The Leader Autumn 2017 - Animals & Safety

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4, AUTUMN 2017 MeCmpobgre.nr2es2hr ipSAFETY,HEALTH &ANIMALSPets Helping People:Service and Support Dogs





LEATHE DER CONTENTSVOL 4. ISSUE 4 AUTUMN 2017cover8 Pets Helping People: Service and Support DogsWe consider pets to be a part of thefamily, but there is a special spot for thosewho have service dogs. Not only are theybeloved members of their “pack,” they’realso an indispensable part of helping theirhumans navigate the world—whether thatis as a guide dog, an emotional supportdog or service dog. features 10The U.S. Navy’s Combat Dolphins Are4 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 Serious Military Assets Canines aren’t the only animals who can land jobs in the military. The U.S. has trained bottlenose dolphins to carry out a range of military tasks, from locating underwater mines to flagging the presence of enemy swimmers for harbor defense. The program first started in 1960 when the Navy studied Notty, a female Pacific white-sided dolphin. The Navy hoped to study the dolphin’s biomechanics and then use its findings for developing faster torpedoes. vpppa.org

features continued www.vpppa.org16To Pet or VPPPA National Board of Directors Not to Pet ChairpersonDogs are the most popular office Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Groupanimal, but pet-friendly workplaces arenot limited to Fido. Cats, fish, birds and Vice Chairpersoneven bunnies get in on the nine-to-five. Rob Henson, LyondellBasellParticularly with events like NationalTake Your Dog to Work Day on June Treasurer24, there seems to be a shift toward Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratorypet-friendly offices occurring across thecountry. Of course, many factors need Secretaryto be considered before allowing furry Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LPcompanions into the workplace. Director from a Site With a Collectivesections 20Creating Safety Bargaining Agent Through Control: Don Johnson, Phillips 66GLOBAL SAFETY AND 6 Dog Training Tips HEALTH WATCH Director from a Site Without a Collective As dog owners, our job is to keep our Bargaining AgentMEMBERSHIP CORNER 22 dogs happy and safe. One of the most Richard McConnell, Austin Industrial important aspects of safety is control. at LyondellBasellFEATURED PRODUCTS 26 Throughout our day-to-day lives, there are a variety of safety precautions to address Director from a DOE-VPP SiteWASHINGTON UPDATE 29 with our pets. Whether at home, out in Stacy Thursby, AECOM public, on leash or off leash, it is necessarySTATE-PLAN MONITOR 30 that we have control over our dogs for the Director from a VPP Contractor/ safety of themselves and others. Construction SiteVPPPA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS 33 Jamie Robey, CSP, SGE, The Brock Group Look for these topics highlighted in theINFOGRAPHIC CORNER 38 top right corner of each section. Director-at-Large J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , Raytheon G overnment Technical Services Company LLC M embership Director-at-Large H ealth Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Business Director-at-Large Outreach Kimberly Watson, SouthwireCALENDAR OF EVENTS 39 Director-at-Large Carey West, The Mundy Companies Director-at-Large Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Director-at-Large Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. Editorial Mission The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year. Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors. Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600-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.vpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 5

global safety and health watchThe Canary is Still in the “Coal Mine”BY JAMIE MITCHELL, In 1986, the tradition of using canaries in coal feathers. He had seen this occur previously while mines ended and the birds were replaced with the collecting birds in Chernobyl in 2000. His teamCOMMUNICATIONS more humane, “electronic nose,” a detector with believes these white patches are the result of a digital reading. Yet, using the birds was such a radiation-induced oxidative stress. In addition, inCOORDINATOR, VPPPA, INC. large part of coal mining culture that miners had Chernobyl, the birds with these patches of white mixed feelings about switching to a digital tool. feathers also suffered from other symptoms ofT he phrase “canary in the coal mine” serves For example, miners were reported to whistle to radiation exposure—cataracts, tumors, smaller as a warning metaphor for incoming the birds and treat them as pets. Miners are often brain size, and more. Mousseau presents these danger, and many are familiar with the shown in pictures holding the birds (sometimes findings as evidence for radiation’s prolongedorigin story behind it. However, fewer realize that in special cages intended to resuscitate them after effects on wildlife at different stages post-nuclearcanaries, as well as other birds, are instrumental exposure) when returning from the scene of an disaster. However, not all scientists are convincedin the safety and health of humans, even in explosion. Countless lives were saved by canaries by his findings, since they are not working withcontemporary times. The use of canaries in coal employed in coal mines, and these birds are only any data from before the incident and there aremines to detect carbon monoxide, and other toxic one of many examples of animals that assist in the other explanations for birds’ feathers to changegases, dates back to 1911. Similarly, in the last safety and health of humans. colors (one example being age).ten years, birds have been used to measure theradiation levels in Fukushima, Japan. In March of 2011, off the east coast of Regardless of how you interpret Mousseau’s Japan, one of Earth’s tectonic plates thrust data, he asserts that more experimentation needs John Scott Haldane is credited for the idea of under another—creating a violent earthquake to be done to understand these declines in birdusing canaries to detect toxic gases. Like many and setting off a tsunami with waves reaching populations. Fukushima was once home tobirds, canaries are good early detectors of carbon heights over 20 feet. Seawater flooding the site 300,000 people who had to evacuate the easternmonoxide because they are vulnerable to airborne of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant coast of the area, and understanding the effectspoisons. They need large quantities of oxygen triggered a nuclear crisis, including hydrogen of radiation on birds and other wildlife is a stepto enable them to fly to altitudes that would explosions and the release of radioactive toward an even further knowledge of those samemake humans sick, and their anatomy allows material. This event was the worst nuclear effects on humans.them to get a dose of oxygen when they inhale accident since Chernobyl in 1986.and another dose when they exhale, while they As aforementioned, canaries were once used inhold air in extra sacs. Since these birds are more Professor of Biological Sciences, Timothy coal mines to warn workers of impending danger.sensitive to gases, and are getting a double dose of Mousseau, first visited Fukushima to count Correspondingly, the birds of Fukushima, Japan,the potentially poisonous air, the miners would birds in July of 2011—only four months after can help us to understand the damage nuclearhave an advanced warning of danger if the bird the nuclear event. Radiation levels in the regions accidents can create, and how to best approachfell ill or died, and know to evacuate the area. he visited were 1,000 times as high as usual. these incidents in the future.Britain originally implemented the use of canaries Mousseau and his team wanted to determine thein coal mines, but the United States and Canada levels of damage on local wildlife, and the best Resources:both followed suit. method was to survey bird populations in 400 sites around the area. 1. www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/the- unclear-fate-of-nuclear-power-75454599 In an article from Smithsonian.com, author Ben Mirin notes, “Mousseau’s team conducted 2. www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/story- almost 2,400 bird counts in total and gathered real-canary-coal-mine-180961570/ data on 57 species, each of which showed specific sensitivity to background radiation. Thirty of the 3. arlweb.msha.gov/century/canary/canary.asp species showed population declines during the study period, the team reported in the March 4. www.businessinsider.com/these-9-photos- issue of the Journal of Ornithology. Among these, show-how-navy-trains-dolphins-detect- resident birds such as the carrion crow and the mines-2017-5 Eurasian tree sparrow demonstrated higher susceptibility than migratory species, which didn’t 5. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ arrive in the region until a few weeks after the PMC4091013/ partial meltdown in early March.” 6. grammarist.com/usage/canary-in-the- Mousseau and his team also began capturing coalmine/ birds in Fukushima with patches of bleach-white 7. www.somas.stonybrook.edu/2016/03/31/ the-effects-of-chernobyl-and-fukushima- with-tim-mousseau/ 8. www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ article-3041695/No-birdsong-Fukishima- Dramatic-decline-birds-linked-radiation- 2011-disaster.html6 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org



PETS HELPING PEOPLESaenrdvice vpppa.orgSupportDogs8 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017

