The Leader Spring 2016

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2, SPRING 2016

BLUEPRINTS, BULLETS AND BUSHES—

A New Approach to Crime Prevention and Facility Design

LEADER THE

VOL 3. ISSUE 2 SPRING 2016

cover

CONTENTS

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Blueprints, Bullets and Bushes— A New Approach to Crime Prevention and Facility Design Our daily lives have been penetrated by the unthinkable—a predator is now in our comfort zone. Or even worse, a predator MAY be in our comfort zone.

All one needs to do is look around any government facility in the post 9/11 era and see the results of the traditional, reactionary-based approach to safety planning. Barriers, bollards, fences, jersey walls, barbed wire, guard posts, turnstiles etc., are all a visible reminder that the openness and freedoms that we once fully enjoyed are now slowly being eroded in the name of safety. Currently, there is a very promising concept known as “Integrated Site Security and Design (ISSD)” that incorporates design features and community policing tactics along with the proven principles of “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED). This process integrates the measures needed to create effective physical security with environmental design principles while maintaining the functional and aesthetic quality of the site.

features

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Workplace Violence and Security

Columbine, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, Excel Industries. What do these words have in common? Workers and students were killed in a place they thought safe. In fact, there is no workplace that is absolutely safe.

Workplace violence has become far too common. Anyone or anyplace can be a target and the threat may be internal or external to the organization. This article will focus primarily on internal threats and will present two significant issues regarding workplace violence: how to recognize the warning signs and the appropriate response and actions that should be taken.

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Meet our Security Experts

What should I do in an active shooter situation? What signs can I look for in coworkers that can help me and my company recognize danger? What should I be more aware of when I am at

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my site or at home? Learn the answers to these questions at more during the Security Panel at the 32nd Annual National VPPPA Safety & Health Conference. With a combined 115 years experience in the security field, these panelists will be able to answer the important safety and security questions we face.

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Workplace Security— It Can Happen Here

Workplace violence and other related threats, such as sabotage, can have a direct impact on an organization’s staff affecting morale, productivity and employee/customer retention. It can also damage an organization’s reputation and its future growth. In today’s society, workplace threats can happen anywhere and at any time.

Often, the companies that experience workplace violence never saw it coming and had no plans in place to reduce the effects of a security breach. Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year.

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VPPPA National Board of Directors

The Grim Reaper of Complacency

As soon as I heard it, it struck a chord in me…the “Grim Reaper of Complacency.” Considering my line of work as a safety officer and as a rescue/fall protection instructor, the term certainly grabbed my attention.

In working at height, complacency is something we warn students about continually. But when it comes to safety, complacency can happen to all of us.

No one is immune to it and its effects can be devastating depending on the nature of the work being performed.

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Access Control: The Standard Helping to Secure the Workplace

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Voluntary Protection Plan—Hoosier Style: The Indiana Model Working as a safety representative in the mid-90’s in private industry for Eli Lilly and Company, I remember waiting for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) to be codified into law in Indiana. Eli Lilly and Company was looking for a proven safety program. We were excited about the results other companies were achieving because of their involvement in VPP. At the time, Indiana was not yet structured to run the program. In 1995, the Indiana Department of Labor was successful in codifying VPP into law by state statute. We now know that Indiana was the first state to codify VPP into law.

Chairperson Mike Maddox, NuStar Energy, LP Vice Chairperson Mike Guillory, SGE, The Brock Group Treasurer Chris Adolfson, Idaho National Laboratory Secretary Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Agent Don Johnson, Phillips 66 Director from a Site Without a Collective Bargaining Agent Rob Henson, LyondellBasell Director from a DOE-VPP Site Stacy Thursby, Washington Closure Hanford Director from a VPP Contractor/ Construction Site Richard McConnell, Austin Industrial at LyondellBasell Director-at-Large Bill Harkins, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Director-at-Large J.A. Rodriguez, Jr., CSP, SGE , Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC

For anyone who works in a facility, whether it is an office, school, hospital or factory, there is nothing more important than the safety and security of the individuals within that building.

To that end, access control systems provide security to workplaces and their employees through a variety of methods, both traditional and technological.

Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Director-at-Large Kimberly Watson, Southwire Director-at-Large Bill Linneweh, Hendrickson Editor Sarah Neely, VPPPA, Inc.

sections GLOBAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WATCH

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INFOGRAPHIC CORNER

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WASHINGTON UPDATE

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Look for these topics highlighted in the top right corner of each section.

Editorial Mission The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals.

Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment.

The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year.

G overnment

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

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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Membership

Postmaster >> Please send address changes to:

MEMBER INFO CORNER

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H ealth

VPPPA, Inc. • 7600-E Leesburg Pike • Ste. 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004

STATE-PLAN MONITOR

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Business

VPPPA CHAPTER ROUND-UPS 42 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Outreach

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.

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global safety and health watch

H2 Uh Oh

BY BENJAMIN MASSOUD, FORMERLY THE VPPPA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

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W

ater, a crucial part in living a healthy lifestyle, is often taken for granted. That is, until we lose access to it. Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Residents of Flint, MI, found that out the hard way earlier this year when thousands of the city’s residents were exposed to unsafe levels of lead in their water supply. The city’s budget cut led to a change in drinking water sources from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The core problem is the city’s use of an estimated 15,000 lead pipes that leach lead into the water supply.

What’s Flint to do? Earlier this year, President Obama signed an emergency declaration ordering federal assistance to Flint.

For now, residents of the city are relying on bottled water and are trying to find and replace all lead pipes still in use.

But it’d be a mistake to think Flint was an isolated incident. Lax regulations on water control have caused numerous documented examples of lead contamination in a city’s tap water, most recently in Durham, NC, Columbia, SC and Jackson, MS. Although you can’t see, taste or smell lead in drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body. For children, lead exposure can result in behavior and learning problems, slowed growth and anemia. During pregnancy, reduced growth of the fetus or a premature birth may occur.

The EPA provides actions to take to lower your chance of exposure to lead: • Use only cold water to prepare food and drinks • Flush water outlets used for drinking or food preparation • Clean debris out of faucet aerators on a regular basis • Make sure the pipes your water supply flows through are not made of lead Testing your water supply is the most crucial precaution to take. If the tap water contains lead levels greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb), action is required.

However, lead is merely one of many contaminants that can be found in a water supply. Public water systems contain 100 potentially harmful chemicals and 12 microbes that are not commonly tested for, according to the EPA. Further, the New York Times reports that the efforts to identify and reduce lesser-known water contaminants have been fought by business interests that are trying to save money, such as agriculture and mining.

How can you be sure your tap water is safe to use? Each year you can receive a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water supplier. This report details the source of your water and what’s in it.

The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act sets standards for drinking water quality and establishes efforts to ensure drinking water safety. In addition, EPA’s Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of pollutants into water and controls standards of surface waters. It should be noted that streams tapped by water utilities that serve a third of the nation are not yet covered by clean water laws. Visit the EPA’s website at ofmpub.epa.gov/apex/safewater/f?p=136:102 to access your CCR. What will it take for more people to realize the importance of having access to clean water? Perhaps only once it’s too late and the access to clean water has already been compromised.

For more information on water quality, visit the EPA’s website at www3.epa.gov.

References: • www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm • www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summaryclean-water-act • www.epa.gov/sdwa • www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/us/ regulatory-gaps-leave-unsafe-lead-levels-inwater-nationwide.html?_r=0 • www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead#effects

infographic corner

In 2013, 397 fatal

workplace injuries in the United States were classified as homicides, which works out to

2 million

Nearly American workers report having been victims of

9 percent of all workplace deaths.

workplace violence each year.

Homicide is the second-leading cause of death for women in the workplace, right behind roadway accidents. In 2013,

22 percent of the 302 fatal work injuries to women were homicides, compared to 8 percent for men.

The Department of Labor notes 27 percent of all violent events in a workplace are

tied to domestic violence.

From 2003 to 2012 over half of the workplace homicides occurred within three

occupation classifications: sales and related occupations (28 percent), protective service occupations (17 percent), and transportation and material moving occupations (13 percent).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in

two-thirds

of workplace homicides, the assailant has no known personal relationship with the victim.

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washington update

BY COURTNEY MALVEAUX, VPPPA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNSEL

VPP Legislation H.R. 2500, a bill to make OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs permanent, is gaining steam. The measure was referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections in the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The measure enjoys bipartisan support from 30 members of the House of Representatives, including four committee members. A Senate bill is under consideration.

Continued VPP Funding In the words of Secretary of Labor Perez, “Our aim for 2016 is to expand VPP because we think it’s a great program.” In pursuit of that goal, OSHA estimates that it currently devotes $3.5 million of its Compliance Assistance Budget to keep VPP going. Thus, in his 2017 Proposed Budget, President Barack Obama proposed the following language: OSHA is committed to using all available approaches to achieve safer and healthier workplaces for America’s workers. Compliance assistance, including cooperative programs such as VPP and SHARP, is an important element of OSHA’s operations. Based on proposed funding

levels for FY 2017, OSHA will dedicate no less than $3,500,000 for administering VPP and does not anticipate a reduction in full time employees devoted to VPP, SHARP, or Federal Compliance Assistance. Additionally, OSHA does not intend to implement a fee-for-service element for these programs at the proposed resource levels.

The U.S. Senate has also proposed $3.5 million for VPP in its budget as well, and the House of Representatives is considering the same level of funding.

VPP in the States Virginia’s new law codifying VPP is becoming enshrined in its administrative code. Virginia passed the law with support from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations AFL-CIO, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the Colonial Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). The Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board authorized new regulations that will enable labor and management to work cooperatively at worksites.

Indiana was the first state to codify VPP in its state law, passing a VPP law in 1995.

Several additional states are looking to follow Indiana’s and Virginia’s lead when their legislatures convene.

Distracted Driving Congress passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (the “FAST Act”), the federal highway reauthorization bill. The FAST Act includes grant funding for states that prohibit texting while driving or while stopped in traffic.

Whistleblower Protection OSHA has issued a final rule to establish procedures for handling whistleblower complaints under the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, which protects employees against retaliation for reporting potential violations of consumer financial protection laws to their employer, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or any other law enforcement or regulatory agency.

OSHA also published an interim final rule establishing procedures and time frames for handling employee retaliation complaints under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), a 2012 law that protects workers in automobile manufacturing, part supplies and car dealerships who have been retaliated against for reporting motor vehicle defects or violations of motor vehicle safety standards to their employer or to the Secretary of Transportation. Members of the public may submit comments on the interim final rule until May 16, 2016.

Hazard Communication OSHA extended the public comment period to May 2, 2016 for its draft Guidance on Data Evaluation for Weight of Evidence Determination, which provides direction for determining potential health hazards of chemicals. The “weight of evidence” approach assists manufacturers, importers and employers to evaluate scientific studies on the potential health hazards of a chemical. It aids in determining what information must be disclosed on the label and safety data sheet for compliance with the Hazard Communication

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Standard. The draft is a companion document to a recently posted Hazard Classification Guidance and is intended to help the label and safety data sheet preparer apply the approach when dealing with complex scientific studies.

Aerial Lift Safety NIOSH and OSHA now offer online resources to prevent aerial lift injuries and fatalities on their web pages. NIOSH’s page includes a hazard recognition simulator designed to help visitors acclimate to aerial lift operation.

Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health held a special meeting on March 4 in Washington, D.C., to make recommendations on OSHA’s draft Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines. OSHA proposed the guidelines to “provide employers and workers with a sound, flexible framework for addressing safety and health issues in the workplace.” The guidelines are largely based on best practices adopted voluntarily by employers and workers participating in VPP and SHARP. Michael Belcher, President of the ASSE, commented “While recognizing that updated guidelines are a step in the right direction, ASSE is disappointed that this Administration has not pursued an OSHA standard that would require all employers to develop and implement such plans.”

Daniel Anna, President of the AIHA also recommended that OSHA focus more on risk reduction, and convert the initiative from a “program” into an ongoing “process.”

OSHA Silica Standards Contributed by OSHA’s Doug Kalinowski, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs OSHA announced revised standards regulating workplace exposure to crystalline silica. OSHA predicts that the rule will save more than 600 lives and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis each year, once its effects are fully realized. About 2.3 million men and women are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, including 2 million construction workers who drill and cut silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone, and 300,000 workers in operations such as brick

manufacturing, foundries and hydraulic fracturing. Most employers can limit harmful dust exposure in practical ways, using equipment that is widely available—generally using water or a vacuum system to divert or capture dust at the source. Employers have the flexibility to choose equipment based on its overall performance in complying with the standards.

