The Leader - Autumn 2019: Natural Disasters & Emergency Preparedness

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THE STARS CONTINUE TO ALIGN FOR NUSTAR!

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VPP STAR

WORKSITES

AND COUNTING. . .

WWW.NUSTARENERGY.COM

CONTENTS

VOL 6 | NO 4 | AUTUMN 2 019

FEATURES

10

Critical Consideration for Social Media and Emergency Management Today

By Captain Tiffany Danko, United States Coast Guard Reserve

18

Emergency Planning Best Practices for Effective Hazardous Chemical Management

By Glenn Trout, VelocityEHS

22

From the Front Lines of Natural Disaster Rescue

By Tim Robson, Eddie Chapa and Heath Petty, Roco Rescue

28

Before, During and After: Surviving a Disaster with Effective Planning

By Vivian Marinelli, Psy.D., FEI Behavioral Health

32

When Disaster Strikes...

Do You Have the Right Protective Equipment?

By Lydia Baugh, International Safety Equipment Association

36

Why You Should Consider a Tornado Shelter

By Dale Kiefer, Triple Canopy Media

41

Safety in the Era of Extreme Weather Events

By National Safety Council Staff

COLUMNS 4 6 44

A Message from the VPPPA Chairperson Global Safety and Health Watch From the Perspective of a First Responder

SECTIONS 8 46 50 54 58

Infographic Corner Membership Corner State-Plan Monitor Regional Round-Ups Calendar of Events

A Message From the VPPPA Chairperson

W

elcome to the Autumn issue

Welcome to our VPPPA family. We held 11

of the Leader magazine. In this

VPPPA National and Regional conferences

issue, we are focused on natural

across the country providing excellence in

disasters. A special shout-out to our authors

education and networking opportunities to

for sharing their expertise with us.

a total of over 7,200 attendees. Fiscal Year

We celebrated our 35th year of facilitiating

2018, ending in June of 2019, was the most

safety management system (SMS) excellence

financially successful on record for our

at the Safety+ Symposium in New Orleans, LA,

association in terms of revenue over expenses.

where we brought innovation and the learning experience to a new level.

At the event, we also unleashed our new and

We formed a formal partnership with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). ISEA members are leaders in safety

progressive VPPPA logo. We are the masters

equipment manufacturing, testing and

of SMS excellence and the facilitators of

application, and we are now united in the

collaboration, mentorship and the protection

goal of protecting workers worldwide. We

of workers. Our new logo is a testament to that

strengthened our partnership with the Board

commitment. The logo represents a pledge

of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). BCSP

to continuous progress, growth, superiority

is the leader in high quality credentialing for

of solutions, deliverance of the best in SMS

safety, health and environmental practitioners.

excellence and to innovation.

We strengthened our partnership with

We completely revamped this year’s Safety+ Symposium. Some of the innovations included:

• National VPPPA Mentor of the Year Award • Live-streamed several of our workshops • Daily live broadcasts from The SafetyPro Podcast

• A professional general session production team

• Three general sessions, with the first

Columbia Southern University to offer our members scholarships, discounted and flexible online associate, bachelors and master’s degree programs. We are a Top Tier Partner on the very successful OSHA Safe and Sound Week Campaign with participants in every state, four U.S. territories and 17 countries. We have partnered with the world’s best regional, national and international exhibitors to

one being a power hour with multiple

bring you the latest technology, education,

industry-leading speakers

products and services on the planet.

to download

now have access to all of our previously

• Recorded workshops for members • More networking opportunities in fun environments

• A relaxation/meditation room • The media center • New engaging tracks for our concurrent sessions including one for leaders

We also announced partnerships with our VPPPA Regions to hold joint symposiums for the first time ever. The first of the “super” events will be with Region IV in 2021, Region V in 2022 and Regions IX and X in 2023. We are lined up to partner with all of

As an additional member benefit, members recorded webinars for free on our website.

As always, if you have any thoughts, comments, questions or ideas, please reach out to me, our amazing National Office Staff, or the National and/or Regional Boards of Directors.

Everything we do is for you, our members.

You asked, we listened, and we are forging a new and exciting future in this regard.

We are truly transforming tomorrow together.

—J.A. Rodriguez Jr., CSP, SGE

our VPPPA Regions.

I am excited to announce we have 290 new member sites since fiscal year 2018.

4

Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

www.vpppa.org

VPPPA partner, the International Safety Equipment

Association (ISEA), is the leading association for personal protective equipment and technologies that enable people to work in hazardous environments, and an

ANSI-accredited standard developing organization. The

association works closely with manufacturers, test labs, subject matter experts, end-users and government

agencies in the standards development process. ISEA

members-leaders in safety equipment manufacturing, testing and application-are united in the goal of

protecting workers worldwide. ISEA has launched the #SafeHands Campaign to promote awareness and educate workers about keeping their hands safe.

VPPPA National Board of Directors Chairperson J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE, Raytheon Company, LLC Vice Chairperson Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP Treasurer Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratory Secretary Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Unit Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Director from a Site Without a Collective Bargaining Agent Johnathan “JD” Dyer, Shermco Industries Director from a DOE-VPP Site Stacy Thursby, Navarro—DOE Legacy Management Support Director from a VPP Contractor/ Construction Site Brad Gibson, S&B Engineers & Constructors Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Director-at-Large Sean D. Horne, Valero Energy Director-at-Large Alice Tatro, Acushnet Company—Ball Plant II Director-at-Large Shelly Ettel, PCAPP Director-at-Large Bill Linneweh, CSP, Hendrickson International Director-at-Large Andy Youpel, SGE, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. EDITORIAL MISSION

The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year.

Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors.

Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 • Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities.

vpppa.org

Leader—Autumn 2019

5

By Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc.

Global Safety and Health Watch

How Can I Help?

N

atural disasters

charities to buy the most needed

consistently wreak

types of food, medicine, clothing,

supporting many active

Harvey, and the organization

havoc throughout the

shelter materials, and other

emergencies, including:

deployed 1,683 volunteers

world. In recent years

supplies. By buying relief products

hurricane relief, the California

during their Hurricane Harvey

it seems like the devastation is

locally or regionally, charities can

fires, the Mexico earthquakes

response. In addition, Team

never-ending. While sometimes

reduce shipping costs and more

and Puerto Rico. Regarding

Rubicon has launched a large-

it may seem hopeless, there are

rapidly deliver assistance. Before

the wildfires, Direct Relief has

scale response operation in the

things we can do to help. The

sending any goods, first contact

supplied masks that protect

Bahamas to help those impacted

following articles in this issue

the charity to find out if they are

against smoke and ash, as well

by Hurricane Dorian. A study

of the Leader provide countless

appropriate and if it will be cost

as medical assistance at 40

by the Department of Veterans

emergency preparedness tips.

effective to distribute them. For

health centers and clinics.

Affairs finds continued service

Taking the advice laid out in these

example, after a tsunami in the

pages is the first step toward

Pacific, boxes of donated winter

helping yourself, or loved ones,

coats, scarves and fuzzy hats,

survive a storm if you are directly

completely useless items in

impacted. For those of us lucky

tsunami-stricken nations with

enough to not be affected by

tropical climates, were sent.”

recent catastrophes, there are other ways to provide assistance.

Unsure of where to donate?

GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. When

There are a wide variety of amazing charities that are worthy of your donation. Including:

Direct Relief Directrelief.org

researching a nonprofit to donate

As stated by GuideStar, “Direct

to, GuideStar compares nonprofits

Relief is a medical relief

and presents information with

organization, active in all 50

transparency. In addition,

states and 80 countries, with a

CharityWatch, which was founded

mission to improve the health

25 years ago as the American

and lives of people affected by

Institute of Philanthropy, works

poverty or emergency situations.

to expose nonprofit abuses and

Direct Relief earns a 100 percent

advocates for the interests of

fundraising efficiency rating from

the donor. CharityWatch grades

Forbes, tops Charity Navigator’s

organizations on a scale of A+ to F.

list of the “10 Best Charities

Direct Relief is currently

helps veterans reintegrate into

Team Rubicon

Teamrubiconusa.org According to their website, “Team Rubicon is an international disaster response

Volunteering

While donating funds is always a great way to help disaster relief efforts, you can also offer your

veterans with first responders

time and energy by volunteering.

to rapidly provide relief to

By simply searching for

communities in need. Founded

“disaster relief” on a website like

in 2010 with the expressed goal

VolunteerMatch.org you can find

of quickly responding to large-

local opportunities.

scale disasters, Team Rubicon

Before sending unsolicited

has deployed thousands of

items, be sure to check if an

volunteers across the United

organization is accepting

States and world to provide

donated goods, and what those

relief to communities in need.”

goods are. In addition, giving

Team Rubicon recently finished rebuilding their fiftieth

blood is another meaningful way to help out after a storm.

RESOURCES

donors to be on guard for

named among “the world’s most

fraudulent organizations. Social

www.guidestar.org/

innovative companies in not-

media can be full of scammers

for-profit” by Fast Company.

www.directrelief.org/

using copy-cat charity names

Among other distinctions,

or people promoting completely

Direct Relief received the 2014

fake organizations. According

CECP Director’s Award, the

to CharityWatch, “The best way

President’s Award from Esri for

to help is by sending a check

excellence in GIS mapping, and

or donating securely by credit

the Peter F. Drucker Award for

card. Such cash donations enable

Nonprofit Innovation.”

Leader—Autumn 2019

mental health benefits.

and experiences of military

www.guidestar.org/profile/95-1831116

6

society and provides positive

nonprofit that unites the skills

Everyone’s Heard Of” and is

CharityWatch also warns

home damaged by Hurricane

www.charitywatch.org/ www.vox.com/future-perfect/2018/10/15/17927688/disastershurricane-dorian-bahamas-relief-aid teamrubiconusa.org/blog/team-rubicon-is-providing-relief-in-thebahamas-while-remaining-ready-to-support-the-us/ blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers/2019/09/03/5-waysto-help-communities-affected-by-hurricane-florence-and-othernatural-disasters/

vpppa.org

Confined Space Rescue Training, Equipment & Stand-by Services WE DO RESCUE

800-647-7626 RocoRescue.com

Infographic Corner

According to DoSomething.org,

NOAA reports a

Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy were senior citizens over the age of 65.

direct or indirect weather-related deaths from 2013 to 2017.

over half of the victims of both

The number of weather events reported by the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

has increased 7.6 percent; from 55,760 events in 2013 to 59,985 in 2017.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

attributes 25 to 50

22 percent decrease in

OSHA requires all companies with 10 or more employees to

have a written emergency action plan developed within OSHA standards.

Almost half of all flash flood fatalities are

deaths annually vehicle-related, in the U.S. to landslides and debris flows.

8

Leader—Autumn 2019

according to the National Weather Service.

vpppa.org

103

32

21

682

83

@CRITICAL 72 101 4 267

Consideration for Social Media and

#EMERGENCY 300

754

Management Today

99

By Captain Tiffany Danko, United States Coast Guard Reserve

53

10

352 577

Leader—Autumn 2019

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486 382 vpppa.org

56

202

344

413

4

n a time when

and make sense of a significant

or understanding of the

even the Federal

amount of information within

evolving situation, decision-

Emergency

a limited period of time,

making, communications and

Management

creating that shared vision

preparation such as training

Agency (FEMA) “has an app

while establishing feedback and

and organization (Stern, 2013).

for that,” and Twitter and

communication throughout

Each of these comes into play

Facebook play a prominent

the organizations involved.

with an essential element

role in public communications,

For example, there were more

of this leadership process—

social media has become

than 100 agencies involved in

communications, including

an essential consideration

rescuing greater than 122,331

social media. The influence of

for leaders in emergency

people in the flooding of

social media in a crisis today

management. Leading in a

Houston during Hurricane

cannot be underestimated, as it

crisis or emergency scenario

Harvey (Federal Emergency

shapes actions of organizations

involves coordination and

Management Agency, 2017). The

and agencies while influencing

collaboration across a

dozens of federal, state and local

public risk perceptions and

multitude of individuals,

agencies and health providers

communicating essential

organizations and

that responded to the Las Vegas

information. According to

governments, understanding

shootings (The New York Times,

the Department of Homeland

and making sense of

2017) also required collaboration

Security (DHS), “Social media

the unexpected, while

and quick decision-making

and collaborative technologies

communicating and

while facing life-threatening

have become critical

partnering across boundaries.

concerns and effectively

components of emergency

Organizations must adapt

communicating with the

preparedness, response, and

and flexibly respond to

public. In the case of Hurricane

recovery” (Department of

capability and resource

Harvey, leaders quickly

Homeland Security, 2013).

demands, leveraging systems

leveraged established incident

Social media enables the

to effectively manage evolving

management procedures and

rapid diffusion of messages

risk and ensure safety for

networks, communicating to

and information, while also

personnel. Leaders who

create a system for coordination

facilitating community-

articulate a shared, common

and rescue of individuals across

building across the public and

vision while communicating

multiple cities by helicopter,

various organizations. (Liu,

expectations and managing

boat, truck, kayak and any

Lai, & Xu, 2018). Leaders in a

performance enable success

other conveyance capable of

crisis rely on these functions to

for organizations during times

handling the conditions at hand

effectively steer organizations

of crisis (Gruber, Smerek,

(Thomas, 2018).

and communities in successful

Thomas-Hunt, & Jones, 2015; James & Wooten, 2005, 2010).

Leaders in emergency management must embrace vpppa.org

Leading an organization

response actions, maintaining

through confronting a

transparency while strategically

disaster or crisis involves key

framing efforts and adapting to

challenges such as sensemaking

a rapidly evolving environment.

Leader—Autumn 2019

11

486

Influence of Social Media on Emergency Management Processes

The influence of social media on

352

today’s emergency management processes is tremendous. During the lead-up to Hurricane Irma, for example, Florida’s office of tourism sent over 280,000 targeted Facebook messages to those it believed to be visiting.

Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) used Twitter to post storm and forecast updates, and local agencies like Seminole County in Florida used the Nextdoor social media site to map potentially impacted areas of residents (MacMillan, 2017).

During Hurricane Harvey, thousands of individuals used hashtags in Twitter posts, such as #HoustonRescue and #HoustonSoS, in order to post addresses and information for those requesting rescue.

Authorities used social media to guide information flow and direct stranded members of the community to coordinate assistance. According to the While crisis communication

The influence of social media on today’s emergency management processes is tremendous.

12

Leader—Autumn 2019

DHS (2013), the literature

of individuals and families based on this information, while simultaneously other volunteer services like CrowdSource Rescue directed similar efforts. Information sharing by these agencies, such as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office tweet on August 27 that, “HCSO deputies are out in the Blackhorse subdivision still working high water rescues” (HCSO, 2017), was reshared dozens of times, spreading the word of agency actions while engaging the community throughout the emergency management process. According to King (2018), social media may further enable those who are unable to use traditional means of communication or belong to vulnerable populations obtain information while also connecting to friends and family throughout an emergency.

