July 22, 2021
By: Mitzi Robinson, President/Founder/Speaker, Bulli Ray Occupational Dog Bite Safety 
Presenter 2021 VPPPA Conference Nashville

Severely injured meter reader attacked by two Mastiffs! Was never told about the puppies in the yard.

This event took place with a meter reader working for a mid-western company. We spoke to the company many times in the past about the need for dog bite prevention training, however they continually had the same excuses: their dog bites were minimal and they had no history of serious attacks.

VPPPA has partnered with the experts at MindWise Innovations to present a monthly article addressing issues and questions that members might be hesitant to ask about. These columns will address your concerns about mental health, substance abuse, brain injuries, family issues, and more.
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July 15, 2021
By: Lisa Desai, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, MindWise Innovations​​

​Investing in Employee Wellness Is More Important Than Ever
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Now is the time to invest in the well-being of your workforce, as many are struggling – physically, mentally, and emotionally – on the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development defines well-being at work as “creating an environment to promote a state of contentment which allows an employee to flourish and achieve their full potential for the benefit of themselves and their organization.” An employee’s well-being at work is no longer optional. In a 2018 American Heart Association CEO Roundtable Report, 9 in/10 survey respondents agree that employers have a responsibility to support mental health. To perform at their best, workers need to know that their organization cares about them and supports their whole health – physical and mental.  Increased workplace wellbeing results in greater job satisfaction which can lead to better teamwork and increased productivity.

July 8, 2021
By: Kevin Gardner

A business's customer relationship management team is the main line of contact customers will use when they need something from a business. CRM employees most often fall under the customer service category. No matter what type of business you run, the CRM team is vital. Below are a few things that any CRM employee can do to build a better relationship with the business's customers.

July 1, 2021
By: Safex

OSHA announced a new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazards associated with exposures to high levels of noise. The program was announced on June 14, 2021, and is for OSHA Region V, which includes Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

June 24, 2021
By: Mitzi Robinson, President/Founder, Bulli Ray Occupational Dog Bite Safety 
Presenter 2021 VPPPA Conference Nashville

When I complete dog occupational safety training around the country, the employees are usually very concerned about the big dogs they encounter daily, but it’s the little guys that are the most prevalent. Customers/Owners aren’t as concerned with their small dogs really hurting anyone. These dogs are usually allowed to accompany the owner when speaking to the employee. Even if the employee objects, they are usually drowned out by all the reasons their perfectly safe. Employees have shared their stories with me and even though the little dog may be clamped on to their leg, the owner shows little to no concern.

VPPPA has partnered with the experts at MindWise Innovations to present a monthly article addressing issues and questions that members might be hesitant to ask about. These columns will address your concerns about mental health, substance abuse, brain injuries, family issues, and more. 

​June 17, 2021
By: Lisa Desai, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, MindWise Innovations

It’s often difficult to break free from a routine, particularly when the global pandemic unended our lives and forced us to adopt new daily patterns. Routines provide comfort in their familiarity and structure. Now that many people are returning to work, either in person or in a blended fashion, many are facing unexpected challenges. Now the return to “normalcy” is once more forcing people to alter their daily patterns. We are in uncharted territory here; we’ve never experienced a pandemic before, so there is no reasonable expectation for what the workplace will look like upon our return.

June 11, 2021
By: Megan Scherer

OSHA released its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) 29 CFR 1910.502 for COVID-19 on Thursday, June 10. It’s directed at healthcare and healthcare support services and aims to protect workers facing the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19.

June 10, 2021
By: Mitzi Robinson, President/Founder, Bulli Ray Occupational Dog Bite Safety 
Presenter 2021 VPPPA Conference Nashville

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the country, and nearly 40 percent of all households have at least one dog. Of course, the percentage of households with dogs is higher in suburban and rural areas than in cities, but the fact remains that dogs are nearly everywhere.

June 3, 2021
By: ​Bollé Safety

​WHAT IS FOG?
Fog is essentially a cloud on ground level. Depending on temperature and level of humidity it may be thicker or thinner, which leads to varying levels of visibility. These specific conditions also determine how quickly or slowly fog forms and dissipates. The thickness of the fog, as well as the speed it forms and dissipates, dictates how hazardous it may be and how best to stay safe.​

May 27, 2021
By: Kevin Gardner

​Do you want to assist your employees unlock their full potential? Well, then show them your genuine care. However, if you are already doing plenty of it, then consider the fact that 31% of employees perceive their bosses as being unappreciative of them. In 2015, a study on the well-being of employees by O.C. Tanner Institute reported a five-point average rating by employees on their life at work out of the ten-point scale. They reported having realized insignificant improvement in their well-being within the five years.
 
However, when you invest the time to acknowledge your employee’s efforts and show them that they are a high priority, they will be happier, more present and productive. The benefit of it all is that it is a win-win situation. A happy and satisfied employee exhibits high morale, better customer service and high levels of productivity. Don’t you want to be the beneficiary? Here are 4 key aspects to accomplish this: