VOL8/NO4/AUTUMN 2 021
A R E Y O U R E A DY ? M A S S S H O O T I N G S A R E W O R K P L A C E V I O L E N C E T H E E M P L OY E E A G A I N S T THE DOG ACTIVE SHOOTER AND HOSTILE EVENTS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION T H E A C T I V E S H O O T E R D R I L L T R A I N I N G I S N O T P R E V E N T I O N , I T ’ S M I T I G AT I O N
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CONTENTS FEATURES
16
12
30
By Dr. Steve Webb
By Brian Bennett, PhD, CSP
Workplace Violence: Are You Ready?
Active Shooter and Hostile Events
16
36
By Phil La Duke
By Adele L. Abrams, Esq.,
Mass Shootings ARE Workplace Violence
26
The Employee Against the Dog
By Mitzi Robinson, President/ Founder, Bulli Ray Occupational Dog Bite Safety
VOL 8 | NO 4 | AUTUMN 2 0 21
Workplace Violence Prevention
CMSP, President, Law Office of Adele L. Abrams, P.C.
40
Workplace Violence The Active Shooter Drill Training Is Not Prevention, It’s Mitigation By Frank King, The Mental Health Comedian
COLUMNS 6 8
26
vpppa.org
Message from the Chairperson Women in Safety
SECTIONS 44 53 54
Membership Corner Infographic Corner Ad Index
Leader—Autumn 2021
5
A Message From the VPPPA Chairperson Hello my fellow VPPPA members,
F
irst and foremost, I want to begin by sharing how great it was to interact (both inperson and virtually) with everyone at this year’s National Safety+ Symposium. For the first time in almost two years, we were able to come together and execute the
conference that we all know and love, despite circumstances surrounding the pandemic. To those who joined us face-to-face in Nashville, I’d like to express a great thanks for complying with COVID-19 protocols that were set in place; your collective effort helped ensure the safety and health of those in attendance, and ultimately played a large part in making this year’s Symposium a smashing success. While there are countless moments worth highlighting from this year’s event— statements made by our keynote speakers, Jim Frederick from OSHA, and Jimmy Hart from the AFL-CIO, warrant mention. Both Frederick and Hart stressed the importance of increasing collaboration with VPP participants, this, along with seeing OSHA and Labor assure all of us they support VPP and will in the foreseeable future was great to hear. Additionally, each workshop speaker went above and beyond delivering their expertise.
I wholeheartedly believe that we will continue to look back on this year’s Symposium as a reminder of the resilience and dedication held by those a part of VPPPA.
Meanwhile, the exhibit hall contained a great deal of new world-class safety products, many of which I had not heard of or seen before, from an amazing group of vendors! On top of this, the networking events were an absolute hit, as being able to connect safely in-person, with faces both new and familiar, reaffirmed my appreciation and commitment to this Association. Given all of these wonderful highlights, I wholeheartedly believe that we will continue to look back on this year’s Symposium as a reminder of the resilience and dedication held by those a part of VPPPA. While the Symposium has come and passed, we want to ensure everyone that the VPPPA has not stopped working to provide you with the best member benefits. Our fantastic staff at VPPPA’s National Office continues to demonstrate why the VPPPA is the premier safety and health organization. We are expanding our online education services and free member webinars, so please be sure to regularly visit our newly revamped website to find more information on our upcoming virtual education events. Additionally, I am excited to share that you will soon be receiving information on our virtual conference occurring early next year! Also, we expect to have our electronic annual self-evaluation completed by the end of this year – those who complete the annual evaluation process will notice changes that help organize and streamline this task. Lastly, we are expanding our membership department, because of this we kindly request that when you receive the membership benefit survey, please fill it out to ensure we are providing relevant benefits to our membership. I am beyond honored to work with such a remarkable group of passionate individuals in our National and Regional Board, as well as our National Office staff. We are excited about the future of the VPP program and the many ways the VPPPA will continue to support it. I thank each of you for unwavering support, and for being such an important part of this journey going forward.
— Terry Schulte, Chairman—National VPPPA Board of Directors We are better together!
6
Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
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Guest Author: Dianne Grote Adams, MS, CIH, CSP, CPEA, FAIHA President and Founder of Safex, Inc., Westerville, Ohio
Women in Safety
Improving Communication Skills to Influence Safety Culture VPPPA Presents… Women in Safety
VPPPA is excited to introduce a new column for the Leader magazine: Women in Safety. While the safety industry is still a male-dominated industry, the number of women is increasing each year. It’s important to identify and communicate the issues that women face. Each issue of the Leader, we will be including an article from a prominent woman working in the safety and health industry. If you, or someone you know, would like to write for this column, please contact VPPPA at communications@ vpppa.org.
A
s health, safety and environmental (HSE) professionals, we recognize that
safety is good business. While we’ve spent years honing our technical skills, we often don’t spend time developing our business acumen and communication and leadership skills. I consistently assess my journey as an HSE leader and look for opportunities to improve my effectiveness. When I sat down years ago to assess my strengths using the Clifton Strengths assessment, I learned that my biggest one is being a learner. This means I have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. I am continually reading and listening to podcasts to develop my soft skills. John C. Maxwell, Marcus Buckingham, Gallup and Simon Sinek are my primary resources, so far. I discovered having a strong business understanding and improving my leadership and communication skills has enhanced my effectiveness as
including those who we must
advice by avoiding the words
influence, and discover what
“no” or “don’t do that” when
motivates them.
observing unsafe behaviors.
Not everyone naturally shares the HSE professionals’
the process of learning about
verbalizing what the desired
commitments to mitigating
new concepts.
behavior should be. This also
risk, so we may have to
works at home with children!
identify other motivating
Recently, I listened to Simon
Leader—Autumn 2021
to know our audience,
of elephants. I’m using his
Instead, I’m practicing
an HSE leader. Plus, I just love
8
the negative, so we all thought
Sinek’s “How to Stop Holding
One thing I’ve learned over
Yourself Back.” It was a great
time is that building a culture
Our coworkers often have
refresher on the inability for
of safety requires us to sell
competing motivations or
the brain to comprehend the
our ideas before we can lead
don’t recognize the risk that is
negative. Sinek illustrated this
change. Influence and trust
obvious to us. Ultimately, it is
point by telling the audience to
are necessary fundamentals to
our responsibility to educate
not think of an elephant. And
relationships which are built
them on the risk and get their
guess what, you, me and the
upon communication. Effective
support by appealing to their
audience couldn’t comprehend
communication requires us
interests and motivations.
factors to get their support.
vpppa.org
That requires us to learn
beneficial. You’ll learn how
about different styles of
others perceive your approach
communication, and how we
and identify opportunities for
can address our audiences in a
you to share information in a
variety of methods.
way that those with different motivators can respond
Communication is key A quick Google search will
turn up many ways to assess your communication style and find what motivates you. My company recently used True Colors® to assess our personalities and communication styles to improve our team’s effectiveness. In an ideal world, there’s a huge benefit in conducting a company-
positively to your message. For example, I’m an analytical and logical communicator and some of my coworkers don’t respond to my bulleted approach to speaking and writing. They want more information, more background, as well as more personal connection. While I don’t naturally communicate in their preferred way, I have learned to add context and stories to my bullets to get
wide communication and
them to engage. So, when I
personality assessment, but if
have an important message to
that’s not possible, assessing
share, I must take a little extra
your own personality and
time to prepare the message
communication style is very
considering the various
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
9
performance, such as return
Leader Within You”, the
on investment (ROI) and the
author, John C. Maxwell,
wise use of resources and
explains that influence is a
meeting objectives. They must
skill that can be developed.
see the ROI and value in what
He goes on to explain that
is being proposed to respond
once we are beyond the first
positively. Once I understood
level of leadership, a level he
that, I discovered that I must
refers to as positional leaders,
explain the HSE needs in
we become more influential.
these terms. Some executives’
To grow as a leader, we must
motivators are different than
develop relationships. As you
mine, not wrong or right, just
develop relationships, people
different. I began to explain
begin to follow because they
accident costs in terms of
want to and because of what
product produced. Using
you have accomplished for the
the profit of our product, I
organization. That is when
calculated the costs and then
change towards a culture of
visually shared pictures of
safety can occur.
the amount of product we put
Understanding where our business leaders come from is crucial for effectively communicating the value of a safety culture. communication styles at my company. In some cases, I have a short, bulleted version and a long version with context to appeal to employees with different communication styles. Understanding different communication styles and
Among Equals”1, the authors
the costs of an incident. That
make it clear that our
visual helped our production
effectiveness depends more
team recognize the value in
on our people skills than our
risk mitigation because they
technical skills. I’m sure you
knew how many resources it
have heard “People don't care
took to make that product.
how much you know until they
It was no longer just about
know how much you care”2, our
people getting hurt because we
challenge, as HSE professionals,
appealed to their production
is to continue to develop our
and financial focus.
people skills.
Business leaders also want to
Speak in their language
10
Leader—Autumn 2021
Not long ago, I received
see a plan for implementation.
the ultimate compliment
Most business leaders’ plates
from a large client. He said,
are very full, and they don’t
“Thanks for your leadership
appreciate a problem being
and commitment to our
presented without a proposed
organization. Your passion and
resolution. I realized it’s
ability to effectively summarize
my job to communicate
is a gift.” It was apparent that
the ROI and value of a HSE
continuing to hone my soft
investment, as well as the
skills and understand their
plan to implement the
business operations provides
request, including the required
an opportunity to influence
resources. Once I learned
their journey to a culture
to present requests in that
of safety. That’s what HSE
manner, I found decisions
leadership is all about.
came more quickly.
how people respond is worth the time.
And in the book “First
in the dumpster to pay for
Hone the power of influence
As HSE professionals, we must influence the behaviors of our
Understanding where our
teams to reduce risk. Influence
business leaders come from
is an outcome of effective
is crucial for effectively
leadership. Since most HSE
communicating the value
professionals influence beyond
of a safety culture. Business
their direct reports, they have
leaders are measured and
the obligation to be effective
motivated by financial
leaders. In “Developing the
Dianne Grote Adams, MS, CIH, CSP, CPEA, FAIHA, is the President and Founder of Safex, Inc., an occupational health, safety and environmental firm in Westerville, Ohio. Her passion is mentoring leaders to positively influence their safety culture.