Leaders have the opportunity to advance this, providing social media structure and engagement and identifying the capabilities and resources needed to effectively manage the process.

Social Media and Emergency Management: Benefit or Challenge?

and risk has traditionally been

supports the use of social media

framed as a one-way conveyance

in a role for organizations

of information, new technologies

during emergencies and

have made this a dynamic,

requires a proactive strategy for

interactive exchange between

engagement with the community

agencies and organizations

organizations and the public.

and other organizations.

have the ability to shape public

Media and communication are

As an example of this, an

According to Freberg (2012),

perceptions of risk and actions

rapidly changing in response

analysis of social media used

for emergency preparedness.

to emerging technologies and

during Hurricanes Harvey

Simultaneously concerned for

social drivers, altering how

and Irma revealed five major

the safety of responders and the

people communicate with one

categories of information,

public, social media presents

another and how organizations

including “securing rescue,

both benefits and challenges

communicate with the

volunteerism, information

to organizations. Resources

public (Federal Emergency

sharing, activism and keeping

for managing an emergency

Management Agency, 2012).

friends and family updated”

situation are always constrained,

These changing patterns of

(King, 2018). When the 911

whether due to budgetary

information flow are seen in the

system was overwhelmed during

reasons, asset availability

role of social media in emergency

Hurricane Harvey, the public

or location. Social media,

management over the last few

turned to Twitter, Facebook

however, is driving volunteer

years, where Facebook posts and

and other social media sites to

organizations to greater

Twitter feeds have driven public

call for rescue. Local, state, and

interaction with traditional

opinion, agency responses and

federal agencies, from police and

emergency management

even rescues of individuals

fire departments to the U.S. Coast

processes, while also providing

and families.

Guard, rescued tens of thousands

a vehicle to leverage these

vpppa.org

AD p. 13

58 577

during these hurricanes,

this complex task, there can also

but without the additional

be an inundation of misleading

information normally sought by

and false information, even

the 911 system, it is difficult to

dangerous deceptions preying

determine the relative risk each

on the public.

group is facing.

In a study of the social media posts for rescues related to

false or misleading information

Hurricane Harvey, for example,

proliferate in modern crises

University of Texas Researchers

(Department of Homeland

(Zhang, 2018) found problems

Security, 2018; Harper, 2018).

with coordination and redundant

Particularly dangerous to

or needless rescue efforts due

the agencies and volunteers

to overlap of information or

managing a crisis or disaster

multiple agencies responding

scenario, modern social media

to similar information. Further,

enables individuals and groups

first responders sent to assist the

to advance agendas or achieve

public are unable to determine

specific results while others

the relative risk in operations,

simultaneously spread outdated

without that additional

or incorrect information.

information. As leaders, this

At many points during the last two years, agencies have had to remind the public not to use social media for rescue requests, directing them to 911 systems for effective dispatch.

14

Leader—Autumn 2019

them into operational paradigms (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2012).

At the same time, however, this additional connection to volunteers presents further management challenges, requiring an acknowledgement of the physical safety and coordination for potentially thousands of untrained

For example, during the 2017

requires critical reflection on the

California wildfires, a media

use of social media posts as well

source advanced a false claim

as the risk faced by responders in

about the source of the wildfires

unknown environments.

(Harper, 2018), and the 2017

An overwhelming amount of

resources and incorporate

Misinformation campaigns and the spread of deliberately

Oroville dam evacuation nearly

data may also result from the

engulfed nearby unaffected

adoption of social media as a

areas due to a misleading tweet

tool in emergency management,

(Department of Homeland

with a massive volume of

Security, 2018). In each case,

information to sort through

officials had to rapidly respond

for actionable information. At

and initiate the spread of

many points during the last

corrected information to

two years, agencies have had

counter the misleading and false

to remind the public not to use

data being distributed via social

social media for rescue requests,

media outlets to avert negative

directing them to 911 systems

consequences to the public and

for effective dispatch. Hundreds

first responders.

of thousands of unvetted social

Incorrect information,

media posts were involved

such as that distributed by

with the rescue efforts for the

fake accounts like those

2017 and 2018 U.S. hurricane

in play during Hurricane

seasons, and the Rice University

Sandy that distributed false

Kinder Institute found that

news of a flooded New York

there were over one million

Stock Exchange and sharks

Twitter posts alone related to

in the streets of New York

Hurricane Harvey hashtags in

(Department of Homeland

the 14-day period immediately

Security, 2018), mislead the

to incorrect information and

surrounding Harvey’s impact

public. When combined with

difficult prioritization. When all

on the Houston area in 2017

the insufficient information

the information that is available

(Rice Kinder, 2018). This volume

which often occurs when

is a few sentences from a

of data requires a risk-based

agencies are unable to rapidly

tweet or Facebook post, how

decision-making process

distribute updates like after the

do leaders prioritize between

for leaders to ensure that

2015 Nepal earthquake, public

the “family on the roof with

responders are being guided by

safety may be at risk. During the

2 kids” and the “women with

true operational needs, rather

2016 Louisiana floods, multiple

wheelchair and a dog”? Notes

than issues that simply yield the

false posts and insufficient

like these were common to the

largest amount of information,

information posted by FEMA

rescue information requested

to ensure their safety. Within

resulted in an overwhelmed

volunteers in an emergency.

Further, the coordination of information for rescue through social media rather than the traditional 911 system, such as occurred during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Florence, leaves organizations vulnerable

vpppa.org

911 system, inhibiting response

flooded or endangered

Homeland Security, 2018).

agencies and delaying critical

individuals and families who

Positive management of

information for first responders

remained in a dangerous

false information through

(Department of Homeland

environment. Old and outdated

rumor control pages like the

Security, 2018).

information can have a similar

one created by FEMA during

effect, exacerbated by the

Hurricane Florence (Kessler,

campaigns are also common in

overwhelming amount of data on

2018) or active, designated

a crisis, where individuals or

social media, driving response

social media managers like

groups look to social media to

personnel to locations where they

the Harris County Sheriff’s

exploit a political situation or a

may not be needed or people

Office or the National Weather

vulnerable social group. During

have already been rescued.

Center, can effectively

Specific disinformation

the response to Hurricane Harvey in 2017, a prominent social media rumor spread that shelter officials were asking for

Considering a Way Forward

counter misinformation while advancing public trust and transparency (Oyeniyi, 2017).

With these concerns, what

Swift action and a program

proof of immigration status, a

possible solutions exist for

of interactive notifications

rumor which resurfaced during

leaders to protect the public

further enables greater control

later 2017 and 2018 hurricanes

and personnel? First, rapid

of distributed information,

(Department of Homeland

distribution of essential

potentially countering false

Security, 2018; Kessler, 2018).

information is paramount.

rumors through credible sources

This potentially endangers a

Rumor control, through the

(Harper, 2018).

vulnerable population who

effective use of social media

Training in risk-based

may be influenced to not seek

to update the public as often

decision-making and social

shelter, as well as putting in

as possible, has been proven

media management empowers

danger emergency personnel

effective through multiple

personnel through active

who must then assist stranded,

responses (Department of

planning, training and

vpppa.org

Rumor control, through the effective use of social media to update the public as often as possible, has been proven effective through multiple responses (Department of Homeland Security, 2018).

Leader—Autumn 2019

15

103

Leaders of organizations responding to emergencies must take action to ensure the safety of responding personnel as well as the public, which includes awareness, training and deliberate effort toward the management of social media in emergencies.

86

expectation management.

with traditional media outlets

be completely deterred. Leaders

Established policies and training

enable collaborative efforts

of organizations responding to

in social media management

for consistent messaging

emergencies must take action to

provide personnel a framework

and greater detection of

ensure the safety of responding

within which to operate in a

misinformation spreading

personnel as well as the public,

crisis, enabling timely action

through social media

which includes awareness,

and effective engagement

(Department of Homeland

training and deliberate effort

(Department of Homeland

Security, 2018). Leaders who

toward the management of

Security, 2013). Leaders who

also include community

social media in emergencies.

encourage risk-based decision-

engagement in this process

The actions of individuals like

making combine risk assessment,

leverage the networks inherent

@ComfortablySmug who,

potential risk-reducing strategies

in communities combined with

during Hurricane Sandy, tweeted

and planning with social media

partnerships for crowd sources

that, “ConEdison has begun

management policies and

and information dissemination,

shutting down all power in

training to lessen the hazards

while remaining attuned to

Manhattan,” (Gross, 2012) while

to personnel and the public.

community sentiment that may

spreading additional dangerous

Training of responders can

be influenced by misinformation.

misinformation across multiple

further encourage identification

This collaboration can improve

media platforms, endanger the

of misinformation and its

the quality and verification

public and response personnel.

consequences, broadening

of operational information,

Rapid distribution of timely

organizational capacity in a crisis.

reducing ambiguity for

and accurate information by

responders and providing

organizations, training in

organizations to create

the most accurate detail

risk-based decision-making

partnerships establish a culture

available when social media

and social media management

of information-sharing and

information must be used in

and collaborative partnerships

engagement that is critical to

response operations.

between organizations and the

Finally, leaders who drive

effective action in an emergency.

Rumors, false information and

community have the ability to

Pre-established partnerships

other misleading sources that

stop trolls like this in their tracks

between organizations and

spread on social media cannot

and keep our people safe.

Tiffany Danko is an instructor in the Masters of Homeland Security Program at Northeastern University and The University of Southern California Bovard College’s Masters of Criminal Justice. A Captain in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, she is currently assigned as the Senior Reserve Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff for USCG District Eight, and is certified in numerous emergency management positions.

REFERENCES Department of Homeland Security. (2013). Innovative uses of social media in emergency management.

Retrieved from www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Social-Media-EM_0913-508_0.pdf Department of Homeland Security. (2018). Countering false information on social media in disasters and emergencies. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SMWG_Countering-FalseInfo-Social-Media-Disasters-Emergencies_Mar2018-508.pdf Gross, D. (2012, October 31). Man faces fallout for spreading false Sandy reports on Twitter. Re-trieved from www.cnn.com/2012/10/31/tech/social-media/sandy-twitter-hoax/index.html Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2012). Crisis response and disaster resilience 2030: Forging strategic action in an age of uncertainty. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media-librarydata/20130726-1816-25045-5167/sfi_report_13.jan.2012_final.docx.pdf Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2017). Historic disaster response to Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/09/22/historic-disaster-response-hurricaneharvey-texas Freberg, K. (2012). Intention to comply with crisis messages communicated via social media. Public Relations Review, 38(3), 416–421. doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2012.01.008.

Gruber, D. A.; Smerek, R. E.; Thomas-Hunt, M. C.; & James, E. H. (2015). The real-time power of Twitter: Crisis management and leadership in an age of social media. Business Horizons, 58(2), 163–172. http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.bushor.2014.10.006 Harper, T. (2018, July 6). How social media disinformation is complicating emergency response. Federal News Network. Retrieved from https://federalnewsnetwork.com/commentary/2018/07/how-social-mediadisinformation-is-complicating-emergency-response/ HCSO. (2017, August 27). twitter.com/hcsotexas/status/901887615070347266?lang=en James, E. H., & Wooten, L. P. (2005). Leadership as (un)usual: How to display competence in times of crisis.

Organizational Dynamics, 34(2), 141–152. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1016/j.orgdyn.2005.03.005

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James, E. H., & Wooten, L. P. (2010). Leading under pressure: From surviving to thriving before, during, and after a crisis. New York: Routledge.

Kessler, C. (2018, September 14). How social media can help (or hurt) during a hurricane. Fortune. Retrieved from https://fortune.com/2018/09/14/hurricane-florence-social-media/ King L. J. (2018). Social media use during natural disasters: An analysis of social media usage during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Proceedings of the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (pp. 20–23). Orlando, FL, USA. Nicholson School of Com-munication. doi.org/10.30658/icrcc.2018.6 Liu, W., Lai, C., & Xu, W. (2018). Tweeting about emergency: A semantic network analysis of government organizations’ social media messaging during Hurricane Harvey. Public Relations Review, 44(5), 807–819. doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2018.10.009 MacMillan, D. (2017, September 11). In Irma, emergency responders’ new tools: Twitter and Facebook. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-hurricane-irma-information-officials-poston-social-media-1505149661 Oyeniyi, D. (2017, October 8). How Hurricane Harvey changed social media disaster relief. Texas Monthly.

Retrieved from https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/how-social-media-managers-respondedto-hurricane-harvey/ Rice Kinder. (2018, August). Lessons from Harvey: Crisis informatics for urban resilience. Retrieved from https://kinder.rice.edu/research/lessons-harvey-crisis-informatics-urban-resilience Stern, E. K. (2013, August 27). Crisis leadership: The 4 keys to preparing. Government Technology: Emergency Management. Retrieved from https://www.govtech.com/em/disaster/Crisis-Leadership-4-Keys-Preparing.html The New York Times. (2017, October 3). Las Vegas shooting live updates. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-live-updates.html Thomas, Paul. (2018, April 9). Written testimony of USCG District 8 Commander Rear Admiral Paul Thomas for a House Committee on Homeland Security field hearing titled “Houston Strong: Hurricane Harvey Lessons Learned and the Path Forward.” Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/news/2018/04/09/written-testimonyuscg-house-committee-homeland-security-field-hearing-titled Zhang, A. L. (2018, September 14). UT research: Social media saved lives during Hurricane Harvey. The Daily Texan. www.dailytexanonline.com/2018/09/14/ut-research-social-media-saved-lives-during-hurricane-harvey

vpppa.org

Leader—Autumn 2019

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g:

n i n n a l P y c n e g r Eme

HEMICAL

By Glenn Trout, VelocityEHS

18

Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

W

hen Hurricane Harvey made landfall over southeast Texas in 2017, it brought with it torrential rains that flooded the nation’s largest energy corridor.

During and immediately following the storm, chemical plants reported that

over 365 tons of hazardous chemicals were released into the air, land and water.

Large-scale emergencies caused by natural disasters and other unplanned

incidents, like Hurricane Harvey, demonstrate the need for safeguards to prevent and respond to chemical spills. Often times these events are worsened due to failures in emergency planning that place first responders, workers and the general public at

risk for exposure to hazardous chemicals. Incomplete knowledge of the identities and hazards of chemicals on-site, as well as a lack of communication between facility

personnel and first responders can compromise incident prevention planning, and undermine emergency response efforts.

The following is a look at where these gaps in chemical safety knowledge and

communication occur, and ways to ensure your facility’s emergency plan identifies, anticipates and addresses these gaps before unplanned incidents occur.

Best Practices for Effective Hazardous

MANAGEMENT Chemical Inventory

products you have, but also the

threshold planning quantities

identities and quantities of the

(TPQs) trigger requirements to

plan that accounts for the

individual chemical ingredients

develop emergency response

that compose these products,

plans and notify local fire

since they can pose significant

departments, state emergency

safety and environmental risks,

response commissions (SERCs)

and may even be reportable

and local emergency planning

if present at all, or in certain

committees (LEPCs). Storage

quantities, in your inventory.

of EHSs may also trigger Tier

You can’t develop an emergency hazardous materials in your inventory if you don’t know you have them. A complete picture of your hazardous chemical footprint allows you to better identify substances that pose extreme hazards to

vpppa.org

Once you know what specific

2 reporting obligations. These

workers, first responders or

chemicals are on-site, the next

additional requirements

even the community if spilled

step is to identify any special

highlight the fact that it is

or leaked during an emergency.

planning considerations,

sometimes best to ban use of

Review your current chemical

especially for any chemicals

these chemicals and to remove

inventory, making sure to

that are extremely hazardous

and substitute them for safer

account for materials purchased

substances (EHSs) as identified

alternatives whenever possible.

by employees from industrial

in Section 302 of the Emergency

supply or hardware stores that

Planning and Community

software solution provides

may not be subject to a formal

Right to Know Act (EPCRA)

greater visibility of your chemical

safety review or accompanied by

and on the Environmental

inventory, helping you identify

safety data sheets. Make sure to

Protection Agency’s (EPA) List

what products you have, what

not just account for the chemical

of Lists. EHSs stored at or above

ingredients make up those

A good chemical management

Leader—Autumn 2019

19

You can’t develop an emergency plan that accounts for the hazardous materials in your inventory if you don’t know you have them.

anywhere, across multiple PC and

company—in which location,

mobile device platforms. Utilizing

facility, department or storage

cloud technology, the best

the safe handling, storage,

room—you have them, down

solutions store SDSs on remote

transportation and disposal

to the container level. The best

servers, ensuring access to your

software systems offer visual

current SDS libraries whenever

insight into your chemical

the documents are needed.

footprint with drag-and-drop

This seamless, off-site access

controls that allow you to

to critical hazardous chemical

instantly identify, move and

safety information is key if your

manage your chemical inventory

physical facility is unreachable

on an image map of your facility.

or even destroyed completely.

When considering chemical

When you’re evaluating different chemical management software

management software options,

options, look for a solution that

make sure to pay attention to

features centralized, multi-

how easy it is to fill gaps in your

location chemical inventory

SDS library. Do you get a library

management capabilities and

of SDSs to start your search

ingredient indexing tools to

and a simple way to request

help you easily track chemical

missing or updated SDSs?

ingredients across products and

How often does the solution

company locations, and flags

update existing documents,

chemicals that are subject to

and does it push updates to

stringent regulatory reporting

you automatically? Systems

and other chemical hazard

with databases of millions of

compliance standards.

accessible SDSs and additional services can help you quickly

SDS Management

track-down missing documents

hazardous chemical users with

when time is limited. The best

Safety data sheets (SDSs) provide crucial information about the hazards of the chemicals in your facility, their storage and handling precautions, symptoms of exposure and emergency response considerations. While OSHA requires your employees to have access to SDSs during their work shifts, a common practice is to amass SDSs in paper binders only, making them potentially inaccessible in the event of evacuations and flooding.

solutions offer unlimited, 24/7 SDS access and exposure support through dedicated emergency call centers with trained specialists, toxicologists and medical technicians able to provide critical chemical safety information and escalated incident reporting.

Maintaining Your Program

The key to successful emergency planning is vigilance. As often as

these SDSs, it’s impossible to

possible, ask yourself:

releases involving the chemicals to which they pertain, or how to safely approach a clean-up process where they are present.

This is an area where chemical management software can make a big difference. The same software used to track your chemical inventory also should provide you and your workers with quick and easy access to your workplace-specific library of SDSs at any time, and from Leader—Autumn 2019

during emergency situations

Without the information from understand the full impact of any

20

• Do we have comprehensive

products and where in your

• What chemicals do we have?

• Where are they stored, and in what kinds of containers?

• Are any of our chemicals

of these chemicals?

• Are our employees trained as well as they should be? How do we know?

• Do we know all of the

regulatory agencies we need to report to?

• Do local and state emergency response agencies know

the types and amounts of chemicals on-site?

• Have we properly labeled

everything, and do we have the SDS for all chemicals?

• How quickly can we find the SDS in the event of an emergency?

• Are there appropriate hazard controls in place?

Frequent inspections are essential to maintaining your program. Check all areas where chemicals are stored and used to ensure your inventory is up-todate, review your SDS library for missing or outdated documents and assess your training program and other communication channels to verify critical safety and emergency procedure information is being properly communicated to employees and first responders. Good inspection management software can help ensure that inspections are accurately documented and reported in a timely manner, and that corrective actions are being initiated, assigned and verified when completed.

Leadership and Communication

Effective emergency planning requires active communication

classified as extremely

on several levels: between your

hazardous substances?

company and local emergency

• Have we cross-checked those

responders, between the different

chemicals against applicable

individuals on your emergency

regulatory lists?

planning team and between your

• What is the worst thing that could happen with

•

plans in place to address

those chemicals?

emergency planning team and top-level management.

When communicating with

Are we prepared for that

local first responders, you’ll

worst-case scenario?

want to notify them about your vpppa.org

company’s chemical storage

all employers represented

planning, communication

practices and whether or not

team, it’s important to keep open

at your workplace so you all

between your emergency

you’re already performing

lines of communication among

understand your roles, and no

response team and management

regulatory reporting, such

all the participating members.

communication gaps occur. This

is critical to ensure all involved

as Tier 2 reporting and EHS

Keep in mind that employees

is another area where a chemical

parties remain on the same page.

come and go. Having good

management solution that

communication with the team

provides 24/7 SDS mobile access

other unplanned emergencies

ensures each person’s role and

online or offline, as well as a

are unavoidable, you can work

responsibilities can be quickly

dedicated, expert staffed hotline

toward implementing mitigation

covered or assumed by other

for SDS rapid access and chemical

and prevention measures

members on the team if needed.

exposure support, can help you

that keep these events from

ensure you’re protecting all

escalating into larger, chemical

and contracted workers. OSHA’s

employees in your workplace by

disasters. With proper planning

Temporary Worker Initiative

equipping them with unlimited,

and the right tools in place,

maintains that employers

multi-way access to the critical

present at multi-employer

safety information they need.

you’ll be able to more easily

reporting. You’ll want to also provide information to your local fire department about significant new chemical hazards at your site and changes to your storage locations, container types, chemical inventory and the SDSs in your library.

The best solutions allow for the seamless distribution of hazardous chemical information to first responders, who are

For your emergency planning

Don’t forget about temporary

worksites share responsibility

Lastly, when it comes to

for worker safety, with host

communication between your

employers being responsible

emergency planning team and

for addressing the aspects of

the company’s management

safety specifically under their

team, you cannot overestimate

control. Make sure any temp and

the importance of obtaining buy-

contracted labor workers receive

in and encouraging participation.

training on the specific hazards

Given that you’ll be sharing

better prepare for emergencies

of chemicals in your facility and

chemical storage information

involving hazardous chemicals

know how to reduce exposure.

with emergency responders,

and respond quickly and safely

It’s important to maintain open

and will need to coordinate with

to incidents at your facility.

lines of communication between

them during emergency response

all-too-often forced to address emergencies without access to a clear and accurate picture of potential on-site chemical dangers. By sharing this information, first responders can

While natural disasters and

prepare for the worst while aspiring toward the best.

Glenn Trout is the CEO of VelocityEHS, the global leader in cloud environment, health, safety (EHS) and sustainability software.

To learn more about VelocityEHS and the ways its MSDSonline Chemical Management solutions can help you manage your chemical inventory and reach your EHS goals faster, visit MSDSonline.com and EHS.com.

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Leader—Autumn 2019

21

BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFETY TEAMS

OF NATURAL DISASTER RESCUE Lead Author: Tim Robson Contributing Authors: Eddie Chapa and Heath Petty 22

Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

After driving through the night, our rescue team arrived in New Orleans in the pre-dawn hours of the morning. Hurricane Katrina was pounding the city. The drive was not at all what you’d expect when entering a major city—there was no traffic, no glow from city lights on the horizon. In fact, there were no lights whatsoever. It was unnerving; it felt as though we were entering a ghost town, but we also knew that thousands of people were hanging on for life in that darkness.

s the sun rose

important guidance to safety

manpower will be stretched

that morning, the

teams in their training and

way beyond their limits.

devastation was

preparations for such events.

laid bare. Instead of the city, there was a sea.

I was part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Task Force conducting thousands of water and medical rescues, along with many of my Roco Rescue colleagues. This and other experiences during events ranging from earthquakes to 9/11, inform the training we conduct for industrial safety teams, firefighters and others, and also informs the writing of this article; while we touch on regulations, our focus is to discuss our personal experiences with all-hazard events, outlining lessons learned and best practices that can be applied in industrial contexts, to protect life and property.

With the rise in recent decades of natural disasters

The bottom line is that industrial facilities should have

You Are On Your Own

A FEMA analysis of recent major disasters reveals that the fire service at large is ill-prepared for natural disasters and other all-hazard operations at regional and national levels. “If past disasters have taught us anything, it is that emergency 911 requests, welfare/safety checks, evacuations, rescues and damage assessments will overwhelm response agencies,” says the report.

It goes without saying that municipal firefighters and first responders’ top priority during all-hazard events, will not be the protection of industrial facilities and assets, but rather of the civilian population as a whole. Moreover, local fire

an emergency response plan of their own that does not rely on municipal rescuers, especially for large-scale disaster scenarios.

Comprehensive planning will help you to understand your vulnerabilities. Risk assessment is a crucial first step in this process.

Your risk of facing a disaster event will vary depending on your geographic location, among other things. Outcomes will vary based upon your facility’s age, size and structure, the training and readiness of your crew, and so on. A thorough assessment of your risks, including the risk of structural collapse and potential for release of hazardous materials, will dictate everything from equipment type to the category of response

due to many factors—from

departments and responders

population density to extreme

are advised to prepare to be

the event of a disaster. In short,

weather patterns—the time is

self-reliant for at least the

your risk assessment will be the

now for industrial facilities to

first three days of a disaster,

foundation of your planning

take these threats seriously.

and possibly longer; this was

process. And when assessing

We hope that our experiences

certainly our experience during

your vulnerabilities in the

and takeaways will provide

Katrina. Thus, resources and

event of a disaster, make your

vpppa.org

task force(s) you may need in

The bottom line is that industrial facilities should have an emergency response plan of their own that does not rely on municipal rescuers, especially for large scale disaster scenarios.

Leader—Autumn 2019

23

The three most common deficiencies we see in allhazard planning are insufficient leadership structures, overreliance on conventional communications systems and inadequate training.

calculations and contingencies

Leader—Autumn 2019

hazard planning are insufficient

planning frameworks to follow

leadership structures,

that you are on your own. If you

dependent on industry, but

overreliance on conventional

do, you will be better prepared

there are many commonalities.

communications systems

when disaster strikes.

For example, oil rig evacuation

and inadequate training.

in the face of hurricanes may

These deficiencies can lead to

Planning Saves Lives

seem to occupy a small niche

significant loss of life in the event

in disaster planning, however,

of a disaster. The following are

before the disaster.

there are key elements that are

brief tips related to these points:

Successful recovery begins long The National Incident

broadly applicable. Chief among

1. Establish a Unified Command

Management System (NIMS)

these is, to begin with the end

defines preparedness as a

in mind and to build your plan,

continuous cycle of planning,

from the desired outcome,

organizing, training, equipping,

backward. For any industrial

command and a location for your

exercising, evaluating and

facility, this likely will involve

unified command post, with

taking corrective action to

a plan to shut down production

plenty of redundancies in the

ensure effective coordination

in advance, secure assets inside

event of a disaster. The NIMS, as

during incident response.

the facility or possibly relocate

well as the US National Response

This preparedness cycle is one

them, secure and protect the

Team Unified Command/Area

element of FEMA’s National

physical structures, and evacuate

Command models, provide

Preparedness System to

personnel. Training to the plan

guidance as well as insight into

prevent, respond to, recover

will shed light on how much time

how FEMA and other agencies

from and mitigate the effects

is actually required to accomplish

work (useful for establishing

of all types of large-scale

everything—in our experience,

communications with these

disasters. Components of the

it always takes longer than

agencies during a disaster

preparedness cycle are:

expected. A good plan will also

scenario). Understand common

detail a process for assessing

command post failures, such as

the damage, making repairs and

over-reliance on overburdened

bringing the facility back online.

dispatch centers rather than

• Plan • Organize and equip • Train • Exercise • Evaluate and improve 24

There are a wide variety of

based upon the assumption

The three most common deficiencies we see in all-

Establish a clear chain of

developing logistics and planning functions on-the-ground. vpppa.org

2. Plan for Catastrophic Communications Failure

precious time and resources are

every kind are present, requiring

wasted while people in other

multidisciplinary teams to

areas are in desperate need of

maneuver. Every discipline

rescue. Our team created our

will operate differently with

own communications system

varying priorities, and even

command structure may be, if

by climbing trees, telephone

different terminologies, making

poles and radio towers to hang

communications a challenge.

No matter how strong your your communications systems fail, your entire operation will be imperiled.

Of all the disruptions caused

radio repeater equipment to reestablish communications.

Post Katrina incident reports

We recommend industrial facility safety teams train for scenarios in multi-disciplinary

and lessons learned have greatly

teams using all personnel who

improved communications in

could, potentially, be involved

worst for first responders was the

subsequent disasters. But the

in the event of a disaster.

breakdown of communication

lesson for industrial facilities

This can include engineers or

systems. When phones failed and

is clear… Plan, train and

others charged with decisions

batteries died, responders were

equip for the eventuality that

regarding structural integrity,

unable to communicate with

communications channels will

key equipment operators and

one another, and with central

be lost and equipment will fail.

power technicians, onsite

command. This was dangerous

Anything less is tempting fate,

paramedics or nurses, as well

for many reasons, and it led to

and in a disaster scenario, fate

as the local fire department or

duplication of efforts. At several

will usually not be kind.

municipal emergency response

by power failure during Katrina (and there were many), by far the

junctures, we learned we had been searching an area that had already been covered by other emergency responders. This is not a trivial matter. It means

VPP

3. Build and Train in Multidisciplinary Teams

No matter how strong your command structure may be, if your communications systems fail, your entire operation will be imperiled.

teams. (While fire departments cannot be relied upon for largescale emergencies, they do,

An all-hazard event is just

of course, provide important

that—an event where hazards of

support in smaller events).

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Program Details This certificate program is strategically aligned with the VPPPA’s mission to promote the VPP Program and support member organizations who have achieved, or are in the process of preparing for, admission to the VPP Program. The program will also equip students with the leadership skills needed to guide transformational change within the safety culture and enable them to lead from behind or to manage from the middle. Upon completion of this certificate program, students can expect to be fully prepared to manage through the VPP process, using the knowledge gained to achieve OSHA VPP Certification or Re-certification.