BY ROB JACKSON We consider pets to be a part of the family, but there is a special spot for those who have service dogs. Not only are they beloved members of their “pack,” they’re also an indispensable part of helping their humans navigate the world—whether that is as a guide dog, an emotional support dog or service dog. P er service dog education group with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Please Don’t Pet Me, “Differentiating and discovered that dogs alleviate the stress of the between service dogs, therapy dogs whole family, and increase a feeling of security and emotional support animals is not and independence. Multiple accounts from a matter of splitting hairs or political correctness. handlers across the nation report the same—their Each of these dogs has a very different job from service dogs give them a sense of independence, the others and the terms are not interchangeable.” relieve stress, and are a crucial part of their The term “service dog” is a legally recognized physical and emotional livelihood. Research also term for a pup who assists people with challenges shows that pet parents across the board can gain such as hearing or visual impairment, autism, health benefits from pets, including lower blood seizures and epilepsy, diabetes and more. They pressure and cholesterol as well as improved can be trained to perform an array of tasks mental health, stress levels and depression. So including leading their human across busy streets, even if most of our pets are not service dogs, they retrieving objects, opening and closing doors and are still good for our health. even calling for help. They can wear a service dog vest, but it’s not a requirement. The rule of paw for working dogs: If you see a service dog, whether they are wearing The dogs are exposed to all kinds of vests, backpacks or harnesses, or if you spot a situations as they undergo extensive training, working dog, simply ignore the dog. Do not and many handlers will train their own service whistle, pet, or interact with a dog on the job. animals. Beginning with dogs as puppies, the And if you don’t know if the dog is in service, in-training pooch will be placed in a volunteer’s err on the side of caution and simply move home in order to adequately socialize and along. It can be a dangerous distraction for acclimate the pups to sights, sounds, smells and service dogs and their humans. distractions. Then, the puppy is professionally trained in obedience, retrieval and handling. Want to find out more about how pets The cost can run anywhere from $15,000 to help people? Healthy Paws Pet Insurance has $50,000. It can be deducted from taxes, and joined forces with the Human Animal Bond there are a few other ways to defray costs. Research Institute (HABRI) to further research initiatives about the vital role of companion Furthermore, service dogs are unique in animals in the health and well-being of all of their own way; for example, the blind have us. You can visit HealthyPaws.com to discover very different assistance needs than those with more about protecting pets with pet insurance, epilepsy, or those with emotional needs or as well as their charitable initiatives through mobility restrictions. Even diabetic alert dogs are the Healthy Paws Foundation. specially trained for their cause. Certain types of service dogs work with those who have autism Rob Jackson is the co-founder and chief pet and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to help reduce anxiety and depression. New studies protector of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Rob report that pets are particularly helpful to veterans suffering from PTSD and children with autism and co-founder Steve Siadek met through a have improved social behavior and interaction. local, no-kill animal shelter. As pet parents, they The health benefits of dogs don’t stop there. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute envisioned a business that respected pets as (HABRI) explored the effect of dogs on families family, as well as the development of a foundation to help homeless dogs and cats. Over his 30-year career, Rob has been an entrepreneur, insurance executive and nonprofit devotee.vpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 9

COMBAT D10 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

BY PIERRE BIENAIMÉ *Originally published on March 12, 2015 at www.businessinsider.com/the-us-navys-combat- dolphins-are-serious-military-assets-2015-3. THE U.S. NAVY’ST DOLPHINS ARE SERIOUS MILITARY ASSETS Photo on opposite page: Central Command Area of Responsibility (Mar. 18, 2003)—K-Dog, a Bottle Nose Dolphin belonging to Commander Task Unit (CTU) 55.4.3, leaps out of the water in front Sgt. Andrew Garrett while training near the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) in the Arabian Gulf. Attached to the dolphins pectoral fin is a pinger device that allows the handler to keep track of the dolphin when out of sight. CTU-55.4.3 is a multi-national team consisting of Naval Special Clearance Team-One, Fleet Diving Unit Three from the United Kingdom, Clearance Dive Team from Australia, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units Six and Eight (EODMU-6 and -8). These units are conducting deep/shallow water mine countermeasure operations to clear shipping lanes for humanitarian relief. CTU-55.4.3 and USS Gunston Hall are currently forward deployed conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)vpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 11

Above Left: Central Command Area of C anines aren’t the only animals who cetaceans guarded an Army ammunitionResponsibility (Mar. 18, 2003)—Staff Sgt. can land jobs in the military. pier in Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay, providingJustin Roberts escorts K-Dog a Bottle Nose The U.S. has trained bottlenose surveillance to thwart enemy swimmers.Dolphin belonging to Commander Task Unit dolphins to carry out a range of(CTU) 55.4.3 in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat military tasks, from locating underwater Dolphins were also deployed from Bahrain(RHIB) back to the well deck and holding mines to flagging the presence of enemy during the Tanker War, a late phase of theareas aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) swimmers for harbor defense. Iran-Iraq war in which the warring neighborsin the Arabian Gulf. CTU-55.4.3 is a multi- targeted one another’s oil vessels (the U.S.national team consisting of Naval Special The Navy Marine Mammal Program at the got involved in 1987, to protect Kuwaiti oilClearance Team One, Fleet Diving Unit Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command exports). The dolphins were deployed “to protectThree from the United Kingdom, Clearance (or SPAWAR) in San Diego, California trains the Third Fleet flagship anchored in ManamaDive Team from Australia, and the U.S. 85 dolphins and 50 sea lions, according to Harbor” in Bahrain, according to a SPAWARNavy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal SPAWAR spokesman Jim Fallin. document shared with Business Insider.Mobile Units Six and Eight (EODMU-6 and-8). These units are conducting deep/ NBC reported in 2002 that the program The animals even helped provide security forshallow water mine countermeasure got $14 million in funding a year, and that it the Republican National Convention of 1996,operations to clear shipping lanes for has the Pentagon’s financial backing through which took place at the waterside San Diegohumanitarian relief. CTU-55.4.3 and the year 2020. Convention Center less than a month afterUSS Gunston Hall are currently forward a bombing at the summer Olympics in Atlanta.deployed conducting missions in support The program first started in 1960 when theof Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi- Navy studied Notty, a female Pacific white- Dolphins returned to the Persian Gulf innational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi sided dolphin. The Navy hoped to study 2003, to clear mines ahead of coalition vesselspeople, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass the dolphin’s biomechanics and then use its during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.destruction, and end the regime of Saddam findings for developing faster torpedoes. “ButHussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers quickly the focus changed to covert training,” The sea mammals make attractive militaryMate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED) according to NBC. assets because of their intelligence and trainability—as well as their speed in theAbove Right: San Diego (March 2, 2006)— Military researchers soon realized that water, and an echolocation ability that farMachinist’s Mate 2nd Class Russell Barnhill the dolphins themselves could become a outperforms the best electronic competitors.works with his dolphin team member, battlefield asset. “It was soon after discovered “The reason they’re used is that they haveK-Dog. K-Dog is part of Marine Mammals that they had excellent biological sonar, abilities that are unmatched still by anythingSystems Platoon of Naval Special so they definitely did a lot of research on man-made,” Budzyna said.Clearance Team one. K-Dog and other that as well,” Ed Budzyna, a spokesmandolphins based at Naval Base Point Loma, for SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific, told Dolphins emit vocalizations and thenprimary mission is to help locate mines. U.S. Business Insider. closely listen for how the sounds bounce back.Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Kristina That gives them an idea of their surroundings,Brockman (RELEASED) Dolphins have seen occasional use and even lets them figure out what kind during war. In 1970 and 1971, five of the of metal they might be swimming near,12 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

according to a program spokesperson speaking KEY WEST, Fla. (April 26, 2017) A trainerwith National Geographic News. This makes assigned to the U.S. Navy Marine Mammaldolphins especially useful for identifying Program works with the dolphin Puananiunderwater mines. during training at Naval Air Station Key West’s Truman Harbor. The program maintains the When a dolphin finds one, the animals swim mobility of its expeditionary Marine Mammalback to their trainers, who might give them a System to detect and mark the location oftransponder to drop near the mine in order to mine-like objects on the ocean bottom. (U.S.flag its location. Navy Photo by Trice Denny/Released) But dolphins can also be trained to kill, THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 13according to one persistent rumor surroundingthe Navy’s Marine Mammal Program. In his memoir on life as a Navy SEAL,Brandon Webb writes about a trainingexercise in San Diego to evade enemy militarydolphins. Trainers used the mammals “to trackdown enemy divers, outfitting them with adevice strapped onto the head that containsa [simulated] compressed gas needle,” Webbwrites. “Once the dolphin has tracked youdown, it butts you; the needle shoots out andpokes you, creating an embolism.” An air or gas bubble injected into a veinor artery can quickly travel into the organs,something that’s potentially lethal. Webb sumsit up: “Within moments, you’re dead.” SPAWAR’s frequently asked questions pageemphatically denies ever training dolphins“to harm or injure humans in any fashion orto carry weapons to destroy ships.” And inan email to Business Insider, Fallin reiteratedthat the “Navy has NEVER trained marinemammals to harm humans, period!” But Webb writes that he spoke with a fellowNavy SEAL, who remains anonymous whiledescribing how dolphins would “ram us in thechest cavity to simulate the [CO2] injection.” For Webb’s own training exercise theanimals were equipped with harmless versionsof the mechanism. And in 1990, the New York Times reportedthat former Navy trainers had told themdolphins were being taught “to kill enemy diverswith nose-mounted guns and explosives,” acharge denied by a Navy spokesman. The year before, the Times spoke withRichard O’Barry, an activist and former Navyofficer—and critic of the service’s mammalprogram—who trained dolphins for the 1960sTV series Flipper (O’Barry also took centerstage in The Cove, a 2009 documentary ondolphin hunting in Japan). O’Barry said he had been approachedby the CIA more than 20 years prior to hisspeaking with the Times and that he turneddown their request to train dolphins to plantexplosives on ships.vpppa.org

KEY WEST, Fla. (April 26, 2017) A trainer with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program works with Constellation, an Atlantic bottlenosedolphin, during training in Truman Harbor at Naval Air Station Key West. The program is in Key West to maintain the mobility of itsexpeditionary Marine Mammal System to detect and mark the location of mine-like objects on the ocean bottom. NAS Key West is astate-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. andforeign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny/Released) And in 2000, the BBC reported that Union also led to the U.S.’s downsizing its One dolphin died in the Persian Gulf inSoviet-trained dolphins were meant “to attack own program). October 1987, of a bronchial pneumoniaenemy frogmen with harpoons attached to brought on by a bacterial infection. Buttheir backs, or to drag them to the surface to Just a few years ago, Ukraine restarted overall, the SPAWAR document states thatbe taken into captivity. training the animals for military purposes, “the Navy’s dolphin survival rate for more though it may have been close to phasing it than 10 years has been 95–97 percent, and “They could also undertake kamikaze strikes back out just before Russia’s annexation of the during one period some years ago the Navyagainst enemy shipping carrying mines that Crimean peninsula last year. In any case, Russia maintained an unprecedented 100 percentwould explode a ship on contact with its hull.” helped itself to Ukraine’s stable of combat survival rate for its 140 marine mammals for dolphins after Moscow took over Crimea. And more than a year and a half.” In the case of the U.S. Navy, the dolphin four Ukrainian military dolphins had actuallyweaponization efforts may have just been been sold to Iran and transported by air in Future wars waged in the world’s oceans andspeculative research rather than a fast-tracked 2000, according to the BBC. seas could require an expanded role for militaryprogram meant for actual use. dolphins. But Budzyna also believes that The dolphins’ transportation and treatment robotics could eventually replace the animals, Clayton Swansen, a dolphin handler who is cause for concern for animal rights groups. once the technology can match a trainedworked with the program between 2003 and In the late 1980s, environmentalists and animal dolphin’s natural abilities. He says that anti-2005, told Business Insider that “The Navy rights activists forced the Navy to drop its use mine robotics have “come along very rapidly,”will try out a million different things, they’ll of surveillance dolphins at a submarine base meaning that there might not be much use forconsider this and that, and then they’ll hosting a huge stockpile of nuclear warheads military dolphins in the future.discard whatever seems like a bad idea for near Seattle, Washington. One concern,whatever reasons.” according to a PBS Frontline chronology on “So as soon as the robotics are good enough military dolphins, was that the dolphins could to replace the program, the program probably The U.S. isn’t alone in training military be harmed by working in waters much colder will be phased out,” he said.dolphins. Starting in 1965, the Soviet Union than in their native environment.tried to develop its own dolphin force at a In an email to Business Insider, FallinBlack Sea port near Sevastopol, in Crimea. After a three-and-a-half year process, the wrote that “Nothing will ever beat a dolphin’s Navy was cleared in 2009 to send dolphins to sonar, but technology is improving, and When the USSR collapsed, “ownership Washington state, which it did starting in May today engineers at SPAWAR Systemswas transferred to Ukraine, where it was 2010, according to Navy spokesman Chris Haley. Center Pacific have developed unmannedkept afloat by switching to civilian tasks like Dolphins are still used there now as “part of our underwater vehicles (UUVs) that are capableworking with disabled children,” according security force,” Haley told Business Insider. of conducting certain mission sets.”to a Russian news agency cited by Wired(incidentally, the collapse of the Soviet14 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org



T NPett t BY KERRI CARPENTER vpppa.org COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VPPPA, INC.16 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017

t r Petvpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 17

According to a 2006 Gallup poll, approximately 60 percent Stress Relief Versus Distractionof Americans own a pet. Since most Americans also spend A 2012 study by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management foundthe majority of their waking hours at work, it follows that that, “pet ownership has been associated with a number of positive health outcomes,workplaces are becoming more pet-friendly. including increased survival one-year after a heart attack, fewer doctor visits, less loneliness Some notable businesses that allow and greater social support and emotional animals include: closeness and support.” Furthermore, they • Google found that the greatest “benefit of having • Amazon pets in the workplace was perceived lowering • Ben & Jerry’s of stress, although some endorsement • Build-A-Bear Workshop of improved health and organizational • Etsy satisfaction were also noted.” • Proctor & Gamble Pets break down barriers between employees, Dogs are the most popular office animal, promoting positive interactions. Morale is often but pet-friendly workplaces are not limited improved by having a furry visitor in the office. to Fido. Cats, fish, birds and even bunnies get in on the nine-to-five. Particularly with However, pets also allow for a greater risk of events like National Take Your Dog to Work distraction. A misbehaving pet can disrupt the Day on June 24, there seems to be a shift entire office. A dog will more than likely need toward pet-friendly offices occurring across to be walked or at least let outside throughout the country. the day, removing the owner from his work. For those co-workers who enjoy furry visitors, Of course, many factors need to be there is a risk of further commotion and considered before allowing furry companions disruption as they are entertained by the pet. into the workplace. Most noticeably is medical. The Humane Society of the United Retaining Employees Versus States approximates that 15 percent of the Allergies/Fear population is allergic to cats and/or dogs. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of A case can be made for retaining employees America (AAFA) claims that three in ten when their pets are allowed in the workplace. people with asthma and/or allergies have Pet ownership can become quite costly with allergic reactions to cats and dogs. AAFA requirements such as daycare or dog walkers. goes on to say that, “cat allergies are about Services such as these are particularly necessary twice as common as dog allergies.” in cities where employees spend a significant amount of time commuting. There are legal ramifications to these health reports as well. Asthma and allergies By allowing pets into the workplace, are considered disabilities under the turnover decreases as employees see this option Americans with Disabilities Act. Not only as an additional benefit to employment. do pets at work cause a medical problem Employers can also expect higher employee for susceptible employees but it could also performance. When workers don’t have to rush become a legal issue. home to care for their pet, they often stay later and work longer hours. Yet, they are happier Still, many studies show that owners and less stressed to do so. who bring their pets to work are happier overall. Likewise, their co-workers enjoy the But while the pet owner may enjoy the benefits as well. Allowing animals at work advantages of bringing their companion to work, lowers stress, increases productivity and can it is possible that other co-workers may not improve the company image. share this view. There are real fears and phobias where pets are concerned. Prior experiences with As with most decisions, there are pros, animals may not have been positive, and in some cons and a multitude of aspects to consider cases, even emotionally or physically scarring. before allowing pets into the workplace. As previously discussed, some people are medically disinclined to enjoy pets. Having pets around can trigger allergies or asthma.18 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

Company Image Versus Pictured above is VPPPA CommunicationsLegal Issues Manager, Kerri Carpenter, and her poodle mix, Harry P. Carpenter, hanging out at home. HarryMany job searches now allow an option to was rescued from Operation Paws For Homessearch for pet-friendly workplaces. People, (ophrescue.org). He enjoys squeaky toys,particularly Millennials, find the ability to snuggling, chasing squirrels and helping hiswork alongside furry companions a plus. mommy write articles for The Leader. However, permitting pets into the office Pets break down barriers between employees, promotingopens up the door to possible damage, as well positive interactions. Morale is often improved by havingas a cleanliness issue. Accidents can happen. a furry visitor in the office. However, pets also allow for a greater risk of distraction. Before an employer agrees to pets in theoffice, they need to check with their buildingmanagement, and in some cases, the county.Many do not allow pets inside office buildings,except for service animals. That was the case at The Motley Fool, anAlexandria, Virginia-based company thatprovides financial solutions for investors ofevery kind. For various reasons, animals werenot permitted in their office. According to theirblog, they did a little research and broughtthe animals as close as they could by orderinga traveling petting zoo. Employees were thengiven the day to interact with bunnies, chicks, ahedgehog, a guinea pig, a tumbling pigeon and apotbelly pig for two hours behind their building.What’s the Right Answer?When it comes to animals in the workplace,there is no right or wrong answer. Eachworkplace must weigh the pros and cons andmake a decision that is best for all employees. One of the best solutions overall is to create apet policy, or guidelines. Some of the importantthings to include are, but not limited to:• Type/breed of pet allowed• Number of pets allowed on a given day• Consequences for misbehavior• Frequency of visits• Establishing pet-friendly areas or pet-free areas• Requiring proper paperwork such as medical records, vaccination records or county registration licenses Another option for pet fanatics when a pet-friendly work environment is not a possibilityare special pet-friendly days. Take advantage ofTake Your Dog to Work Day. Allow allergic ornon-pet-friendly employees the opportunityto work from home that day. Or have a pet-friendly outing outside of the office. Volunteerat a local animal shelter or even have a picnicat a nearby park where pets are permitted.Getting away from desks can boost morale andinvolving pets only ups that percentage.vpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 19

CreatingSAFETYThrough Control Dog Training Tips20 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 BY THOMAS DAVIS AND TAYLOR VOLKMAN UPSTATE CANINE ACADEMY vpppa.org

As dog owners, our job is to keep our dogs happy and safe. One of the most important aspects of safety is control.Throughout our day-to-day lives, there are a variety of safety precautions to address with our pets. Whether at home,out in public, on leash or off leash, it is necessary that we have control over our dogs for the safety of themselves andothers. What is the best way to ensure this control? Obedience! Dogs crave leadership and direction.M ost dogs, especially young dogs in any public place. It is crucial to have great and puppies, are extremely on leash obedience due to the uncontrollable curious. They put everything in environment. The excitement that comes their mouth and do not know with being out with your dog can sometimes the difference between what lead to trouble. A LEAVE IT command is they should have and what they shouldn’t. applied to a dog when they have something Implementing a DROP IT command will or want something they shouldn’t have. The allow us to teach the dog to release anything dog must “leave” and ignore whatever it is. they have in their mouth. This is a helpful command if a dog has something they can If your dog is going to be off leash, the choke on, any dangerous household items number one safety command is RECALL. and also during play to release a toy or ball. If you cannot recall your dog 100 percent of the time, under any circumstances, you as a The front door and doorbell are responsible dog owner, should not have your conditioned triggers for dogs. Their dog off leash for the safety of your dog and the excitement and protective instincts are in public. An uncontrollable dog can be a liability. full drive when anyone is at or around the door. There are several opportunities during The proper way to have your dog meet entry of family, friends and strangers that another dog is going for a walk in a neutral can trigger bad behaviors such as barking, area, on leash. Be aware of their body jumping, overly excited, fear, anxiousness, language. A few signs of conflict can be possibility of escape and/or all of the stiffness of the body and mouth, growling above. A PLACE command is a great safety and showing teeth. Not all dogs are friendly. command to send the dog away from Always ask the owner before allowing your dangers and control bad behaviors that can dogs to meet. be associated with entry. The Place command is when a dog needs to go to a targeted Just like humans, it is crucial to location, usually an elevated bed. This allows understand how to respond to our pets in us to send the dog away from the entryway emergency situations. Pet Tech is a company and release them once everything is calm. specializing in pet CPR, first aid and care for dogs and cats. It is the number one pet CPR Crate training is another way to ensure and first aid course in the nation. The Pet our dogs are safe while we are away from Tech PetSaver class is an eight-hour course home. The crate should not be used as a educating participants on pet first aid and punishment. The crate can also create a sense information to keep pets happy and healthy. of comfort and safety for the dog if they Upon successfully completing the course, feel stressed and overwhelmed. The crate participants receive a certification. Pet eliminates any opportunity for the dog to get Tech is a great course for pet owners, lovers into anything dangerous while you are away. and any pet professional. To find a class or instructor near you, visit pettech.net. Implementing the OFF command can be a great safety command to ensure there is For more tips and training information, visit: no counter-surfing or jumping, essentially protecting the dog from food, medicine, @AmericasCanineEducator on Facebook cleaning supplies and anything else that can potentially hurt or kill the dog. @thomasj_davis on Instagram It is our responsibility as dog owners to www.youtube.com/AmericasCanineEd make sure we have full control over our dogs www.americascanineeducator.comvpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 21

MEMBERSHIP CORNERInterview With Our #HowISafety Contest WinnerThis summer, we hosted the #HowISafety seeing people unconcerned about safety,contest. Participants sent in photos of so I went to Brazosport College and got myhow they practice safety on the job, and CSST, NCCER instructor certification andthe image with the most “likes” won a got into the safety field. I feel good aboutfree trip to Safety+. helping and training others.Our #HowISafety contest winner, Warren VPPPA: How did you get started withGipson, is a Site HSE Technician with The VPPPA and how do you feel that it hasBrock Group, and has been involved helped you?with the association for about four years.We wanted to get to know him a little WG: I started with VPPPA when I wasbetter and ask him about his experiences approached to learn about the trainingwith VPPPA. and how to keep up the VPP book entries. Being a member has helpedVPPPA: Tell us about the #HowISafety me tremendously to use, understandcontest poster you created. and implement safety for myself, fellow employees, family and friends.Warren Gipson: I wanted everyone to be apart of safety—knowing that tomorrow is our VPPPA: Who inspires you/who have youreward for working safely today, knowing looked to for guidance over the years?that safety is a choice. I wanted everyoneto know we should never give safety a day WG: Clifton Allison, Nathan Prilop, Alexoff, that no job is too important and no Martinez, Jamie Robey, Larry McElory andservice is so urgent that we cannot take the Johnathan Dyer.time to preform our work safely. VPPPA: What is one lesson or piece ofVPPPA: How did your career start and how advice you’d like to offer your peersdid you get to where you are now? regarding your experiences?WG: I started as a painter’s apprentice and WG: The decision to put safety first is inthen I became a scaffold tracker. I was our hands.#VPPPAnimals Contest Winners First Place Winner Runner-UpFor the #VPPPAnimals contest, memberssubmitted pictures of their adorable pets forthe chance to win a spot in the magazine, aswell as a gift card. The photo with the most“likes” on Facebook won.Thank you to everyone whosubmitted a photo for the contest! Staff Favorites Name: Mac or “Mackie” Badeaux Age: 1 Favorite Toy: Stuffed dinosaur Likes: Treats, naps with mom, learning commands so I can stay safe, walks and playing fetch with dad. Dislikes: When I cannot be with mom or dad. Why I Love Safety: Safety is important as it aids in my overall well-being and allows me to safely enjoy family time whether we are on a walk, at a park or playing in the backyard.22 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

Association AnnouncementsRenew Your to win a gift card. The national office staff 23VPPPA Membership really appreciated your pictures and the board members thoroughly enjoyed meeting eachIt’s membership renewal season once again! person that they were featured in a selfie with.An email containing your invoice will be sent Congratulations to the winners ofout in December, as well as a hard copy in these contests:January. You can easily renew your dues by • Thomas Wardrop from National Securityclicking on the “renew” tab located on the leftside of VPPPA’s home page at www.vpppa. Technologies in Las Vegas, NV.org. If you have forgotten your password, The winner received a gift card. We’re lookingsimply click on the option that allows you to forward to seeing even more photos next year!reset your password and follow the directions. • We also recently picked our Safety+ surveyOnce logged in you will be able to seamlessly winners. Health B., Ed S. and Alexis A.renew your membership with VPPPA. all won a $100 gift card. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill out We would like to thank our members the symposium survey.for their support over the past year. Weencourage you to re-dedicate your support to Like us on Facebook &VPPPA and renew your membership today. Follow us on Twitter: @VPPPAWith numerous benefits, VPPPA is a greatresource for today’s safety professional. Deliver Effective Toolbox Talks With This Free Guide If you have any questions regarding yourmembership or dues, contact membership@ Download the guide at safestart.com/VPP10vpppa.org or call (703) 761-1146. THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017Job BoardCalling all employers and employees! Visitour job board on the VPPPA website.VPPPA’s Job Board provides a vast databaseof professional opportunities availablethroughout the EHS industry. Constantlyupdated with new job openings, the VPPPAJob Board is a great resource for thoselooking to make a professional move. Employers—do you have any jobs youwould like to post? Please [email protected] with the following:• Job title• Company name• Location• Description/requirements of the position• Expiration date for the posting• How to applyContest Winners“Take a Selfie with a BoardMember” ContestWe had an overwhelmingly positive responseto our selfie contest at Safety+ this year!Attendees simply snapped selfies with boardmembers to enter the contest for the chancevpppa.org

Thank You For AttendingAN INTEGRATED SAFETY &HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SYMPOSIUM PRESENTED BY VPPPA AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 1, 2017JOIN US IN NEW ORLEANS!AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 | ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER | NEW ORLEANS, LA It’s not too late to All workplace accidents are preventable. register for and Safety+ will provide you with the tools to attend this year’s improve safety and health at your site. annual event! 93% 87% The Premier Global Safety & Health of 2016 attendees would of last year’s attendees ranked the Organization recommend this symposium educational content of the event EDUCATE as “outstanding” or “very good” National and regional events vpppa.org Webinars Access to safety and health articles Innovative safety solutions COLLABORATE Networking24 MTeHnE tLoEAriDnEgR / AUTUMN 2017 Industry partnerships Best Practices Directory

SYMPOSIUM AGENDA Symposium HighlightsMONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017 10:30 AM–11:30 AM Regional Networking Meetings JOIN thousands of the EHSPre-Symposium Day 11:30 AM–1:00 PM Lunch & Exhibit industry’s most dedicated and Hall Open ambitious professionals for four days7:00 AM–3:00 PM Registration 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Workshops of learning and networking 2:00 PM–3:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open8:00 AM–5:00 PM Pre-Symposium 3:30 PM–4:30 PM VISIT hundreds of safety and Workshops Workshops health exhibitors demonstrating the industry’s newest offeringsTUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2017 THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017 BE INSPIRED by nationally-Symposium’s Official 1st Day recognized keynote speakers7:00 AM–5:00 PM Registration 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Registration CHOOSE from more than 100 workshops on a variety of topics7:00 AM–8:30 AM Labor & Management 8:30 AM–9:30 AM Workshops including fall protection, confined Open Forum space training, lockout/tagout, improving your relationship with8:00 AM–8:30 AM First Timers’ Workshop 9:30 AM–11:00 AM Exhibit Hall Open OSHA and more8:30 AM–9:00 AM Mobile App 11:00 AM–12:00 PM Workshops MEET others at your Demonstration regional networking meeting and 12:00 PM–1:30 PM Lunch & Exhibit the receptions9:15 AM–10:00 AM Annual Meeting of the Hall Open Membership PARTICIPATE in multiple contests 1:30 PM–2:30 PM Workshops and win dozens of prizes10:15 AM–12:30 PM Opening General Session Part 1 2:30 PM–3:00 PM Afternoon Break12:30 PM–1:30 PM Lunch 3:00 PM–4:00 PM Workshops2:00 PM–3:30 PM Opening General 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Casino Night Reception Session Part 2 (will take place at the New Orleans Marriott)4:00 PM–5:00 PM Workshops5:00 PM–7:00 PM Grand Opening of FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 Exhibit Hall & Reception 8:00 AM–10:00 AM Registration 8:30 AM–9:30 AM WorkshopsWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2017 9:45 AM–10:45 AM Workshops7:00 AM–4:00 PM Registration 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Closing General8:00 AM–9:00 AM Workshops Session9:00 AM–10:15 AM Exhibit Hall OpenPre-Symposium Workshops: NEW THIS YEAR, VPPPA and the Louisiana Governor’s Safety & HealthVPP Application® Workshop Inspection Techniques and Conference are combining their events Hazard Recognition to join thousands of safety and healthIndustry leaders from VPP worksites and professionals from across the countryOSHA will guide you step-by-step through Attendees will learn the different types and expose both sides to new bestthe process of putting together the major of inspections, inspection techniques practices, training, safety equipment,components of a successful application. and typical safety and health hazards. ideas and safety and health vendors.What’s New in DOE-VPP? OSHA #7115—Lockout/Tagout Get Social! 25This workshop, intended for employees This course covers the role and Tuesday: Grand Opening ofat DOE sites, offers an overview of what’s responsibility of the employer to develop Exhibit Hall & Receptionnew in the DOE-VPP program. and implement an energy control program, or lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) You will have the opportunity toFirst Aid/CPR/AED Training for the protection of workers while meet with cutting-edge safety and performing servicing and maintenance health manufacturers and networkThe purpose of the American Red Cross activities on machinery and equipment with other attendees at the openingFirst Aid/CPR/AED program is to help This course is being presented in kick-off event. THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017participants recognize and respond conjunction with MidSouth OTIfaiprsvptpraopidppreiaam.toeerlyrggte onccaierds.iac, breathing and Education Center. Wednesday: RegionalThis course is being presented by the Networking MeetingsAmerican Red Cross. Meet the other safety and health

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washington updateFrom the HillBY COURTNEY M. MALVEAUX, ESQ. administration has been a big advocate. In data collection while it remains challenged its first proposed budget, the Administration in court.A s many say in Washington, elections requested a nearly $4 million increase for have consequences. That is especially enhanced Compliance Assistance outreach The rule requires all establishments with 250 true for OSHA. The installation programs like VPP, including 20 new full- or more employees in industries covered by theof the new Congress and President Trump time Compliance Assistance Specialists recordkeeping regulation to submit to OSHAhave only enhanced support for VPP in (CAS) in OSHA’s Regional Offices. If passed, injury and illness information electronically.Washington. Increasingly, states are signaling this proposal would replenish most of the The National Association of Manufacturingtheir support as well. Compliance Assistance employees eliminated and other organizations have filed a legal by OSHA since 2013, and it aims to increase challenge primarily over the regulation’s anti- While we await a new Assistant Secretary the number of VPP sites by 100 in FY 2018. retaliation provisions.for OSHA, and while legal actions wind theirway through the courts, some of the most The budget language provides, in part: Silica Rule Enforcement Delayedimpactful rules enacted by OSHA in recent for Construction (Mostly)years remain on hold. No less important, With the VPP, the infusion of CASs willexpect to see new approaches to guidance, increase OSHA’s capacity to perform OSHA has delayed enforcement of its newrule interpretations, enforcement approaches on-site evaluations (which are needed rule reducing permissible exposure levels forand staffing at the agency. for both new participants and renewals). crystalline silica in the construction industry It will allow OSHA to ensure the from June 23, 2017, until September 23, The next few years promise to be eventful. quality and integrity of existing VPP 2017. Most State Plan states followed suit,Stay tuned. participants through the renewal process but Virginia opted to press forward with the while increasing capacity to bring in new original enforcement date, so constructionVPP Legislation participants, and addressing the current employers under Virginia Occupational backlog of VPP applications. Safety and Health are subject to enforcementThe VPP Act is gaining steam in Congress. efforts today.Congressman Todd Rokita (R-IN), Congressman The Trump administration also seeks toGene Green (D-TX) and Congresswoman ensure the long-term sustainability of VPP Beryllium Rule On HoldMartha Roby (R-AL) introduced H.R. 1444 to through enhanced support from their Specialmake VPP a permanent part of OSHA. The bill Government Employees: Similarly, OSHA has delayed the effectivewas referred to the Education and Workforce date for its new Beryllium Rule until MayCommittee, and it has enjoyed strong bipartisan In FY 2018, OSHA will continue to make 20, 2018, pursuant to a January Whitesupport, with 19 republican and 15 democratic effective use of its Special Government House Memorandum freezing new rulescosponsors from all over the country. Employees (SGEs), including more of pending review by designees of the President. these individuals on onsite evaluation As of this date, the Trump Administration Several states that implement their own teams, which enabled the agency to has not nominated a new Assistant SecretaryOSHA program (state-plan states) passed complete additional VPP onsite visits with for OSHA.VPP Acts to signal their commitment to its existing resources. In FY 2018, withVPP. Following Indiana’s and Virginia’s lead, the continued increase in SGE activities, Courtney Malveaux is a regulatory,Maryland, Arizona and North Carolina OSHA hopes to reduce the VPP newpassed VPP Acts this year. Several other states application backlog while continuing employment and government affairs attorneyare considering similar legislation in their to improve the quality and integrity ofupcoming legislative sessions. the program through activities such as at Jackson Lewis, P.C. and Government refining how to effectively monitor VPPVPP Funding participants subject to OSHA’s process Affairs Counsel for the Voluntary Protection safety management (PSM) standard.Last year, Congress and the Obama Programs Participants’ Association. As a Laboradministration actively supported VPP in Electronic Injury and Illnesstheir proposed budgets, ensuring that OSHA Reporting Rule Delayed Commissioner, an Assistant Attorney Generaldedicate at least $3.5 million each year to VPP,without any fees from participants. OSHA’s proposed to delay its compliance and President of the National Association of date for its final rule to modernize injury This year, Congress has continued its Government Labor Officials, Malveaux hassupport for VPP funding, and the Trump rewritten several state and federal safety and health laws and represents industrial employers on the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board. He can be reached at (804) 366- 9646 or at [email protected] THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 29

state-plan monitorCOMPILED BY Arizona Print Pack Leadership accept the ArizonaKATLYN PAGLIUCA, MEMBERSHIP AND VPP Plaque from ICA Chairman DaleOUTREACH MANAGER, VPPPA, INC. The Voluntary Protection Program continues Schultz and ADOSH Director Bill Warren. to grow in Arizona. With the addition of Old Federal OSHA States Castle Precast in Chandler as the newest Star Yuma Cogeneration Associates celebrates State-Plan States site, Arizona also codified the VPP in April their VPP Star recertification with family and Public Sector Only when the Governor signed SB 1478. As the friends. ADOSH Assistant Director Jessie second state to codify VPP, Arizona is now Atencio holds up the VPP flag with the site’s improving the program to onboard public EHS professional Miguel Zamorano. entities into the program based on departments rather the entire city or county that wants to work in a collaborative effort with ADOSH. ADOSH will look to the current Public Entity Partnership Program where nine cities and counties are actively working with ADOSH Consultation Consultants to implement a safety and health management system in respective departments. With a health growth of VPP Star sites ADOSH partnered with Region IX and the National OSHA Office to provide a Special Government Employee (SGE) class in Phoenix this past July. A total of 13 new SGE’s were sworn in by the OSHA Area Director and the ADOSH Director. These new SGE’s will help to grow the Arizona VPP Star Program at a rate greater than ADOSH completing the work alone. During this past quarter, four reapprovals took place and one new site was added. Current SGEs have helped the ADOSH Assistant Director Jessie Atencio review annual VPP submissions, VPP applications, as well as assist with the visits. Ducommun leadership celebrated their VPP recertification in August. ICA Chairman Dale ADOSH Director Bill Warren, Assistant Schutz and ADOSH Assistant Director Jessie Atencio hold up the VPP flag with staff. Director Jessie Atencio, Region IX Peter Wilsey and OSHA Area Director pose for a30 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 photo following the swearing in ceremony. vpppa.org

CaliforniaMentoringYou need a mentor if you are planning toachieve Star status in California. Please visit:dir.ca.gov/dosh/cal_vpp/cal_vpp_index.htmland watch “Cal/VPP Mentoring Webinar” tolearn how the mentoring program works andthen fill out the mentoring survey form. Bydoing so the Cal/VPP office will find the bestavailable mentor for your site.Recently Recognized Cal/Star Sites:• Blythe Energy Inc. (Blythe)• Cintas (Stockton)• Phillips 66 Los Angeles Lubricants Plant (Los Angeles)New Sites Working on the Phillips 66 Los Angeles Lubricants Cal/Star celebration July 21.Action Items: on OSHA standards, explored the resources an INSHARP & VPP workshop will be• Sierra Pacific (Oroville) available at www.osha.gov and discussed how conducted to promote partnership programs• Nova Group (Napa) to investigate situations completely during available at the Indiana Department of VPP evaluations, which included a classroom Labor. Companies will be presenting bestUpcoming Onsite Visits at New Sites: workshop regarding how to ask the right practices to help other sites improve their• United Airlines Inc. (San Francisco) questions for different scenarios. safety and health programs and learn more• Monsanto (San Juan Bautista) about INSHARP and VPP. There is no cost to• Broad Spectrum (Benicia) On July 25–26, Mead Johnson in Evansville attend the workshop. hosted the annual federal OSHA SGE trainingIndiana class. During this class, 12 new SGEs were For more information about workshops trained and most of them were placed on an email Beth Gonzalez at [email protected] currently has 84 sites approved in the evaluation team. Indiana currently has a totalVoluntary Protection Program and the program of 122 SGEs to utilize during VPP evaluation Michiganis growing at a healthy pace. So far in 2017, and to mentor sites.one new site has been approved at the Star level There are currently 29 sites in the Michiganand from September to November, five new The next round of regional best practice Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP),site evaluations are scheduled to take place. meetings will be in November 2017: with 25 Star, one Rising Star (Merit), twoIndiana’s VPP leaders are already working with • November 1, NIBCO (Charlestown) MVPP/C (construction) and one MVPP/Cseveral sites who will be ready for evaluations in • November 8, Marathon M&TE Rising Star site.2018 and 2019. The goal for Indiana VPP is tohave 100 sites by the end of 2019. (Indianapolis) The following is a quick update of Michigan • November 16, Eaton (South Bend) OSHA (MIOSHA) MVPP activities. Three regional SGE meetings wereconducted on May 11, in Hartford City, For more information about regional best PromotionIN, at 3M; on June 6, at Worthington practice meetings, email Beth Gonzalez at Sherry Scott, MVPP manager and DougGeneration in Worthington, and on June [email protected]. Kimmel, MVPP specialist, recently assisted8, in Indianapolis, at Cintas #388. At these federal OSHA with a VPP reevaluation at themeetings, the VPP Leaders educated SGEs Indiana’s largest safety conference, the Defense Logistics Agency in Battle Creek. Indiana Safety and Health Conference and Expo, will be held March 12–14, 2018. The A MVPP Star reapproval celebration, hosted conference is presented by the Central Indiana by Holly Construction, was held on July 26. Chapter ASSE and Indiana Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Indiana A Michigan-specific Special Government Department of Labor. Employee training is scheduled for November 29. The session will focus on the differences On the morning of March 12, at the Indiana Safety and Health Conference,vpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 31

state-plan monitorcontacting each state >>Alaska Michigan South Carolina between the VPP and the MVPP, as wellChristian Hendrickson Sherry Scott Sharon Dumit as MIOSHA safety and health standardsVPP Manager MVPP Manager VPP Coordinator that differ from OSHA’s. SGEs looking toChristian.hendrickson@ [email protected] [email protected] participate on an MVPP review team inalaska.gov Phone: (517) 322-5817 Phone: (803) 896-7788 Michigan will need to have attended both thePhone: (907) 269-4946 OSHA and MIOSHA-specific training. Minnesota TennesseeArizona Tyrone Taylor, MBA David Blessman The fall MVPP Advisory Group meeting isJessie Atencio Director of Workplace VPP Manager scheduled for November 28.Assistant Director Safety Consultation MN [email protected]@azdosh.gov Dept. of Labor & Industry Phone: (615) 253-6890 Applications currently pending for thePhone: (520) 220-4222 Occupational Safety & MVPP include: Health Division Utah • Marathon Pipe Line, LLC (Woodhaven)California [email protected] Jerry Parkstone • Cintas First Aid & Safety (Kentwood)Iraj Pourmehraban Phone: (651) 284-5203 VPP Coordinator • Robert Bosch (Farmington Hills)Cal/VPP & PSM Manager [email protected] • Cintas Fire Protection—D26 (Troy)ipourmehraban@ Nevada Phone: (801) 530-6901hq.dir.ca.gov Jimmy Andrews Reevaluation Onsite ReviewsPhone: (510) 622-1080 VPP Manager Vermont Reevaluation onsite reviews have been jimmy.andrews@ Daniel Whipple performed at:Hawaii business.nv.gov VPP Coordinator • Pfizer Global Supply (Kalamazoo)—PSMKristin Takaba Phone: (702) 486-9046 [email protected] • Georgia-Pacific, Beaver Creek (Grayling)OSH Program Phone: (802) 828-5084 • Albemarle (South Haven)Specialist—Compliance New Mexico • Arconic (Whitehall)Assistance Specialist Melissa Barker Virginia • Johnson Technology (Muskegon)[email protected] VPP Coordinator Milford Stern • Johnson Technology (Norton Shores)Phone: (808) 586-9090 [email protected] VPP Manager • DTE Fermi 2 (Monroe) Phone: (505) 222-9595 [email protected] Phone: (540) 562-3580 x 123 New MVPP SitesBeth A. Gonzalez North Carolina Sites that have recently been approved forVPP Team Leader LaMont Smith Washington participation in the program:[email protected] Recognition Program John Geppert • Walbridge, Ford Dearborn CampusPhone: (317) 607-6118 Manager VPP Manager [email protected] [email protected] Transformation Project (Dearborn)—Iowa Phone: (919) 807-2909 Phone: (360) 902-5496 Rising StarShashi Patel • Eaton Aerospace, LLC (Grand Rapids)—StarVPP Coordinator Oregon Wyoming “Like” us on Facebook, follow us [email protected] Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM Clayton Gaunt Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube:Phone: (515) 281-6369 VPP/SHARP Program VPP Manager www.youtube.com/c/MIOSHA_MI Coordinator [email protected] For further details on the MVPP,Kentucky mark.e.hurliman@ Phone: (307) 777-7710 contact Doug Kimmel, MVPP specialistBrian Black oregon.gov at (231) 546-2366, or visit the MIOSHAVPP Program Administrator Phone: (541) 776-6016 website at www.michigan.gov/[email protected]: (502) 564-3320 Puerto Rico Tennessee Ilza RomanMaryland Director On June 7, TOSHA Assistant Administrator,Allen Stump [email protected] Jim Flanagan, presented the employees ofVPP Manager Phone: (787) 754-2171 Frito-Lay in Pulaski with their Volunteer [email protected] Award as part of the site’s fourth approvalPhone: (410) 527-4473 effort. The site received their first approval in 2002.For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visitwww.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfm A successful onsite reevaluation was recently conducted at Tennessee Eastman in32 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 Kingsport and a successful initial certification was conducted at Valero Memphis Refinery in Memphis, bringing the total number of Volunteer Star sites to 36. vpppa.org