OSHA has issued two silica standards: one for construction and one for general industry and maritime. Both standards take effect June 23, 2016, after which industries have one to five years to come into compliance, based on the following schedule: • Construction—One year to comply (June 23, 2017) with all requirements except the methods of sample analysis (June 23, 2018).

• General Industry and Maritime—Two years to comply (June 23, 2018) with all requirements except medical surveillance for employees exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days a year (June 23, 2020).

• Hydraulic Fracturing—Two years to comply (June 23, 2018) with an additional three years to meet engineering control requirements (June 23, 2021).

OSHA has developed a variety of resources to help employers comply with the standard, including fact sheets, frequently asked questions and a video. Small entity compliance guides (one for construction and one for general industry/maritime) are also in the works and should be available within 90 days.

For more information, please see the OSHA silica final rule webpage: www.osha.gov/silica/ index.html

About 2.3 million men and women are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, including 2 million construction workers who drill and cut silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone, and 300,000 workers in operations such as brick manufacturing, foundries and hydraulic fracturing.

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BLUE

PRINTS,

A NEW APPROACH TO CRIME PREVENTION Inside a shopping mall, key players in the US economic system are gunned down by a mentally unstable person. At a major university located far from urban crime and disorder, a mentally unstable person guns down 32 of his peers—college students. At a church, worshippers are murdered by a former member of their own church. A sniper takes a bizarre pilgrimage across the country randomly picking victims in publicly accessible venues. All across the world we are witness to horrific acts that are played out in public and publicly accessible facilities. No, it is not a media fact that we are just now seeing what has been going on all along and that it is just now getting reported—it is a true increase in bizarre, violent crimes. Overlay this with the everpresent specter of terrorism, both international and domestic, and you have a society that is on the verge of fear paralysis.

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s a young man, I never went to these places with fear of violent crime as my constant companion. As a family man, I now think of “contingency plans” on what I will do with my family if something like this occurs when we are out! You must ask yourself a question—what impact is this having on our free and open society? The management of fear is a topic that facility designers, operators and owners must grapple with. It is also a topic that the emergency response community must attend to. Never has there been a time when it is more crucial for the disciplines of architecture, engineering, facility operations and emergency response to work hand in hand to manage the fear that has been planted in the minds of our citizens by the ever-increasing type of bizarre, violent criminals.

BULLETS AND BUSHES

BY: MIKE JONES OWNER, MAJOR SECURITY CONSULTING & DESIGN

AND FACILITY DESIGN First, let’s clearly define our problem. We live in a day-to-day world. We love and relish our routines, our favorite places and we all live by our particular rhythm of life. That life can be the market, the office, the school, the hospital or any one of a number of different types of facilities that we interface with daily.

We have our established comfort zones and we always try to stay within them. However, our comfort zones have been penetrated by the unthinkable—a predator. Or even worse, a predator MAY be in our comfort zone.

Most of us know what to do when we are faced with a predator—get away, but most of us do not know what to do when there MAY be a predator in our comfort zone. What do we do when faced with that MAYBE?

Current reviews of behavior have shown that we cope with this issue in several ways—we withdraw and stay away, we go to different places, we alter the time we spend in certain locations, we decrease the number of visits and we go alone and leave family behind. All of these responses are a good individual response but look at what these responses promote. Collectively, it is a retreat from our society. We have given ground to the bad guys and they now rule.

Additionally, these coping strategies decrease the vitality of the economic engine that our society depends upon. Hence, our problem is clear—we have an increasing number of threats to the safety and well-being of our citizens in public and publicly accessible facilities. These threats are not cyclical and will not “go away” with time. They are not

sociological phenomena that will disappear in 10 years. When the infamous bank robber Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he simply stated because “that is where the money is.” When faced with the type of bizarre criminal who attacks our open spaces, one can only surmise that he/she does so “because it is where the people are.” Face it, the “public predator” is now a part of our landscape. Just as the landscaper has to deal with unwanted vegetation, the engineer must deal with the lay of the land, the building manager must deal with the climate and we must deal with the public predator and the many forms he/she may take. Failure to take this into account will most definitely lead to a variety of consequences—none of which are pleasant. Acceptance that this problem must THE LEADER

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This process integrates the measures needed to create effective physical security with environmental design principles all while maintaining the functional and aesthetic quality of the site.

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be reckoned with at all stages in the life of a publicly accessible facility is the first step in managing the “public predator.”

Well, now that we acknowledge that we have this “thing” to contend with, can it in fact be dealt with? Yes, most emphatically it can be, and without reliance on the more restrictive and ominous traditional measures—more police, more guards, more cameras, more restrictions on individual liberty and a variety of knee-jerk responses that do practically nothing other than say: “Look, we did something.”

All one needs to do is look around any government facility in the post 9/11 era and see the results the traditional, reactionary-based approach to safety planning. Barriers, bollards, fences, jersey walls, barbed wire, guard posts, turnstiles, etc., are all a visible reminder that the openness and freedoms that we once fully enjoyed are now slowly being eroded in the name of safety. Until 9/11, a citizen could walk into his state capitol without having to identify himself, go through screening and otherwise be impeded by representatives of government. I, for one, mourn the passing of such times. Our country was founded upon the principles of open and accessible government and the security measures imposed today provide a chilling effect on that freedom. But, does it have to be this way? Must we accept the fact that our bucolic way of life is gone forever? Unfortunately, the answer is yes; we must accept the fact that things have changed—change is the only thing that is truly constant. However, it is how we respond that will set us apart from the past and make a blueprint for the future.

Ok, I say we can make this better without undesirable consequences—what do we do?

How do we make our publicly accessible areas safer yet protected from this ever-possible public predator? Our first step is an unusual marriage of concepts like no other. For years, the core disciplines engaged in facility design and the disciplines of emergency response rarely crossed paths. Designers built the facilities and emergency response dealt with the problems that occurred in and around the facility. The old adage of two ships passing in the night is still very appropriate today, but we need to stop those ships and transfer some crewmembers from ship to ship. We need to realize that the synergies created by the merging of the various skill sets of architects, engineers, law enforcement, access control, landscape architects, facility operators, facility support and facility occupants can only lead to a better designed facility that has been

purposely created with safety protocols in mind that go far beyond theft, electrical standards and fire control measures.

Currently, there is a very promising concept known as Integrated Site Security and Design (ISSD) that incorporates design features and community policing tactics along with the proven principles Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). These processes integrate the measures needed to create effective physical security with environmental design principles all while maintaining the functional and aesthetic quality of the site. ISSD also brings to the design table the professional who will be involved with this facility from cradle to grave. The overall concept behind this is a very simple one—communication among the people who are responsible for the design and management of the facility. Imagine what can be prevented if the architect learns about the patterns of crime in the area where a facility will be sited? Imagine the impact of just having knowledge about the public predator methods that the facility director could utilize in the operational protocols of the facility? Imagine the understanding among the first responder community when they discover the flow of pedestrian/vehicular traffic in and around the facility and how they can better respond to incidents? Think about how the lock-out of first responders at Virginia Tech’s Norris Hall may have been prevented by a marriage of designers and managers?

Face it; police officers do not think like architects, architects do not think like engineers and engineers do not think like facility managers.

Working together in the pre-build or retrofit stages can go a very long way in managing the public predator and other aspects of crime and disorder that challenge our way of life. The unique perspectives brought to the design table by the variety of disciplines can only make the finished project function better and safer.

Just what is “ISSD” and how does it work?

Integrated Site Security and Design is the first security planning process to be created that specifically correlates CPTED principles with physical security and site design considerations.

Traditional physical security strives to protect assets and prevent crime by using human, physical and psychological forces. Guards, physical security barriers, electronic sensor/ surveillance devices and other security measures are utilized to establish a defensive posture around a protected asset. However, these

traditional practices, which are proven effective in the short term, may, in many cases, produce long-term financial and social costs. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a method that uses a behaviorallybased understanding of how criminals operate to create places that provide for a minimum opportunity for crime to occur. The core principles of CPTED—natural surveillances, natural access control and territoriality are achieved by utilizing the inherent characteristics of the built environment.

Some examples of this are strategically placed thorn-bearing plants that discourage access to certain areas; “decorative” boulders and rock formations in front of facilities that actually serve as a physical barrier to criminals who may attempt to use their vehicles to ram a facility, rolling landscape up to the entrance of facilities or decorative ponds and gardens that prevent cars from being used as weapons that could assault a workplace by making it impossible for a vehicle to physically gain access to a facility due to the limitations of the landscape. All these design elements are simple strategies that can be incorporated early on when architects, engineers, facility planners and landscape architects work together in the early conceptual design phases.

These simple ideas add an extra layer of surveillance by exposing individuals who are not using preferred entry channels. There are a number of other simple design elements that can be implemented such as higher curbs to make it harder for criminals to drive up onto sidewalks or strategically placed lighting that discourages criminal activity simply because there is no cover and a lot of exposure.

ISSD gives us the opportunity to positively affect the built environment, and meets the challenge by merging the tools of physical security with those of CPTED and community policing, maximizing the strengths of each method while lessening their limitations. Another key component of ISSD ensures that the security requirements of the facility are clearly established at the start of the project by the joint participation of all stakeholders in the development of a vulnerability and risk assessment. ISSD then combines the risk profile with the operational requirements to create a site security program that is functional, aesthetic and cost effective. Throughout the ISSD process, communication among diverse stakeholders is paramount and constant.

Why should we consider this approach for the design of our publicly accessible facilities? Of all the questions posed by the challenges of the public predator, crime and disorder, this is the easiest one to answer. It makes economic sense—safety and a sense of comfort helps to keep the economic engine of the consumers running. If our public feels safe, then they will do what they do best— visit our facilities and engage in commerce. If they feel unsafe, they will not spend and will seek out safer places. Additionally, it is the “right” thing to do. We have a moral obligation to ensure the safety of the people who live, work and engage with our facilities. We are all part of our community and it is only natural to make our facilities the safest they can be. Additionally, depending on the facility, ISSD may make the project cost-effective, considering the potential savings by avoiding the need for retrofit or worse, facing significant litigation for failing to provide due diligence for safety measures. Premises liability is a growing area of litigation. From the other side of the coin, the insurance industry is beginning to recognize the fact that if there is a significant improvement in a facility’s risk profile (if ISSD principles are in place) this improvement can result in lower insurance costs (reduced risk profile) for the owner and operator of the facility. Finally, the people who will come to the facility will recognize a safe place. The feeling of safety translates into an overall sense of community well-being and the overall reduction of fear. Part of this sense of safety can be realized when you go to a publicly accessible facility and observe the people—you know what comfort looks like when you see it as well as what fear looks like. You might not be able to quantify the sense of well-being but “you know it when you see it.”

The challenge is this: the public predator and his partners—crime and disorder—are with us to stay. We can continue to let them manage us or we can be proactive and work together, in a teaming approach, to develop new and innovative ways to reduce the negative impacts and increase the sense of comfort that those who utilize our facilities deserve. We should not let tragedy force us to close the windows and doors of our freedoms. We are the country that put the first man on the moon, we are a country filled with immeasurable talent and we are a country that does not give up or give in. Let’s take this American spirit and work together to make our publicly accessible spaces safer by design.

ISSD gives us the opportunity to positively affect the built environment, and meets the challenge by merging the tools of physical security with those of CPTED and community policing, maximizing the strengths of each method while lessening their limitations. Another key component of ISSD ensures that the security requirements of the facility are clearly established at the start of the project by the joint participation of all stakeholders in the development of a vulnerability and risk assessment.

(Town Manager) experience and 17 years as an adjunct professor of criminal justice. He is the owner and founder of Major Security Consulting & Design (www.majorsecurityconsulting.com/).

He specializes in reducing complex security challenges to manageable projects that are both innovative and sustainable and believes that all crime is preventable given a caring and committed population supported by appropriate government services.

Mike operates under the principle that a safe environment does not have resemble or function like a prison. He has worked with and consulted for the Department of Homeland Security, the City of Baltimore, MD, multiple counties in Virginia including Loudoun and Fairfax, the City of Richmond and City of Fairfax in Virginia, the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, several K–12 security assessments, the Virginia Department of Taxation and the Commonwealth

Mike Jones merges 37+ years of executive level

of Virginia—State & Local Government Security.

law enforcement with eight years of security

Mike also provides onsite training for handling

consultation, two years of municipal management

active shooter situations.

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BY: BRIAN BENNETT AND NORMAN R DEITCH EHS EXCELLENCE

WORKPLACE

VIOLENCE SECURITY 14

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Introduction Columbine, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, Excel Industries. What do these words have in common? Workers and students were killed in a place they thought safe. In fact, there is no workplace that is absolutely safe. Workplace violence has become far too common. Anyone or anyplace can be a target and the threat may be internal or external to the organization.

This article will focus primarily on internal threats and will present two significant issues regarding workplace violence: how to recognize the warning signs and the appropriate response and actions that should be taken. Before we address those issues, it is important that we define what we mean by workplace violence and work setting.

• Workplace violence is any assault, violent act, threatening behavior, harassment, or verbal abuse that occurs in, or is related to, the work setting and entails a substantial risk of physical or emotional harm to individuals or damage to company resources or capabilities.

• A work setting is any location either permanent or temporary where an employee performs any work-related duty. It includes, but is not limited to, the building, surrounding perimeters, parking lots, field locations, client’s homes and traveling to and from work assignments.

Two of the most critical elements to limiting the occurrence of workplace violence are early recognition of potentially violent situations and plans to respond appropriately to such situations. Although OSHA recognizes the significance of the issue, it does not have a standard requiring such a program. It is up to the individual VPP safety and health leaders to lead the way.

As with other safety and health issues, the best starting point is to develop a plan to address the issue. It is up to all employees to learn how to recognize the warning signs of potential workplace violence and how to respond to those warning signs, as well as the actual violence.

According to a poll of readers, the February 2016 issue of the National Safety Council’s Safety and Health Magazine reported that only 52 percent of employers have a workplace violence prevention program. Another 13 percent reported that they are working on one. That leaves another 35 percent with no workplace violence prevention plan.

A Workplace Violence Action Plan (WVAP) should be created in the same manner as other safety and health control programs. As with most other safety and health programs, it should be developed with assistance from all levels of the enterprise and subject matter experts. The program should define the issue and contain a statement of support from senior management that no evidence of workplace violence by employees or others will be tolerated and the sanctions for non-compliance will be severe. The program should: identify a champion for the program; define important terms; contain background information on the issue; identify common telltale warning signs of impending violence; detail a plan of action to prevent potential events and develop procedures on how to respond to actual events.

It must also include training for all employees regarding the usual warning signs and recommended response actions. The training should include actual response exercises similar to what is done for fire, hazardous materials spills or other emergencies.

Recognition of Potentially Violent Situations Before we discuss the warning signs of potentially violent behavior, we will discuss some underlying causes of it. Negative personality changes may be caused by issues such as reactions to drugs (either properly prescribed medications or illegal drugs), illness or by response to emotional stressors including: a. Death of a close family member or friend b. Personal/family problems c. Financial problems d. Health problems (self or loved one) e. Family turmoil f. Loss of a promotion or job Many of the warning signs of potentially violent situations are common and easy to recognize. Unfortunately, others are not so easy to recognize. Various categories of warning signs that may help to identify potential violent situations can be grouped so that the actual violence can be prevented or limited.

Initially, employees may exhibit minor negative personality changes that can then become more pronounced. These early, minor, negative personality changes may not be easily recognized: a. Confusion b. Frustration c. Blame d. Anger

Many of us have encountered and worked with others who are recognized as being unusually negative. That is distinctly different than the typically easy-going employee who begins to exhibit those same negative attitudes.

That escalating negative behavior may be a precursor of impending violence. The following are some of those escalating negative behaviors that employees must be trained to recognize: a. Withdrawal (loner) b. Uncooperative c. Defensive d. Argumentative e. Sudden, persistent complaining of unfair treatment f. Missed schedules g. Confusion/Frustration h. Blaming others for problems i. Decline in job performance j. Increased tardiness or absenteeism k. Refusal to accept criticism l. Change of work habits m. Verbally abusive n. Strong anger o. Threats to others p. Overt hostility These signs may be able to be mitigated through counseling and a workplace wellness program. However, these signs may also escalate to a higher level of violence that must be addressed immediately. Warning signs of hostility include: a. Physical actions or threats that appear imminent b. There is immediate danger of physical harm or property damage c. Out-of-control behavior

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Response to Potential Workplace Violence Incidents When the signs of hostility are observed, the response section of the WVAP must be introduced. Initially, the best course of action would be to report the situation to a higher authority and notify law enforcement of the potential threat. The threat should be isolated and others should be removed from the danger zone. Other initial responses include: a. Disengage from the person and evacuate the area b. Attempt to isolate the person if it can be done safely c. Alert your supervisor and contact security immediately Some violent situations cannot be stopped; however, there are proven techniques that you can use and steps that can be taken to reduce an escalating situation. When dealing with a potentially violent person, the situation must be quickly assessed. Projecting calmness and speaking softly may help to diffuse the situation.

Encourage the potentially violent person to talk, focusing your attention on them so they feel you are interested in what they have to say. Maintain a relaxed, yet attentive posture, and position yourself at a right angle rather than directly in front of the person. Respect the person’s private space. Ask for small, specific favors, such as moving to a quieter, more isolated, area to talk.

Be reassuring and point out choices. Do not fake empathy or place blame.

When dealing with a potentially violent situation, do not try to be the hero. Your focus should be diverting the aggressive individual and keeping others safe without putting yourself in harm’s way. Do not make promises you cannot keep, and do not make physical contact with the individual.

If all else fails If attempts at de-escalation are not practical or effective, the final option is to follow the FBI’s recommendation to “Run, Hide, Fight” in that order. Warn others and move away from the violent person as quickly as possible and try to exit the area. If you cannot exit, try to get a barrier between you and the violent person, such as entering a room and locking and barricading the door. Block windows so you cannot be seen, and find a hiding space where you will be concealed.

If access to your area by the violent person is imminent prepare to fight, improvising things in the area that can be used as a weapon such as a chair or fire extinguisher.

Improving Security Security of the work setting may have to be improved based on a comprehensive security audit. The workplace should be analyzed, and include a review of the written security policies, procedures and training programs; a walkthrough of the entire facility to identify potential vulnerable areas; and employee interviews to identify any concerns or issues that may exist.

Security enhancements can be categorized as either physical or administrative. Physical enhancements result in hardening of the facility, and include things such as locks, CCTV monitors at entrances and key cards. Administrative enhancements are written policies and procedures and training programs which will heighten awareness and serve as a deterrent. A procedure to require identification prior to allowing entry to the work setting is an example of an administrative enhancement. Administrative enhancements are often quite effective, and

relatively inexpensive when compared to physical hardening.

Summary Putting together your WVAP includes five basic steps: 1. Assess your workplace and employees to determine potential risk and vulnerabilities.

2. Coordinate your plan with local law enforcement and emergency responders.

3. Implement the plan.

4. Exercise the plan at least annually with realistic scenarios. Invite local law enforcement and other emergency responders.

5. Based on the outcome of the exercise, it is likely that opportunities for improvement will be found. The WVAP can be improved and enhanced based on the lessons learned during the exercise.

Brian Bennett is the president of EHS Excellence Consulting LLC, a full service safety and health consulting company that focuses on helping worksites enter the OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). Previously, he worked as a safety and health manager at both the plant and corporate levels in the chemical manufacturing and research and development industry for 24 years. He has been involved with VPP since 1992. He holds several professional certifications, including Certified Safety Professional and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.

Dr. Bennett has served on the board of directors for Region II since 1999. He is also an OSHA VPP special government employee, having conducted over 40 onsite evaluations, and was the National SGE of the Year in 2006.

Norman Deitch is the senior vice president of EHS Excellence Consulting LLC. Previously, he was the OSHA Region II VPP manager from 1989–2007. He has completed over 400 evaluations of safety and health management systems of large and small companies in both general industry and construction. He was on the team for the revision of the VPP Policies and Procedures Manual and the revisions to the VPP Federal Register. Mr. Deitch, with two other OSHA VPP managers, developed and wrote the current Special Government Employees Training Program. He holds the professional certification of Occupational Health and Safety Technologist and is a Special Government Employee and is an honorary member of the National VPPPA Board of Directors.

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Meet Our Security Experts What should I do in an active shooter situation?

What signs can I look for in coworkers that can help me and my company recognize danger?

What should I be more aware of when I am at my site or at home?

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ttend the Security Panel at the 32nd Annual National VPPPA Safety & Health Conference taking place Monday, Aug. 29, to hear the answers to these questions and more. Security experts from government agencies, VPP sites and local law enforcement offices will speak on how to set up security protocols at your site and home.

With a combined 115 years’ experience in the security field, these panelists will be able to answer the important safety and security questions we face in our world today. The panelists include: • Ric Hewitt, Special Agent with NASA Kennedy Space Center • Captain Kevin McGinley, Special Operations with Osceola County Sheriff’s Office • Chief Daniel McAvoy, Deputy Chief/Life Safety Management with Osceola County Fire Rescue • Steve Roberts, Attorney and Security Consultant

Ric Hewitt Special Agent with NASA Kennedy Space Center Richard Alan Hewitt Jr., joined the U.S. Army as a military policeman in 1979 and later joined the U.S. Navy as a senior chief petty officer. After he retired as a deputy director of law enforcement training for the Navy at Lackland AFB in Texas, he became a contract chief of security for the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and was hired by NASA in 2006 as a physical security specialist and special agent.

During his time at JSC, Richard performed duties as the lead for the JSC Hurricane Ride-

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Out Team and Columbia Recover Team. In 2011, Richard transferred to Kennedy Space Center where he currently performs duties as the lead of law enforcement operations, investigations and as the contracting officer’s representative for the Kennedy protective services contract which encompasses security, SWAT, fire and the 911 communications center. Richard has been in law enforcement and physical security for 37 years.

Captain Kevin McGinley Special Operations with Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kevin McGinley is a 21-year veteran with the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office where he has been assigned to patrol (field training officer), investigations, training, community response, internal affairs and special weapons and tactics. Kevin is currently assigned as a captain over the Special Operations Division.

His duties include overseeing the daily operations of the Criminal Investigations Division (violent persons, children’s crimes, SWAT and forensics), Special Operations Unit (K-9, aviation, traffic, and motors) and Special Enforcement Unit (agricultural marine, reserves, and mounted patrol). Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Florida. Kevin has been a part of the Osceola County SWAT Team for 20 years and has held positions including operator, sniper, team leader, commander and high risk incident commander. His participation in SWAT has required him to teach and train his team of more than 27 members.

Chief Daniel McAvoy Deputy Chief/Life Safety Management with Osceola County Fire Rescue In 1974 McAvoy started fire service in Dumas, Texas, then moved to Altamonte Springs, FL, in 1978 and started classes to extend his fire service career. In 1979 he started working for the Union Park Fire Department and retired in 2006.

After retiring he went to work for the Marriot International hotel chain as the high-rise hotel fire safety consultant and returned to fire service in 2007 as the Deputy Fire Chief with the Osceola County fire rescue working as their Life Safety Manager.

Steve Roberts Attorney and Security Consultant Steve Roberts is an attorney and security consultant who works in the area of federal security regulation and related issues at chemical and petrochemical facilities. He started his career in critical infrastructure protection in 1999 at the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office. From 2003 to 2011, he was a guest instructor in the Counterterrorism Division at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and his law degree from the University of Florida.

Throughout the conference, attend security-specific educational workshops that will further your knowledge of security measures that can be implemented at your worksite. Some of our security-themed education is outlined below: • Preconference Workshop— Prevention is Better than Reaction: Securing Your Future • Security & Workplace Violence at VPP Sites • Fatality and Catastrophic Event Prevention • Surviving an Act of Workplace Violence

EDUCATE. COLLABORATE. ADVOCATE The conference last four days...but the knowledge and experiences last a lifetime

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

NEW

THIS YEAR

JOIN thousands of the EHS industry’s most dedicated and ambitious professionals for four days of learning and networking BE INSPIRED by

• Workplace SecurityThemed Education

nationally-known keynote speakers— Elizabeth Smart and Colonel Mark Tillman

• 80 Percent of the Workshops are New

MEET and network

• Security Panel

• Free Preconference Workshops • Off-Site Wednesday Night Reception

with others from your region at your regional networking and chapter meetings

• In-Depth Construction Safety Training

84

PERCENT

of attendees ranked the value of the educational content as outstanding or very good

AUGUST 29–SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 IN KISSIMMEE, FL. Visit the conference website at www.vpppa.org/national-conference.