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vpppa.org

Leader—Autumn 2019

25

You’ve got to gear up, turn on your headlamps and start the generators to honestly evaluate your team’s capabilities.

4. Match Your Equipment to Your Need

5. If You Think You’ve Trained Enough, You Probably Haven’t

know how to do the job in pitch

responded to Katrina, a

tabletop planning is an easy way

do the job with a skeleton crew,

significant portion of our cache

to get out of actually doing live

of cutting and heavy equipment

training scenarios. If you ain’t

was rendered useless either

sweating while you are training,

because it didn’t have a mobile

then you ain’t training properly.

power source or it was too

You’ve got to gear up, turn on

cumbersome to be useful in

your headlamps and start the

those conditions.

generators to honestly evaluate

When members of our team

Since that time, manufacturers, in partnership with FEMA and

How frequently your safety

breaks? Do they know how to or can they continue no matter which shift is on duty? All these scenarios and more should be covered by training.

One of the greatest challenges presented by all-hazard events is their low frequency; it makes maintaining assets and skills difficult. These events are

teams train depends upon

also highly unpredictable,

hard to design lighter and more

many factors, including the

so training for every single

energy-efficient equipment

size of your facility, industry,

contingency is simply not

options. Holmatro, for example,

threat matrix, and more. Most

feasible. For these reasons, the

has refined many of its designs

should be training at least

most important thing a trainer

and some can now be used for

monthly with quarterly or bi-

can do is to foster problem-

underwater extrications.

annual multidisciplinary team

solving and throw curveballs to

trainings. But if you have a large

get rescuers thinking outside of

planning phases should identify

footprint or deal with special

the box.

the type of equipment most

hazards, then you should be

needed onsite based upon your

training more frequently.

particular facility’s risk profile.

Leader—Autumn 2019

your team’s capabilities.

the key piece of equipment

other agencies, have worked

Your assessment and

26

To me, relying too much on

black? Could they proceed when

When it comes to training

6. Foster OutsideOf-The Box Thinking

Even if it is not possible to train

And always remember to have

tips, yes, practicing how to

a contingency plan in place—if

locate and operate equipment

for every contingency, one of

roadways are impassible, or

is critical, but training should

the benefits of frequent training

tools fail, your teams will need

be so much more. You should

is the strong foundation of

alternative options so they can

practice as many contingencies

knowledge and confidence

do their jobs.

as possible. Would your team

that it builds in rescuers. This vpppa.org

confidence is what enables a competency for creative problem-solving that, when a disaster strikes, saves lives.

For example, recruiting civilian help was, generally speaking, frowned upon in disaster scenarios. That is, until Katrina hit and we had no choice but to get creative. Similarly, the challenges our team encountered at the Pentagon after 9/11 led our rescue team to design—on the fly—a new system for shoring the support columns so the building would not fall on rescuers. This system is still taught to this day as a method for shoring in certain disaster scenarios.

Good training establishes readiness, skills and equipment competencies and hazard awareness. From that foundation, teams can then graduate to developing sophisticated risk/reward assessments and improvised problem-solving skills. After all, seldom does a crisis unfold according to plan.

7. Evaluate and Learn A final, critical element for

building a culture of safety at your facility is post-incident evaluation. Evaluating what went right and wrong in every scenario—large and small— enables teams to learn and improve. Such reviews conducted and lessons learned as a result of disasters have led to significant improvements in equipment design, rescue techniques, communications, and in the overall ways that agencies respond to all-hazard events.

Industrial safety teams are learning from these lessons as well. They are changing the way that they train their teams, providing more specialized training for a variety of scenarios, from weather events to active shooter drills. They are adopting new technologies, like drones, to make search and rescue even safer and more effective. vpppa.org

Conclusion

While preparedness for lowfrequency all-hazard events may seem like a low priority, it may help to think about disaster preparedness as an extension of overall rescue response competency. A facility that invests time and resources to train for a hurricane or wildfires will be better prepared to deal with much simpler, more isolated emergency incidents.

And finally, we owe it to our team, our colleagues and our communities to prepare as best we can to minimize the devastating impacts these events can have.

Chief Instructor for Roco Rescue and longtime Rescue Team Manager, Rescue Squad Officer and Safety Officer for FEMA’s/ Department of Homeland Security New Mexico Task Force 1, Tim Robson participated in three national deployments for FEMA, including one to the Pentagon after 9/11 and two to the Gulf Coast for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Tim leads training courses in trench rescue, confined space, high angle, structural collapse, tactical, and fall protection for Roco Rescue. Prior to joining Roco Rescue, Tim spent six years with the Albuquerque Fire Department and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he trained as a Combat Water Survival Specialist Instructor, Rescue Swimmer, and Rescue Diver. During his service, Tim deployed to Egypt, Japan, Korea, Philippines, the Mediterranean, and took part in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq. He was awarded “NCO of the Quarter” and received numerous other awards for civilian and military search and rescue operations. Tim is a Certified Medical First Responder and a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist. He has earned technical rescue certifications in several states, including New Mexico and Louisiana.

Army before transitioning to work as Operations Lead for a major oil and gas company’s offshore operations. In that role, he trained and led a 15-member fire brigade and rescue team. In addition to his expertise in a wide variety of technical rescue disciplines, Eddie has also completed training in MEM (Major Emergencies Management) and Helicopter Underwater Escape training.

At Roco Rescue, Eddie teaches industrial training courses in fall protection, confined space rescue, rope and high angle rescue, and trench rescue across the country.

Good training establishes readiness, skills and equipment competencies and hazard awareness.

Heath Petty was a Rescue Squad Specialist on the FEMA New Mexico Task Force 1 and assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon after 9/11, and following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Heath also deployed as a US Army flight medic to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he flew almost 200 combat MEDEVAC missions. Heath has worked for Roco Rescue for 20 years as a Confined Space Rescue Team member and as an Instructor.

He is currently a Chief Instructor primarily in Roco Rescue’s tactical program, teaching urban/ confined space rescue to include ship board operations, mountain rescue, structural collapse rescue, and vehicle extrication to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Heath teaches industrial training courses as well.

Roco Rescue’s Industrial Business Development Leader and Chief Instructor Eddie Chapa started his career as a Paratrooper in the U.S. Leader—Autumn 2019

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BEFORE, DURING AFTER: r e t s a s i D a g n i v i v r u S g n i n n a l P e v i t c e f f E wi th

By Vivian Marinelli, Psy.D., FEI Behavioral Health

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Leader—Autumn 2019

In 2019, we have already experienced numerous natural and man-made disasters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the first disaster in January with Tropical Storm Michael and the earthquake that impacted Alaska.

Since the start of 2019, natural disasters have included severe storms and flooding throughout the Midwest and the South, wildfires in Alaska, Montana and Oregon, earthquakes in Southern California, and most recently Hurricane Dorian, which impacted the Bahamas and the entire Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada.

(As of press time.)

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, & There are no cookie-cutter templates!

M

an-made disasters have taken a heavy

equipping the facility; ensuring a backup power

toll on businesses and communities this

supply is available; storing enough food and water

year. In a thirteen-hour timeframe in

to last three to ten days; stocking medical supplies;

August, 32 employee and patron lives

and preparing a communication plan with

were lost, 51 people were directly injured and many the workplace. These tragedies took place at only two businesses; the reality is that during that same time period, more violent acts occurred at other business locations within the United States.

Whether it’s a natural disaster or a societal crisis, disaster situations can be impossible to predict. It’s important for companies to transition from “we never saw it coming” to “we knew what to do when the time came.” Benjamin Franklin was once quoted as saying, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Although you may be unable to predict when a disaster will occur, you can protect your employees and assets with proper planning, training and communication tactics. Consider taking an “all hazards” approach to your planning. This will ensure that your employees and business are best prepared to respond to the crisis and recover as quickly and effectively as possible.

It’s important for companies to transition from “we never saw it coming” to “we knew what to do when the time came.”

Shelter-in-place needs focus on the ability to keep your staff safe from external, potentially life-threatening situations. You need to do a risk assessment for each location to identify both natural and man-made threats that could occur.

Then, your plan should identify multiple safe areas that can be secured from the inside. These areas should be able to accommodate the number of staff and visitors that could be on-site at any given time.

BEFORE

The cell service reception in these areas should be

A comprehensive plan can help your organization

that the initial critical tasks can be completed by

minimize damage before, during and after a

the first person available. This is important to

disaster. No two businesses are the same—location,

consider when drafting your plan, and you should

employees, office layout and other factors will

make sure staff at all levels understand and are

require individualized planning. There are no

familiar with the plan.

Putting Together Your Plan

cookie-cutter templates for the perfect disaster

tested as it will be critical to receive and provide information on the situation.

Disasters are not convenient, and don’t necessarily happen during business hours. If a disaster strikes after hours, or when there is limited staff, your plan needs to be written so

There is a difference between a Business

response plan; however, there are common

Continuity/Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) Plan and an

elements that all plans should include.

Emergency Response Plan. The first one is focused

A disaster response plan should extend

on business continuity and disaster recovery.

beyond the event itself—it’s important to guide

Disaster recovery in a BC/DR plan typically is

your business through a disaster as well as

focused on the IT recovery for the business.

recovery and mitigation after the event. It will

An emergency response plan focuses on the

be critical to conduct a thorough risk assessment

immediate response to a disaster that has impacted

of all potential dangers before you develop your

people. Although it will include technology in the

plan which should include addressing how you

response, it is typically using the technology to

will mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from

support the response.

specific hazards and risks.

To best prepare you to handle any situation,

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emergency contacts.

more were traumatized as a result of violence in

When drafting the plan, you will need to take into consideration the various business units

your disaster plan should include details specific

within your company. Some of these units also

to evacuation as well as sheltering-in-place. For

may be included in drafting the plan due to their

example, evacuation plans need to identify the

specific involvement in a response. Areas such as

notification or alarm process, emergency exits,

security, IT and communications will be critical.

safety systems, meeting areas and communication

Large companies may be interested in assigning

plans. However, if the situation requires you to

a team to facilitate drafting the plan. Creating a

shelter-in-place, additional needs may include

disaster response team comprised of multiple

Leader—Autumn 2019

29

departments helps ensure the entire business is invested during the process.

The first draft of the disaster plan is just that, a first draft. Your plan is always a “work in progress.” It will need to be tested, reviewed and updated as your company and processes change.

Communicating effectively on social media during a crisis will keep internal and external audiences informed and assuage any fears.

DURING Communicating During a Crisis

During a disaster, both internal and external communications will be critical to inform your staff, various stakeholders and the community about the ongoing response and the impact of the disaster.

In our world of technology, everyone is used to having the news at their fingertips every second of every day. During the immediate hours of a disaster response, the teams are so focused on assessing and responding to the situation that they often fail to effectively communicate with their stakeholders,

Preparing for Anything

Once a plan has been developed, it’s important for everyone to know how to access the plan and put it into practice in case of a disaster. Ahead of any emergency, all staff need to know what their roles and responsibilities are and where they will report at the time of an emergency. An effective disaster response plan should include an org chart detailing the various teams and the integration of these teams into an organized response. It should also identify who should oversee the entire operations and lines of communication.

Orientation for new employees should include an overview of the evacuation and shelter-inplace protocols. Review training for all employees

Your plan is always a “work in progress.”

should be done annually and address:

• Evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures • Emergency response procedures • Protective action against threats and hazards • Location and use of emergency equipment • Internal and external communications • Emergency contact information review and updates

An annual emergency response exercise is a

which includes their staff and the community.

Your emergency response plan also should include a crisis communications plan. Because the need for information is immediate during a disaster, your crisis communications plan should include templates for initial company statements for your website, social media and traditional media outlets.

Internal communication should notify your staff of the situation and there should be a process for you to account for their location and status. Family members will be anxious to hear if their loved ones have been impacted.

Secondary communication will focus on the impact of the disaster on the organization and the community. Social media greatly accelerates the speed of communication and can instantly identify urgent needs, provide updates (including pictures and videos from the scene) and reconnect family members. A word of caution, though—inaccurate news spreads just as fast on social media as accurate news. Make sure to confirm information before sending it out and caution community members to only trust news coming from an official source.

Social media platforms provide a broad audience

great way to review the plan for any necessary

with instantaneous updates, which makes

updates and to provide an overview to the teams

monitoring social media during a disaster vital

that would be tasked with taking on the various

in order to keep audiences accurately informed.

roles. Since it has the greatest likelihood to occur,

Communicating effectively on social media during

most facilities plan and practice for a fire. More

a crisis will keep internal and external audiences

recently, companies have been incorporating an

informed and assuage any fears. It also allows

active threat or active shooter exercise into their

organizations to monitor the public opinion and

annual exercises to prepare their staff to respond.

prevent the spread of rumors, misinformation and

The goal of an emergency response exercise is

false narratives.

to identify if there are any gaps in the planning.

Very few exercises ever run 100 percent smoothly.

Changes in the company, staffing and processes are always occurring and these may impact the plan.

30

Leader—Autumn 2019

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AFTER Picking up the Pieces

Getting your organization up and running again after a disaster is critical, but this may be difficult if your physical location has been damaged or compromised. During the response, part of the planning should include identifying what might be necessary for critical operations to resume, but also to be fully operational again. Resources should be vetted and listed in your BC/DR Plan. Also, many companies are providing the

In addition to keeping the business resilient, employees may also need help recovering. The effects of disasters often impact both work and home life, taking a devastating toll on one’s physical and mental health. Flexibility with work schedules, allowing time off and providing an employee assistance program (EAP) will help staff adjust to the changes in their lives. Hiring a third-party EAP service that provides access to counseling, management consultation and local disaster resources will ensure support for employees before, during and after a disaster. Hiring an outside thirdparty that will work with your HR and management will optimize the level of support for your staff.

Disasters, both natural and man-made, are

means for employees to work remotely. If that

unavoidable forces: businesses must prepare

is a possibility for your company, testing this

themselves to safeguard their employees, and the

throughout the year is a good practice. For many

best defense is a good offense. Organizations with

organizations, this will not be a possibility, and

a strong disaster response plan are best-suited to

for those, identifying an alternate work site or

respond to a disaster and recover as efficiently and

relocating your staff will be necessary.

effectively as possible.

FEI has a 40-year history in enhancing workforce resiliency by offering a full spectrum of solutions, from EAP and organizational development to workplace violence prevention and crisis management. One of the most successful social enterprises in America, FEI is wholly owned by the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, a national network of social sector organizations working to achieve its vision of a healthy and equitable society.

VPP is much more than a statement of principles and standards,

Vivian Marinelli is the Senior Director of Crisis Management Services for FEI Behavioral Health. Vivian holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Psychologist in Wisconsin. She brings over 20 years of work in direct clinical services specializing in trauma and grief counseling to her position which focuses on assisting individuals involved in critical incidents. As the Senior Director of Crisis Management Services, she is responsible for leading and directing a full complement of emergency support services for corporate customers. Vivian has been the principal architect in designing, developing and continuing to oversee a highly successful team of specialists focused on supporting the critical needs of individuals, families and communities during disasters. She is recognized as a subject matter expert in community and organizational emergency response.