REFERENCES: 1
2
First Among Equals, Patrick J. McKenna and David H. Maister Theodore Roosevelt vpppa.org
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AR E YO U R E ADY WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Workplace violence has become one, if not THE primary concern of the 21st century workforce. And because of this, incorporating workplace violence prevention and preparedness initiatives into employee training has proved essential, now more than ever. Oftentimes, we mistakenly think that acts of violence will never happen at our place of work, to our families, or to us personally. However, after years of researching mass shootings and visiting organizations and communities that have experienced extreme violence, I have found that the reality of encountering violence at work is not a matter of if, but when. By Dr. Steve Webb
12
Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
W
orkplace violence affects all occupations and all individuals who go
to work every single day. It has become so prevalent that on January 10, 2017, OSHA issued a directive on Enforcement Procedures and Scheduling for Occupational Exposure to Workplace Violence (CPL 02-01-058) that mandates businesses provide training on the prevention of workplace violence and mandates that organizations address “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite.” Let me be crystal clear, any person connected to an individual, whether by proximity or relationship, may threaten, harass, or injure employees while they are on the job. According to the FBI, workplace violence is recognized as its own category of violent crime that calls for distinct responses from employers as well as law enforcement. On February 15, 2019, a mass shooting took place at Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois—my home state. Six people, including the perpetrator Gary Martin, died and six others were injured. The five victims fatally shot were employees at the plant including a human resources
vpppa.org
respond accordingly. Although his fellow workers reportedly saw him distressed and displaying suspicious behavior on the day of his disciplinary meeting, their minds refused to believe that the threats he had made were real, and in turn, none of them responded to the obvious indicators. Ultimately, five lives were lost and countless others remain forever affected—simply because this worksite provided its employees with poor training. The same has happened in a multitude of mass shootings
According to the FBI, workplace violence is recognized as its own category of violent crime that calls for distinct responses from employers as well as law enforcement.
throughout history, particularly
manager, a plant manager, a
in schools where obvious
mold operator, a stock room
warning signs were ignored
attendant, a forklift operator,
because the people most at
and a 21-year-old Northern
risk of being the recipient of a
Illinois University student
violent act, were never included
on his first day as a human
in the real-life, present-day
resources intern. A sixth plant
prevention training that would
employee sustained gunshot
have helped them identify
wounds during the shooting,
those signs and ultimately,
but survived. What was so
save their lives. Prior to this
important about this event?
Aurora event, there was little
The perpetrator told his fellow
research that existed in relation
workers he was going to do
to businesses, and the research
it—he was going to kill them all
that was out there focused
if he got fired—and they didn’t
mainly on acts such as patient Leader—Autumn 2021
13
So, what is a threat? OSHA defines a threat as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite.” Within the workplace we find bullying, physical attacks, degrading comments, intimidation, and harassments. Any of these threats can have a negative impact on well-being of the workers and according to recent research, the 21st Century workforce has named “personal safety” as their primary concern. If these behaviors are not addressed and allowed to continue, the work environment can often form a contagious downward
Within the workplace we find bullying, physical attacks, degrading comments, intimidation, and harassments. Any of these threats can have a negative impact on well-being of the workers.
assaults in healthcare and the
armed, well-trained security
high risks facing taxi and Uber
at a facility, it didn’t stop the
or Lyft drivers and banks, and
loss of life at Columbine High
certainly convenience store
School. It didn’t deter the
clerks. The ramifications of a
attack in Parkland, FL, and it
wrongful death situation can
didn’t stop one of my friend’s
destroy a business and the days
children from taking a bullet
of playing the blame game are
to the neck at Marshall County
over. The training, or better
High School in Benton, KY.
said the quality of training, rests
There were armed officers at
solely with management. So,
all of those institutions and
where do you start? You stop
when you are dealing with a
ignoring the fact that the world
mentally unstable, most likely
has changed—the workforce
suicidal individual—they are
has changed—and you need to
counting on not leaving the
change with it to identify the
scene anyway.
risks of a new world. A world where technology changes
security is a mitigation technique
so rapidly that the flow of
is true, it certainly cannot be
information is endless—and so
the only, or even the primary
is the anxiety that comes with it.
mitigation tactic. In fact, proper
Now, let’s look at the risks.
14
Leader—Autumn 2021
While saying that armed
training in workplace violence
spiral hostile culture that could lead to a loss of production and possibly, exposure to liability. Failure to promptly address these behaviors can certainly have financial consequences within the courts and settlements. So, what makes us liable? The Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed three main ways the courts look at liability. Employers may be held liable if they: 1. negligently hired an employee; 2. negligently supervised an employee; or 3. negligently trained an employee. Approximately two million employees have endured some type of workplace violence on an annual basis and approximately 25% of workplace violence
OSHA’s directive focuses on
mitigation has been fairly
two primary questions to
defined in the courts as they are
determine whether you are
consistently finding that proper
liable: 1. “Did the employer
training includes instruction and
recognize potential hazards
practice. Simply showing a video
in the workplace?” and 2.
or lecturing is not enough. In
“Were there feasible means
other words, gone are the days
of preventing or minimizing
when you can just show a video
a proper training. If you have
such hazards?” Many schools
and certify that you are trained
to run, hide OR fight, it is too
over the years, believed that
for paperwork purposes. Gone
late. The damage is done, and
having a police officer on
are the days where violence only
the lawsuits will begin. The
campus equated to a quality
occurs in large metropolitan
negative view of your business
prevention plan. While there are
areas as it is finding its way to
will most certainly affect you
definitely more positives than
rural America—finding its way
and those you love. Wouldn’t
negatives regarding having
to you.
it be more productive, more
goes unreported. So, possibly a quarter of a million people each year are affected by this violence but still yet, most businesses believe that some type of ‘run, hide, fight’ training will suffice as
vpppa.org
cost-effective, and certainly
will the narrative be that it
person—not just the employee
make more sense to prevent the
was completely unexpected
and that is what our nation’s
violence from occurring?
and another sad (nationally
best workers are looking for.
televised of course) interview,
They want someone who
Time and time again, we as humans have proven that we
this time with one of your
do have common sense and
employees who say “I can’t
we do strive to improve—but
believe it happened here!”
research confirms that what
There are countless aspects
we really want is routine.
to quality violence prevention
Why? Because it is safe—it
training. Wouldn’t it make
is orderly. What we are
sense to understand the
discussing in this article is
working conditions which may
the day it is no longer routine.
increase the risk of workplace
The day may have started
violence? How about victim
as usual, but it is about to
characteristics as well as
become deadly. Ask yourself
perpetrator characteristics so
this…when the investigation
you and your employees can
is over—when the proverbial
self-evaluate and ultimately,
dust has settled on the
learn how to conduct threat
event—what will the FBI and
assessments yourself? The
local authorities say about you
good news is that good
and how you were doing your
training will not only help you
very best to prevent this? Will
in the workplace, it helps you
they tell reporters that due to
stay safe when you go to the
your extensive training, there
mall, to Wal-Mart, to the park
were no loss of lives today and
to let your children play, or
you should be commended?
wherever you may go. Good,
Disaster was averted? Or,
consistent training helps the
cares about them at work and at home. Does your training provide that? Dr. Steve Webb is a Certified Workplace Violence and Threat Assessment Specialist,
a nationally recognized safety
expert and author of the bestselling book Education in a
Violent World. He is an award-
winning educator, police officer and founder of Safe Secure Systems. He was awarded
by the National School Public
The good news is that good training will not only help you in the workplace, it helps you stay safe when you go to the mall, to Wal-Mart, to the park to let your children play, or wherever you may go.
Relations Association with the “Distinguished Service Award of Excellence” and named
a “Leader Among Us” by the
Southern Business Journal. Dr.
Webb is an A.L.I.C.E. Active Shooter Response Trainer & R.A.I.D.E.R. Solo Engagement Instructor. www.drstevewebb.com
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Leader—Autumn 2021
15
39,000 AMERICANS DIE FROM GUN VIOLENCE EVERY YEAR— AN AVERAGE OF 100 PER DAY
MASS SH OTINGS By Phil La Duke
Nobody likes to think or talk about mass shootings or workplace
violence, so it‘s no wonder that it seldom occurs to people that mass shootings are in fact a leading cause of workplace violence. People
work at schools, hospitals, concerts, movie theaters, and virtually every place a mass shooting has occurred was somebody’s workplace.
16
Leader—Autumn 2021
I wrote Lone Gunman: Rewriting
go in for that sort of stuff”. My
that not many people want to
the Handbook on Workplace
publicist was appalled—she
talk about workplace violence
Violence Prevention as a guide
said he was chuckling when he
or mass shootings. Despite the
for people who wanted better
said it; then, that very weekend,
fact that 39,000 Americans die
advice than “run, hide, and
two women were murdered
from gun violence every year.1
fight back” when dealing with
by their estranged “intimate”
a mad-dog killer. Following
partners (a term I learned in
about mass shootings and
a successful book signing
my research—a blanket word
workplace violence? Well,
in Metro Detroit I tried to
that covers everything from
for starters there is no
piggy-back on a speech I was
domestic partners to boy/
consistent definition or
slated to make on Workplace
girlfriend, to husband or wife)
universal definition of a “mass
Violence Prevention at a VPPPA
while at their workplaces
shooting.” Obviously, it’s
conference in New Orleans. I
along with several innocent
tough to get good statistics on
decided to have my publicist
bystanders were also killed.
a practice with no universal
reach out to the national
I thought that this type of
criteria, but many experts
bookstore chain’s New Orleans
attitude toward workplace
define a mass shooting as an
location. The manager told my
violence prevention would be
event where an armed person
publicist in a patronizing tone
an outlier, but as I probed the
(almost always a man) uses a
that “no, our customers don’t
subject a bit further, I found
firearm to injure or kill three
Why is it so hard to talk
vpppa.org
ARE WORKPLACE VI LENCE vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
17
54%
Non-public incidents
Public incident
MORE THAN HALF OF MASS SHOOTINGS ARE DOMESTIC VIOLENCERELATED.
30
20 Incidents
Everytown for Gun Safety. "Mass Shootings in the United States, 2009–2019
10
1976
1986
1996
2006
incredibly remote, yet I still
wrote a pragmatic and useful
surprised how many people
buy lottery tickets. When it
(so others seem to think)
will push back that nearly
comes to mass shootings
guide to workplace violence
all mass shootings occur
people just shrug and say
prevention while soft pedaling
in someone’s workplace.
“what can I do?” Well the
the gun debate. Rather than
Consider the places where
answer to that is plenty.
shy away from that debate
shootings have occurred: a movie theater? Movie theaters have employees. A concert venue? Concert venues have employees. A school? A park? A college campus? All of these locations have employees and therefore constitute workplaces. Whether a location has one worker or 10 thousand it is a workplace. Besides the lack of
I explore the connection
When it comes to mass shootings
people just shrug and say “what
can I do?” Well the answer to that is plenty.
consistent language regarding mass shootings and workplace
Leader—Autumn 2021
0
or more people. You might be
some of the more notable mass
18
2016
between mass shootings and workplace violence in my next book. More than half of single shooter events (a polite way of saying mass murders) have a specific target identified, and while we can’t ignore that 46% of these events have no known target, we cannot rule that out either. Despite the fact that there is no unified definition of what exactly constitutes a mass
I have to admit, I was a
shooting, another common
violence, the odds are you
coward when I wrote Lone
thread in almost all of the
won’t die at your job, and
Gunman. I didn’t want the
many definitions agree that
it’s even more of a longshot
readers to get so bogged down
there are differences in the
that if you die at work, it will
in a gun debate that they lost
events that take place in a
be the result of a homicide,
sight of the issue of workplace
private setting than that take
especially a mass shooting.
violence, but we will get back
place in a public setting. In a
But the chances of me winning
to that a bit later. Suffice
private setting, (the home or a
a multi-state lottery are also
to say I chickened out and
workplace not easily accessible vpppa.org
Percentage of Women and Men Killed by Type of Assailant Relative or domestic
42%
2% 20%
Robber
Coworker or work
15%
18%
10%
Student, patient
Inmate or detainee
33%
Women
11%
2%
Other or unspecified
to the public) there is almost always a specific target or targets, whereas in a public setting the primary driving
Men
8% 8%
Gender Disparity in Mass Shootings and Workplace Violence
Homicide is the number one
force is a high body count with
cause of death for women who
no known specific target (or
die in the workplace and many
even target groups). In short,
of the people I have talked to
no one really knows what
have argued that this statistic
drives someone to commit the
is misleading, because,
mass murder of strangers and
according to them, men
experts don’t agree on much...
are doing more of the most
except that the problem is
hazardous jobs. But this claim
getting worse. The chart above
doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.