CHOOSE from more than 100 workshops on topics ranging from safety management systems, improving workplace security, managing your relationship with OSHA, best practices, safety culture and more

VISIT hundreds of safety and health exhibitors who feature the most up-to-date products available to the EHS community

It Can

HE R

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BY JACK JACKSON SAFESTART

“Man down! Man down!” comes over your site’s intercom system. Your first thought is someone must have been injured, perhaps due to equipment malfunction, someone bypassing a safety device or maybe it was because of a failure to wear the appropriate PPE. Instead, the last thing you ever expected to happen has occurred—there has been an act of violence in your facility.

n Happen

E RE

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n today’s society, workplace threats can happen anywhere and at any time. Often, the companies that experience workplace violence never saw it coming and had no plans in place to reduce the effects of a security breach. Some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in two-thirds of workplace homicides, the assailant has no known personal relationship with the victim. While assailants can be contractors, members of the public, clients or suppliers, our first thoughts often shift to current and former employees, their friends and even their families when an incident of violence occurs in the workplace.

Reports of domestic violence are on the rise and at times, these situations spill over into the workplace when an abusive partner attacks an employee on the job. Domestic violence is usually displayed in a pattern of intimidating behavior used to gain power and control over a current or former spouse, family member, intimate partner or person with whom the perpetrator shares a child in common.

Attacks in these situations include physical or sexual violence, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, stalking, harassment and physical intimidation or injury.

Although men can be the victims of domestic violence, the most frequent victims are female. According to a study done by Employers Against Domestic Violence (EADV), 74 percent of employed battered women are harassed by their partner while at work. This caused 56 percent of battered women to be late for work at least five times a month, 28 percent to leave early at least five days a month and 54 percent to miss at least three full days of work a month. Given these statistics, along with the potential for further violence, it is imperative that employers take precautions to safeguard the workplace from such a threat.

In 2003, I lived in Jefferson City, MO. I never would have thought that workplace violence with an incredibly tragic ending could happen there. But on a warm July night, an

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Workplace violence and other related threats such as sabotage can have a direct impact on an organization’s staff affecting morale, productivity and employee/customer retention.

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employee at a manufacturing facility shot and killed three co-workers and wounded four others, then drove downtown and killed himself during an exchange of gunfire with a police officer near police headquarters.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), of the 4,679 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2014, 403 were workplace homicides.

Ready for some good news? I have done consulting work for numerous companies around the world over the past decade, and while I have found there are a lot of unhappy employees, most aren’t going to resort to violence. They certainly don’t look like they would shoot up the place! At least, that’s how it appears on the outside. But we never know what’s going on in a person’s head or to what lengths—even irrational ones—they will go to in a given situation. An employer’s best course of action is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Workplace violence and other related threats, such as sabotage, can have a direct impact on an organization’s staff, affecting morale, productivity and employee/customer retention. It can also damage an organization’s reputation and future growth.

An organization’s security and safety procedures should prepare for a wide range of incidents including threats, domestic violence and stalking. These policies and procedures should also address crimes occurring on business property, including provisions covering contractors, customers and other non-employees. The best protection employers can offer is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by their employees. The employer should establish a workplace violence prevention program or incorporate the information into an existing accident prevention program, employee handbook or manual of standard operating procedures. It is critical to ensure that all employees know the policy and understand that all instances of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.

Employers need to be proactive in preparing their staff to prevent and respond to these situations when they occur. Supervisors and managers should be trained to spot the signs of possible employee-against-employee confrontations as well. When these situations are first noticed they should be addressed immediately so as not to create a hostile work environment. There are three main areas

workplace violence prevention and security concerns should focus.

First, a crime prevention assessment should be performed. This assessment should include preventative measures that will discourage acts of violence. The use of closed circuit cameras is often useful in deterring criminals. Measures should also be taken to secure access to the property. ID badges are a great method to control entry. Many companies, both large and small, are now issuing employee IDs capable of doing much more than simply identifying the cardholder as an employee. These IDs can be integrated with access control entry into common buildings and restricted areas. When necessary, access cards can be activated or disabled when workers are hired, on leave, face disciplinary suspensions or fired.

Secondly, it is important to train employees how to respond in the event of workplace violence. The role your employees play in reacting to an incident is crucial in avoiding further casualties, including potentially becoming victims themselves. The actions of the heroes we see on TV are not based in reality. Train all team members in deescalation techniques and encourage respectful communication. Knowing how to act and how to respond could be the difference between life and death. It is important that employers talk about the potential for violent acts regardless of where they live in this country.

Lastly, it is necessary to plan your response in the aftermath of a violent incident. Police and other emergency response personnel will manage all emergency procedures. Police will deal with criminal activity. Firefighters will be there if there is a threat of fire or explosion. However, it remains the employer’s responsibility to work with employees to try to normalize the workplace as soon as possible following an incident.

Measures should be taken by the company to assign an individual to address the media following an incident. Comments given to the media by an untrained employee can have devastating effects on the company’s and law enforcement’s investigations. The aftermath of a violent situation can be traumatic. The wave of uncertainty, panic and disbelief will pass and in its place will be the task of normalizing the workplace.

Although the shooting in 2003 in Jefferson City, MO, did not take place in the facility where I worked, we still took measures to secure the confidence of our employees,

contractors and customers and to reassure them that they were in a safe place.

William “Jack” Jackson is the president and an independent safety consultant with Zion Safety Consulting. Jack is chiefly responsible for organizational strategies, developmental programs and the vision behind Zion Safety Consulting Inc. Jack was formerly employed for 19 years with Johnson Controls Inc. and held several positions with the company.

He began his career in the production and operations portion of the business but later became involved with the safety department where he helped the local facility in Jefferson City, MO, attain a world class safety record.

Many companies, both large and small, are now issuing employee IDs capable of doing much more than simply identifying the cardholder as an employee. These IDs can be integrated with access control entry into common buildings and restricted areas.

Jack relocated to San Antonio, TX, and joined Avanzar Interior Technologies in 2005 while the site was still under construction.

His responsibilities included overseeing the construction safety phase of the project. Once construction was completed he continued on to develop the safety system as well as the safety program manual for the facility. He set the tone early on for safety culture within Avanzar.

Jack is also the author of “The “I” in Team…The Star Within.”

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BY PATRICK FURR VPP COORDINATOR & CORPORATE SAFETY OFFICER FOR ROCO RESCUE, INC.

BEWARE the GRIM REAPER of

COMPLAC E As soon as I heard it, it struck a chord in me…the “Grim Reaper of Complacency.”1 Considering my line of work as a safety officer and as a rescue/fall protection instructor, the term certainly grabbed my attention. In working at height, complacency is something we warn students about continually.

But when it comes to safety, complacency can happen to all of us. No one is immune to it and its effects can be devastating depending on the nature of the work being performed.

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t is not my intention, however, to get up on a high horse and preach to you about your individual faults or shortcomings in your work or safety practices. As I said, we are ALL guilty of becoming complacent to some degree. My hope is to remind you of that fact so you can develop the tools to stay out of the Grim Reaper’s grip.

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A variety of factors can lead to complacency. Routine work tasks and outcomes, assuming that we are doing things as safely as possible, self and team satisfaction, overconfidence, the attitude that it “won’t happen to me,” contentment, unrealistic deadlines, multi-tasking, high stress, low morale and fatigue are just some of the primary

BY PATRICK FURR VPP COORDINATOR & CORPORATE SAFETY OFFICER FOR ROCO RESCUE, INC.

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and cumulative factors that may lead to complacency. In addition to these influences, the complacent behavior of others can be infectious and possibly cause you to think— if it’s ok for them to take shortcuts, it’s ok for me to do the same.

Without quoting statistics, I can say with confidence that the overwhelming majority of workplace accidents are not caused by unsafe equipment or processes, but are indeed caused by unsafe worker behavior.

And complacency, in its many forms, is at the root of that behavior.

The most important element I would like for you to gain from reading this is to recognize those moments when complacency is creeping in and stop it in its tracks!

Complacency settles us in an emotional state where we become oblivious to danger, and therein lays its insidious nature. I will not pretend to give you all the tools you may need to beat complacency, as different tools are required for different folks for different situations. Again, the most important piece of the solution is to recognize complacency’s onset, and the second most important is to understand the potential outcome if you were to succumb to it.

What’re you up to today?

I’m at work I’ll talk to you later.

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One early sign that complacency is creeping in is that you find yourself distracted while performing your job. This applies not only to individual workers, but in a more global sense can happen within the company culture. When worries start to crop up, be it individual workers, or within management, the focus may center on issues other than the task at hand. When you feel this happening, stop and evaluate whether you are paying the required attention to the task at hand; and if you are not, what could the possible consequences be? Think worst case scenario because that is quite likely the end result!

Look for instances where you catch a misstep in your performance that you normally would not have made. For example, in my line of work as a rescuer, I’ve always used a systematic safety check of a rescue system before life loading. Once in a while I might find an unlocked carabiner, that’s one thing, but if I find that unlocked carabiner at the conclusion of the rescue scenario, that, my friend, is a red flag! My tried-and-true system failed me for one reason and one reason only…I became complacent.

Talk about the perfectly designed distraction—cell phones—you can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them.

I like to call my TV set a “one-eyed-brain sucker,” and fondly refer to my cell phone as a “hand-held brain sucker.” There is a time and a place for it—and yes, they are very valuable, but if you find it has any chance of distracting you from your work and can be the cause of an unsafe condition, tighten up, don’t be complacent! Put that cell phone away until you can use it safely.

Here’s another example—observing your co-workers complacency and not addressing it. That’s being just as complacent. And worse, if an accident were to happen and your coworker’s complacency caused them harm or harmed others, you will have to live with that missed chance to have stopped it.

Fight the good fight. No one can fault you for that, and if they do, they are flat wrong.

“The devil’s circle” is a term I learned from a group of Austrian mountaineers many years ago. The concept goes something like this: During a climbing expedition, you evaluated a slope for avalanche and determined there is a high potential for a slide. But the weather is closing in and you would have a more dangerous situation if you were to retreat the way you came versus crossing the avalanche slope to the safety of a protected camp site. You make it across the slope without triggering an avalanche.

The very next season, you were confronted with a nearly identical situation, but with the added factor that you forgot your avalanche shovels. Based on the safe outcome of the previous year, however, you went ahead and crossed the slope. Again, without incident.

And the circle begins. As the years go by and you encounter the same situations and have the same results without incidence even in the presence of adding more and more unsafe conditions, the devil’s circle is lulling you into a false sense of security.

The circle turns every year without an accident and you push the envelope of safety further for every lap of the circle you make— until your complacent behavior ultimately catches up to you and the avalanche occurs.

You have no shovels to dig your climbing partners out, you have no avalanche beacons to locate them, you have no means to radio for help and you haven’t told anyone of your planned route. The many laps you have

made along the circle have caught up to you and have led to an unrecoverable disaster.

Avoiding complacency is not automatic.

We need to understand that it is always lurking, waiting to walk through that door you left open and to exert its sometimes very dire effects. And it isn’t like in the movies where it warns you of impending disaster by changing the music to the “Jaws” theme of dun tunt, Dun Tunt, DUN TUNT!, DUN TUNT!!! We need to remain alert for the signs of complacency, recognize when it is setting in and do whatever it takes to stop it.

It’s not only a personal challenge to stop it within ourselves, but to recognize and stop it within our co-workers.

Here are a few ideas for avoiding complacency.

1. Perform a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) before starting a task, and don’t limit this to new tasks only. You might surprise yourself by taking the time to reaccomplish a JSA on a task that you routinely perform.

By breaking a task down into individual steps and isolating the hazards that are associated with each step as well as how to mitigate them, you will oftentimes realize that there is a safer way that you have been missing. Performing the JSA will also refocus you and your crew on the fact that there are hazards present and that you must be diligent in protecting yourselves from them.

2. Take a minute to refocus on the hazards of the task at hand before starting. That brief pause goes a very long way in reminding you that what you are about to take on requires a level of focus that will ultimately prevent you from making a mistake.

3. Report all near misses. This is the often forgotten final opportunity to share information that reminds us that many of us, at times, can have dangerous jobs.

4. Challenge yourself and your coworkers to stay in the moment. Everyone wants to shine and no one wants to let the team down, so just remind each other occasionally.

5. Develop new habits. Think about any and all the near misses you may have had or some you may have heard from your coworkers. Is there something that could have been done to have averted that close call? If so, share that information and practice the step(s) you would employ to avoid it going beyond a near miss.

6. Actively decide to act. Hopefully deciding to perform tasks in a safe manner, but the point is, don’t act on auto-pilot. Instead, stop, evaluate the course you are about to take and then “DECIDE” to proceed or not.

7. If you say to yourself, “I need to remember to do this,” and it’s a critical step in ensuring safety, is it enough to rely on your memory or should you create some type of reminder? This may be your last chance, so take action to make sure you do include that critical step.

Finally, in order to avoid complacent behavior that may lead to an accident, we must first accept that we are all prone to complacency—it’s human nature. The next step is to recognize when you are on a path to complacency. To help put the consequences into perspective, stop and ask yourself, “What is the worst case outcome of my complacency while performing this task?” And yes, this exercise is to help you realize that many of us are in a very serious business and people can get seriously hurt or worse. Then, find out if any of the tools I have listed above may work for you in the setting you are engaged in. There are many more tools so find the ones that work and practice them. It’s a great habit to get into—and when that habit feels too routine, avoid complacency once again by finding yet another tool. Keep it new, keep it fresh and keep it safe!

Reference:

Avoiding complacency is not automatic. We need to understand that it is always lurking, waiting to walk through that door you left open and to exert its sometimes very dire effects.

Warning: The Killer to Your Success (“Success” Magazine), darrenhardy.success.com/2015/ 12/killer-to-your-success/

1

Pat Furr is VPP coordinator and corporate safety officer for Roco Rescue, Inc. In his added role of technical rescue consultant, Pat is a regular contributor to Roco’s Rescue Talk Blog and a frequent presenter for fall protection and confined space rescue topics at national conferences including VPPPA and ASSE. As a lead instructor for Roco, he teaches a wide variety of technical rescue disciplines including confined space rescue, industrial rope access, fall protection and tower work and rescue. Pat also serves as a committee member for NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications Standard.

Prior to joining Roco in 2000, Pat served 20 years in the US Air Force as a Pararescueman (PJ), whose primary mission was to rescue wounded personnel in hostile environments.

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BY: TOM CONNAUGHTON ACTING GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF HVAC, HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS, AND LIFE SAFETY & SECURITY

T H E S TA N DA R D HELPING TO SEC URE T H E WO R K P L AC E For anyone who works in a facility, whether it is an office, school, hospital or factory, there is nothing more important than the safety and security of the individuals within that building. To that end, access control systems provide security to workplaces and their employees through a variety of methods, both traditional and technological.

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FIGURE 1: Summarized Levels of Access Control Components FEATURE

LEVEL I

LEVEL III

LEVEL IV Can withstand an attack for 5 minutes, but shall generate an alarm event in a maximum of 2 minutes of attack, and the alarm shall not be silenced for another 2 minutes

Destructive Attack

No attack test required

Can withstand an attack for 2 minutes

Can withstand an attack for 5 minutes or 2 minutes if an alarm is activated during the test

Line Security

No line security required

Standards line security required

128-bit line security encryption required

256-bit line security encryption required

Endurance

Must be able to operate as intended at rated voltage and current for 1,000 cycles of intended operation

Must be able to operate as intended at rated voltage and current for 25,000 cycles of intended operation

Must be able to operate as intended at rated voltage and current for 50,000 cycles of intended operation

Must be able to operate as intended at rated voltage and current for 100,000 cycles of intended operation

No secondary power source required

After a loss of primary power, the system can maintain normal operations for a minimum of 30 minutes while the product is operated every minute

After a loss of primary power, the system can maintain normal operations for a minimum of 2 hours while the product is operated every 2 minutes

After a loss of primary power, the system can maintain normal operations for a minimum of 4 hours while the product is operated every 5 minutes

Standby Power

Testing and certification are crucial for any products but take on an added importance when it comes to access controls.

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LEVEL II

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F

rom a lock on a door, to an alarm system, to biometrically controlled rooms, access controls come in many forms which bring varying levels of security. How much security each system offers comes down to an assessment from the manufacturer as to the types of workplaces where they see their products being utilized, and the kind of security those customers will be looking for.

On the customer side, the type of access controls a facility opts to use comes down to how securely the decision-makers feel they need to safeguard their facility and its employees. A small office, for example, may only feel the need for traditional door locks or a small security system, while schools, banks or jewelry stores, which have heightened security concerns, may opt for more strict measures such as biometric access controls or “lock down� technology in case of emergency situations. While technological advances and innovations have made it easier and more efficient to provide workplaces with greater security, how can manufacturers know that their access controls will come through when put to the test?

Although not necessarily thought of first and foremost when it comes to workplace safety and security, independent third party verification organizations play an important role in helping to make workplaces safer through testing and certification of access controls. Independent third party verifiers are committed to working with developers and manufacturers to ensure that they are bringing their best products to market and, once launched, that they will operate as intended.

Testing and certification are crucial for any products but take on an added importance when it comes to access controls.

Manufacturers and their customers need peace of mind that whatever type of access control system is used, that access control will function properly to protect the building and those who work there when it is needed.

The current regulatory standard for access control units is UL 294 Sixth Edition, which establishes requirements that apply to the construction, performance and operation of systems intended to regulate or control: a. Entry into a protected area or a restricted area or b. Access to or the use of a device(s) by electrical, electronic or mechanical means.

UL 294 has evolved over time to take into account technological advancements and innovations in access control systems, from biometric scanning systems to intelligent readers, and incorporated those into the standard requirements. What sets UL 294 apart from other standards is that it establishes performance levels for access control units; which manufacturers must consider during the design phase to determine which levels apply for their products.

This allows flexibility in design for manufacturers making the decisions as to which solutions are most appropriate for a particular product. These range from a Level I to a Level IV in four categories; destructive attack, line security, endurance and standby power (see Figure 1). The level of the access control products installed is

determined by the level of security that is needed for the system.

When examining these levels and categories, they should serve as a guide for security system installers or integrators to determine how an attack might take place. If someone were to attempt to compromise the system, how would they do so, and how should the system react in such a case? For example, in a situation where there are high value items, such as a in jewelry store, Level IV certified products may be an appropriate choice of products as it comes with a high level of encryption and is the most resistant to a destructive attack.

Such a system would be able to withstand an attack for five minutes, while generating an alarm within two minutes of the attack, which would be sustained for an additional two minutes. A Level IV control system would be a powerful tool for a workplace to know that in the event of an attack on the access control, that it would still function properly and notify those in the building of the attack.

When thinking about security, it can at times be difficult to strike a balance between allowing employees to move about a building freely, without many constraints, and keeping out any individuals whom you do not want to have access to the facility, or at least to certain areas.

Working with an accredited third party testing organization provides manufacturers with an in-depth understanding of UL 294, delivering insight into the best path for access control systems moving forward, and how to best utilize the standard to find that balance.

The flexibility, and effective start date of December 2018, combine to create an important question for manufacturers in regards to UL 294 Sixth Edition. Do they want their access controls to simply meet the current minimum requirements necessary, or do they want to get ahead of their competition and bring a product to the market ahead of the sixth edition requirements as a way of differentiating their products?

The world is changing and many employers are looking at workplace safety differently.

Employers are regularly looking to mitigate identified risks through products and processes to give confidence and peace of mind to employees; access control systems are one of the ways to do so. As technology pushes access products beyond a simple lock-and-key to continually more sophisticated and integrated units, the standard that governs them and the

companies that verify them will also need to continue to evolve.

Tom Connaughton joined Intertek in 1998 and is the acting global director of the HVAC, hazardous locations, and life safety & security business lines. He is also responsible for business development activities in the Middle East as part of Intertek’s Global Strategy Team.

He is responsible for the growth and continued diversification of Intertek’s products testing, auditing and certification services globally. Tom manages the overall positioning of services with internal stakeholders (engineering, operations, marketing, risk/legal, certifications, and sales) and external stakeholders (customer,

When thinking about security, it can at times be difficult to strike a balance between allowing employees to move about a building freely, without many constraints, and keeping out any individuals whom you do not want to have access to the facility, or at least to certain areas.

AHJ’s, trade associations, publishers and our shareholders).

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VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PLAN—

HOOSIER

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BY TIMOTHY E. MALEY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

STYLE

“THE INDIANA MODEL”

Working as a safety representative during the mid-90’s in private industry for Eli Lilly and Company, I remember waiting for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) to be codified into law in Indiana. Eli Lilly and Company was looking for a proven safety program.

We were excited about the results other companies were experiencing because of their involvement in VPP. At the time, Indiana was not yet structured to run the program. But in 1995, the Indiana Department of Labor was successful in codifying VPP into law by state statute. We now know that Indiana was the first state to codify VPP into law.

Indiana Statute: IC 22-8-1.1-17.7 Voluntary protection program implementation Sec. 17.7. The department shall implement a voluntary protection program not later than sixty (60) days after the program has been made available by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

As added by P.L.225-1995, SEC.2.

Captions XX TK THE LEADER

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The Indiana VPP model is government, industry and labor working together in a continuous learning, sharing and ever-improving environment.

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he Indiana Department of Labor recently reached out nationally in support of VPP. Indiana Commissioner of Labor, Rick Ruble, worked with U.S. Congressman Todd Rokita (R-IN) and his staff to help draft a VPP bill that would be introduced to Congress. The drafted bill would essentially codify VPP into law nationally. Congressman Rokita experienced the affects of VPP through some VPP Star companies in his district and witnessed the effectiveness of it. In addition, some of Indiana’s VPP sites wrote to Indiana U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) expressing support of congress passing VPP into federal law.

On May 21, 2015, U.S. Representative Rokita, a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, along with Representatives Gene Green (D-TX), and Martha Roby (R-AL), introduced bipartisan legislation to make permanent a key voluntary workplace safety and health program, VPP. Representative Rokita’s office is hoping to see action on the bill this year.

While working for Eli Lilly, I had no idea that Indiana would be the first state to codify the Voluntary Protection Programs into state law, or that it would play a role in national support of the program. My company applied for the program and achieved great success by implementing the elements of VPP. Initially in 2000, Eli Lilly received VPP Merit approval. Later in 2002, we were successful in achieving VPP Star approval.

Since achieving Star approval in 2002, the

company has enjoyed reapproval twice—2006 and 2012.

Upon my retirement with Eli Lilly and Company, I had an opportunity to take a position with the Indiana Department of Labor as Deputy Commissioner.

As Deputy Commissioner, I head the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA). One condition that I insisted upon when I took this position was the chance to oversee Indiana’s VPP. Because of my experience with VPP at Eli Lilly, I had special interest in promoting the program for all Hoosier organizations.

I’ve had the unique opportunity of working in major roles with VPP, both in private industry through Eli Lilly and Company and now in a government-based position. I can honestly say that the program looks great from both angles. VPP truly is a program where industry, labor and government work well together and all parties see great benefits. It is a win-win-win.

Indiana has an energetic and expanding VPP. With 80 VPP sites, our goal is to have 100 sites in the program within the next year or two. Indiana’s 80 VPP sites have a collective total case incident rate (TCIR) that is 65 precent better than their competitors.

The collective days away restriction and transfer (DART) rate for Indiana VPP sites is a little more than 71 percent better than their industry competitors. These numbers are true business advantages.

What really stands out about the “Indiana VPP Model” is how IOSHA works with its “volunteer army,” or its special government employees (SGE). These hardworking men and women are safety and health professionals that work at VPP sites. Each SGE undergoes an application process and receives special training.

SGEs work alongside IOSHA personnel to help mentor and evaluate new companies for approval and reapproval in VPP. Indiana currently has 100 SGEs. IOSHA’s VPP leaders regularly communicate with the SGEs by email, telephone and through two meetings held annually. One SGE meeting is focused on continued training about the VPP process and the other meeting is reserved for the sharing of best worker safety and health practices. I like to call it a “fraternity of the best of the best in safety and health in Indiana.”