Voluntary Protection Programs An OSHA Cooperative Program

it’s the way we do business. www.MarathonPetroleum.com

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When Strikes...

By Lydia Baugh, International Safety Equipment Association

32

Leader—Autumn 2019

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If only we had a crystal ball that would tell us exactly when a natural disaster will occur.

Weather forecasters do their best, but they can’t know when an earthquake is about to rumble, or a forest fire is about to spark out of control. And those fortune-telling apps on our smartphones are about as helpful as the latest “Sharknado” movie.

Autumn has actually brought us some of the worst disasters, including the Camp Fire around Paradise, California, which started in November 2018, and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. But since we never know what disaster might be around the corner throughout the year, we’re left with the Boy Scout motto for guidance: Be prepared.

Do You Have the Right Protective Equipment?

Remembering Personal Protective Equipment

T

he piece of preparedness that’s often overlooked is also one of the most

important: personal protective

out-of-mind approach to PPE preparedness.

When disaster strikes, we

So, what types of PPE should we keep at the ready? After all, few people over the age of 10 will

wade in—sometimes literally—

have a superhero’s cape hanging

to whatever nature throws at us,

from their wall—Comic-Con

and bare-handedly grapple with

habitués notwithstanding.

rescues and cleanups, barely

There’s a two-part answer to

giving a thought to what might

that question. First, think about

be lurking in the air, the water, or

the types of disasters your area

kit in their car or store a case

under that stack of drywall and

is prone to, as well as the types

of bottled water in their closet.

lumber that used to be a house.

of hazards those events will

equipment (PPE). People might remember to throw a first-aid

But protective apparel, like the

We tend to respond emotionally

likely present. (Note that man-

right gloves, boots or waders?

rather than rationally in a crisis,

made calamities could pose as

Not so much. Other than first-

and that’s understandable. We

many risks as Mother Nature’s,

responders and healthcare

want to be Superman or Wonder

and that some of these events

workers, who are hopefully

Woman and jump in to save the

and hazards can co-occur and

equipped appropriately by

day, or at least help our neighbors.

overlap.) Second, think about the

their respective agencies, most

But even Superman and Wonder

parts of your body that are likely to

of us take an out-of-sight/

Woman wore special suits.

be harmed from various hazards.

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33

Disasters & Risks

Let’s start with a quick overview of the elements nature can throw at us in different forms, and consider some of the risks they pose.

Water

Fire

Wind

In liquid form, it can overflow

reasons. It can grow from a spark

tornadoes and derechos also

stream banks and levees, rising

to a wildfire incredibly fast. And

exact major damage every year.

up as a localized flash flood,

our brains fool us—with denial

According to the National Oceanic

or spreading on a biblical

(it won’t happen to us), with

and Atmospheric Administration

scale. Frozen, it can pelt us as

bravado (we can fight it), and

(NOAA), tornadoes have been

hail, dangerously coat roads

with faulty perception (we can

documented in every U.S. state,

and bridges, or fall gently as

outrun it). Lives are lost every

and on every continent, except

snowflakes that delight us

year because of these factors.

Antarctica. An average of 1,253

H2O is a tricky adversary.

until they collect in roofcrushing quantities.

Fire is equally tricky, for two

Whether it burns one building

We touched on hurricanes, but

tornadoes tear through the U.S.

or levels an entire town, a fire

annually. As for derechos, these

usually leaves insidious hazards

often-destructive straight-line

massive snowstorms not

amid its embers and ashes: live

winds can rip across hundreds

only bring copious amounts

electrical wires and natural gas

of miles.

of water, but also often

lines, items and substances

damage sanitation and energy

turned toxic from melting in the

the effects of other events to

infrastructure, compounding

fire’s heat, exploded batteries,

lethal levels. Add wind to even

an already overwhelming

damaged sanitation systems,

a modest snowstorm and you’ll

disaster. Electric shock risks

shards of glass, nails and

have blizzard conditions. Wind

and waterborne biological or

woodscrews protruding from

will literally turbocharge a small

chemical contaminants are

rubble and the list goes on.

forest fire into a monster wildfire.

Hurricanes, floods and

common during such events.

Wind, of course, can amplify

Wind and hail together keep insurance claims adjusters busy.

From toppled trees to mangled wires, wind’s hazards are legion.

Protecting Your Body

Personal protective equipment (PPE) that meets the criteria of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) should always be used during the cleanup and recovery phase of a disaster. Conducting a top-to-bottom inventory of your body’s exposure to various hazards will help guide your PPE choices.

Head

Torso

Eyes & Face

protect your head from falling

vests are vital for working in

a full-face mask may be needed

objects, for example during

low-light conditions. A life

for protection from flying

earthquake aftershocks. Dropped

vest or similar flotation device

debris and particles, chemicals

objects are a big problem

may be needed for work in

and biohazards. ISEA offers a

for workers and the general

flooded areas. Wear waterproof

free selection and use guide

public alike, which is why the

and chemical-resistant PPE

for eye-and-face PPE, which

International Safety Equipment

whenever you come in contact

also addresses PPE cleaning,

Association (ISEA) launched

with floodwater to reduce the

maintenance and storage.

its Safety at Heights campaign,

risk of exposure to harmful

including an op-ed in EHS Today

bacteria or chemicals.

A full-brim hard hat will help

aimed at construction employers and workers.

High-visibility reflective

Safety glasses, goggles or even

Ears

Hearing protection is recommended for noise levels of 85 decibels (dB) or above. For every 3 dB above 85 dB, National Institute for

Important note: Before

Occupational Safety and Health

check it for damage or worn

the permissible exposure time

holes, tears or abrasions.

org initiative includes helpful

wearing any PPE, be sure to

(NIOSH) recommends cutting

areas, looking carefully for

in half. ISEA’s HearingAtWork.

34 Leader—Autumn 2019

hearing-safety tips.

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Earth

Airborne Disease

Bottom Line

well as water-saturated ground.

scary word they hear in news

ball to see that thanks to

an earthquake, mudslide or

Mudslides are not uncommon

stories about an outbreak of

climate change, as well as other

landslide. Every now and then,

when rain loosens hillsides

the usually deadly disease in

factors like coastal erosion and

Hollywood makes a movie

where vegetation was burned

a remote village in an African

development patterns, many

that shakes us into sensory

off in a fire. The Centers for

nation. In fact, the World

people are likely to have more

overload while beguiling us

Disease Control and Prevention

Health Organization (WHO)

disasters to prepare for and

with romantic entanglements

(CDC) attributes 25 to 50

is responding to 19 pandemic,

clean up after. We only have to

and Herculean feats. The reality

deaths annually in the U.S. to

epidemic diseases, from Ebola

look at recent trends to get a

of a serious earthquake is very

landslides and debris flows, and

to SARS to smallpox. Just this

glimpse of what we’re in for.

unromantic, though, with a

notes that the typical health

past summer, WHO declared

simple plot line: destruction.

hazards they create include

the latest Ebola outbreak,

Information Institute (III), “The

Even a minor earthquake

trauma from rapidly moving

which was already the second

number of catastrophes rose to

can send objects falling from

water and debris, as well as

largest in history, a global

46 in 2017 from 42 in 2016, the

heights, and a big one can bring

broken electrical, water, gas and

health emergency.

highest number of catastrophes

down buildings and bridges,

sewage lines.

The very ground beneath our

(such as an earthen dam), as

feet can turn hostile during

For most people, Ebola is a

So, the rest of the world is

We don’t really need a crystal

According to the Insurance

for years with an industry loss

leaving a minefield of hazards

one airline-flight away from

event threshold of $25 million.”

jumbled on the ground.

pandemic. And, other than

III observed that insured losses

Landslides and debris flows

some elite healthcare workers

in 2017 were the highest since

can be caused by earthquakes,

connected to the CDC, most of

the Property Claim Services unit

but can also be triggered by

us are utterly unprepared for

of ISO began collecting insured

natural erosion, the collapse

the chaos and health effects of

loss data in 1949.

of man-made infrastructure

such diseases.

So, it’s all the more important that everyone—not only safety professionals and specific industries, but all of us—be prepared with the right kinds of personal protective equipment. PPE is a vital part of how we each adapt to a changing planet.

Hands

Legs & Feet

Airways & Lungs

gloves can improve grip and

most cleanup scenarios. In

may be adequate in some

flooded areas, full waders will

situations, full respirators are

be needed. Boots and waders

vital where mold, airborne

should be puncture-resistant,

contaminants or certain diseases

While basic leather or rubber offer some protection, it’s best to use purpose-built hand protection when exposed to

Boots are recommended for

While basic breathing masks

cut-resistant, waterproof and

are present. Be sure to use

as impacts, cuts, punctures or

sealed against contaminants.

respirators approved by NIOSH.

chemical/biohazard exposure.

Knees & Elbows

specific types of hazards, such

ISEA’s SafeHandsAtWork.org campaign provides tips that are as applicable in disaster cleanups as they are on a factory floor.

For cleanup work that involves kneeling or crawling, flexible joint guards will offer protection from abrasions and contusions. If the risk of puncture or cutting is present, be sure to use guards rated for

ISEA offers additional discussion about respirators (see Additional Resources at right).

Lydia Baugh is Director, External Affairs, at the International Safety Equipment Association.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains a very helpful tool called the Hurricane eMatrix.

While the eMatrix was prepared for hurricane response and recovery workers, it has wide applicability to clean up after other types of disasters.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website offers a comprehensive Natural Disasters and Severe Weather section that provides extensive information and guidance.

puncture and cut resistance.

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D YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A TORNADO SHELTER

epending on where

deadlier than those that affect the

you live or what your

more well-known Tornado Alley.

occupation is, you might

higher population density in the

time thinking about

Southeast compared to the Plains.

tornadoes and the damage they

In addition, the storms that

can do to homes, businesses and

often bring tornadoes to this area

entire communities. But maybe

shield the twisters with curtains

you should—and if you operate

of heavy rain. This makes these

a mid- to large-sized business,

tornadoes harder to see from afar.

there’s no maybe about it.

The forest-covered, hilly terrain

That’s because tornadoes, with winds of up to 300 mph, are powerful and destructive.

Their movements are wildly unpredictable and they can strike with little to no warning.

Strong tornadoes can tear the roofs off buildings, uproot trees and lift vehicles into the air, turning all of these objects into deadly flying projectiles. They can obliterate one structure while leaving a neighboring structure virtually untouched.

What’s more, tornadoes don’t have a well-defined season like Atlantic-based hurricanes do.

These often-deadly storms can occur at any time of the day, and on any day of the year. In fact, every year, roughly 1,200

By Dale Kiefer, Triple Canopy Media

tornadoes strike the United States. No state is spared from their deadly force. All 50 have experienced tornadoes.

In other words, even if you don’t live in Kansas (and even if you aren’t named Dorothy), you should still invest your energy in tornado preparedness.

Although many Americans associate tornadoes mostly with the Great Plains, a large part of which is often referred to colloquially as “Tornado Alley,”

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Part of the reason for this is the

not spend very much

adds to the challenge of spotting these approaching storms ahead of time, both for residents and business owners, as well as for the authorities charged with keeping the public informed.

The bottom line is that tornadoes can potentially strike anywhere and at any time, with little warning. Misconceptions about these severe weather events may compound the damage they can cause.

How Can I Protect Myself or My Workers?

One harmful myth about

tornadoes is that they target mobile home parks. They don’t, of course, but manufactured housing is certainly more vulnerable to the effects of high winds than buildings made of heavier, sturdier materials.

Because of the focus on this widely-held belief that only trailers are susceptible to damage from strong winds, often too little attention is paid to protecting standing structures, especially commercial buildings, in areas that encounter tornadoes most frequently.

There has been a wider adoption of community storm shelters in places like Alabama

other regions are prime targets

and its neighboring states in

for these potentially devastating

recent years. This reflects a

natural disasters. “Dixie Alley,”

growing awareness of the need to

comprising a swath of the

protect residents of mobile home

lower Mississippi Valley, often

parks, apartment complexes

experiences tornadoes even

and nursing homes, as well as Leader—Autumn 2019

37

occupants of other community

Such costs may come about as

need to use it. Above-ground

facilities such as hospitals, schools

a result of lost production and

shelters are better in this regard,

and churches from tornadoes. The

an overall decrease in economic

as there are no stairs to contend

Federal Emergency Management

activity following the storm.

with in a panicked situation. But

Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation

installing a storm shelter is more

effective and are available for

for the installation of these

than offset by the potential legal

businesses that prefer them for

community shelters, largely in

and financial risks of not having

aesthetic reasons.

low-income rural areas.

one in the event of a deadly

Tornado shelters can also be

tornado. Large companies run

scaled according to occupancy.

are not usually eligible for these

the risk of being on the receiving

And installers will work with

grants, meaning that the private

end of civil lawsuits brought

your organization to determine

sector has to procure such shelters

on as a result of damages

the most strategic placement

for its employees on its own.

wrought by severe storms.

for your company’s shelters

Investing in a shelter can help

in order to make sure that all

Fortunately, many midto large-sized companies in

mitigate this possibility. And,

tornado-prone areas have

depending on the product or

begun doing just that. There

service a business provides, the

is an obvious health benefit

storm shelter could be used as a

to providing a safe haven for

temporary base of operations in

employees to take shelter

the immediate aftermath of

during a severe weather event.

a tornado.

Shelters can and do save lives.

Nonetheless, environmental

On the plus side, companies that have storm shelters on the

safety and health (ES&H)

premises may recruit better

literature doesn’t devote much

talent, as they can offer the

space to advocating for the value

refuge as an employee benefit. In

of tornado shelters for private

addition, employers that provide

enterprises. According to Matt

shelters may earn positive media

Williams, a former member of the

attention as a result, which is

board of directors at the National

always good for business.

Storm Shelter Association (NSSA),

Storm shelters are an

“We have reached out to various

effective solution for saving

publications and thought leaders

lives during a tornado.

in the ES&H industry, but there

According to FEMA, the cost of

seems to be a lack of context for

a safe room will increase as its

starting a conversation on the

number of openings increases.

important and necessary role of

This makes it cost prohibitive

tornado shelters in ES&H plans.”

to construct a regular building

Despite this lack of attention

according to the same standards

from many ES&H professionals,

as a storm shelter. Most

erecting shelters not only helps

buildings for everyday use will

keep workers safe; embracing

require too many doors and

them may also be good business.

windows for this to be feasible.