(https://www.rand.org/research/
Jobs that involve working
gun-policy/analysis/essays/
with the public and handling
mass-shootings.html) seems
money are extremely
to show a flattening trend,
dangerous as compared with
however, experts now believe
many industries, and while
that the true metric should be
it is true that automobile
the length of time between the
31%
world) an employee’s death
The majority of women
during the work commute
murdered in the workplace
is not considered a work-
are killed by a relative or a
related injury.
domestic partner (42%)
A primary motivation
while another 10% are
for workplace violence is
murdered by students or
a domestic dispute. This is
patients, and 18% are killed
understandable since many
by a coworker.
victims of domestic abuse take refuge in the presumed
Only 2% of men on the other
safety of the workplace.
hand are only killed by
Unfortunately, many
intimate contacts. Coworkers
employers choose to turn a
and students are within 4%
blind eye toward the threat
points between the genders
of workplace violence and the
a troubling 31% are killed
target of the violence becomes
by unknown assailants. It
easy to locate, isolate, and kill.
is difficult to defend the
A comparison of these two
contention that homicide is
charts (based on information
the leading cause of death
from the Bureau of Labor
in the workplace for women
accidents will kill far more
Statistics) demonstrate the
because other things are
previous mass shooting and
people than a workplace
stark difference between the
killing men when women are
the subsequent mass shooting,
violence event, it is also true
type of person who attacks
21 times more likely to be
and this number is increasingly
that in the United States
women versus those who
murdered in the workplace
getting shorter.
(unlike many parts of the
attack men:
than men.
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
19
Tips for preventing workplace violence
Despite the hand wringing and fretting about the helplessness
Top Robbery-Related Deaths by Occupation
that employers feel over preventing workplace violence there are many things an employer can do BEFORE an armed man intent on murder arrives at the workplace:
Employees likely to become victims (triggering a workplace attack): The single largest cause of
workplace violence is domestic
First-line supervisors 34% Cashiers 24%
violence that overflows into the workplace. Victims of domestic abuse are often ashamed, blame themselves,
Police 23%
and embarrassed that they
Taxi Drivers 19%
they find themselves. When victims leave their abusers, it alert their friends and families
Perhaps it would be
and even casual acquaintances
enlightening to consider the
that they might be in danger,
top jobs who are likely to die
but they seldom alert their
as a result of robbery related
employers. Even if victims
violence. As this chart indicates cashiers (a disproportionately female occupation) are killed in robberies just a little bit more frequently than police (a male dominated occupation) and yet the occupation most frequently killed during robberies are first-line supervisors. The fourth largest group of victims of robbery homicides are taxi drivers— vulnerable and frequently carrying sizable sums of cash. It seems counter intuitive that the two occupations that hire the most women would be the most likely victims of homicide unless there is some other factor driving the killings. In other words, the contention
phone calls from their partner
• Not having cash or credit cards with them
• Skipping out on work, school, or social outings for no clear reason or because their partner “is waiting for them.”
• Wearing clothes that don’t
fit the weather, particularly long-sleeves or turtlenecks in summer.
• Working long hours (coming in early, working late) even
when their workload does not justify it.
• Overly quiet or atypically nonassertive.
• A change in personality. • An increase in drug or alcohol use.
file restraining orders that INCLUDE their workplaces, it is not uncommon for them to tell their employers that their abusers are not allowed on the premises (including parking lots). It is important that no one blames the victim of domestic abuse for triggering an attack. A mass shooting is a deliberate, calculated assault
When victims leave their
abusers, it is highly likely that they will alert their friends and families
and even casual acquaintances
that they might be
in danger, but they seldom alert their employers.
on multiple targets. The key to identifying potential victims is to look at changes in behavior or routine, including:
• Bruises, scars, or other
signs that the individual has been assaulted
• Pinch scars (small red
bruises typically on the arm
Employees likely to become unhinged (triggering a workplace attack):
Single shooter events are the last-ditch attempt to create change; it is the act of someone
caused by a person violently
who is typically very controlling
in the workplace because men
grabbing another and tightly
and who feels that he or she
are far more likely to be doing
holding) the arm or neck
is out of options. His or her
that more women are murdered
jobs that may be at risk for a fatality but at relatively low
Leader—Autumn 2021
their partner or repeated
are in the situation in which
is highly likely that they will
20
• Constantly checking in with
• Excuses for injuries • Personality changes, like low
life is likely spiraling out of control. The single shooter in
risk for a homicide just doesn’t
self-esteem in someone who
the workplace is trying to exert
add up.
was always confident
the control he or she feels he or vpppa.org
What employees are most likely to come unhinged?
trigger a violent episode
Of course, there are no perfect
changes in their behavior,
alcohol or drug users (at least
predictors of a workplace lone
particularly from friendly
at the time of the attack)—they
gunman, and as I have stated
and sociable to sullen
may have been teetotalers
at length, you shouldn’t jump
and antisocial, or from
before their lives took an ugly
to any rash judgments about
quiet and reserved to loud
turn. These individuals have
an individual just because of
and bold. This change in
been given every chance and
a couple of suspicious or odd
behavior can also indicate
behaviors. That having been
drug use, which in itself
said, some of the warning
is also an indicator.
signs that an individual is
On the other hand,
she has lost. Workplace violence is also typically carried out by individuals who are heavy
typically are out of any sort of options. They carry a grudge for an injustice—real or imagined— and feel like they have no other alternative; they are cashing in their proverbial chips and going out in a blaze of glory and gore. Workplace violence is typically not motivated by hate, rather they are motivated by
often exhibit paradoxical
someone who is a potential
becoming unstable (and these
target for violence may
warning signs can apply
become withdrawn, quiet,
to both perpetrators and targets) include:
and antisocial.
° Lethargy or apathy.
• Behavioral changes
When a person feels that
° A marked change in
they are running out of
personality. One of the
options, this feeling of
first and most notable
malaise can manifest in
changes that something
shooter events are the one last
lethargy or apathy. The
is amiss in a person’s life
individual stops caring
act to demonstrate that the
is a sudden and marked
about the consequences
shooter still has some modicum
change in attitude.
and the day-to-day
of control over his or her life
Someone suffering from
mundanity of the job. This
and the lives of his victims.
outside stimuli that could
can apply to either the
desperation, defeat and fueled by alcohol or drugs. Single
A mass shooting is a deliberate, calculated assault on multiple targets. The key to identifying potential victims is to look at changes in behavior or routine.
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vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
21
Workplace violence is typically not motivated by hate, rather they are motivated by desperation, defeat and fueled by alcohol or drugs.
perpetrator or the target
they should be considered
to him” or other ominous
as both are in a horrible
another red flag.
idioms. This defiance
environment from which
the form of pushing the
A worker who fails to
limits to test the extent to
and inappropriately
acknowledge his or her
which the authority figure
emotional. What, you
drop in performance, and
will allow them to behave
may ask, constitutes
blames others or claims
dysfunctionally. What’s
“inappropriate” behavior
that everyone is out to
worse is this defiance
or becoming “overly
get them may be prone
without consequence
emotional”? Crying over
to violence—although
serves to embolden the
the loss of a parent is
generally speaking this
behavior inviting even
appropriately emotional,
is just a personality
greater demonstrations
crying over the loss of a
type and it’s important
blue pen is not. To some
to recognize that a
extent overly emotional is
possibility of violent
in the eye of the beholder.
behavior is not the same
given up and honestly
But when you view the
as a propensity for violent
doesn’t consider or fear
behavior through the lens
behavior which is not the
consequences, long before
of workplace violence
same as a predictor or
this manifests in an
you need to concentrate
violent behavior. These
actual violent episode it
on dramatic changes
people will blame others
will likely show itself in
in behavior and subtle
for their mistakes and
recklessness, from taking
shifts. Often the feelings
make repeated excuses.
business extreme risks
of hopelessness and loss
They may accuse their
(like calling a customer
of control that precede
superiors of playing
obscene names) to theft
a single shooter event,
favorites or being “out
or destruction of company
result in emotional
to get them”. They will
property. In these
outbursts that are out
tend to look for reasons
extreme cases it’s almost
of character particularly
to take offense and will
as if the individual is
angry outbursts, crying
often take things very
inviting a trigger whether
jags, or pouting.
personally. These people
he knows it or not. This
will deflect criticism by
behavior coupled with the
threatening violence.
claiming that “everyone”
other behavioral changes
Joking about violence
is doing it and may
is an observable prelude
means that consciously
actually believe that they
to a violent outburst.
or unconsciously the
are being singled out
person telling the joke is
for punishment.
° Becoming overly
thinking about violence.
° Defiance of authority.
of defiance.
° Recklessness. The lone gunman has
° Obsession with violent films or imagery. Not everyone who is a fan
The typical person who
of A Clockwork Orange
not the same as planning
perpetrates workplace
is a seething sociopath
violence, but it is another
violence can hold
waiting to explode,
checkmark on our list of
grudges—especially
but the person who is
indicators of workplace
against his or her
obsessed, and I chose
violence. Threatening
supervisor—like a
that term carefully, with
violence, even in a non-
junkyard dog with a
violence is more likely
threatening tone, is far
fresh bone. He or she
to perpetrate violence
more serious and should
will likely become openly
than someone who is not.
be dealt with swiftly
defiant and voice his or
Here again, the people
and decisively. These
her lack of respect for the
obsessed with violence
threats can be spoken or
company, the supervisor,
and gore who act on this
made through emails, in
and the executives. They
are statistical outliers—if
conversation, or subtle
often will talk about
every immature man or
innuendo. Someone who
the bad things that will
adolescent boy who was
jokes about violence more
happen to the person
extremely interested
often than not is not
against whom he or she
in violence when on
someone who will commit
has the grudge by saying
murderous rampages
the acts about which he
things like, “don’t worry,
there wouldn’t be
jokes, but then again,
he’ll get what’s coming
anyone left to kill. I am
Thinking about violence is
Leader—Autumn 2021
of authority may take
and delusional thoughts.
they can see no way out.