In 2015, Indiana expanded the VPP participation into the mobile contractor arena. Until that point, the VPP participants in Indiana consisted mainly of general

industry sites. Many contractor companies had expressed interest in VPP and wanted the opportunity to apply. The IOSHA VPP team benchmarked other states’ mobile VPP approval programs. Indiana wrote its own program and announced the initiative to many construction associations within the state. With the help of a handful of SGEs that had construction experience, Indiana VPP leaders initiated the program with our first mobile construction sites. Later in 2015, Indiana approved the first two mobile construction contractors: BMWC Constructors and Brandenburg Industrial Services Company.

In addition to its mobile VPP approval program, the Indiana VPP team is also engaged with Goodwill of Central Indiana.

This is the first nonprofit worksite to initiate VPP approval discussions. The Indiana VPP team also looks forward to its first public sector applicant as ultimately, Indiana would like to see VPP expand into universities and municipalities.

This would bring about VPP approval to a wide range of employees.

This program would not work without the great support of so many Indiana VPP companies—Cintas, Kimball Companies, Nucor Steel, RR Donnelly, Frito Lay, Eli Lilly, Marathon and CF Industries, just to name a few. In fact, longtime VPP participant, CF Industries, recently

celebrated 10,000 days without a lost-time injury.

Regardless of VPP approval or not—10,000 days without a lost-time injury is an accomplishment in and of itself! These Indiana companies are just a few examples of the organizations that enthusiastically support the VPP. The Indiana Department of Labor would not be able to support this program successfully without the involvement and support from these companies.

Plain and simple, VPP works. That’s why Indiana supported efforts to codify this program into law. That’s why the Indiana Department of Labor and member companies are so excited about the results.

More Indiana companies are getting interested. The Indiana VPP model is government, industry and labor working together in a continuous learning, sharing and ever-improving environment.

Tim served on the VPPPA Region V Board of Directors for five years both as a director-at-large and vice chairperson.

After employment with Eli Lilly, Tim worked as a senior safety consultant with Advanced Worksite Solutions. During this time he partnered with businesses to provide injury reduction management systems and solutions.

Tim presently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Labor for the State of Indiana managing both Indiana OSHA construction and general industry compliance divisions and the Indiana Voluntary Protection Programs.

Tim Maley is a 1982 graduate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He worked for the pharmacuetical company, Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis for 30 years spending most of his time there in safety management.

While at Eli Lilly, he led the Lilly Technology Center (a large multi-business drug development and manufacturing site) to OSHA’s VPP Merit approval, VPP Star approval and VPP Star reapproval. During this time Eli Lilly experienced significant accident reduction.

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member spotlight

Perry Bonck, Xerox Technician Contracted to UCOR, Oak Ridge, TN

BY SARAH NEELY, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VPPPA, INC.

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erry Bonck may have been voted the winner for the 2016 VPPPA’s Got Talent competition, but his musical career began long before that. Whether it’s performing the national anthem at a ball park or showcasing a new song at a local venue, he has been involved in making music for most of his life.

Perry, a New Orleans, LA, native, was first noticed for his singing abilities when we was about 9 or 10 years old. “I was in a music class one day and my instructor was sitting at a piano and played three notes. He asked the class what three notes they were on the ‘do, re, mi’ scale. No one in the class got any of them right except me. Don’t ask me how I knew, I wasn’t a child genius by any stretch of the imagination but music just made sense to me.”

Perry ended up changing schools at the end of the year and moved to a new Parish.

A year later, that same instructor who had first identified Perry’s talent was asked to put together the Archdiocese of New Orleans Boys Choir and he actually searched for him to be a part of the choir. “I was in a different Parish by that time and at a different school, but he found me. I was a first soprano back then and there were 99 boys from all over the Archdiocese. Of course, I don’t sing soprano anymore, but that’s basically how it all started and when people started noticing that I could sing.”

While Perry has been singing every day of his life since he was 9 years old, his singing career really started to kick off when he moved to Tennessee. “My wife and I took a cruise when we got married and there was a competition on the boat called ‘Pop Star.’

The cruise was 17 days so it was a long competition. I won that and was the ‘Pop Star’ of the cruise. I got to sing in front of a couple thousand people so that was a lot of fun,” Perry recalls.

“Then, in east Tennessee, they had a local competition called ‘East Tennessee’s Got Talent’ and I won that, but I’ve entered other competitions where I haven’t done as well.

Still, I’ve had some fairly decent success as a singer/songwriter. I write all the songs that I sing, it’s Americana music that has a more folk or country flare, and I have two CDs out.

They have both done pretty well,” Perry said.

He performs about 10–12 times per year as a hired artist, but also plays for fun at a local venue when it’s a song writer’s night and he just wants to get people’s reaction to a new song he’s written. Although Perry spends a lot of his free time on his music, he is the first to admit that singing is not his full time job.

“I am a technician/account manager for Xerox contracted to UCOR in Oak Ridge, TN. A week from today, we’ll be refreshing 158 machines onsite which means we’ll be swapping them out and I’m a one man show here. I monitor all the machines on an hourly and daily basis. I am also responsible for regular maintenance and fix all of the machines that break or coordinate with the technicians that are specialized on a particular model,” Perry explains.

UCOR, originally a conglomeration of URS and CH2M Hill, combined to bid on a contract to continue the declassification of the Oak Ridge site because it was a nuclear site. UCOR won the contract six years ago. Since then, AECOM bought out URS (AECOM allowed UCOR to keep the name). “UCOR still runs the show out here and in the IT Department, they have pretty much accepted me as one of their own,” Perry said.

UCOR received VPP approval in early 2015 and got the flag in October. In 2014, Perry started seeing preparations and changes made to the site in advance of applying for VPP status. “It’s been a safe site for the entire time I’ve been here. We just started to put the additional documentation behind the safe processes already being performed. They have always made a point to hammer in safety on a daily basis,” explained Perry.

As a 20-year Air Force veteran, following those kinds of rules and regulations was nothing

new to Perry and it all just made sense to him.

Transitioning to a similar safety mindset at UCOR was easy. They have a monthly safety briefing about a highlighted safety subject ranging from driving safety, lifting safety or hazards from the seasons changing such as new bugs and snakes to be on the lookout for. Daily reminders are also sent to employees.

Perry explained, “Safety was second nature for me. It just seemed like the logical step after the military. You are trained to look after people and yourself and being safe is just something that becomes so ingrained. I would like to think that it wasn’t a hard turn for us here at UCOR because everyone was already safety conscious. When you are doing this kind of work, you have to be. When you are tearing down a four-story building full of nuclear waste, you have to know what you are doing, so VPP was an easy transition for us.”

Perry reports that the word ‘safety’ is probably mentioned in every minute of every hour of every day by somebody. “It’s really evident that VPP status was well deserved.

Safety is a way of life. As the contractor looking in at how these guys work, you can see that it’s just common for all of us to stay safe and to work safely.” He feels very protected as a contractor at the UCOR site, an uncommon feeling from many contractors at other worksites who feel they do not receive as much training in safety. He notes that some of the more dangerous professions, like electrical contractors, are also working safely and are cared for by the UCOR employees.

“I have worked for several other companies

that say ‘be safe, wear a harness’ but they don’t really enforce it and they aren’t really pushing it. They mention it every once in a while but it’s not really a culture like it is at UCOR. It’s really impressive. I might be walking down the stairs and someone will say ‘be sure to hold the handrail!’ Or, I’ll be carrying boxes and I always get, ‘Can I give you a hand with that?’ It’s just the culture,” said Perry.

As far as what Perry is hoping to get out of the conference and what he expects, he says that he is going in with an open mind and hoping to take in as many of the workshops as possible. “I’ll be listening to as many people as I can and will try to get as much out of it as possible to learn about what pertains to my job, especially when it comes to lifting.”

When asked if he was at all nervous about performing the national anthem in front of thousands of people at the national conference, Perry chuckled. “As far as butterflies go, it’s a common thing. If you ever get up in front of a couple thousand people to sing and don’t have butterflies, you are probably going to mess up. The butterflies really keep you on your toes and remind you to stay focused. As soon as the first note comes out of your mouth, they usually go away. We have a baseball team here in Tennessee called the Smokies. I have sung the national anthem for them a couple times a year for the past five years. It’s always a very humbling feeling to stand up in front of a crowd of people and sing that song, especially being a veteran. It just really has a deep meaning for me and I just love to sing it.”

I have sung the national anthem for them a couple times a year for the past five years. It’s always a very humbling feeling to stand up in front of a crowd of people and sing that song, especially being a veteran. It just really has a deep meaning for me and I just love to sing it.

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member info corner

Join National Committees, the National Board and Participate in Contests of the home page. Send submissions to Sarah Neely, 2016 Nominating Committee Liaison, at sneely@vpppa.org.

VPPPA Awards and Scholarships

National Board Nominations It’s that time of year again! In conjunction with the 32nd Annual National VPPPA Safety & Health Conference, taking place Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2016 in Kissimmee, FL, elections will be held for VPPPA National Board of Directors’ positions. This year there are six open positions: • Chairperson • Treasurer • Director from a Site without a Collective Bargaining Agreement • Director from a Contractor/Construction Site • Director-at-Large (two positions available) To be elected to the VPPPA National Board of Directors, a nominee must be an employee of a full or corporate member site in good standing with the association. If you wish to nominate yourself or someone else for a position, please complete and submit the following materials by June 15: • Nominations form • Signed election protocols • Management commitment letter • A platform statement of no more than 300 words • Your high quality head shot, 300 DPI or higher All materials are due to the nominating committee by May 27, 2016. Nomination forms may be found online at www.vpppa.org via the quick links on the upper left corner

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Although you don’t do your job solely to receive praise, wouldn’t it be nice to be recognized for your hard work while also inspiring your peers? VPPPA features a number of programs, including awards, scholarships and an achievement program to recognize the extraordinary efforts of member sites and individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to improve safety and health for the American workforce. Below are the available recognition programs. Submit applications by June 3: • The VPPPA Annual Awards for Outreach and Innovation recognize member sites and individuals that have made exceptional contributions to the mission of the VPPPA during the previous year.

• Have you initiated best practices?

The VPPPA Safety & Health Achievement Program provides special acknowledgement to non-managerial employees at member sites who have taken the initiative to learn and apply safety and health best practices.

• Or maybe you’d like to further safety and health education for a family member or yourself? VPPPA’s scholarships will help achieve that goal.

Winners will be announced at the national conference during a special reception on Sunday, Aug. 28. Apply for awards and scholarships here www.vpppa.org/advancement/ awards-scholarships or access them via the quick links on VPPPA’s homepage.

Roster Contest We couldn’t make this contest any easier if we tried! To ensure each of our members are receiving the benefits they deserve, we need your site rosters to be updated. Please update the roster that was included in our membership

mailing with all of your current employees. After we receive your faxed or emailed updated roster, we will randomly select one prime contact to win a gift card! By helping us update our rosters, you’re also helping yourself and your coworkers receive the benefits they deserve. Send your updated roster to membership@vpppa. org by July 1,for a chance to win. If you need another copy of your site’s roster, please contact the Membership Department via the email address above or call (703) 761-1146. If you have already submitted your site’s roster, you are already entered into our random drawing.

• • • • • • • • •

Congratulations to our VPPPA’s got Talent Winner

New Login Instructions

Congratulations to Perry Bonck, the 2016 VPPPA’s Got Talent Winner! Thank you for voting for the finalists this year, we had several fantastic entries. Perry, of UCOR in Oak Ridge, TN, will perform his rendition of the national anthem during the Opening General Session of the 2016 national conference. Perry will receive round trip airfare, free conference registration and lodging for his achievement.

Awards Conference Planning Construction Education Labor and Management Legislative and Regulatory Member Services Mentoring Marketing Learn more about each committee and submit a committee interest form on our committee page: www.vpppa.org/aboutvpppa/committees.

As of November 1, 2015, our database and website were updated and the VPPPA

national office moved to a new system.

Your member ID number and email address have remained the same, but your password has changed. If you have not logged into our system since October 2015, your old password will no longer work. All users logging into the website for the first time will need to click on the “forgot your email or password” link to receive a new password.

You may use your new password to login with your individual member ID or email address and may then change it to something that you will remember. Step by step directions were enclosed in your member benefits mailing and can be found on VPPPA’s home page and here: www.vpppa.org/your-login-informationhas-changed

Join a National Committee There’s still time to express interest in one of the national committees, but you’ve got to act quickly!

Would you like to facilitate the improvement and growth of the mentoring program? Maybe you want to advocate for improved communication between labor and management. If you believe that you can help shape the national agenda and set the association’s priorities for the future, then join a VPPPA committee!

Express your interest by submitting a committee interest form online by May 27 to be considered for a position on a national committee at the next board meeting, taking place June 7.

As a member of a committee, you will take part in a monthly conference call with the other members. The call will discuss upcoming events and opportunities taking place within your committee and the members will explore ways to help advance the association.

There are committees that fit all schedules (approximately a two-hour time commitment per month) and interests: THE LEADER

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state-plan monitor

CONTRIBUTED BY BOB CHARLES, ARIZONA DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (ADOSH)

Federal OSHA States State-Plan States Public Sector Only

Right: ADOSH Director Bill Warren & L&H Industrial Tyler McLaughlin Bottom: Arizona State Senator Kimberly Yee

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Arizona Representatives from the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) gathered with hundreds of stakeholders at the Arizona State Capitol on March 14, 2016 for the first annual ICA Day at the Capitol. The event was held to recognize partners in the community working to develop proactive safety and health programs and to honor Arizona workers that have been injured or lost their lives while on the job.

The day started off with opening remarks by Arizona State Senator Kimberly Yee. Senator Yee applauded the ICA for focusing their collaborative process of working alongside businesses to increase safety through the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Those honored at the Capitol for their hard work included Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Bob Bement, APS Senior Vice President of Nuclear Operations stated, “Our collaboration with the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) further demonstrates how government and private industry can work together to ensure employee injuries and illnesses are avoided, while also working together to support Arizona’s growing economy.”

L&H Industrial, a heavy machinery manufacturing facility in Tempe, was among those recognized. L&H Health and Safety Manager Tyler McLaughlin stated, “If it

was not for our employees’ hard work and dedication to safety we would not have been recognized today. This award shows the dedication of our employees for taking the high road to safety every day and going home safe at the end of each shift.”

The event was rounded out by Kids’ Chance and the Fred Brick Memorial Foundation. The

contacting each state >> Alaska Bill Nickerson VPP Coordinator bill.nickerson@alaska.gov Phone: (907) 269-4948 www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/ oshhome.htm Arizona Jessie Atencio Assistant Director atensio.jessie@dol.gov Phone: (520) 220-4222 www.ica.state.az.us/ ADOSH/ADOSH_main.aspx California Iraj Pourmehraban Cal/VPP & PSM Manager ipourmehraban@hq.dir.ca.gov Phone: (510) 622-1080 www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/cal_ vpp/cal_vpp_index.html

Fred Brick Memorial Foundation had Seth Burns speak about his inspiring success in overcoming a severe workplace accident. Foundation Director, Lisa Clapp stated, “Having the opportunity for Seth Burns to share his story concerning the life threatening workplace injury he suffered, the aftermath of medical, emotional and financial burdens brought to the forefront, the reason we strive for workplace safety.”

Eleven entities were recognized for their focus on safety and two organizations that support the families of those injured in the workplace were honored. This was the first ICA Day at the Capitol.

Recipients and honorees: • • • • • • • • • • •

Raytheon Missle Systems Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Abseilon, USA L&H Industrial, Inc. Westec Recyclers The City of Yuma Associated General Contractors of Arizona Arizona Builders Alliance D&A Experts Carson Sales Company Mohave Community College Small Business Development Center • Fred Brick Memorial Foundation • Kids’ Chance

Hawaii Clayton Chun Manager clayton.g.chun@hawaii.gov Phone: (808) 586-9110 labor.hawaii.gov/hiosh Indiana Beth A. Gonzalez VPP Team Leader bgonzalez@dol.in.gov Indiana Dept. of Labor Phone: (317) 607-6778 www.in.gov/dol/vpp.htm Iowa Shashi Patel VPP Coordinator patel.shasi@dol.gov Phone: (515) 281-6369 www.iowaworkforce.org/ labor/iosh Kentucky Joe Giles VPP Program Administrator joe.giles@ky.gov Phone: (502) 564-4089 labor.ky.gov/dows/ oshp/doet/partnership/ pages/VPP---VoluntaryProtection-Partnership.aspx Maryland Allen Stump VPP Coordinator stump.allen@ddol.gov Phone: (410) 527-4469 www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/ mosh/vpp.shtml

Michigan Doug Kimmel MVPP Specialist Phone: (231) 546-2366 Sherry Scott MVPP Manager scotts1@michigan.gov Phone: (517) 322-5817 www.michigan.gov/mvpp Minnesota Ryan Nosan MNSTAR VPP Coordinator ryan.nosan@state.mn.us Phone: (651) 284-5120 www.doli.state.mn.us/ mnStar.html Nevada Jimmy Andrews VPP Coordinator andrews.jimmy@dol.gov Phone: (702) 486-9020 www.dirweb.state.nv.us New Mexico Melissa Barker VPP Coordinator melissa.barker@state.nm.us Phone: (505) 222-9595 www.nmenv.state.nm.us/ Ohsb_Website/Compliance Assistance/VPP.htm North Carolina LaMont Smith Recognition Program Manager lamont.smith@labor.nc.gov Phone: (919) 807-2909 www.nclabor.com/osha/ osh.htm Oregon Mark E. Hurliman, CSHM VPP/SHARP Program Manager mark.e.hurliman@oregon.gov Phone: (541) 776-6016 www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/ subjects/vpp.htm Puerto Rico Ilza Roman Director roman.ilza@dol.gov Phone: (787) 754-2171 www.dtrh.gobierno.pr

South Carolina Sharon Dumit VPP Coordinator dumits@llr.sc.gov Phone: (803) 896-7788 www.scosha.llronline.com Tennessee David Blessman VPP Manager david.blessman@tn.gov Phone: (615) 253-6890 www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/ vppStar.html Utah Karla Staker VPP Manager kstaker@utah.gov Phone: (801) 530-6494 www.laborcommission. utah.gov/divisions/UOSH/ VPPprogram.html Vermont Daniel Whipple VPP Coordinator dan.whipple@state.vt.us Phone: (802) 828-5084 www.labor.vermont.gov/ vosha Virginia Milford Stern VPP Coordinator milford.stern@dol.gov Phone: (540) 562-3580 www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh_ coop/vosh_vpp.html Washington John Geppert VPP Manager Phone: (360) 902-5496 www.lni.wa.gov/safety/ topics/atoz/vpp/default.asp Wyoming Karin Schubert Consultation Supervisor Karin.schubert@wy.gov Phone: (307) 777-7710 www.wyomingworkforce. org/employers-andbusinesses/osha/Pages/ safety-and-healthcompliance.aspx

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

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chapter round-ups

COMPILED BY SARAH NEELY, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, VPPPA, INC.

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Region I Greetings from Region I. We celebrated our 20th anniversary and are remaining strong and continuing to grow as a region. Our relationship with our member companies, employees and OSHA allows us to understand and appreciate our mission— protecting the workforce.

We continued this mission by providing education at our conference, held on May 2–4, 2016. OSHA’s Regional Administrator Kimberley Stille, our lunch time speaker, outlined OSHA’s initiatives. Jim Davidson, one of our keynote speakers, shared his epic experiences and the critical lessons of resilience he learned. Cindy Mahoney, the closing keynote speaker, focused on VPP excellence. Attendees participated in 20 outstanding workshops, four of which were taught by OSHA. Raytheon in Andover, MA, was recently reapproved as a VPP site. A celebration was held on February 2, 2016. In attendance were Raytheon’s 3,800 employees and 50 contractors employed at the plant, along with the vice president, safety director, a representative from the International Association of Machinist Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Raytheon Guards Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Presenting the flag and plaque was Kimberly Stille, OSHA’s Region I administrator, Lynnda Ignacio, VPP coordinator, Anthony Covello, area director, Brian Sullivan, compliance assistant and Steve Gauthier, Region I chairperson.

Dib Paul, PE Director of the Integrated Air Defense Center said, “Leaders at various levels and functions exert the most significant influence on the VPP program in any organization. While worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training are essential elements of the VPP program, leaders tie it all together by actively engaging employees in the health and safety management system. Through the setting of aggressive goals and objectives, committing resources, performing periodic reviews and aligning with the vision and values of the organization, leaders have the responsibility of driving continuous improvement of health and safety performance. Leaders need to win it with ‘presence’ through deliberate efforts to actively engage with employees. Above all,

leaders need to be ‘safety icons’ by walkingthe-talk and setting positive examples others can follow.”

Submitted by Steve Gauthier, Region I Chairperson

Region II We are pleased to announce that Region II has a newly designed website! Check it out at www.vppparegion2.org/ for the SGE training schedule, regional contests, safety & health news and information about the upcoming conference, taking place May 23–25 at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. OSHA Region II conducted a Special Government Employee class April 12–14, 2016 in Albany, NY. The Special Government Employee (SGE) Program was established to allow industry employees to work alongside OSHA during Voluntary Protection Programs’ (VPP) onsite evaluations. Not only does this innovative program benefit OSHA by supplementing its onsite evaluation teams, but it gives industry and government an opportunity to work together and share views and ideas.

The class was hosted by VPP Star participant Access Health Systems. The eight new SGEs currently work for VPP participants Curtis Lumber (Robert Pelletier, David Swartwout and Ron Homovich), Access Health Systems (Kevin O’Brien and Carl Miller), Covanta Energy (Daniel Davila), Turner Construction (Joseph Raffaele) and Hypertherm (Justin Gullotta). Congratulations to our new SGEs! A Northern New Jersey Federal Safety and Health (NNJFS&H) Council meeting was held on March 23, at the American Red Cross in Fairfield, NJ. Nancy Asaro, chief administrative officer at the American Red Cross for the NJ region hosted the event for safety and health professionals in the area.

The NNJFS&H Council Officers, Judy Osborne, chairperson, Lawrence Parisi, vice chairperson and Alice Worrell, secretary, were in attendance. The presentation included an OSHA update, presentations on systems of safety, safety awareness and the eye safety and health awards program.

Attendees had the opportunity to network with other attendees about the event as well.

The Region II VPPPA Board has announced the Region II 2016 Special

Government Employee (SGE) of the Year nominee: Mr. Ronald Rogers of DA Collins Companies located in Wilton, NY. In 2015, OSHA Region II offered 56 SGE opportunities during VPP evaluations in our region, and 27 of our SGEs answered the call 35 times. Ronald participated in three VPP evaluations in 2015, in addition to two VPP evaluations during the previous year. He is a dependable team member and knowledgeable in safety and health, especially in construction safety issues. Ronald has been an SGE since January of 2014.

Ronald is currently the DA Collins corporate safety director and is responsible for safety compliance, contractor safety and the Wilton office campus site safety. He has worked for DA Collins Companies for over three years. He is the Wilton campus emergency response manager and serves as the chair at the DA Collins Companies VPP core team. He oversees the safety and health management for three current VPP participants: DA Collins Construction Mobile

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Workforce, DA Collins Environmental Mobile Workforce and DA Collins Wilton Shop.

The DA Collins Companies have been VPP participants since February of 2009. He is currently mentoring a semi private/public golf course country club in the VPP elements and worker safety.

Ronald has a diverse 28-year safety background in general industry and construction. He has worked as a lead safety specialist for multiple projects in environmental remediation, as well as local atomic power laboratories and training facilities (including contractor oversite at a local computer chip plant erection). He is an active member of multiple organizations including ASSE (American Society of Safety Engineers), NASP (National Association of Safety Professionals), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), NSC (National Safety Council) and VPPPA. He has organized multiple OSHA Fall Protection Stand Down events at several worksites, for a total of 75 percent of the DA Collins Companies total workforce of approximately

500 workers. He also supports multiple events put on by fall protection vendors, soft dig vendors, equipment vendors, etc. at the Wilton Campus location. These events have been made available to many local competitor companies as well as state, county and municipal government employees (including New York State Police Troop G, local highway departments in Saratoga County, and the Wilton Rescue Squad) for safety training and educational purposes.

Congratulations, Ronald, on your outstanding achievements and thank you for your contributions to safety and health excellence.

Lastly, Region II asks for your continued support for the Norman Deitch AED Fund.

We are soliciting donations from members to purchase AEDs for worthwhile community groups in honor of Norman Deitch’s many years of Service. Donations of any amount will be accepted and greatly appreciated. You may also purchase an AED bracelet to support the fund.

Contributed by Brenda Wiederkehr, Region II Chairperson

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chapter round-ups

Region V

Region VII

Region V is busy planning the 2016 Region V Conference being held in Chicago, IL, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Be sure to save the date—May 23–26, 2016. We’re changing the schedule of events this year to better accommodate travel and maximize your networking opportunities with fellow attendees and the exhibitors. We’ve added an SGE training course on Thursday and Friday and have moved the VPP Application Workshop to Thursday. For additional information, including the conference brochure, exhibitor registration and sponsorship, please visit the Region V website at www.vppregionv.org. There will be a VPP site tour of Pfizer Research and Development Technical Center on Monday, May 23 as well as a conference welcome reception. The conference activities taking place on May 24 include an Opening General Session with keynote speaker Jeff “Odie” Espenship, a USAF Fighter Pilot. Wednesday and Thursday will be packed with workshops and the exhibit hall. The conference will conclude on Thursday with a closing keynote address from Mark Briggs, Vice President of Safety Management Resources Corp. It’s not too late to attend the conference, you may register onsite to take part in the premier educational event in the region.

The 2016 VPP assessment schedule for Region V has been posted on our website. If you’re an SGE and looking to participate on an assessment in 2016, be sure to review the VPP schedule and contact the OSHA lead as soon as possible. For the VPP assessment schedule and the OSHA contacts, please visit the website— www.vppregionv.org/region-v-sges

It is with sorrowful hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Murphy, Chairperson of the Region VII VPPPA Board of Directors.

Mike served on the board for two terms. He was a true leader and driving force within our region and beyond. Mike was very passionate towards the safety and well-being of others.

You could witness his quiet gratification when presenting educational content, awards, scholarships and more. A generous and genuine soul, he has and will continue to make a difference. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mike’s family, friends and those whose lives were touched by this great man. He will truly be missed.

A VPP Application Workshop and SSQ workshop was held on May 16 in Des Moines, IA. We are looking forward to working with new VPP companies and those striving to achieve VPP status in the future.

There are nine companies being mentored in Region VII who are working toward VPP status. Regional SGEs are contacting company’s prior to their 2016 reapproval audits and are offering to do walk-through and paper reviews as part of the mentoring process. If you are up for an audit, contact Bill Turner at bill.turner@nustarenergy.com for more information on having an SGE help provide an extra set of eyes.

Contributed by Steve Washburn, Region V Board of Directors.

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Contributed by Bill Turner, Region VII Chairperson

Region VIII Our 2016, “Make it Safe, Make it Home” Conference took place April 26–28 in Greenwood Village, CO, and was a great success. The chapter conference offered attendees a chance to acquire valuable knowledge and skills applicable to their worksite and to nurture enduring, mutuallybeneficial, professional relationships. We were proud to bring together safety and health experts from different industries that are all united in their mission to create safer environments for their peers and colleagues.

During the conference, we were able to conduct Strengthening Star Quality and VPP Application preconference workshops.

Region VIII would like to thank PCAPP, ShurSales, GE, Morton Salt and Brad

Baptiste for their continued support and dedication to the annual conference.

In addition, we would like to thank everyone who joined us at OSHA Region VIII Workers’ Memorial Day Event which was held at the Denver, CO, IBEW Hall. This solemn event remembered those we have lost in the previous year to workplace incidents and exposures, and it served as a reminder to rededicate our efforts to implement safety programs in all of our workplaces.

The next “What’s Great in R8” planning is currently underway. In 2015 we saw great success with this outreach and benchmarking event. Look for Region VIII’s breakout session at the national conference where the team shares the “What’s Great in R8 Journey” and the benefits we are seeing because of it.

We are pleased to announce our first annual scholarship in 2016 which recognizes outstanding individuals who are striving to further their education in the fields of safety, health and environmental science in both the technical (trades/vocational) and professional arenas. The Region VIII VPPPA Chapter Board of Directors initiated the scholarship program to give back to the membership and further safety and health excellence for the future generation of safety and health leaders. This scholarship is open to students enrolled in, or enrolling in, a vocational school, college or university.

Lastly, we would like to congratulate Chris Matthewson on his retirement. He has always been a dedicated, respected and important part of our region, and for that, we say thank you. With mixed feelings, we convey our best wishes to him for a happy, healthy and enjoyable retirement life. For 24 years, he has dedicated himself to OSHA and has established a great name along the way. In addition, he left a legacy behind that will be cherished by upcoming employees not only at the Denver regional office, but across the United States. Region VIII would like to take this opportunity to let him know that the time spent together was valuable. We are surely going to miss his advice, suggestions, presence and friendship. You have always been a source of inspiration and guidance to us all.

We once again congratulate you on your well-deserved retirement and we wish you all the best for what lies ahead. God bless, Chris.

Contributed by Mark Moya, Region VIII Chairperson

chapter round-ups

Region X Over the past year, Region X has been through a number of changes, some of which were very difficult such as the passing of Mel James (retired from DOSH) who provided us many years of service, advice and friendship.

Bonnie Anderson retired in October 2015 after serving 11 years on the Region X board, seven of those years as chairperson and four as a director-at-large. Following Bonnie’s retirement, Vice Chairperson Michelle Steeler of AECOM took the helm and became the Region X chairperson and Rocky Simmons of Mission Support Alliance (MSA) moved from secretary to the vice chairperson. Filling his vacancy was Marjorie Brice of GE Power Generation Services.

Marjorie served on the Region X Conference Planning Committee before taking her new position.

There have been some new Conference Planning Committee members approved by the BoD: Jerome D. Jackson, Cliff Butler and Tracy Williamson. Michael Bowles became the newest member to join the team of agency members. He is the VPP coordinator for the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) Services.

Jacob Ewer, Region X Federal OSHA VPP manager has accepted a new position as the area director for the Bellevue office. His replacement will be identified soon.

The Region X Annual Meeting of the Membership took place during the 22nd Annual Northwest Safety & Health Summit at The Grove Hotel & Boise Centre, Boise, ID, May 17–19, 2016. Six education tracks were offered to attendees ranging from beginner to advanced in topics such as VPP,

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safety and best practices. Gene Balsmeier was the keynote speaker and discussed a tragic event that occurred in 1998. The theme for this year’s safety summit is: Saddle up for Safety. The Region X Bylaws Committee updated the bylaws to better align with the national VPPPA bylaws. They have been approved by the regional board and were presented at the Annual Meeting of the Membership at the Northwest Safety and Health Summit for final approval.

Garrett Hamby, winner of the Steve Brown Scholarship Award, has been doing great. The scholarship helped out immensely in reducing the financial strain on his family.

He is the son of Denise Hamby, a janitor at Mission Support Alliance (DOE-VPP Star Site) and VPPPA Member of Richland, WA. She reports, “I’m very proud of Garrett.

He’s a very dedicated and talented student, his grades were nearly perfect (3.9) and he graduated on March 23, 2016 from Perry Technical Institute of Yakima, WA, where he was enrolled in the Electrical Technology Program. He knew completing the program would qualify him to work in a variety of fields; construction, manufacturing or for electrical contractors maintaining and repairing existing electrical systems. I’m honored to report he just got hired as an apprentice electrician at Garrett Electric of Richland, WA. In addition, he just moved into his own apartment. Thank you, VPPPA, for selecting Garrett as the award winner.”

Oregon Information: Oregon’s VPP sites continue to network and mentor with the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) companies through their support of the Oregon SHARP Alliance. Currently, 10 of the 18 board members of Oregon SHARP Alliance work at VPP sites. The Oregon SHARP Alliance is an advocate for excellence in occupational safety and health, continuous growth of the program, the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) and for a positive relationship with Oregon OSHA. The Oregon SHARP Alliance is a nonprofit organization comprised of Oregon employers who currently hold SHARP or VPP status, companies working toward it. Its goals include:

• Promoting the achievement of SHARP and VPP recognition • Assisting companies who are already in the process of becoming SHARP or VPP • Assisting all companies in Oregon in safety and health management • Providing input to Oregon OSHA on activities, rules, and strategic planning • Serving as a resource to other members of the Oregon SHARP Alliance.

Oregon used four SGEs on three audits in the last six months, and has scheduled four more SGEs on three scheduled audits.

We still have at least four audits to staff and will send out SGE requests. After a slow year in 2015, Oregon had five audits scheduled between March and June of 2016.

Washington State information: DOSH The state conducted an onsite review of Solvay Chemical in Longview for reapproval.

Honeywell Electronic Materials celebrated a reapproaval in January in Spokane, WA. There is one pending applicant in the state for VPP: Veolia Environmental Services Kent, WA. There were also three onsite evaluations this spring: Honeywell Aerospace Redmond, Phillips 66 Transportation Spokane and Moses Lake Washington in April. On March 24, Washington held it’s 4th Annual VPP Seminar at the labor and industries building in Tumwater, WA. Michelle Steeler, Region X VPPPA chairperson, assisted with the 11th annual Boise Safety Fest. She has been involved in this event for all 11 years. Michelle participated in the opening ceremony by reviewing housekeeping items and promoting the sponsors and vendor bingo. She presented an hour of the two hour module “Promoting Safety & Health.”

The other hour of the presentation was done

by Bill Bankhead from OSHA. Michelle coordinated the vendor trade show which pays for the supplies, break food and discount lunch coupons for the volunteers and instructors and student handbooks for the first aid classes.

Region X VPPPA sponsored a break and had a booth at the trade show. There were 38 vendors that participated, which brought in over $7,000 to support this Safety Fest. Michelle also coordinated six first aid classes.

Contributed by Jack Griffith, Region X Communications Chair

calendar of events

VPPPA Contacts

May

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

R. Davis Layne rdlayne@vpppa.org Senior Advisor

May 16–18, 2016 Region VII VPPPA Chapter Conference Des Moines Marriott Des Moines, IA

May 16–19, 2016 Region VI VPPPA Chapter Conference Fort Worth Convention Center and Omni Fort Worth Hotel Fort Worth, TX

May 17–19, 2016 Region X VPPPA Chapter Conference Boise Centre and the Grove Hotel Boise, ID

June June 3, 2016 Award and Scholarship Applications Due

June 7, 2016 National Board of Directors’ Meeting Washington D.C.

June 8–9, 2016 VPPPA Congressional Outreach

May 23–25, 2016

June 21–23, 2016

Region II VPPPA Chapter Conference Tropicana Casino Atlantic City, NJ

Region IV VPPPA Chapter Conference Lexington Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Lexington Lexington, KY

May 24–26, 2016 Region V VPPPA Chapter Conference Hyatt Regency O’Hare Rosemont, IL

May 27, 2016 Board of Directors Nominations Due

May 27, 2016 Committee Interest Forms Due

July July 1 Roster Contest Ends

July 11 Regular Registration Rate Deadline for National Conference

August August 29–September 1, 2016 32nd Annual National VPPPA Safety & Health Conference

August 29–September 1, 2016 Take a Selfie with a Board Member Contest

Sara A. Taylor, CMP staylor@vpppa.org Director of Operations Ext. 107 Amanda McVicker amcvicker@vpppa.org Senior Conference Coordinator Ext. 112 Sarah Neely sneely@vpppa.org Communications Manager Ext. 121 Jamie Mitchell jmitchell@vpppa.org Communications Coordinator Ext. 117 Tom Webb twebb@vpppa.org Strategic Development & Member Services Manager Ext. 114 Natasha Cole ncole@vpppa.org Member Services Coordinator Ext. 111 Katlyn Pagliuca kpagliuca@vpppa.org Government Affairs & Special Projects Coordinator Ext. 115 Heidi Hill hhill@vpppa.org Event Sales & Advertising Coordinator Ext. 111 Michael Khosrofian mkhosrofian@vpppa.org Accountant Ext. 104 Bryant Walker bwalker@vpppa.org Information & Data Analyst Manager Ext. 110 Courtney Malveaux, Esq cmalveaux@vpppa.org Government Relations Counsel Ext. 105

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7600-E Leesburg Pike, 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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