP May 16–18, 2017 [email protected] Director of Operations Region V VPPPA Conference Ext. 107April 4–6, 2017 Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Lake Geneva, WI Amanda McVicker, CMPRegion IX VPPPA Safety Summit [email protected] Regency May 16–18, 2017 Senior Conference ManagerSan Francisco Airport Ext. 112Burlingame, CA Region X Northwest Safety & Health Summit Sarah NeelyApril 25–27, 2017 The Davenport Grand Hotel [email protected] Spokane, WA Communications ManagerRegion VIII VPPPA Safety Summit Ext. 121DoubleTree by Hilton JuneColorado Springs, CO Jamie Mitchell June 20–22, 2017 [email protected] Communications Coordinator Region IV Safety & Health Ext. 117May 1–4, 2017 Excellence Conference Sheraton Tom WebbRegion VI Annual Safety Atlanta, GA [email protected]& Health Conference Strategic Development &Statehouse Convention Center June 23–26, 2017 Member Services ManagerLittle Rock, AR Ext. 114 Region II VPPPA ConferenceMay 8–10, 2017 Tropicana Casino & Resort Natasha Cole Atlantic City, NJ [email protected] VII VPPPA Conference Member Services CoordinatorThe Westin Crown Center Ext. 113Kansas City, MO Katlyn Pagliuca [email protected] Government Affairs & Special Projects Coordinator Ext. 115 Heidi Hill [email protected] Event Sales & Advertising Coordinator Ext. 111 Michael Khosrofian [email protected] Accountant Ext. 104 Bryant Walker [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Ext. 110 Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Government Relations Counsel Ext. 105 THE LEADER vpppa.org 39

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