° Joking about or
22
° Persecution complexes
vpppa.org
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Perhaps most important is to encourage everyone in the organization that if they see something suspicious, to say something to a person in authority, and do something like getting to safety or monitoring the situation until help arrives.
repeating this so often
talk about Fight Club”,
that it’s getting on my
you’re not IN fight club,
OWN nerves, but one or
you are in a position of
or tiredness. High levels
two indicators does not a
authority, and you have a
of stress can manifest as
murderous-maniac make.
responsibility to talk about
vague aches and pains,
what physical changes you
lack of energy, or other
have observed. Be sure
vague illnesses. Too often
that you don’t interrogate
in our society, we dismiss
the worker, but express
an overly stressed worker
in compassionate terms
as a hypochondriac or a
your concern for their
crybaby. These symptoms
well- being. Indications of
are not imaginary and
fighting can be indicative
acting in a way that tells
of either an abuser or
the worker that you don’t
an abused worker and in
sympathize can be another
either case it should not
building block in the road
° Hostility toward women. A disproportionate
number of violent men have a deep-seated hostility toward women, particularly women in positions of authority. Most women hating men are savvy enough to keep their opinions to themselves, but they’re still out there and they are
be ignored.
potentially dangerous.
° Watery eyes and blotchy
• Physical changes
skin. Watery eyes and
° Poor hygiene, wearing
blotchy skin can indicate
° Complaints about a
vague feeling of illness
to an explosion. Also, a victim of domestic violence may exhibit these same symptoms. Intervening early can save lives.
dirty clothing. It’s one
a change in diet, physical
thing if someone has body
illness or abuse, or
odor from the day you
drug/alcohol abuse.
is to encourage everyone in
Together with these
the organization that if they
other indicators, they
see something suspicious, to
can add up to an unstable
say something to a person in
individual, or simply an
authority, and do something
insomniac. Either way,
like getting to safety or
there is nothing wrong
monitoring the situation
with a show of genuine
until help arrives. There is no
concern, like asking, “do
reason to create a workplace of
you feel okay?”
chronic unease.
hired them (and why for the love of all that’s holy did you hire stinky?) and quite another if the body odor develops suddenly and is in conjunction with other physical changes. Tread lightly here. You are within your rights to confront a worker about
Perhaps most important
poor hygiene, but you cannot pry about physical conditions that might be causing said odors. Here again, there is a gulf of difference between Jimmy in the mailroom who likes to skip his morning shower and throw on yesterday’s shirt, so he can get an extra 10 minutes of sleep, and Joe the normally fastidiously dressed salesman who starts coming in one day looking like a mud wrestler and smelling like a honey dipper. In both cases, friendly, nonadversarial coaching is appropriate.
° Bruising, cuts, or other
Phil La Duke is a popular speaker & writer with more than 2,500 works in print. He has contributed to Authority, Buzzfeed, Entrepreneur, Monster, Thrive Global, and many more magazines and is published on all inhabited continents. He is the author of three books and a contributor to one more. His first book is a visceral, no-holds-barred look at worker safety, I Know My Shoes Are Untied! Mind Your Own Business. An Iconoclast’s View of Workers’ Safety. His second book Lone Gunman: Rewriting the Handbook On Workplace Violence Prevention which deals with workplace violence, particularly directed at women, is listed as #16 on Pretty Progressive magazine’s list of 49 books that powerful women study in detail. His third book, Blood In My Pockets Is Blood On Your Hands was recently released and will be followed by Work-Home Life Imbalance: The Location Of The Workplace Has Changed But The Potential For Violence Remains due to be released in December. La Duke also contributed a chapter of 1% Safer, a not-for-profit book written by the “top game-changers and global thought leaders.” Phil is listed in the top 20 experts in the Future of Work by Expert File. Follow Phil on Twitter @philladuke, on Facebook at www.facebook. com/Phil-La-Duke-320996002174991 or read his weekly blog www.philladuke.wordpress.com In addition to his extensive writing, La Duke is currently employed as a COVID Compliance and Production Safety Consultant for the film and television industry.
indications of fighting. While the first rule of
“Fight Club'' is you don’t
24
Leader—Autumn 2021
REFERENCE 1
www.giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-violence-statistics vpppa.org
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THE
EMPLOYEE
I’ve been training company employees Occupational Dog Bite Safety for over 28 years. Many employees have been both brave and gracious enough to share their personal experiences. We use these accounts to help other employees stay safe. The story I’m about to share is one that I will never forget. Unfortunately, I have heard too many of them. By Mitzi Robinson, President/Founder, Bulli Ray Occupational Dog Bite Safety
26
Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
DOGS
THE
J
oyce, a meter reader with 20 years of field experience, was on her regular route. She came to a home that usually had no dogs. However, on this particular day, as she approached she noticed there stood four pit bull type dogs. Joyce immediately recognized the danger associated with approaching multiple dogs and counted
herself lucky. Had the dogs been in the home, rather than in plain sight, they may have been released after she entered the yard. When finishing her route, she returned to her service center and spoke to her manager, he instructed her not to enter until someone went out to speak with the customer. After speaking to the customer, they agreed to build an enclosure to hold their dogs when the meter reader needed to enter the yard. Two months later Joyce returned to find the dogs were locked in a wooden enclosure. The customer had caged the dogs as promised. However, she still felt unsafe. She had promised her manager she would go into the yard and read the meter. She entered the yard walking toward the meter side of the house. In doing so, it was necessary to walk
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
27
dogs, everyone had evacuated the premises, including the dogs. It was determined that this residence had been coined as a drug house, and the dogs served as protection for the dealers inside.
Lessons learned from Joyce’s attack:
1. Listen to your inner voice! We know that you want to do your job, however no matter who you promised, never enter a yard if everything in your being is telling you “DO NOT ENTER.” Many employees have saved themselves after listening to their inner voice. Men and Woman! 2. Adrenaline can be a key past the wooden structure
or the combination of genes
since they did not have collars.
containing the aggressive dogs.
or drives they possess. This
Only weighing 125-pounds,
She saw that the dogs were
situation will shift the dogs into
Joyce was able to lift the
enraged with her presence.
their predatory drive.
attacking dogs off the ground.
Barking, growling, hitting the
The dogs were able to
Walking both dogs towards
factor in survival, as it was for Joyce. Her adrenaline gave her the strength to carry two dogs weighing over 100-pounds! 3. Self-defense classes can be
enclosure as hard as they could.
squeeze between the bushes,
the gate. Thankfully, she left
Joyce was trying to hurry to get
biting Joyce in the face and
the gate unlatched and was
in and out of the yard as quickly
neck. Joyce tried using her
able to push it open. Normally,
as she could. She was standing
arms to keep her face covered.
she would have shut the gate
in front of the meter, she heard
The dogs were too strong, they
completely but since the dogs
wood breaking behind her. As
pushed her hands and arms
were in an enclosure, she felt
she turned toward the noise,
away, biting her several times
it was OK to leave it unlatched.
5. Carry something to put
the first dog hit her in the face,
in the face and neck. At that
She pushed the gate open, still
between you and the
taking her to the ground. She
point, Joyce hears the back door
holding the dogs in front of
beneficial to the control of your adrenaline. 4. Make sure you know your exits before entering a property or residence.
attacking dog.
fell into the bushes beneath the
to house open thinking help
her getting bit on the hands
6. Remember: A dog will bite
meter. The bushes did protect
was on the way. She screamed
and arms. Her only thought
the first thing it comes
parts of her body. The dogs
“HELP ME”, “HELP ME!”
is to get into her company
to. As far as the dog is
were forced to run on top of her
Never dreaming the person
truck to her radio. Now she
concerned whatever you
and across her body. Joyce did
would say “I CAN’T HELP YOU,
will need to throw the dogs
carry smells like you, so it
what her and so many others
SORRY!” The owner then slams
away from the truck door to
were told to do should you ever
the door closed.
avoid getting bit or possibly
is you. 7. If you are caught with
Joyce now realizes no one
taken to the ground again. She
nothing, look for something
stay on the ground and to cover
is coming to help and realizes
throws them over the hood of
she needs do whatever she can
the vehicle. Once safely in the
around you to put between
your head. Dogs are a combination of
to survive. She starts violently
truck she calls for help. The
five drives. Prey, Play, Defense,
kicking the dogs. The weakest
ambulance, police along with
Food and Sex. Each individual
dog backs up and does not
her manager come to
drive will be different. Some
return. She aggressively grabs
her rescue.
have more play drive, while
one dog between her legs.
others have more defense.
This dog was also stunned
came out to update her family
Every dog is different.
and wanted to get away from
and co-workers. She tells them
her. This left the two most
she had to stop counting stiches
a pack of dogs. All breeds in
dominate aggressive dogs. In a
at eight hundred. Unfortunately,
this situation will be in their
heightened sense of adrenalin,
by the time the police and
predatory drive. No matter
she grabs the two dogs by
animal control got back to the
what task they were created for,
their loose skin on their necks
residence to confiscate the
be knocked down by dog: to
Joyce was being attacked by
28
Leader—Autumn 2021
In the hospital, her daughter
you and the attacking dog. 8. Don’t ever expect others to come to your rescue. Assume you are going to save yourself! 9. Don’t say, “I could never do what Joyce did!” What other choice would you have? Mitzi Robinson is the President/Founder, Bulli Ray Occupational Dog Bite Safety. vpppa.org
DOG BITE STATISTICS DogsBite.org recorded 46 fatal dog attacks in 2020. Pit bulls contributed to 72% (33) of these deaths, over 16 times higher than any other dog breed. During this pandemic year, media reports of fatal dog mauling’s fell by 45%. In response, our nonprofit sent out 30 FOIAs to various offices and uncovered 6 unreported deaths in 2020. The last time the CDC collected breed data about dogs involved in fatal human attacks was 1998. Pit bulls have killed over 440 Americans since.
46
U.S. dog bite-related fatalities occurred in 2020. Despite being regulated in Military Housing areas and over 900 U.S. cities, pit bulls contributed to 72% (33) of these deaths. Pit bulls make up about 6.2% of the total U.S. dog population.
67% Pit bulls (380 deaths)
16 YEAR U.S. DOG BITE FATALITIES 2005–2020 During the 16-year period of 2005 to 2020, canines killed
568
25% Not involving pit bulls or rottweilers (142 deaths involved 37 different breeds) In 2020, the combination of pit bulls (33), additional bull breeds (4) and mastiff-type guard dogs and war dogs (3)—the types used to create "baiting" bull breeds and fighting breeds—accounted for 87% (40) of all dog biterelated deaths.
9% Rottweiler (51 deaths)
Americans. Two dog breeds, pit bulls (380) and rottweilers (51), contributed to 76% (431) of these deaths. 37 different dog breeds were involved in the remaining fatal dog mauling’s.
See full report, 2020 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Statistics, at DogsBite.org
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
29
30 Leader—Autumn 2021
Malls
Businesses Closed to Pedestrian Traffic
Businesses Open to Pedestrian Traffic
10
Institutes of Higher Education
18
41
Government Properties
Pre-K-12 Schools
96
SHOOTER &
EVENTS By Brian Bennett, PhD, CSP
44
21
Figure 1: Location of Active Shooter Incidents, 2000-20191
vpppa.org
Do you work in a manufacturing facility, an office building, a warehouse, or a school? Do you travel by train or subway? In your off hours, do you enjoy going to a shopping center, a concert, a ball game, or a parade? Do you enjoy going out to eat at a restaurant or staying in a nice hotel? How about a vacation on a cruise ship or perhaps just a little quiet time in a church? hat do all these venues have in common? They are all soft targets and they all have been the location of acts of violence. Soft targets are those venues that are typically privately owned, usually lack robust security measures, or are difficult to protect and defend because they are not perceived as an attractive target to an adversary and are open to the public by their very design. Security is not a primary concern at a soft target. Therefore, an adversary would generally have largely unimpeded access to large concentrations of people in a relatively confined area at a soft target. Figure 1 is a compilation of active shooter events from 2000-2019 and illustrates the preference for adversaries to strike soft targets.
vpppa.org
13
Other Locations
Residences
Open Spaces
15
Houses of Worship
9
15
Health Care Facilities
Military Properties
50
1
Leader—Autumn 2021
31
Figure 2 is a summary breakdown of 333 active shooter incidents between 2000 and 20191 6 80
Incidents
333
(in 43 states and the District of Columbia)
10 29
1,703
119 Shooters Committed Suicide 6 Female 113 Men
(excluding the shooters)
Other Shooter Outcomes
Civilian Law Enforcement Security
150 Shooters apprehended by police
67 Shooters killed by police
1,062 killed, including 29 law enforcement officers and 10 security guards. 1,789 wounded, including 80 law enforcement officers and 6 security guards.
Current Tactics of Terror
Adversaries continue to develop new ways to cause terror and casualties in response to preventive measures taken by both the public and private sector. Although this article will focus on an active shooter event, in today’s world, violent hostile events can come in many forms:
• Active Shooting, such as the shooting at the Route Leader—Autumn 2021
Male: 332 Female: 13
1,023
2,851
32
Shooter Gender
345 (16 wore body armor)
Casualties
135 incidents met "mass killing" definition (3 or more killings in a single incident)
Number of Shooters
5 Shooters at large
4 Shooters killed by citizens
91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017. This attack resulted in 58 people being killed, and
butcher knife. 13 people were hospitalized with injuries.
• Improvised Explosive Devices, such as the bombing at the
851 injured. Figure 2 is a
Boston Marathon where
breakdown of active shooter
pressure cookers were used
events from 2000-2019.
to contain explosives, on
• Active Assailants (using edged weapons), such as the attack at the Columbus campus of the Ohio State University on
April 15, 2013, which killed 3 and injured several hundred.
• Mass Casualty Incident, such as the attack where an assailant
November 28, 2016, where an
used a pickup truck to run
assailant drove his car into a
down pedestrians in New
crowd of people, then started
York City on October 31, 2017,
to attack others with a
killing 8 and injuring eleven. vpppa.org
The principles discussed in this article are applicable to any
with independent agendas who
targeting a supervisor
assault innocent people.
or manager)
type of attack.
The Truth About Active Shooters
The Truth About the Victims Injuries
Regardless of the type of
there are some common
percentage of victims will have
attack, one can expect carnage,
characteristics about active
head wounds. 90 percent of
complete chaos, noise, and
shooters:
the deaths occurred prior to
What to Expect After an Attack
confusion with frightened people running and hiding, and perhaps unwilling or unable to respond to instructions due to
Based on previous attacks,
•
An active shooter can be
defined as an assailant who is actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people
shooters are mobile, moving from point to point, and there is an immediate risk of injury or death. These situations are very dynamic and evolve
months and years in advance
• Attackers often begin
planning well in advance of an attack, sometimes years in advance
• Attackers often talk about their plans
• Attackers are often
encouraged to act by others
• Attackers have selected a
location that offers a target rich environment
• Attackers may have chosen
one or more targets initially but will likely fire randomly
Unfortunately, there is no
before stopping
typical profile of an active shooter. An active shooter has a strong desire to seriously injure or kill without concern for their own safety or threat of capture. The active shooter will accept targets of opportunity, that is a target that is visible, within range of the weapon, and was not previously identified as a primary target. Active shooters will not stop until their
Who May be Targeted?
The Truth About Active Shooter Events
• The average active shooter incident lasts 12 minutes
with 69% of these incidents ending within 5 minutes or less
• 60% of events are over
before law enforcement arrives
• 98% of active shooter events are committed by a single shooter
• 96% of shooters are male • In 78% of active shooting incidents there is a
connection between the shooter and at least one of the victims
random and are injured or killed simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, at times, a specific person or persons may be the target of assailant, such as:
• Being involved in a quarrel between people involved
in a relationship (domestic related)
• Being involved in a
enforcement officers as their
disagreement between people
mindset is not escape.
(grievance related)
Are active shooters
simple interventions.
the victims are attacked at
they have been neutralized. not flee upon arrival of law
Most victims die within 30
At many active shooter events
goals have been achieved or Most active shooters do
minutes of injuries that require
• Planning often begins weeks,
very quickly.
The Active Shooter’s Mentality
acts
• Attacks are rarely impulsive
area. The threat is generally not contained as most active
organization
or involved in a subversive
in a confined, populated
definitive care:
• 40% immediately • 26% within 5 minutes • 16% within 5-30 minutes • 8-10% with 30-60 minutes
or domestic
• Attackers may be lone wolves
injuries or shock.
Active Shooter Defined
Attackers may be foreign
In a shooting event, a high
• Being present at an entity
• 40% of active shooter events end in suicide
• 46% end through applied force
To Do List to Protect Your Facility and Personnel Preparedness Steps
There are some basic tasks that can be performed in advance of a hostile event to prepare facilities and their personnel.
1. Perform a Screening Assessment
terrorists? Not necessarily.
that embodies a perceived
Radicalized lone wolf
injustice (such as a
assailants are not the only ones
governmental agency)
assessment is to make a
To retaliate against a
determination if your facility
perceived injustice (such as
or personnel would make
carrying out acts of violence; there are deranged individuals vpppa.org
•
Most victims die within 30 minutes of injuries that require simple interventions.
The purpose of a screening
Leader—Autumn 2021
33
It is imperative that the plans be shared and coordinated with external emergency responders to ensure everyone is familiar with their roles and responsibilities as well as operational expectations.
4. Develop Pre-Incident/ Pre-emergency Plans
and what they must do. Training
Using the results of the
event awareness and how to
vulnerability and risk
implement individual protective
assessments, pre-incident/
measures such as “Run-Hide-
pre-emergency plans should
Fight” or “Stop the Bleed”.
guideline for facility personnel and external emergency responders to follow should a violent act occur. It is imperative that the plans be shared and coordinated with external emergency responders to ensure everyone is familiar with their roles and responsibilities as well as operational expectations.
Preventive Measures steps have been completed, preventive measures should be developed and implemented to address the identified vulnerabilities and risks. Preventive measures include:
1. Hardening
Hardening involves physical an attractive target to an
enhancements to a facility to
adversary. Your facility or
make it more difficult and less
personnel may be attractive
attractive for an adversary
involved in a controversial business or service, or has a large amount of personnel in a relatively confined area.
2. Perform a Vulnerability Assessment The purpose of a vulnerability
assessment is to evaluate what
to perpetrate an attack. Hardening can be as basic as adding fencing or adding locks to access points. Depending on the gaps identified in the vulnerability and risk assessments, hardening could be very expensive.
2. Procedures
Procedures are administrative
protective measures are in place
controls that can be
and what gaps exist that could
implemented to minimize
be exploited by an adversary.
vulnerabilities and risk.
3. Perform a Risk Assessment
The risk assessment evaluates each of the gaps identified in the vulnerability assessment. Once the risks have been identified and prioritized,
of adversary
• Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling
• Do not stop officers for help or directions
4. Exercises
Conclusion
opportunity to test the
become hardened targets,
protective measures that have
adversaries will shift their
been implemented to ensure
focus to soft targets such as
they are effective. Exercises also
manufacturing sites, retail
test employees and external
establishments, or warehousing
emergency responders to
facilities. However, even
validate plans, verify plans
hardened targets should not
are coordinated, applicable
be complacent and develop a
information has been shared,
false sense of security. Two
demonstrate personnel
shootings at Fort Hood, Texas
can perform their assigned
(a hardened military base) in
responsibilities completely and
2009 and 2014 demonstrated
efficiently, and an effective
that even hard targets can still
unified incident command
have some vulnerabilities.
Exercises provide an
prepare you are preparing
be a critique which identifies
to fail!
opportunities for improvement. Once plans have been updated, the exercise process starts over.
Response
There are some basic actions their chance of survival in the event of a hostile event:
• Secure the immediate area • Block the door • Close windows, blinds • Silence phones, computers • Turn off the lights • Make yourself a small target • Hide out of sight and behind objects
• Place signs in exterior windows
If you encounter an hostile event, you should:
• Remain calm and follow instructions
3. Training
• Identify yourself • Put down items in your hands • Raise hands and spread
hardening and procedures are
• Keep hands visible at
evacuation plan.
The implementation of only effective if employees have
developed and implemented.
been trained on how they work
ENDNOTES
U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Active Shooter Incidents, 20 Year Review 2000-2019, May 2021. 2 Ibid. 1
individuals can take to increase
can be implemented include a a facility or a shelter in place/
Remember, by failing to
product of an exercise should
Emergency Responder during a
package search prior to entering
As facilities such as schools
structure was utilized. The
Examples of procedures that
preventive measures can be
34 Leader—Autumn 2021
• Inform officer of location
be developed to serve as a
Once the preparedness
because it is a soft target, is
should include basic hostile
fingers
all times
• Avoid quick movements
Brian Bennett is the President of EHS Excellence Consulting LLC, a full-service safety and health consulting company that focuses on helping worksites gain entry into the VPP. Previously he worked in the chemical manufacturing and research and development industry for 24 years at both the plant and corporate level. He has been involved with the VPP since 1992 and has served on the VPP Region 2 Board of Directors since 1999, including 8 years as Chair. He is a Special Government Employee, having conducted over 40 on site evaluations and was the National SGE of the Year in 2006. Dr. Bennett has also been a volunteer firefighter for 38 years. During that time, he has served as a Fire Chief for 25 years as well as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for 6 years. vpppa.org
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Training Equipment Services
As people return to the workplace, workplace violence is again in the news. In some cases, it is COVID-19-related, as retail sales personnel get assaulted for enforcing mask rules, teachers and principals are injured at school board meetings or in the school shootings that have sadly resumed, and even hospital personnel are attacked both inside and outside their facilities. But despite these headline-grabbing incidents, what remains hidden is the disparate impact of workplace violence on female workers. By Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP, President, Law Office of Adele L. Abrams, P.C.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
PREVE 70% of non-fatal injury cases are female
70% of employers lack a formal workplace violence prevention program
36
Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
OSHA
defines “workplace violence” as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite.” This broad definition includes physical assaults and homicide, of course, but it also encompasses threats, bullying, and verbal abuse that can result in psychological harm. In some instances, sexual or racial harassment that culminates in harm to the targeted worker can result in recordable OSHA injuries/illnesses, and legal exposure from both OSHA actions and EEOC claims. The U.S. Department of Labor found that 70 percent of employers lack a formal workplace violence prevention program. Workers who do report bullying, harassment or any injury or illness are protected under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act (whistleblower protections), and employers can also be cited under 29 CFR 1904.36 and fined up to $136,532 if they retaliate against a worker who reports being injured or who expresses safety or health concerns internally or to OSHA. Workplace violence is the number one cause of death for women in the workplace, and it is consistently among the top four causes of occupational death across all worker populations. About 15 percent of workplace deaths come at the hands of co-workers, while the remainder is attribute to members of the public (hospital patients and families, customers in stores, or third parties who randomly target a business or location) and 25 percent arises out of domestic violence that spills over into the place of employment. Because so many women have lost their jobs after notifying employers that they have obtained a protective order against a partner that includes the workplace, some states are now specifically codifying legislation making this retaliation illegal. Even non-fatal workplace violence incidents take a toll: out of approximately 17,000 such non-fatal injury cases, 70 percent of those injured were female, 67 percent were aged 25 to 54, 70 percent worked in healthcare and social assistance industries, and 21 percent required 31 or more days away from work to recover. Over 80 percent of women and 35 percent of men who have been sexually assaulted report significant short- or long-term impacts such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and when the assault occurs in the workplace, this has both OSHA and worker’s compensation implications. Over 80 percent of the victims of workplace sexual
ENTION Over 80% of women who have been sexually assaulted report significant short- or long-term impacts
31% of workplace deaths were in the retail sector
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
37
violence are women and weapons are used to harm or threaten victims in 20 percent of such violence and stalking cases. Yet these numbers may be just the tip of the iceberg: the U.S. Department of Defense estimates that only 14 percent of survivors report a workplace sexual assault. About half of HR professionals surveyed by SHRM in 2019 reported that their organization had at some point experienced workplace violence, and a third of surveyed workers said they did not know what to do if they witnessed or were involved in workplace violence. While it may be tempting to regard workplace violence incidents as idiosyncratic events that cannot be anticipated or prevented (other than the common “active shooter” training that some employers and most schools and public facilities have implemented), OSHA disagrees. In 2019, a unanimous Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission affirmed a serious citation against Integra Health Management Inc., issued under the “General Duty Clause” (GDC, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970) arising from the death of an employee in a workplace violence incident. The GDC applies where there is a “recognized hazard” that could cause death or serious injury, there is worker exposure, and there is a feasible method of abatement. OSHA CPL 02-01-052, Enforcement Procedures for Investigating or Inspecting Workplace Violence, states: “Workplace violence is recognized as an occupational hazard in some industries and environments which can be avoided or minimized if employers take appropriate precautions.” OSHA guidance identifies as “high risk” workplaces those involving situations where workers must be alone, work at night or in high crime areas, work with volatile or unstable people, handle money or valuables, provide health or
38 Leader—Autumn 2021
home services or care, or work where alcohol is served. OSHA has also issued interim guidance for specific sectors including late-night retail establishments, health care and social services. The Integra case illustrates how having programs and training in place, but not following internal precautions, can impute knowledge of “feasible” controls to the employer and result in liability. In that case, OSHRC found that workplace violence was a recognized hazard for Integra based on its own work rules, training, handbook, and existing policies. The materials showed the hazard of a service coordinator being physically assaulted during a meeting with a member who had a history of violent behavior was “clearly recognized” by Integra. This does not mean, of course, that it is preferable to play ostrich and avoid memorializing safety protocols and conducting drills. The takeaway is consistency: having recognized a hazard in the specific workplace and controls that will be effective, these must be maintained, and oversight provided to ensure that precautions are not lessened due to complacency or as a result of staffing or security reductions that may leave employees vulnerable or working solo. Although it successfully prosecuted its case against Integra, GDC cases are hard for the agency to win, and the statutory provision is intended as a “gap filler” and not as a substitute for a rule where a need is recognized. Currently, OSHA is focusing its workplace violence prevention regulatory efforts on the health care and social services sector, where most of the fatalities have occurred. However, it is noteworthy that 31 percent of workplace deaths were in the retail sector—which would remain unprotected under the current rulemaking effort. OSHA’s Spring 2021 Regulatory Agenda included action on its Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance rulemaking,
with a small business review panel slated for December 2021. This could slip as confirmation of an OSHA assistant secretary is still pending in the Senate. Meanwhile, H.R. 1195—the Workplace Violence Prevention Act—passed the House of Representatives in April 2021 (254-166 with 38 Republicans supporting the legislation), and it is pending in the U.S. Senate. While OSHA’s rulemaking process can move slowly, if workplace violence remains on the public’s radar, this legislation could force OSHA to expedite its rulemaking. While waiting for definitive regulatory action, employees need to be proactive. Beyond the standard “active shooter” training, what should employers do to increase protections against workplace violence of all sorts? Highrisk businesses can consider controls including: Environmental Interventions: these include interior and exterior lighting, entry/ exit controls, cash controls, surveillance and signage; Behavioral Interventions: Training on appropriate responses to workplace violence risk, training on use of safety equipment, training on dealing with aggressive, drunk or “problem” persons; and, Administrative Interventions: Limiting hours of operation, heightening precautions when opening/ closing retail establishments, maintaining relations with local law enforcement, and implementing safety/security policies for all workers (including limiting access to guns within the workplace or on company policy, where state law allows).
witness) and provide a work-
If a report involves workplace harassment and threats of violence or concerns about violence from a domestic partner, exercise due diligence and obtain facts, rather than relying on rumors. The employee is the best source of information, but it is critical to speak privately (with one
Bars, the U.S. District Courts of
•
•
•
related basis for inquiries, and do not make assumptions about the worker’s personal life. Make sure your leave policies extend to violence victims, and provide a list of community-based services to assist the employee but avoid providing legal advice. If there are immediate safety concerns for the employee and workplace, security, HR, legal counsel, and union (or even law enforcement) may be involved in determining the appropriate course of action to ensure the workplace is secure and the targeted employee is protected. Workplace violence prevention is everyone’s concern, regardless of what action OSHA may take in the future, because anyone can be a potential target or can be impacted if a family member is harmed on the job. Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP, is an attorney, safety professional and trainer who is president
of the Law Office of Adele L. Abrams P.C. in Beltsville, MD, Charleston, WV, and Denver, CO, a multi-attorney firm focusing on safety, health
and employment law nationwide. Adele is a certified mine safety
professional, and she also provides consultation, safety audits and training services to MSHA and OSHA regulated companies.
Adele is the host of “Ask the
SafetyLawyer,” a podcast on the Safety Justice League channel. She is a regular columnist
for numerous magazines on
legal, employment, mine and
occupational safety/health issues, and is co-author of several books related to mining, construction, employment law, and
occupational safety and health. She is a member of the
Maryland, DC and Pennsylvania Maryland, DC and Tennessee, the
U.S. Court of Appeals, DC, 3rd and
4th Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court. She is a graduate of the George Washington
University’s National Law Center,
and earned her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park.
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Workplace Violence The Active Shooter Drill Training Is Not Prevention, It’s Mitigation By Frank King
40 Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” —Desmond Tutu
W
e need to start up stream to stem the tide of workplace violence. I’m not saying that training isn’t a good idea, I’m just saying that it doesn’t prevent the problem of workplace violence, it just keeps the body count down.
First, some context. According to an article published by NPR earlier this year, “workplace
mass shootings are rare, but the killing of nine people by a fellow employee at a Northern California rail yard on Wednesday marks the third such rampage in under two months.”1 That could foreshadow a rise in this type of violence after the nationwide shutdown of businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, says Jaclyn Schildkraut, associate professor of criminal justice at the State University of New York at Oswego. However, Schildkraut stresses that while such shootings “are increasing incrementally in frequency, they're still extremely statistically rare.”2 More recently in San Jose, authorities stated a public transit employee opened fire on co-workers at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, fatally shooting at least nine people and then taking his own life. The suspect was identified as a 57-year-old current employee. The motive for the attack remains unclear. The attack comes on the heels of a similar shooting in Indianapolis on April 15, in which a former FedEx worker killed eight people before killing himself.2 That was reported to be the deadliest workplace massacre since a brewery employee gunned down five people at the Molson Coors campus in Milwaukee in February 2020, shortly before the pandemic shutdown.3 About a week before the Indiana shooting, a gunman killed one person and wounded five others in an ambush at a cabinet manufacturing facility in Bryan, Texas, where he worked. He survived and was arrested.
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
41
More people are returning to work
Shooters may have had time to plan
Associated Press, USA Today
more workplace attacks is that
and Northeastern University
potential perpetrators, who've
found that between 2006 and
likely been in isolation over
February 2020, there had been
the past year, have had time to
13 mass workplace shootings
plan, Schildkraut notes. “One
carried out by a current or
of the things that we know
former employee—that’s
about shooters, especially
roughly one per year.4
those who target schools or
A database compiled by The
“The reason they seem more
Another reason we may see
other specific public spaces, is
frequent right now is because
that they don't usually wake up
we haven’t had them really
and snap.”
for the last year because of
The notion that shooters
COVID,” Schildkraut says. Such
don’t wake up and snap leads
restrictions have also served to
me to my next point. Which
limit opportunities for potential
is that the solution is not
shooters “because it reduces
downstream using active
the available targets for a
shooter drill skills, but up
person,” she says.
stream, with suicide prevention
“Now that much of the
and conflict resolution training,
country is returning to work,
and other programs suggested
we’re seeing an uptick in these
and supported by OSHA.
events in the sense that they’re
So how does one start
now out there because people
upstream? You make suicide
are back out there,” she says.
prevention a health and safety
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Leader—Autumn 2021
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REFERENCES
Romo, V. (2021, May 27). NPR. Retrieved from www.npr.org/ 2021/05/27/1000745927/ why-were-seeing-a-spike-inworkplace-shootings 2 Diaz, J., Neuman, S., & Jones, D. (2021, April 16). Police ID Suspect And Victims In Shooting Deaths At FedEx Facility In Indianapolis. Retrieved from NPR: www.npr. org/2021/04/16/987929888/9killed-others-injured-inshooting-at-fedex-warehousein-indianapolis 3 Booker, B. (2020, February 26). 6 Dead In Shooting At Molson Coors In Milwaukee After Employee Opens Fire. Retrieved from NPR: www.npr. org/2020/02/26/809762360/ multiple-fatalities-in-shootingat-molson-coors-brewingheadquarters-in-milwauke 4 Miller, R. W. (2020, February ). Workplace mass shootings are rare. Milwaukee rampage was the first of 2020. Retrieved from USA Today: www.usatoday.com/ story/news/nation/2020/02/27/ milwaukee-shooting-molsoncoors-workplace-massshootings-rare/4890864002/ 5 Workplace Suicide Prevention. (2021). Retrieved from Workplace Suicide Prevention: https:// workplacesuicideprevention.com/ 1
Simply starting the conversation on suicide has the power to save lives, since 8 out of 10 people who are considering suicide are ambivalent, and 9 out of 10 will give hints in the 7 days leading to an attempt, in an effort to get someone to take notice, and… wait for it… start that conversation. priority at work. Let’s put out a
And simply starting the
• Threat Assessment Team—
This interdisciplinary team
call to action to all workplaces
conversation on suicide
and professional associations—
has the power to save lives,
will work with management
now is the time to implement
since 8 out of 10 people who
to assess the potential for
the National Guidelines for
are considering suicide are
workplace violence and, as
Workplace Suicide Prevention.5
ambivalent, and 9 out of 10
appropriate, develop and
So, what are the upstream
will give hints in the 7 days
solutions? You bring in someone,
leading to an attempt, in an effort to get someone to take
like me, who does suicide
notice, and… wait for it… start
prevention training, who can
that conversation.
teach everyone in the company, from the C-Suite on down, how to spot the signs and symptoms
That’s my job, and now, yours as well. Then follow it with three
of depression and suicide, what
things that OSHA suggests
to say, what not to say, what to
and supports.
do, what not to do, and how to find resources. Even though 47,000 people
• OSHA offers Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR)— This program is most
execute a plan to address it.