regional round-upsCOMPILED BY JAMIE MITCHELL, Region I The Region I Board of Directors would likeCOMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, to let everyone know that the region’s websiteVPPPA, INC. www.vppregion1.com holds a wealth of information including but not limited to: open board positions,vpppa.org Region I held its quarterly meeting at Safety+ scholarship information, locations of upcoming in New Orleans, LA, on August 30. There chapter meetings, locations of upcoming were approximately 34 attendees representing conferences, contact information for the board approximately 18 different companies. Thank of directors, meeting minutes from previous you to all who made the trip and attended the chapter meetings and much more. If there is meeting. Your support is very much appreciated. anything someone would like to see on the website, please let a board member know. At the quarterly meeting held at Safety+, it Contributed by Karen Girardin, was announced that the next Region I quarterly Region I Chairperson meeting will be held at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Andover, MA, on November 1. Also, the Region II Region I Safety & Health Conference & Expo will be held May 7–9 at the Sea Crest Beach www.vppparegion2.org Hotel in North Falmouth, MA, in Cape Cod. Good news: The OSHA National Office More specifics about both events will be sent has approved the Region II proposed 2018 out soon and will be posted on the Region I Special Government Employee (SGE) class. website, www.vppregion1.com. It will be held from April 10–12, 2018 at Curtis Lumber, Ballston Spa, NY. Please The Region I Board of Directors will be share this information with any of your exhibiting at the Annual Maine Safety & Health colleagues interested in becoming a SGE. Conference in Augusta, ME, on October 17–19, The SGE application deadline to attend the with the intent of heightening awareness of the class is January 15, 2018. SGE applications benefits of VPPPA and of VPP. should be submitted directly to the SGE Coordinator in the OSHA National Office. There are four Region I Star sites that are You can find more information at currently mentoring other companies. www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/sge/sge_training.html. • Coca-Cola is mentoring Harris Rebar of Brenda Kay Wiederkehr and Kevin O’Brien Deerfield, MA. accepting the recertification plaque for • Cartamundi is mentoring Mayberry Access Health Systems from the OSHA VPP regional administrator at the VPPPA Material Handling of East Longmeadow, Region II annual conference held June MA, and Cintas of Winsor, CT. 26–28 in Atlantic City. • Acushnet is mentoring Chatham Village Foods of Wareham, MA. THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 • Pratt & Whitney is mentoring Sysco Corporation of Westbrook, ME. After the formal elections that took place at the Region I conference in May 2017, there was one nomination received for the open vice chairperson position. Director-at-large, Mike Avery, of Cartamundi in East Longmeadow, MA, was appointed by the board to the vice chairperson position. Congratulations Mike! This now leaves an open director-at-large position that needs to be filled. There is also an open position for the hourly representative from a union site. This open position as well as the open director-at-large position will be posted on the Region I website, with all pertinent information if anyone is interested in applying to join the board. The Region I Board of Directors would like to remind Region I sites that the region offers three $1,000 scholarships to students that might be interested and that qualify. The specifics about who is eligible, due dates and how to apply are posted on the Region I website. 33

regional round-ups Berry flag raising and reapproval plaque. Region II is continuing to fundraise for the AED fund. June Safety Month event at Chester. A special thanks to Curtis Lumber for34 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 volunteering to host the class. The 2018 conference registration winner was Russell Gaston from Covanta in Essex County, NJ. In addition, the Chester facility held its annual STERIS June safety month, safety stand- down, with a barbeque event. Presentations and speeches were provided by Mark Thomas and Robert Heatherington, who encouraged the work staff to continue to make advances in worker health and safety as an OSHA VPP Star worksite. Congratulations on a great event Chester! Contributed by Brenda Wiederkehr, Region II Chairperson Region IV www.regionivvpp.org The Region IV VPPPA Board of Directors are currently gearing up for the 2018 Region IV VPPPA Safety and Health Excellence Conference. The conference will be held at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in beautiful Biloxi, MS, from June 19–21, 2018. We will be accepting workshop proposals until November 30, so anyone who is interested in presenting is encouraged to visit our website at www.regionivvpp.org to submit their name and information. The Region IV VPPPA Board of Directors would like to recognize our 2017 conference survey winners: • Attendee Survey: Teresa Harden, OCI Peroxides—Huntsville vpppa.org

• Exhibitor Survey: Earl Brown, Industrial • Cintas Corporation #618—Ada, OK The Region VI VPPPA is Phycologists, Inc. • DynCorp International at NASA Aircraft excited to kick off the 30th Annual Safety &Contributed by Christopher Colburn, Operations Division, Elli—Houston, TX Health Conference.Region IV Treasurer • Knowledge and Perfor Proj Srv at ChevronRegion VI Phillips—Baytown, TX • Vallen at Chevron Phillips Chemical—www.regionvivpp.orgThe Region VI VPPPA is excited to kick off the Baytown, TX30th Annual Safety & Health Conference. This • Zachry at Chevron Phillips Chemicalyear we are excited to travel to Fort Worth, TX,where the conference will be held at the Fort Pasadena Plant—Pasadena, TXWorth Convention Center. This conference is • Timberlake Construction Company Inc—open to association members and non-membersalike. We have attendees across all professional Oklahoma City, OKdemographics as safety affects everyone. The • BASF Corporation—Appleton—course offerings from OSHA, TEEX, GulfCoast Safety Institute, as well as the wide variety Appleton, WIof industry peer-taught courses, makes this • Bay Ltd. at Valero Bill Greehey Refinery—safety conference stand out among others. Corpus Christi, TXUpcoming Special Government • Blue Cube Oyster Creek—Freeport, TXEmployee (SGE) Trainings • Boise Cascade Alexandria Engineered Wood• November 14–16, Valero, San Antonio, TX• February 6–8, 2018 Baton Rouge Area Products—Lena, LA • Brock Services at Valero Bill Greehey Office, Baton Rouge, LA• April 28–30, 2018 Region VI Safety & Health Refineries—Corpus Christi, TX • Cintas Corporation #628—Lawton, OK Excellence Conference, Fort Worth, TX • Clean Harbors Enviromental Services—• September 11–13, 2018 NASA, Houston, TX Waynoka, OKFlag Raising Ceremonies• H&S Constructors, Inc. at Valero Three THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 35 Rivers Refinery—Three Rivers, TX• Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi— Corpus Christi, TX• Naval Health Clinic Kingsville— Kingsville, TX• Phillips 66 Research Center—Bartlesville, OK• TEAM QualSpec at Valero Houston Refinery—Houston, TX• Total Safety Corporate Office—Houston, TX• Zachry Industrial at Phillips66 Technology Center—Bartlesville, OK• Canrig Drilling Technology—Houston, TX• Halliburton Energy Services—Lafayette, LA• Magnum Engineering and Controls at Chevron Phillip—Baytown, TX• Tenaska Kiamichi Generating Station— Kiowa, OK• USA Environment at Chevron Phillips Chemical—Baytown, TX• SGS Petroleum Service at Chevron Phillips Chemical—Baytown, TX• Brock Services at Chevron Phillips Chemical—Pasadena, TXvpppa.org