The Real Cost of A Tornado

Storm Shelters

In addition to the physical

concerned about finding a tornado

destruction they bring, tornadoes

shelter that can accommodate

can also wreak havoc on the

your staff while also fitting nicely

economy. The three costliest

at your company’s location, the

tornadoes in the history of the

good news is that storm shelter

U.S. have all struck within the

manufacturers will work with

last 10 years. Each one caused

you to custom design one or more

damages amounting to $2 billion

units to meet your needs.

or more. Often, it’s the indirect

Leader—Autumn 2019

below ground shelters are still

Grant Program provides funding

Unfortunately, businesses

38

The monetary cost of

If you own a business and are

The best kind of tornado

costs of devastating storms that

shelter is one that is easily

hamper businesses the most.

accessible to all of the people who

employees can reach them in the shortest possible timeframe.

There are even transitional shelters that can be erected temporarily in remote areas to protect mobile employees such as road crews and oil field workers.

These shelters are sturdy enough to withstand the 250 mph winds of the strongest tornadoes but can still be dismantled and redeployed to accompany work crews as they relocate.

They are built by attaching an above ground shelter to a steel foundation filled with locallyexcavated soil or sand that acts as ballast. Although they are mobile, individual transitional shelters can still be designed and built to protect over 1,500 occupants.

We don’t have the technology to prevent the formation of tornadoes. Nor do we have the power to halt them in their tracks. And although we often know when conditions are right for them to strike, much of the time we still get very little notice before they do.

The best defense is a shelter built specifically for the purpose of protecting people from tornadoes and the destruction they can bring. For a mid- to large-sized business, the consequences of not having a proper tornado shelter definitely outweigh the monetary costs of getting one.

Dale Kiefer writes for Triple Canopy Media (triplecanopymedia.com) based in Canton, Ohio. vpppa.org

32ND ANNUAL SAFETY & HEALTH CONFERENCE May 19 ~ 22, 2020

Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, 900 East Market St., San Antonio Hotel: Hilton Palacio Del Rio, 200 South Alamo, San Antonio

Being ready to react and deal with catastrophic weather conditions— disaster preparedness— is something millions of American face every year.

Unfortunately for all of us, these events are becoming ever more commonplace, and are increasingly affecting us from the

EXTRE workplace to anyplace.

SAFETY IN THE ERA OF

WEATHER EVENTS

40 Leader—Autumn 2019

T

he number of weather events reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has increased 7.6 percent; from 55,760 events in 2013 to 59,985 in 2017. These include large-scale weather events that make the news like the recent Hurricane Dorian, tornadoes

and wildfires, but also smaller localized conditions like flash floods and debris flows, which can present significant danger. Changes in weather and climate are making these events more frequent, and the need for all of us to be prepared to deal with them, essential.

If you’ve never faced an emergency situation, be grateful, but don’t take it for granted. Complacency can be a killer. In the event of a real emergency, the more thoughtful practice you have, the more likely

EME

By National Safety Council Staff

you will be able to react in a way that leads to better outcomes.

If there is a bright spot here, it is that NOAA reports a 22 percent decrease in direct or indirect weather related deaths from 2013 to 2017. However, the number of injuries during this period have increased significantly—117 percent in four years, with a 43.4 percent jump between 2016 and 2017. That’s a large number of people who, while they may not have lost their lives, were injured while trying to evade a catastrophic weather event; far too many.

A key step in disaster preparedness is heeding advanced warnings about impending events. A recent AccuWeather article1 points out that people tend to wait to see how a weather event will affect them before taking action. While people react to the imminent threat of property damage or physical harm, there are psychological underpinnings as people hesitate to act quickly, doubting they will be in the path of the next event, being fearful to leave their belongings or pets behind, or assuming they will have more time to make that decision.

Meteorologists have become increasingly better at predicting impact with new and existing technology, so when local and state authorities issue warnings, they must be taken seriously. Trust that any barricades, road closures and detours have been put in place for your safety. Willfully ignoring or circumventing them can place not only your life in danger, but also the lives of first responders who will have to come to your aid.

The first step of disaster preparedness is also one of the most important—having a plan of action and some basic resources ready.

These “catch-alls” can cover a wide variety of climate disasters: tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and events like heatwaves and cold snaps which might not be top-of-mind when considering catastrophic weather events, but which nonetheless can be dangerous if power outages or roads are affected.

Any employer should ensure that there’s a strong communication system in place to alert employees in case of a natural disaster or weather event, and a way to account for the safety or whereabouts of employees. Make sure everyone is aware of where all of the escape routes are located in your facility and what the alarms sound like for different types of emergencies.

When preparing for the annual NSC Congress & Expo in San Diego this year, National Safety Council employees took charge in setting up an emergency response team, testing SMS alerts to all employees, and ensuring there was a clear plan in place in case of a natural or man-made disaster that may affect the event. As one of our keynote speakers reminded attendees, it’s better to have a plan and not need it, than not have a plan at all.

Encourage employees to create a family communication plan as well.

It is likely people may not be with their loved ones when a disaster hits.

Therefore, having an agreed upon meeting spot is a good way to ensure that everyone can stay safe in the event of an emergency, with a backup meeting spot in a public place just in case. Make sure everybody knows

vpppa.org

Leader—Autumn 2019

41

to always follow alerts or first

items will be familiar to a travel

responder instructions.

kit or car emergency kit, but this

life-saving tool. In case there

supply kit will also need enough

is no one nearby who is trained

In the event of a tornado, is

non-perishable food and water

in First Aid, keep a small guide

there a low floor or basement

on hand for at least three days

(download the NSC First Aid

accessible? Will you be able

per person. For water, that means

app) to help make informed

to receive updates, alerts and

one gallon per person, per day.

choices with the first aid kit until

A shelter plan is also a must.

medical assistance arrives. If all

instructions? If you are in a basement and can’t get cellular reception, is there a radio or TV with an external power source?

Equally important is having an evacuation plan. When instructions come through to move to a more secure area, will you be able to? Don’t go back to your workstation for personal items during a drill—time is of the essence. If the main road near your meeting place is impassable, do you have an alternate route?

Can you get there on foot or are you dependent on a vehicle?

Consider that you may not have your vehicle or may not be able to use it if it is damaged or roads are closed.

Flash flooding events were

Dangerous weather

events have always been a concern, but they are becoming more frequent and severe, ensuring that employers

must take notice and take a

leadership role

in helping people stay safe.

In addition to food and

responsible for the most deaths

daunting, Ready.gov offers many useful resources to help everyone plan and prepare for the worst.

Know your company’s emergency plans for each type of drill, often located in a safety manual or you can always ask your supervisor. It’s especially important for supervisors to go over and reinforce this safety information with new hires.

Know where physical fire alarms are located in your facility as well as fire extinguishers. Even if you are not trained to use them, assisting others to locate them can save time in an emergency.

Always keep evacuation routes clear year round, and after practicing safety drills at

water, a basic first aid kit

your home or office, go over

Flooding can also accompany

with necessary medicines is

what worked well and what

essential, including a battery-

didn’t to identify strengths as

operated or crank radio, a flash

well as weaknesses and look for

light, extra batteries, garbage

improvements so that next time

bags, wet wipes, basic tools,

everyone is better prepared.

events. Crossing flooded areas, in a car or on foot, can be extremely dangerous.

Almost half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related, according to the National Weather Service. Approaching a water-covered road while driving, turn around. Just six inches of water can stall a vehicle, and two feet can float most cars, trucks and SUVs. Be especially careful around bridges, underpasses and underground garages.

On foot, that same 6 inches of rushing water can sweep someone right off their feet, so avoid walking in water above the ankle.

Watch for downed power lines and live wires. Remember to heed any barricades or instructions to avoid flooded areas; they are in place for our safety.

An emergency supply kit is another essential to have on hand, ideally kept at your agreed meetup spot. Many of the Leader—Autumn 2019

the planning and kit prep seems

in 2017, according to NOAA. or result from other weather

42

Basic first aid skills can be a

extra clothes, glasses or contact

Dangerous weather events

lenses (if you wear them)

have always been a concern,

cellphone chargers, and ideally

but they are becoming more

extra portable battery chargers.

frequent and severe, ensuring

This is not a comprehensive

that employers must take notice

list and it’s best to use personal

and take a leadership role in

judgement to add additional

helping people stay safe. Luckily,

items as necessary. Make sure to

staying informed and receiving

store items in plastic bags and

lifesaving alerts and information

then pack in duffle bags or plastic

has never been more prevalent.

bins. The kit needs to be easily

The key to keeping yourself and

mobile and perishable items

your loved ones safe is knowing

should be checked regularly and

the risks and being prepared to

re-supplied as needed.

deal with them.

For more information on disaster preparedness, visit: www.nsc.org/ home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/ For more information about the NSC First Aid app, visit: www.nsc.org/ safety-training/first-aid/app For more data on weather fatalities and injuries visit: injuryfacts.nsc. org/home-and-community/safety-topics/weather-related-deathsand-injuries/

RESOURCE 1

www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/psychology-of-warningswhy-do-people-ignore-weather-alerts/70000135 vpppa.org

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From the Perspective of

A FIRST RESPONDER

By Lee Vernon Code3 Medical Services

When Disaster Strikes— You Are on Your Own! *Author of this column, Lee Vernon, started the Brotherhood of Heroes Foundation—a foundation created by first responders, for first responders. You can find more information and donate at www.brotherhoodofheroes.org.

W

hen it comes

out what YOU should be doing to

to safety, what

prepare for such an incident.

do natural disasters (i.e.

Understand that when

have to be your own rescuer.

natural disasters initially occur,

But officially, there are three

floods, hurricanes, earthquakes,

local first responders are going

basic categories:

tornadoes, fires, etc.) mean for

to be overwhelmed due to the

1. Means of egress/escape

you, your emergency response

sheer volume of calls for help,

2. First aid and security

team and your facility? As a first

and other issues that take

3. Essentials for survival

responder for over 27 years, I have lost count as to how many times I have heard people say; “Well, if it gets bad, we will just call the fire department, EMS or law enforcement.”

That would be great in an ideal world, but here is the hard truth: You are on your own and we are not coming to help you… initially. Not because first responders don’t want to help, but because they CAN’T. That is probably not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth of the matter. However, we can figure

precedence to sustain life and safety. With only so many fire, medical and rescue responders,

As soon as a disaster is in progress, emergency responders will be quickly overwhelmed. Response time for emergency personnel to arrive could be hours to days in a worst-case scenario.

Egress & Escape

This solution can help you avoid

it doesn’t take but a few

a lot of unwanted problems. If

emergencies to overwhelm

given the opportunity, and you

responders, creating a backlog

are requested to do so… LEAVE!

of several hours, or even days.

Get out of the impending disaster

Your location and available

zone if you have the ability. If you

resources will dictate the kind

are not there, you will not end up

of response, or lack thereof,

as a casualty of any chaos that

you could potentially see.

takes place. If given the chance,

A perfect example of this occurred in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. Due to

move to a safe place away from the epicenter of the disaster.

However, there are times you

location, minimal response

may be caught by surprise, or

crews, the amount of damage,

there is not enough time to leave

inaccessibility and lack of basic

conventionally. A prime example

resources, there was a severe

is the 2016 Louisiana flood.

delay in fire, medical and rescue

Within hours of heavy nonstop

response. It does not matter if

rain, the rivers overflowed their

the disaster is happening on

banks and proceeded to flood

an island, or on the mainland

a large area of Baton Rouge,

of the United States. There are

LA, unexpectedly, resulting

countless examples of incidents

in useless, submerged motor

that lasted days into weeks and

vehicles. The only means of

months, such as Hurricanes

escape, or movement, was

Katrina, Harvey and Michael;

by boat.

the California and Texas

44 Leader—Autumn 2019

How does one prepare for emergencies? It’s simple. You

Having multiple options as

wildfires; the 2016 Baton Rouge

a means to escape a situation

flood, and many more. The first

is going to be dependent on

72 hours are some of the worst,

where you live and the potential

depending on how extensive the

disasters that you have to

damage is, so be prepared to be

contend with. Summers in the

on your own until emergency

South feature regular hurricanes

crews can catch up and get

and flooding, so pickup trucks

accessibility to your location.

and boats are an advantage vpppa.org

2016 Louisiana Flood: Prime example of inaccessibility on a massive scale where first responders were not able to quickly or effectively respond to the demands of all the emergency calls due to lack of access.

You need a true trauma kit for serious injuries, not just a regular “Boo-boo Kit” that doesn’t have the essentials for control of severe bleeding and other serious injuries.

if you have them. In the

a first aid class or something

North, with months of snow,

equivalent to learn how to

a four-wheel drive vehicle

properly handle the equipment.

or snowmobile would be an

Another component that

A bathtub full of water will provide a few days, or more, of drinking water depending on the number of people and exertion of the individuals.

Survival Essentials

harm within hours if water is

Finally, the most important

not readily available to replace

things to consider for

your fluid loss due to sweating.

preparedness—food and water.

As far as water storage, one may

advantage. You need to assess

is often forgotten is security.

During a disaster, food and water

your area and make the right

During a disaster, you will

will become scarce within 24

have “lawlessness” that takes

hours. Depending on the amount

choice that best fits you and your budget.

The last part of the escape equation is having plenty of fuel. Spare gas cans to get you from point A to point B are an important, and often disregarded (or forgotten), aspect of disaster survival—that can result in getting trapped on the side of the road and still in harm’s way. Be sure to keep fuel on hand, and make sure it is preserved with a fuel additive to keep it usable.

First Aid & Security

The odds of needing lifesaving supplies is substantially high if you cannot escape a disaster situation. Having the right gear and training is paramount to surviving a major injury, such as a severe bleed, amputation or even a minor emergency (like a cut) that can lead to a deadly infection. Having equipment like tourniquets and hemostatic gauze, to simpler

place. Seeing how people act when they are desperate and scared is truly eye-opening.

You must be able to defend yourself, family, co-workers, etc. Whether you choose to have a firearm, knife or club—you need to look to your local and state laws to determine what is permissible. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were assaults and gun fights in the streets. If you were

of devastation, it could be weeks or months before access to

want to keep cases of water or have some type of rainwater storage container. Filling up bathtubs before the water is cut off is also a viable option.

regular food and water returns.

Something to at least get you

Seeing how

supplies arrive. Clean drinking

people act when

they are desperate and scared is truly eye-opening.

Think about the calorie

through a week until help and water is key in order to avoid illness and dehydration.