• Agency Work and Family Life
Programs (such as flexiplace, childcare, maxiflex, etc.)— An agency should identify and modify, if possible, self-imposed policies and procedures which cause negative effects on the workplace climate I’m not saying that active
shooter drill training shouldn’t be taught, or isn’t useful, I’m
die by suicide every year,
effective in resolving
just saying, to paraphrase
that’s 146 per day, one every
disputes when a conflict has
Desmond Tutu, if you’re
nine minutes, hardly anyone
been identified early and one
counting shooting victims
talks about. Unless you bring
of the following techniques
downstream, you need to go
it up.
is used: ombudspersons,
upstream and solve the problem
facilitation, mediation,
that is causing them to be
just brought you in to start the
interest-based problem
shooting victims, in the first
conversation on suicide.”
solving, and peer review.
place. That’s prevention.
My clients often tell me, “We
vpppa.org
Frank King, Suicide Prevention speaker and Trainer was a writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years. He’s fought a lifetime battle with Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality, turning that long dark journey of the soul into 6 TEDx Talks and sharing his lifesaving insights on Mental Health Awareness with associations, corporations, and colleges. Depression and suicide run in his family. He’s thought about killing himself more times than he can count. A Motivational Public Speaker who uses his life lessons to start the conversation giving people permission to give voice to their feelings and experiences surrounding depression and suicide. And doing it by coming out, as it were, and standing in his truth, and doing it with humor. He believes that where there is humor there is hope, where there is laughter there is life, nobody dies laughing. The right person, at the right time, with the right information, can save a life. Leader—Autumn 2021
43
Follow us on social media! Facebook @VPPPA
Membership Corner
Twitter: @VPPPA
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Congratulations to our autumn Members of the Month!
National SGE of the Year Award Congratulations to the 2021 Winner, William (Bill) Turner! VPP & Health-Safety-Environmental, NuStar Energy, Wichita, Kansas During the 2020 calendar year and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill:
• participated as an SGE Team Member on three (3) on-site evaluations;
• mentored two sites that successfully attained VPP reapproval; and • successfully led two of his own sites through VPP reapproval
Angie Mackley
September:
Medicine Lancaster
General Health, Director
evaluations.
Denise Parke
Medicine Lancaster
General Health, Safety
of Safety and Emergency
and Environmental Health
Region III
Region III
Management Penn
October:
Kyle Kirkpatrick
Shermco Industries,
Executive Director of Human Performance & Global Compliance Region VI
Specialist
Words from OSHA: “It is undeniable that Bill epitomizes and exhibits exceptional support, effort and action in VPP. Because of Bill’s hard work and contributions to both the VPP and SGE Programs, he has made SGE history by being recognized as the SGE of the Year for a second time!”
November:
Richard Finnegan
Veolia North America,
Regional Environmental
Health and Safety Manager Region II
Want to submit someone to be considered as a VPPPA Member of the Month? Email membership@ vpppa.org. Visit vpppa.org to read more about the current Member of the Month.
OSHA’s Acting Assistant Secretary, James Frederick, and National SGE of the Year Award recipient, William (Bill) Turner, NuStar Energy, Wichita, Kansas. 44 Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
An important message from VPPPA’s Membership & Outreach Manager, Son Nguyen
Welcome!
We are excited to announce that the VPPPA National Office staff has
I’m excited to share we have launched
grown by two! Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our
our new Beta version of the VPPPA
new employees.
Member Portal. As we look forward to a new year, our goals remain consistent: to continuously build and enhance our framework to best serve our members. One of the best features of this upgrade is you'll see a new simplified profile view that lays out your contact and membership information. Primary Contacts who have permission to edit on behalf of your related organization will see a "Switch Profile" button at the top of the page, allowing you to seamlessly jump between the profiles to which
Bryan Knight
UX Web Services Programmer
you have access. Some other features include:
• Pay open invoices: display the balance due for any profiles to which the member has access, with a button to go to the payment screen for more details and to pay. Payment History: views a list of all previous invoices for the member, with the ability to reprint the invoice with payment information.
• Relationships: this displays the related organization(s)
Lisa Silber
Event Sales & Advertising Coordinator
of an individual profile, or if the member is viewing the organization, the list of employees and subsidiaries for that organization.
• My Events: displays past and future events for which the member is registered.
• Upload Media: allows the member to upload a logo or listing photo for the online directory, and edit any existing images.
•
Online Member Directory: A dynamic, searchable
Are you ready for a
Big winter?
Coming online directory that allows members to find other Soon
members.
To login, visit www.vpppa.org and click on Member Login on the Home Page. You will need to use your username (email address) and password to gain access to our private Members Only Area. If you ever forget your password, click the ‘Forgot your password?’ link to receive an email with a password reset link.
REMEMBER: If you have any questions regarding your VPPPA membership, please reach out to me by phone at 703-761-
The farmer’s almanac is calling for a
’Season of shivers’ “This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years” says Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The Almanac goes on to say “this winter will be punctuated by positively bone-chilling, below-average temperatures across most of the United States.” U
GH
FOR T H
E DY
INEERED
O
R
K
E
WO
NG
AT
betterment of workplace culture.
We’re your trusted source for all your high viz and winter workwear needs!
O
B
you for your unwavering efforts in striving for the continued
T
6515 or by email at snguyen@vpppa.org. As always, we thank
Visit our website for more on what we have to keep you warm and protected from the harshness of winter: https://www.occunomix.com/warming
vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
45
46 Leader—Autumn 2021
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vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
47
2021 AWARD
WINNERS
VPP OUTREACH AWARD
Don Slaugh—Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC
SAFETY AND HEALTH OUTREACH AWARD Alex Lee & Jennifer Scott—Savannah River Nuclear Solutions • Volpentest HAMMER Federal Training Center
VPP INNOVATION AWARD (Clockwise from top lett) 76 Commodities Maintenance Group • Bayer U.S. Crop Science—West Fargo, ND • Central Plateau Cleanup Company (not shown) • Chevron Phillips Chemical—Cedar Bayou Plant • General Electric Healthcare—Electric Avenue • Guardair Corporation • Oak Ridge Reservation Environmental Cleanup Project—UCOR, an Amentum-led partnership with Jacobs • Hanford Tank Operations Contract—Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC
48 Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
A Message From VPPPA’s Safety+ Conference Coordinator Hello VPPPA Members,
F
irst, I would just like to thank all of those who attended the Safety+ National Symposium! Your attendance, be it virtual or in person, and participation was greatly appreciated. We would also love to thank our Keynote Speakers- Mr. James Frederick,
Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Mr. James Hart, President of the Metal Trades Department AFL-CIO, & Mr. Brad Baptiste, Regional VPP Manager of Region VIII, for starting our Symposium on a fantastic note! We have all had a very interesting past 19 months and it was so amazing to have a touch of normalcy back. Being in Nashville with all the members, after two years apart, was something we all needed. It was great to see the attendees come back & further their commitment to the safety & health community. Despite COVID-19, the 2021 Safety+ National Symposium was a success! This year, the VPPPA chose to not let the current pandemic prohibit our chances for learning and networking safely. We introduced a virtual platform that allowed our attendees to engage in workshops from the safety of their home or office. We also added a hybrid registration that allows in-person attendees to have access to all workshops that were presented at Safety+. This hybrid registration eliminated having to choose which workshop you would prefer over another in the same time slot. The VPPPA Regional Networking Reception was re-introduced to allow the Regional Boards to reconnect with their attendees and to garner excitement for their 2022 Regional Conferences. VPPPA also hosted it’s first walking challenge, a health focused competition where attendees, both in-person and virtual, were encouraged to get active while boosting their engagement with other attendees, sponsors and the conference itself. We are very excited to bring the walking challenge with us to the 2022 Safety+ Symposium. On our Safety+ Post-Symposium Survey, we received comments that helped illustrate how important these conferences are to the Occupational Health & Safety Community.
• “This Safety+ Symposium really assisted my SGE Team to better understand the importance of Safety and VPP.”
• “It was a wonderful experience. Great sessions, and lots of enthusiasm over ways to keep our site VPP SAFE!”
• “Nicely done it was a very well organized and professional event. Enjoyed seeing all friends, colleagues and meeting new ones.”
• “The information I did receive was outstanding, I was very excited and appreciative that I was chosen by my organization to attend. The whole Safety event was well out together and very accommodating.” My personal favorite part of this year’s symposium was witnessing the fun competition that occurred within the Walking Challenge and the happiness that was shown of everyone seeing each other again. I know that I can speak for the entire VPPPA Staff when I say that our members are the reason why we love what we do. Seeing the new connections, best practice sharing and thirst for more knowledge makes all the hard work of planning worth it. Thank you again and we hope to see you all in Washington DC on August 23rd-25th! Stay Safe,
—Natasha Cole | VPPPA’s Conference Coordinator vpppa.org
Leader—Autumn 2021
49
www.mckeefoods.com
www.nucor.com
www.nustarenergy.com
www.safestart.com
www.valero.com
www.vallen.com
www.aimforsafety.com
BRONZE
www.bcsp.org
www.cintas.com
www.honeywell.com
www.amazon.com
www.draeger.com
www.magid.com
www.coca-cola.com
www.hunterdouglas.com
www.marykay.com
www.mcwane.com
www.prairiestateenergycampus.com
www.sbec.com
SILVER
GOLD
PLATINUM
DIAMOND
PREMIER
TO EACH OF OUR 2021 SAFETY+ SPONSORS WHO HELPED MAKE OUR HYBRID EVENT POSSIBLE AND THE RETURN TO AN IN-PERSON SYMPOSIUM SAFE
www.amentum.com
www.brandenburg.com
50 Leader—Autumn 2021
www.majesticglove.com
www.onwardenergy.com
www.mortonsalt.com
www.rocorescue.com
www.sturgeonelectric.com
vpppa.org
TO OUR 2021 SAFETY+ SYMPOSIUM EXHIBITORS!