regional round-upsThe Arizona Division of • Entergy Chalmette Service Center— Region IXOccupational Safety & Chalmette, LAHealth (ADOSH) is proud www.regionixvpppa.orgto announce that the VPP • Halliburton Energy Services—Carrollton—program has been codified Carrollton, TX Arizonain the state of Arizona. • John Zink Co., LLC—Tulsa, OK The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety • Koch-Glitsch—Houston, TX & Health (ADOSH) is proud to announce • Lyondell Basell Bayport Underwood Plant— that the VPP program has been codified in the state of Arizona. This signals a continued Pasadena, TX commitment to the Voluntary Protection • Olin Chlor Alka Products—Saint Gabriel, LA Program and solidifies the fact that ADOSH • Refinery—Corpus Christi, TX will continue to grow the program through • TEAM QualSpec at Valero Bill Greehey increased awareness and funding. At the time of the codification, ADOSH also placed Refineries—Corpus Christi, TX language affecting the partnership and the In addition, Kimberly Cooper recently scheduling of general scheduled inspections. joined the Region VI Board of Directors. ADOSH has formed many alliances Kimberly works at Chevron Phillips Chemical and partnerships offering opportunities in Orange, TX. Danny Barrett and Johnny for employers in high risk industries to Collazo retired from the Region VI Board. collaborate with ADOSH and reduce injuries Thanks to both for all your hard work and and illnesses in the workplace. dedication to Region VI and VPP. ADOSH offers construction partnerships, Contributed by Kirk Crandall, Public Entity Partnership Programs (PEPP), Region VI Director-at-Large HBACA Safe Site Partnerships, ASA of Arizona Membership Partnerships, in Region VII addition to the Rate Reduction Awareness Program. Each of these programs strives www.regionviivpp.org to work with employers to gain status in The Region VII Board of Directors are SHARP or VPP. preparing for the 2018 Midwest Safety & Health Expo & Conference, which will be ADOSH holds several regional summits held at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, NE, and two large safety summits annually. One on May 21–23, 2018. We are adding site summit will be held from November 15–16 at visits for companies just starting their VPP the Radisson Hotel in Phoenix, AZ. voyage. We would like to thank Omaha Steaks and El Dorado Packaging, both out of During the two previous safety summits and Omaha, NE, for agreeing to open their sites a regional summit, ADOSH provided outreach up to tours during the conference. to over 180 attendees, providing them with additional information on safety and health In addition, we recently offered a SGE management systems and OSHA regulations. training class in Chesterfield, MO. We had ADOSH did hold one special SGE course in eight attendees. conjunction with the Region IX and national OSHA offices, and 13 new SGEs were sworn Our Region VII SGE of the Year, Michael in and are now ready to go to work throughout Yount, was awarded the National SGE of the the region and on a national level. Year Award. Congratulations to Michael! The Region IX VPPPA Board of Directors We have seven new mentor and mentee are the mentoring liaisons and more pairings this year, with numerous others information can be obtained by contacting interested in the program. Gilbert Cosme or Jennifer Sanchez through Region IX VPPPA at www.regionixvpppa.org. In early September, two Monsanto sites in Waco, NE, celebrated their Star status with Several companies were reapproved recently a flag raising celebration. Honorary board as VPP Star sites including: member, Dan Saathoff, presented a plaque • Ducommon, Print Pack, Inc. during the ceremony. • Yuma Cogeneration Association Contributed by Bill Turner, There have been several changes in board Region VII Chairperson positions. Including:36 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

• Chairperson, Gilbert Aceves, NRG Energy Region X providing attendees with information on• Treasurer, Jennifer Sanchez VPP and the upcoming 33rd Annual Region• Secretary, Gilberto Cosme Jr., Palo Verde www.regionxvpppa.org X Northwest Safety & Health Summit to be held in Anchorage, AL, May 1–3, 2018. Generating Station The Region X Board of Directors continue They also interviewed potential speaker• Representative from a Site Without a to support outreach activities in Region X candidates and vendors. This event was also which includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and supported by John Geppert, DOSH VPP Collective Bargaining Agent, Terry Schulte, Washington. During the week of September Manager, Sharon Perkins and Darren James NuStar Energy 19–20, Jack Griffith, Region X Treasurer who not only supported the VPP activities• Director-at-Large, Jodi Jondahl, Raytheon and member of the National VPPPA Board but were involved in activities to support of Directors and Rocky Simmons, Region X the Governor’s Industrial Safety & HealthNevada VPPPA Chairperson, attended Washington’s Conference as speakers, moderators and 66th Annual Governor’s Industrial Safety & Staff members.One big change for future VPP applicants Health Conference held in Tacoma, WA,became effective on July 1. The Division of and gave a presentation on VPP 101. Derek Contributed by Jack Griffith, Region XIndustrial Relations Safety Consultation and Engard, of Federal OSHA (Department of Treasurer and National BoardTraining Section (SCATS) has assumed control Labor VPP Manager) also participated in Director-at-Largeof VPP from Nevada OSHA enforcement. the session. In addition, they had a booth in the exhibit hall for networking and SCATS will be rolling out the new NevadaVPP plan documents soon. In the interim, SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESSthey will still be using the previouslypublished guidance, available on their www.nucor.com/responsibilitywebsite at www.4safenv.state.nv.us under“cooperative programs.” As documents arerevised to reflect changes, that informationwill also be published on the website. Additionally, as of July 31, 2017, Nevadahas 10 participating VPP sites. Two of thesites are currently going through the renewalprocess and there is one application which iscurrently under review. Moving forward therewill be no set limit on the number of newapplications accepted each year. This reflects achange of past practices. A potential class for SGEs is currentlybeing planned for August 2018. We willcontinue to update members as newinformation becomes available. The CAO of SCATS is Todd Schultzand the Program Coordinator is StephenRodgers. They can be contacted by calling(702) 990-0362 or 1-877-472-3368. SCATSpersonnel look forward to working with youall in the future. The Region IX VPPPA can be reached atseveral social media sites by going to any ofthe following:• Follow us on Twitter: @RegionIXVPPPA• Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/regionixvpppa• Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/regionixvpppaContributed by Mark Norton,Region IX Ambassadorvpppa.org THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 37

infographic corner Per the National Service Animal Registry, service The Navy’s animals are dogs (and in Marine Mammal some cases, miniature horses) Program began in 1960 trained to perform major life to study the capabilities tasks to assist people with of dolphins, sea lions, beluga whales and other physical or severe marine mammals. psychiatric impairments/ Bottlenose dolphins are used to disabilities. detect and defend Notable companies against enemy swimmers, including Google, Amazon detect and mark underwater and Proctor & mines and more. Gamble allow pets in theHippotherapy workplace. is a physical, occupational or With their speech and language acute sense of therapy treatment strategy that uses smell, equine movement. some dogs can be trained to The Japanese IT firm, sniff out diseases Ferray Corporation, adopted nine office cats like cancer and diabetes. to reduce work stress.38 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017 vpppa.org

calendar of events May 21–23 VPPPA ContactsDecember Region VII To reach the VPPPA National VPPPA Conference Office, call (703) 761-1146 or Mid-December Omaha, NE visit www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please Membership renewals May 22–24 refer to the contact information below.March Region V VPPPA Conference Mike Maddox March 7–9 Indianapolis Convention Center [email protected] Indianapolis, IN Executive Director 21st Annual Ext. 103 Region III Conference June Omni Homestead Resort Sara A. Taylor, CMP Hot Springs, VA June 19–21 [email protected] Director of Operations March 13–15 Region IV Safety & Ext. 107 Health Excellence Conference Region IX VPPPA Beau Rivage Casino & Resort Brielle Mroczko Safety Summit Biloxi, MS [email protected] San Diego, CA Conference Coordinator August Ext. 116April August 28–31 Kerri Carpenter April 30–May 3 [email protected] Safety+ Symposium Communications Region VI Annual Safety & Gaylord Opryland Convention Center & Outreach Manager Health Conference Nashville, TN Ext. 121 Ft. Worth Convention Center Ft. Worth, TX Jamie Mitchell 39 [email protected] Communications Coordinator Ext. 117 May 1–3 Heidi Hill Region X Northwest Safety [email protected] and Health Summit Senior Event Sales & Anchorage, AK Advertising Coordinator Ext. 111 May 7–9 Katlyn Pagliuca Region I VPPPA Conference [email protected] Falmouth, MA Membership Manager Ext. 115 May 8–10 Natasha Cole Region VIII [email protected] VPPPA Safety Summit Member Services Coordinator Cheyenne, WY Ext. 113vpppa.org Sierra Johnson [email protected] Special Projects Coordinator Ext. 114 Bryant Walker [email protected] Information & Data Analyst Manager Ext. 110 Michael Khosrofian [email protected] Accountant Ext. 104 Courtney Malveaux, Esq [email protected] Government Relations Counsel Ext. 105 THE LEADER / AUTUMN 2017

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• Keeps extension ladders from Ladder falls – slipping on slick surfaces such as 2nd leading cause of composite decking work-related• Unique design of foam creates tiny injur ie s! * suction cups that grip the surface, even when wet * https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ nioshtic-2/20034690.html• Light weight for easy use, weighs ~8 pounds Working Concepts, Inc.• Works on smooth surfaces, plastic, 888-456-3372 • www.softknees.com • [email protected] wood, concrete, etc., even when wet Patent Pending• Prevents marring and scratches to deck caused by ladder feet• Attaches to the bottom ladder rung, with adjustable strap, for easy movement of ladder along wall• Fits most extension ladders, up to 21” wide• Replaceable self-adhesive foam pad