The aforementioned are simple, general things to keep in mind when preparing to safely get through a disaster. As someone who has responded to many disasters over my career, I can tell you that emergency

not able to defend it, it was

intake one will need to survive a

personnel will be stretched

forcefully taken, even if that

disaster as you will be moving,

beyond capacity very quickly.

repairing and cleaning up. You

In a worst-case scenario, the

will need calories in order to

above will at least buy you time

be productive and stay healthy.

if you do get stuck in a disaster.

meant your life was also taken.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, during the flooding of 2016 in Baton Rouge, armed citizens and residents were able to keep looting and theft to a minimum. The difference in being prepared to defend your property, self and others around you is something very serious to keep in mind when preparing

Some easy and economical

In all seriousness, if you

options for food storage are

do find yourself in the midst

protein bars, dried food, canned

of a disaster, it is extremely

items and anything else that

possible that you will be on

does not require refrigeration.

your own. Luck will determine

Water is the most important

if that is for a brief period or for

because we can only go

a prolonged amount of time.

roughly three days without it

I personally will not base my

before we start having health

safety off of luck. I have seen

complications, and that is three

what can happen when luck

days under normal non-exertive

runs out. Leave luck in Las

circumstances. If you are

Vegas—your personal safety is

items like rubbing alcohol and

for a worst-case scenario. But,

antibiotic ointments, could

again, please consult all local

prove beneficial. Having the

and federal laws, and obtain

tools alone will not make

any weapons in a legal and safe

physically active, and depending

worth more than that. Be safe

you an emergency medical

manner. Learn how to use and

on the weather conditions, you

and train like your life depends

professional, so consider taking

store them by a professional.

could push yourself to physical

on it. Because it does.

vpppa.org

Leader—Autumn 2019

45

Like us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter: @VPPPA & Instagram: @VPPPA_Inc

Membership Corner

Meet the VPPPA Team

As VPPPA members, you talk to National Office Staff members

Autumn Members of the Month Congratulations to our

on the phone, chat with us via

Autumn (September, October,

email and sometimes see us at

November) Members of the

regional and national events.

Month: Lesli Trahan, Mark

But we want our members

Rauenzahn and Rene Snoel.

to be able to more easily put names with faces. Check back here in future issues to see more VPPPA National Office

Want to submit someone to be considered as a VPPPA Member of the Month? Email

staff member profiles.

membership@vpppa.org. You

Name: Brielle Mroczkco

previous Members of the Month

Job Title: Conference Coordinator

can also check out all of the on our website.

Nickname: Lil B or Bri

VPPPA Trivia & Prizes!

Length of Time with VPPPA:

Symposium is over, we are

Since August 2017

still celebrating our 35th

Favorite Parts of Working for

birthday throughout the year

VPPPA: Being able to learn about safety and meeting the

Even though the Safety+

with VPPPA trivia contests! We are posting trivia questions

people so passionate about it.

twice a month with prizes for

Hometown: Lancaster, CA

trivia questions at vpppa.org/

Alma Mater: University of California Irvine Fun Facts About Me: I studied abroad in South Korea during high school and speak Korean.

Favorite Food: Hamburgers Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice

the winners. You can find the

We are thrilled to announce that all of our previously recorded webinars are now on our website as a member benefit. This is free for members only.

Tune into all of this great and free educational content on our website, here: vpppa.org/education/webinars/ view-previously-recorded-webinars.

National Board of Directors Update

Congratulations to our new National Board of Directors members! Shelly Ettel, Bill Linneweh and Andy Youpel have all joined the board as Directorsat-Large. They were elected during the 2019 Safety+ Symposium.

#VPPPAnimals Contest Winner

Congratulations to Casper the

membership/vpppabirthday.

cat, and owner,

Congratulations to our

winning the

winners so far: Sheri F.,

#VPPPAnimals

Cintas; Kim B., Acushnet

Contest!

Golf; Vanessa K., Nucor; Brian B., Shermco; Joshua

Sara Smith, for

Name: Casper

H., Prairie State Generating

Age: 1

Company; Elisa C., Huber;

Favorite Toy: Active feather teaser

Keenan M., Solvay; Nevena S.,

Dream Vacation Spot:

Sherwin; Neha S., Honeywell;

Greece or Malta

Leischen N., Alstom Group;

Favorite Musician/Band:

Jake V., Occidental Chemical

Ed Sheeran

New VPPPA Member Benefit: Webinar Library

Corporation; Tonya W., Firestone Industrial Products/ Bridgestone; Lesli T., Chevron

Likes: He loves to cuddle, he will follow you everywhere you go in the house and he loves to sit on the couch and take pictures. He actually loves the vacuum cleaner and will lay on the couch and let you vacuum him.

Phillips Chemical; Scott Slie,

Dislikes: Casper doesn’t like when

Westlake Chemical; Donald B.,

his food bowl shows the bottom of

Aerojet Rocketdyne; Zach G.,

the bowl just a little bit. He will give

Morton Salt; Elsy P., Multi-

the weirdest meow until you fix it.

Plastics Extrusions, Inc.; Tiffany H., Entergy.

Why Sara Loves Safety: Safety is my primary goal at my workplace, Robins Air Force Base, GA. Safety is reassurance that I am doing everything I can so my wingmen and I make it home safe every day to our family and fur buddies. “No faster than quality and safety” is our slogan at work!

46 Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

48 Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

vpppa.org

Leader—Autumn 2019

49

Compiled By Katlyn Pagliuca Membership Manager, VPPPA, Inc.

State-Plan Monitor

INDIANA

Indiana presently has 88 sites in VPP. In 2019, the VPP leaders have been working to complete the 17 reapproval evaluations and four to five new site evaluations. They are also working to schedule the

Three regional Best Practices Meetings will be conducted in November 2019:

• Nucor Steel on November 7 (Crawfordsville) • Raytheon on November 13 (Fort Wayne) • Cintas #314 on November 19 (Evansville) At these meetings, sites will present best

27 reapproval evaluations for 2020 and working

practices and have networking group discussions

with several sites so they can have a new site

on various topics. For more information about

evaluation in 2020. As of July 29, Indiana has four

Regional Best Practices Meetings email

VPP Leaders, one for north, one for south and two

Beth Gonzalez bgonzalez@dol.in.gov.

for central Indiana.

Lisa Stephenson is the new South VPP Leader. Before taking on the VPP Leader role, she was originally hired into Indiana Department of Labor as an IOSHA Construction Compliance Safety & Health Officer (CSHO) in May 2017. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied health science with a major in safety and a minor in safety supervision. She also earned a bachelor of general studies degree in humanities from Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana.

Patricia McIntire is the newest Central VPP Leader. Before taking on the VPP Leader role, she was originally hired into the Indiana Department of Labor as an IOSHA CSHO in October 2015. From there, Patricia took a promotional opportunity and position with INSafe in January 2019.

IOWA

VPP Audits for Seasonal Operations

Iowa is a huge agriculture state. Take a fall drive and you will see fields of drying corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see. There are several agriculturalrelated VPP sites that include Bayer (formally Monsanto) and Cargill. The Bayer seed corn and soybean sites are seasonal operations that require a unique audit approach. The sites plant in the spring, de-tassel corn in the summer, harvest in the fall and sort and package corn hybrids and soybean varieties in the winter. In order to review these distinct operations, the VPP approval process stretches out over several months. Currently, the Bayer sites in Grinnell and Williamsburg are in the midst of the VPP reapproval process.

The 48th Annual Iowa Governor’s Safety &

Patricia also has experience from various risk

Health Conference took place from October 31–

management roles along with her experience

November 1 in Altoona. Attendees collaborated

at IOSHA.

on how best to protect Iowa workers, network

When you see Lisa and Patricia, welcome them to the VPP family.

with colleagues, make new contacts, and continue growth as a safety and health professional.

Fourteen new Special Government Employees (SGEs) were trained at the SGE Class on July 30 to 31 at Cintas #388 in Indianapolis. On August 1–2, the Basis Industrial Hygiene Class was conducted at Cintas #388 in Indianapolis.

50 Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

MICHIGAN

There are currently 31 sites in the Michigan Voluntary Protection Programs (MVPP), with 27 Star, one Rising Star (Merit), two MVPP/C (construction) and one MVPP/C Rising Star site.

The following is a quick update of MIOSHA MVPP activities.

Promotion

Representatives from several MVPP sites gave presentations on safety and health best practices at the VPPPA Region V Conference in Grand Rapids this past April.

MVPP Specialist, Doug Kimmel, lead an MVPP/C Informational Workshop in Lansing on May 30.

A MVPP Process Safety Management (PSM) onsite review was conducted at Marathon TT&R, Muskegon on June 11–12.

A MVPP triennial onsite reevaluation review was conducted at Potlatch/Deltic, Gwinn on June 25–27.

MVPP award celebrations have been held at Cintas First Aid and Safety #305 in Kentwood and Huntsman in Auburn Hills (reevaluation).

Applications currently pending for the MVPP include:

• Cintas Fire Protection—D26 (Troy) • Honeywell (Muskegon) • Robert Bosch (Plymouth) Upcoming Event

On June 17, Marvin Wood Products in Baker City was re-approved as a Star site. This facility has been a VPP site since October 20, 2003.

OREGON

VPP Star Site Updates

Oregon OSHA conducted two VPP evaluations since June, and both sites are currently working on 90-day items.

We have six VPP audits planned between October 2019 and April 2020.

On June 17, Marvin Wood Products in Baker City was re-approved as a Star site. This facility has been a VPP site since October 20, 2003.

In addition, on August 22, NuStar Energy’s Shore Terminals LLC was re-approved as a Star site. This facility has been a VPP site since April 21, 2016.

Oregon OSHA is co-hosting the following safety and health conferences and activities:

• Western Pulp, Paper and Forest Products Safety & Health

Conference, December 3–6, 2019. Taking place at the Red Lion on the River, in Jantzen Beach, Portland.

MVPP/C Advisory group meeting will take place November 7.

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/MIOSHA_MI. For further details on the MVPP, contact Doug Kimmel, MVPP specialist, at (517) 719-7296, or visit the MIOSHA website at www.michigan.gov/miosha.

MINNESOTA

Minnesota currently has 35 sites in the MNSTAR (VPP) program. Of the 35 MNSTAR sites, 33 are classified as general industry and two are resident contractors at a refinery.

Since the last update, we completed three reapproval visits:

• Danfoss Power Solutions (Plymouth), received a threeyear reapproval.

• Marvin Windows (Warroad) will be recommended for continued

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participation in the MNSTAR program upon completion of the 90day items discovered during the onsite visit.

• Aptim Services LLC (Rosemount) will be recommended for

continued participation in the MNSTAR program upon completion of the 90-day items discovered during the onsite visit.

Additionally, five reapproval visits have been scheduled for the fall

of 2019 and early 2020.

If you would like further information about Minnesota’s MNSTAR Program, please visit www.doli.state.mn.us/WSC/Mnstar.asp or contact Marnie Prochniak, MNSTAR/VPP Coordinator, at marnie.prochniak@state.mn.us.

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Leader—Autumn 2019

51

SPM

• Oregon SHARP Alliance General Training Session, December 12, 2019, Safety & the Supervisor, in Tangent.

• Oregon SHARP Alliance Region 1 Training Session, January 14, 2020, (topic and site TBA), in Portland/Metro.

TENNESSEE

On July 8, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Deputy Commissioner, Steve Hawkins, presented the

• Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit, January 27–28, 2020,

employees of Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems in Clarksville

• Cascade Occupational Safety & Health Conference, March 2 & 3,

has received the award. The site received their first approval in 2010.

• Oregon SHARP Alliance General Training Session, March 12, 2020,

Petroleum in Nashville and a successful initial onsite evaluation was

taking place at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes, in Bend.

2020, taking place at the Graduate Hotel, in Eugene.

Improving Your Safety Program, Taking Safety to the Next Level, in Durham.

with the Volunteer Star Award. This was the third time the company A successful onsite evaluation was recently conducted at Marathon conducted at Honeywell International, Inc. in Memphis.

(topic and site TBA), in Portland/Metro.

WASHINGTON

May 12–14, 2020, taking place at The Grove Hotel & Boise Centre,

• An onsite evaluation for Star participation was completed with Cintas

• Oregon SHARP Alliance Region 1 Training Session, April 14, 2020, • Northwest Safety & Health Summit by Region X VPPPA, in Boise, ID.

Washington State VPP currently has 32 Star sites and one Merit site.

Corporation #461 in Puyallup. The approval report is in process.

• An onsite evaluation for Star participation is scheduled with MacDonald-Miller Facilities Solutions in Seattle in October.

• An application has been received from Cintas Corporation in Yakima.

Recent VPP Ceremonies

• Congratulations to Cintas Corporation #460 in Everett. contacting each state Alaska Christian Hendrickson VPP Manager Christian.hendrickson@alaska.gov Phone: (907) 269-4946

Kentucky Brian Black VPP Program Administrator brian.black@ky.gov Phone: (502) 564-3320

New Mexico Melissa Barker VPP Coordinator melissa.barker@state.nm.us Phone: (505) 222-9595

Tennessee David Blessman VPP Manager david.blessman@tn.gov Phone: (615) 253-6890

Arizona Jessie Atencio Assistant Director jessie.atencio@azdosh.gov Phone: (520) 220-4222

Maryland Allen Stump VPP Manager allen.stump@maryland.gov Phone: (410) 527-4473

North Carolina LaMont Smith Recognition Program Manager lamont.smith@labor.nc.gov Phone: (919) 807-2909

Utah Jerry Parkstone VPP Coordinator jparkstone@utah.gov Phone: (801) 530-6901

California Iraj Pourmehraban Cal/VPP & PSM Manager ipourmehraban@hq.dir.ca.gov Phone: (510) 622-1080

Michigan Sherry Scott MVPP Manager scotts1@michigan.gov Phone: (517) 322-5817

Oregon Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM VPP/SHARP Program Coordinator mark.e.hurliman@oregon.gov Phone: (541) 776-6016

Vermont Daniel Whipple VPP Coordinator dan.whipple@vermont.gov Phone: (802) 828-5084

Hawaii Nicole G. Bennett OSH Program Specialist Administrative & Technical Support Manager nicole.g.bennett@hawaii.gov Phone: (808) 586-9081

Minnesota Tyrone Taylor, MBA Director of Workplace Safety Consultation MN Dept. of Labor & Industry Occupational Safety & Health Division tyrone.taylor@state.mn.us Phone: (651) 284-5203

Puerto Rico Judith M. Cruz Concepción Puerto Rico VPP Manager ​PR OSHA Voluntary Programs Division Cruz.Judith@dol.gov Phone: (787) 754-2172 ext 3343

Virginia Milford Stern VPP Manager milford.stern@doli.virginia.gov Phone: (540) 562-3580 x 123

Indiana Beth A. Gonzalez VPP Team Leader bgonzalez@dol.in.gov Phone: (317) 607-6118 Iowa Shashi Patel VPP Coordinator patel.shashi@iwd.iowa.gov Phone: (515) 281-6369

Nevada Jimmy Andrews VPP Manager jimmy.andrews@business.nv.gov Phone: (702) 486-9046

South Carolina Sharon Dumit VPP Coordinator sharon.dumit@llr.sc.gov Phone: (803) 896-7788

Washington John Geppert VPP Manager gepp.235@lni.wa.gov Phone: (360) 902-5496 Wyoming Clayton Gaunt VPP Manager clayrton.gaunt1@wyo.gov Phone: (307) 777-7710

For additional information and up-to-date contacts, please visit www.vpppa.org/chapters/contacts.cfm

52

Leader—Autumn 2019

vpppa.org

Trusted products. Unmatched service.

Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get readyTM to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best.

With over 100 VPP locations, Cintas is uniquely positioned to help businesses get Ready for the Workday®.

UNIFORMS | FACILITY SERVICES | FIRST AID & SAFETY | FIRE PROTECTION 200790 R0919

Compiled by Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc.

Regional Round-Ups

REGION I vppregion1.com

Region I is beginning to gear up for its annual conference and will be looking for speakers, exhibitors and sponsors. Anyone interested in any of these opportunities, or in helping the Region I Board with any conference activities, can reach out to any Board member. More information can be found on the Region I website: vppregion1.com.

Region I will be having their annual conference in Killington, VT, on June 15–17, 2020. The Region will also be having SGE Training at GE Healthcare in Marlborough, MA, on September I5–I7, 2020. For more

presentation on December 10,

how to join the board of directors,

during VPP onsite evaluations.

20I9, on the topic of Contractor

scholarships, how to become a

(Photo on page 55.)

Safety Program & Temporary

speaker at the annual conference,

Staffing as part of the OSHA/

Best Practices of Region I VPP

Keene State College/NH Small

sites, how to become an exhibitor

Business Development Center’s

or a sponsor of the Region I

monthly General Industry

conference, and much more.

Roundtable Series.

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC, a VPP site in Easton, ME, recently received an award for being one of the “Best Places to Work in Maine.”

There were two flag raising ceremonies that happened recently within Region I.

REGION II

www.vppparegion2.org

Region II currently has seven upcoming VPP evaluations with

• A.J. Oster, LLC in Warwick, RI

spots open for SGEs. Contact

• Huber Engineered Woods,

dol.gov, if you are interested in

• SGE of the Year: Raymond

Robbins, Lockheed Martin Corporations.

• Mentors of the Year: John

Bawiec and Kevin Mihalenko, Tropicana, Jersey City, NJ.

• Solvay Specialty Polymers

USA, LLC, West Deptford, NJ, had their flag presentation at the Region II Safety Forum.

(Photo on page 55.)

Regional Board Updates

on July 9.

Ms. Greta Olsson, Olsson.greta@

LLC in Easton, ME on June 18.

volunteering for any of these

Chairperson and a Director-

Elections will take place during

SGE opportunities. More details

at-Large. Kevin Mihalenko was

available on our website.

re-elected as Secretary. William

information please keep checking

the Region I Annual Meeting

the Region I website for updates

happening at the Region I

throughout the year, or ask any of

Conference in June 2020 where

the Region I Board members.

the following positions will be

Region I held a VPP Application

Contributed by Karen Girardin, Region I Chairperson

Recognitions

up for re-election: Vice-Chair,

Our next SGE class will be held

We have an opening for Vice

DePuy, Michael Bell and Brian

March 31–April 2, 2020, at VPP

Bennett, Ph.D., CSP, were re-

Star site, Bartell Machinery. The

elected as Directors-at-Large.

deadline to submit an application

Congratulations to all!

is January 15, 2020. The training

Pre-Conference Workshop at

Secretary, and three Director-at-

their 2019 annual conference.

Large positions. Currently, there

downloaded at www.osha.gov/

The workshop was held on

is still one open Director-at-

dcsp/vpp/sge/sge_application_

May 20, 2019 and there were

Large position. Anyone interested

abstract.html.

approximately six attendees.

in joining the Regional Board

is free, and applications can be

Mr. Joseph Guzzetta from VPP

2019 Safety Forum Highlights

We had 104 attendees at our 2019 Safety Forum (June 24–25).

We call it our safety forum

Region I will have a booth at

can reach out to a current board

Star site, Occidental Chemical,

because it is only a day and a

the 92nd Annual Maine Safety

member, or check on the Region I

in Niagara Falls, completed

half (which allows employers to

& Health Conference on October

website to get more information.

the August 24–26, SGE class

be able to send their employees

16–17, 2020, in Augusta, ME. In

Sometime this fall, Region I

prior to the VPPPA National

without taking excessive time

addition, two VPP companies have

will be looking for candidates that

Safety+ Symposium in New

away from work).

individuals that are speaking in

might be interested in receiving

Orleans, LA. Region II VPPPA

the breakout sessions: L.L. Bean,

one of three $1,000 scholarships.

Chairperson, Mr. Robert Brynes

Chairperson’s Award recipient.

Inc. and Cianbro. The Chairman of

For more information about these

from Wheelabrator, was a SGE

Our dynamic keynote speaker,

the Cianbro Company will be the

scholarships and how to apply,

instructor during the class. Mr.

Gary Norland, spoke on “The

keynote speaker at the conference.

please check the Region I website.

Guzzetta took the oath of office

impact of an injury. What are

along with SGEs from across

you risking?” Kristyn Grow also

The Region I website hosts a lot

Two SGEs from the VPP

Brenda Wiederkehr was the

worksite Aclara in Somersworth,

of information. It provides details

the country, growing the ranks

attended as our representative

NH, are providing an outreach

about the annual conference,

of SGEs who can assist OSHA

from the National Board of

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC flag raising.

54 Leader—Autumn 2019

A.J. Oster, LLC flag raising. vpppa.org

Directors and Heidi Hill, from

their VPP Star. They are the

the VPPPA National Office,

first company in Lansing to

helped us with registration.

receive the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program Star Award.

Contributed by Grace Irby, Region II Member

REGION V

www.vppregionv.org

In 2019 the Region V VPPPA Board of Directors, and a few extremely helpful SGEs, completed many VPP PreOnsite Evaluations to assist with

Marathon Petroleum’s Illinois Refining Division in Robinson, IL, recently celebrated its 20th year of VPP Star certification.

Congratulations! Let’s go for another 20 years! (Photos located on page 56.)

Board of Directors Updates

Currently, there is one Director-

the overall readiness of sites

at-large position open on the

looking to join VPP. This initiative

Region V Board of Directors.

has been led and organized by our

If interested, please reach out

Chairperson, Bill Linneweh. To

to Bill Linneweh by email at

learn more about VPP Pre-Onsite

wlinneweh@hendrickson-intl.com.

Evaluations please reach out to

We would like to introduce

Nancy Mugavero, Region V VPP

our newest Region V Board

Manager at U.S. DOL-OSHA.

of Directors member, Troy

Nancy can be reached by email at:

Munson, CSP, CHMM. He is the

mugavero.nancy@dol.gov.

Director of Health, Safety and

Oshkosh Defense located in

Security for Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh, WI, recently held a SGE

in the position of Director-at-

training class from September

Large since May 2019. Oshkosh

4–5. Nine SGEs were sworn in by

Defense is an industry-leading

Ron Bonack, Area Director, OSHA

tactical vehicle manufacturer

Appleton Office in Appleton, WI.

in Oshkosh, WI. Troy earned

(Bottom photo to the right.)

his B.S.E in Occupational

2020 Conference Updates

Conference planning is in full swing for the 2020 VPPPA Region V Conference. The 2020 conference will be held

Safety from the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater.

Contributed by Jimmy Jacquez, Region V Director Ex-Officio

looking forward to an excellent

REGION VII

conference in the family-

We had over 220 attendees

in Lake Geneva, WI. We are

regionviivpp.org

friendly, relaxing Lake Geneva.

during our May conference

This is our second conference at

in Wichita, KS. We have two

this location, and we are back for

new board members, Meghan

a reason! The feedback from our

Moberly from Cintas and

conference attendees was great

Nathan Gentges of Tyler Pipe.

when we were in Lake Geneva in 2017. We are looking forward to a great turnout with awesome speakers and presentations.

New Star Sites

Congratulations to the Oshkosh Defense Oakwood Facility. They are the first location in Oshkosh Defense to achieve a VPP Star.

Award Winners

Terminal and Fleet facility on vpppa.org

REGION VIII vppparegion8. clubexpress.com

The 2019 Region VIII Conference was held at the Salt Lake Sheraton from April 22–26, and we had a record number of attendees. The

• SGE of the Year: Terry

2020 conference will be held in

•

We will host a Lucky Bowling

Bass, Plygem

Mentor of the Year: Sarah Van Meter, Monsanto/Bayer

• Our $5,000 scholarship

winner was Cameron Klug, whose father works for Vulcraft in Nebraska.

Another big congratulations to the Marathon Petroleum Lansing

(Top photo) SGE Class participants before the Safety+ Symposium.

(Middle photo) Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC, West Deptford, NJ. (Bottom photo) Oshkosh Defense.

Contributed by Bill Turner, Region VII Chairperson

Denver, CO, at The Curtis Hotel.

VPP and grow the program in the state of Utah.

Contributed by Shelly Ettel, VPPPA National Board Director-at-Large and Region VIII Vice Chairperson

REGION IX

www.regionixvpppa.org Well, if you haven’t guessed

fundraiser, a brewery tour and a

by now, you missed it. That’s

Rockies baseball game outing.

right, you missed another great

Jerry Parkstone, a standalone

Safety+ Symposium, this time

VPP Manager (first for Utah),

in New Orleans. It was so great

has organized a VPP promotion

to see everyone who was able

alliance with Utah companies

to attend. If you were there, let

(both state and federal) and the

us know how you enjoyed the

Utah Safety Council to promote

event overall. Did your questions Leader—Autumn 2019

55

RRU

Region V photos continued.

Chairperson, J.A. Rodriguez,

to helping you understand how,

Jr. and Vice Chairperson, Terry

simply by working the VPP

Schulte? If you didn’t, you

program elements.

should, they made us proud!

Your Region IX Board of Directors, and the rest of

and its members, maintain a

the family, want to thank

presence as a valuable resource,

everyone for coming. Those

always ready to pitch in and

of you who could not make it,

help whenever they can. That’s

we understand; calendars fill

the partnership commitment

quickly, summer vacations, life

the program fosters. Paying it

happens! Remember to block out

forward by collaborating with

your calendar now, for April 21,

our state and federal OSHA

2020, our next big regional event!

partners where possible.

The Region IX safety summit

of the regional members have

Pack your bags, write down your

provided much needed support

safety questions and come join

and assistance for past safety

us in Las Vegas, NV. Oh hey, you

events working with Hawaii

know what they say about Las

OSHA and the Hawaiian ASSP...

Vegas? Well if you don’t, come

Now, that’s rough duty, but hey

join us, and find out.

someone’s got to do it, right?

They also help by working with

the upcoming 2020 VPPPA

their Federal OSHA partners to

Regional Safety Summit,

provide support for activities

several Board members are

in Guam and the many military

busy working to support the

facilities within the Region.

National Conference for next year

Another example of the Board’s

as well. Your Region IX Board

tireless effort is the ongoing

representatives are actively

work toward building process

working with each of the state

improvement, by attending the

VPP Program Coordinators, to

California VPP Roundtable, where

develop a more state-specific,

open discussions take place

VPP instructional workshop. They

on best practices and program

do all this, in an effort to support

improvement… does it get any

each states’ unique needs. I

better than that?

know, I know, you’re thinking…

As you can see, they don’t sit

Do these people ever stop? The

around and wait until something

answer is, NO! Representatives

happens, they go out and make

have met on multiple occasions

it happen. If you want to get

with California reps, as part of

involved, reach out to one of

the ongoing labor/management

the representatives in your area

committee discussions.

and simply ask… how can I help?

In Arizona, there have been

Remember, it takes a lot of effort

numerous occasions where local

to put on a conference, coordinate

regional VPPPA representatives

speakers, figure out menus, (yes,

make appearances at various

we like to eat), and everything that

collaborative events, ranging from

goes into the effort, but that is

VPP star site celebrations, to a

one small part of the year-round

presence at local Safety Summits,

work that goes into improving

put on by the Arizona Division

safety and health for workers and

of Occupational Safety & Health

workplaces throughout Region

or ADOSH; all in an effort to help

IX. Come join us in Vegas and

educate others on the benefits of

“See How We Roll!” Get it… Vegas,

a world class safety management

see how we roll... Ha-Ha, see what I did there. Stay safe!

get answered, did you get the

until next year? Did you enjoy

system. Your company can

assistance you need? Did your

gaming it up, during the regional

take safety and health to a

safety batteries get the full

breakout session? Did you catch

new level and the regional

charge necessary to carry them

the SafetyPro Podcast featuring

representatives are committed

56 Leader—Autumn 2019

Speaking of support, several

will be here before you know it.

In addition to planning for

(Top two photos) Oshkosh Defense Oakwood Facility flag raising.

(Third photo) Marathon Petroleum Lansing Terminal flag raising.

(Fourth photo) Cintas site #355 in Rockford, IL, raising their VPP Star worksite flag. (Bottom photo) Cintas in Bedford, IL, celebrating their VPP Star approval.

In Nevada, VPP continues to grow, and your Region IX Board

Contributed by Mark Norton, Ambassador to Region IX vpppa.org

SAFETY NEVER STOPS. Nucor believes that safety isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. Our teammates meet daily to reinforce good habits and discuss ways to improve on safety. But those conversations aren’t just about the workplace. From the home to the job and everywhere in between, safety never stops with the Nucor team.

www.nucor.com

R

More events to come!

Check VPPPA Regional websites for up-to-date information.

Calendar of Events December

April

Mid-December

Membership Renewals February

25–27

National Board of Directors Meeting & Congressional Outreach May

25

Safety+ Registration Opens

12–14

9–11

Boise, Idaho

Birmingham, AL

Region IV Conference

19–22

15–17

San Antonio, TX

Killington, VT

Region VI Conference

VPPPA contacts

Region IX Conference

Las Vegas, NV

27–May 1 Region III Conference

Pocono Manor, PA

July June

Region X Conference

20–24

10

Safety+ Symposium Regular Rate Deadline

27–30

Region V Conference Lake Geneva, WI

27–29

Region VII Conference Des Moines, IA

27–May 1

Region VIII Conference Denver, CO

August

7

Safety+ Symposium Registration Closes (onsite registration still available)

27–30

Region I Conference

Orlando, FL

To reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visit www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please refer to the contact information below.

Sara A. Taylor, CMP Director of Operations staylor@vpppa.org Brielle Mroczko Conference Coordinator bmroczko@vpppa.org

Kerri Carpenter Communications & Outreach Manager kcarpenter@vpppa.org Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator jmitchell@vpppa.org Heidi Hill Senior Event Sales & Advertising Coordinator hhill@vpppa.org

58 Leader—Autumn 2019

Katlyn Pagliuca Membership Manager kpagliuca@vpppa.org Natasha Cole Member Services Coordinator ncole@vpppa.org Sierra Johnson Special Projects Coordinator sjohnson@vpppa.org

Bryant Walker, CIOS, CSIS Information & Data Analyst Manager bwalker@vpppa.org Courtney Malveaux, Esq Government Relations Counsel cmalveaux@vpppa.org

vpppa.org

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7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 Tel: (703) 761-1146 Fax: (703) 761-1148 www.vpppa.org VPPPA, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitable organization, promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities.

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