3M
www.mmm.com
Cotton Logistics
www.cottonlogistics.com
Adrian's Safety Solutions
www.adrianssafetysolutions.com
DevonWay
www.devonway.com
Air Systems International, Inc.
www.airsystems.com
Draeger, Inc.
www.draeger.com
Alliance Safety Council
www.alliancesafetycouncil.org
DripDrop ORS
www.dripdropors.com
Allied Powers LLC
www.hidow.com
DropSafe
www.dropsafe.com
Always In Mind, Inc.
www.aimforsafety.com
Epp Glove & Safety
www.eppglove.com
Ampco Safety Tools
www.ampcosafetytools.com
ERB Industries
www.e-erb.com
AP Safety Training
www.APSafetyTraining.com
Ergo Advantage
www.ergoadvantageinc.com
armorguys
www.armorguys.com
Ericson Manufacturing
www.ericson.com
Armourx, Inc.
www.armourxsafety.com
ART Corporate Solutions, Inc.
www.activerelease.com
Essilor Prescription Safety Eyewear
www.essilorpse.com
A-Safe Inc
www.asafe.com/en-us
Eureka Safety, Inc.
www.berger.se
ATI Worksite Solutions
www.atiworksitesolutions.com
FallTech
www.falltech.com
Avetta
www.avetta.com
FireHUD, Inc.
www.firehud.co
Barefoot Industrial Ergonomic Flooring by Beagle 1, Inc.
www.barefoot-flooring.com
First Aid Only
www.acmeunited.com
Gas Clip Technologies
www.gascliptech.com
Batavia Services, Inc.
www.laddermatters.com
GlenGuard
www.glenguard.com
BeAed LP
www.beaed.com
Benchmark Digital
www.benchmarkdigital.com
Global Glove and Safety Manufacturing, Inc.
www.GlobalGlove.com
Blackline Safety Corp.
www.blacklinesafety.com
Glove Guard, LP
www.GloveGuard.com
Blast Bag Company, Inc.
www.theblastbag.com
Gravic—Remark Software
www.remarksoftware.com
Board of Certified Safety Professionals
www.bcsp.com
Hammerhead Industries, Inc.
www.gearkeeper.com
Hard Hat VR
www.hardhatvr.com
Bollé Safety
www.bollesafety-usa.com
HCG Associates
www.hcgassoc.com
Boplan USA
www.boplan.com
Brand Safway
www.brandsafway.com
Health and Safety Council (HASC)
www.hasc.com
Brandenburg Industrial Services Company
www.brandenburg.com
Hellman & Associates, Inc.
www.ehscompliance.com
Bulli Ray Enterprises— Occupational Dog Bite Prevention
Hunter Buildings & Manufacturing
www.hunterbuildings.com
www.bulliray.com
HySafe
www.HySafe.com
Bulwark Protective Apparal
www.bulwark.com
CABLESAFE
www.cablesafe.com
CBS ArcSafe, Inc.
www.cbsarcsafe.com
Cementex Products, Inc.
www.cementexusa.com
Cintas
www.cintas.com
CIS Onsite
www.cisonsite.com
Cisco-Eagle
www.cisco-eagle.com
Columbia Southern University
www.columbiasouthern.edu
Comprehensive Industrial Services
www.cisonsite.com
Concept Seating
www.conceptseating.com
vpppa.org
Impacto Protective Products, Inc. www.impacto.ca Indiana Safety + Supply
www.indianasafety.com
Industrial Psychologists, Inc.
www.meshingmindandmachine.com
Industrial Scientific
www.indsci.com
Industrial Sunscreen
www.rrlotion.com
inFRONT
www.infrontusa.com
inoLECT
www.inolect.com
Instamation Systems, Inc.
www.instamation.com
Intrepid Industries Inc.
www.intrepidindustries.com
ION Science
www.ionscienceusa.com
Ironwear
www.ironwear.com
Leader—Autumn 2021
51
iStrike by AnythingWeather
ww.anythingweather.com/ w products/istrike
ITAC
www.itac.us.com
JCL Safety Services
www.jclsafety.com
JLG Industries, Inc.
www.jlg.com/en
Johnston & Associates
www.johnstonandassoc.com
Kask America, Inc.
www.kask.com
Kee Safety
RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
RNR Rescue
www.RNRrescue.com
Roco Rescue
www.rocorescue.com
SafeRack, LLC
www.saferack.com
SafeStart
www.safestart.com
Safety 101: Proactive Safety Software
www.safety101.com
www.keesafety.com
Klever Innovations and Pacific Handy Cutter By Safety Products Holdings
Safety Management Systems, Inc.
www.sms360.com
www.kleverinnovations.net
Safety Rail Company LLC
www.safetyrailcompany.com
Koolin' Klothz, Etc. Inc.
www.koolin.net
SafeVision by HOYA
www.safevision.com
Lehigh CustomFit
www.customfit.me/index
Sam Carbis Solutions Group, LLC
www.carbissolutions.com
Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Company, LLC
www.magidglove.com
Satellite Shelters, Inc.
www.satelliteco.com
Majestic Glove
www.majesticglove.com
Scientific Sales, Inc.
www.scisale.com
MakuSafe
www.makusafe.com
Sentinel Occupational Safety
www.sentinelofsafety.com
Martor USA
www.martorusa.com
SG World USA LLC
www.sgworldusa.com
Meltric Corporation
www.meltric.com
Sheakley Risk and Safety Solutions
www.sheakley.com
Mobile Communications America
www.callmc.com
Shermco Industries
www.shermco.com
Mount Vernon Mills
www.mvmills.com
SlipNOT
www.slipnot.com
Munro's Safety Apparel
www.munrossafety.com
Sqwincher
www.sqwincher.com
NASCO Industries, Inc.
www.nascoinc.com
Steel Grip, Inc.
www.steelgripinc.com
NASP
www.naspweb.com
Superior Glove Works
www.superiorglove.com
National Workwear
www.nationalworkwear.com
Tec Laboratories Inc.
www.teclabs.com
Newson Gale, Inc.
www.hoerbiger.com
Thompson
www.thompsonknows.com
Nightstick
www.nightstick.com
TickKey International, Inc.
www.tickkey.com
OCCfit Solutions
www.occfitsolutions.com
Transfer Thought LLC
www.transferthought.com
OEL Worldwide Industries
www.oelsales.com
UltraTech International , Inc.
www.ultratechbrands.com
Origami Risk
www.origamirisk.com
Vallen
www.vallen.com
OSFA Solutions
www.osfasolutions.com
Valsoft Corporation, dba S&W Technologies
www.swtechnologies.com
Panduit Corp.
www.panduit.com
VPPStore.com
www.vppstore.com
Paperless Environments
www.paperlessenvironments.com
Petzl
www.petzl.com
Walman Optical Safety Eyewear
www.walmanoptical safetyeyewear.com
Portwest LLC
www.portwest.com
Wayne Workwear
www.vppstore.com
Wells Lamont Industrial
www.wellslamontindustrial.com
Westex: A Milliken Brand
www.westex.com
Whelen Engineering Company Inc.
www.whelen.com
Working Concepts, Inc.
www.softknees.com
ZOLL Medical Corporation
www.zoll.com
Precision Communications Inc. www.precisioncomm.com Premier Safety
www.premiersafety.com
ProtectEar USA LLC
www.protectear.com/us
PSRG Inc.
www.psrg.com
RAD Torque Systems Inc.
www.radtorque.com
Railhead Corporation
www.railheadcorp.com
RedGuard
www.redguard.com
52
Leader—Autumn 2021
vpppa.org
Infographic Corner
OSHA estimates that more than
2 million
American workers are victims of workplace violence each year.
According to NIOSH, homicide is the leading cause of injury death for women in the workplace— accounting for
40% of all workplace death
It is estimated that roughly
25% of workplace violence incidents go unreported.
Approximately a quarter of American workers say their workplace has had at least
among female workers.
one incident of workplace violence.
In 2017, there were
Although research on
in U.S. workplaces—an average of nearly one person killed every day.
is limited, one study found dogs to be the second most commonly implicated species of animals (after insects) in all animal-related non-fatal injuries within the American workforce.
351 gun homicides
Healthcare workers accounted for
73 percent
of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence in 2018— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. vpppa.org
occupational dog bites
Leader—Autumn 2021
53
www.vpppa.org
VPPPA National Board of Directors Chairperson Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP
Vice Chairperson Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Treasurer Sean D. Horne, Valero Energy Secretary Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Unit Jack Griffith, Central Plateau Cleanup Company Director from a Site Without a Collective Bargaining Agent Johnathan “JD” Dyer, Structuretone/LF Driscoll Director from a DOE-VPP Site Michelle Keever, UCOR, an Amentum-Led Partnership with Jacobs
Ad Index
Advertiser Website
Page
Always in Mind (A.I.M)
www.aimforsafety.com 55
Blackline Safety
www.blacklinesafety.com 4
Board of Certified Safety Professionals
www.bcsp.org 42
Bollé Safety
www.bollesafety-usa.com 56
Cintas
www.cintas.com 25
Glove Guard
www.gloveguard.com 15
Honeywell International www.honeywell.com 9
Director from a VPP Contractor/ Construction Site Brad Gibson, S&B Engineers & Constructors
Nucor
www.nucor.com 7
Director-at-Large Shelly Ettel, Amentum
NuStar Energy
www.nustarenergy.com 2
Occunoimx
www.occunomix.com 45
Roco Rescue
www.rocorescue.com 35
SafeStart
www.safestart.com 3
Valero
www.valero.com 23
Vallen Distribution
www.vallen.com 11
Working Concepts
www.softknees.com 21
Director-at-Large Bill Linneweh, CSP, Hendrickson International Director-at-Large Saprena Lyons, Fluor Idaho Director-at-Large Christina Ross, Morton Salt Director-at-Large Daniel Charles, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company Director-at-Large Andy Foster, Hanford Mission Integrated Solutions Editor Kerri Usher, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Ariana Hanaity, 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. 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.
54 Leader—Autumn 2021
VPPPA contacts Sara A. Taylor, CMP Director of Operations staylor@vpppa.org Natasha Cole Conference Coordinator ncole@vpppa.org Heidi Hill Partnership Manager hhill@vpppa.org
o reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visit T www.vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please refer to the contact information below. Lisa Silber Sales & Advertising Coordinator lsilber@vpppa.org Kerri Usher Communications & Outreach Manager kusher@vpppa.org Ariana Hanaity Communications Coordinator ahanaity@vpppa.org
Sierra Johnson Senior Education Coordinator sjohnson@vpppa.org Son Nguyen Membership & Outreach Manager snguyen@vpppa.org Bryan Knight UX Web Services Programmer bknight@vpppa.org
vpppa.org
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VPP 101 VIDEO (DVD OR FLASH DRIVE)
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V P P PRINT CORRECTED STATEMENT(S) BELOW. DO NOT JUST WRITE “TRUE” OR “FALSE”.
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1-800-220-1818 ALWAYS IN MIND, INC., 404 GREEN STREET, THIBODAUX, LA 70301
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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