Contributor: Tom West, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, COSS – VP of Marketing, MākuSafe Haptic biofeedback is a term used to describe the use of physical sensations or vibrations to provide real-time feedback to a user about their behavior. This technology has been touted as a way to promote behavior change, such as encouraging people to sit up straight … Is Haptic Biofeedback Helpful in Correcting Unsafe Behaviors at Work?
Contributor: Son Nguyen – Membership Manager, VPPPA We often get the question – “Do I need to be pursuing VPP Star status to be a member of VPPPA?” or “If my company is no longer a VPP participant, why should I continue my membership?” The answer is: VPPPA’s mission is to advance health and safety … Achieving Safety Excellence with VPPPA Membership
Contributor: Dr. Steve Webb, Founder of Safe Secure Systems, Board-Certified Workplace Violence and Threat Assessment Specialist, and SAFE Training Program Instructor Within the workplace, there are several facets that fall under the category of “safety,” and it is crucial that your worksite’s training address all potential hazards and dangers that employees may encounter on any … Assessing Capacity for Workplace Violence: Are YOU Ready?
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced yesterday the launch of a nationwide competition aimed to raise awareness of the dangers and hazards of heat exposure in both indoor and outdoor workplaces. According to OSHA’s Beat the Heat Contest webpage, the competition has four main goals: Contest submissions are open … US Department of Labor’s OSHA Launches National ‘Beat the Heat’ Contest
Contributor: Ariana Hanaity – Communications Coordinator, VPPPA National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is just around the corner, starting next week from April 17-21. The annual event is observed nationwide and aims to raise awareness and encourage safe driving through highway work zones. NWZAW brings together public agencies, national roadway safety organizations, companies, and individuals … Work Zone Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
Contributor: Ariana Hanaity – Communications Coordinator, VPPPA March is National Ladder Safety Month, an annual event dedicated to promoting ladder safety and preventing ladder-related injuries and fatalities. With falls from ladders being a leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths, it’s essential for employers and workers to understand and follow the Occupational Safety and Health … National Ladder Safety Month: Tips for Employers and Workers
Contributor: Meg Klaers – Program Manager, Walman Optical Safety Eyewear Safety starts by simply seeing the potential hazards in the workplace. The risk of eye injury happens in all types of workplaces. In fact, nearly 40% of work-related eye injuries occur in healthcare, offices, laboratories, and other similar work environments – the remainder occurring in … Safety Starts with Sight
Contributor: Matthew Luman, EHS Program Manager, US Farathane This article was originally published in the Winter 2018 issue of VPPPA’s quarterly magazine, the Leader. In the construction industry, it’s safe to say that women are underrepresented. Even when compared to traditionally male-dominated sectors, women have yet to break through in many areas of construction. Just nine … A History of Powerful Women in Construction
Dear VPPPA Members and Stakeholders, Recently, OSHA published and requested participation in the agency’s VPP Modernization Survey as the agency seeks to, “modernize, improve and expand the various pathways that employers can establish and improve their safety and health programs, with the pinnacle being Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).” VPPPA encourages all of our members and … A Message from Chairperson Terry Schulte – Our Shared Role in Shaping the Future of VPP
Contributor: MākuSafe Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent recorded occupational illnesses for industrial workers. 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year, according to OSHA. The most tragic part of this particular injury is that once the hearing is damaged, it is irreparable. A hearing aid can make … Is New Safety Technology Rendering Your Hearing Conservation Program Obsolete?
Dear VPPPA Members and Stakeholders, Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published and requested participation in the agency’s VPP Modernization Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback on OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program and potential changes that could be implemented to “modernize, improve and expand the various pathways that employers can … OSHA seeking public comments on modernizing Voluntary Protection Program
Contributor: Logan Steffans, EHS/Facilities Supervisor, Collins Aerospace After working in the aerospace industry for five years now—you know that saying ‘time flies’—I’ve had the chance to engage with a plethora of folks on the manufacturing floor, learning their story about what brought them into this field of work and what keeps them coming back year … Ergonomics and the Hierarchy of Controls
Contributor: Chris Williams, CAE, Executive Director, VPPPA This article was originally published by BIC Magazine. To read the original posting of this article, click here. Now that the holiday season has passed and the new year is here, many companies and worksites have shifted their attention to the annual tradition of OSHA recordkeeping. With the deadline … Annual self-evaluations: Value in collaboration
Contributor: Doug Pontsler, Chairman and Managing Director, COVE Organizations committed to safety know that finding and addressing hazards before they cause harm is mission critical. They have the best intentions and may be prepared with safety protocols, checklists, best practices and training, but even then, something fails, errors are made, and steps are overlooked for … How Can Your Organization Overcome the Challenges with Hazard Identification?
It’s cold outside! So batten down the hatches, but beware of carbon monoxide. Contributor: Brenda Wiederkehr, Owner, Access Compliance, LLC It’s wintertime, and particularly in the north, we close the windows and doors, creating a microenvironment to warm up and stay comfortable. Some people heat with electricity, which runs the risk of further drying the … Carbon Monoxide Safety
When it comes to corporate safety culture, there is one—even if we don’t initially see it. Contributor: Chris Williams, CAE, Executive Director, VPPPA “Safety is our top priority at (insert company name here).” It’s a line we hear from hundreds of executives, safety managers and marketing teams around the world when asked about their corporate … Priority or Core Value – What’s the Difference?
Contributor: Doug Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health This article was originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of VPPPA’s quarterly magazine, the Leader. Fifty-two years ago, a new paradigm emerged for America’s workplaces. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was passed, making way for the creation of the Occupational … Fifty Years of OSHA
Contributor: Soundtrace October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, and there’s no better time to evaluate how you’re protecting your team from noise-induced hearing loss. As safety professionals, it’s our responsibility to lead from the front. We should be asking ourselves every day, “What do I need to do to set my team and employer … National Protect Your Hearing Month
Contributor: Jean Ndana, Regional Environment Health Safety Manager, Michigan Seamless Tubes (MST) Key Takeaways 1 The first move toward transforming a safety culture or achieving desired safety outcomes is developing an inward-examining mindset that it is up to the task. You cannot be physically ready to lead change and make progress if you are not … Developing And Leveraging An “Up To the Task” Mindset
Contributor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the United States. It deeply impacts workers, families, and communities. There were approximately 1.2 million suicide attempts in America in 2020. Tragically, more than 45,000 of these attempts were fatal.1 The construction industry has one of the … Workplace Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Contributor: MSA Safety All industrial protective hard hats are either Type 1 or Type 2 based on ANSI and CSA standards for impact resistance and direction. A hard hat can only have one designation for impact properties. There is no in-between according to these standards. What is the ANSI Standard? The American National Standard for … What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Hard Hats?
Contributor: MSA Safety There’s been a lot of talk in the world of safety about the need for real-time data. Although most will agree that real-time data benefits safety programs by providing information that leads to better decision-making, some may wonder if real-time data is as crucial as they’ve heard. The short answer is yes, … Is Real-Time Data Important? 3 Reasons Why the Answer Is ‘Yes’
Contributor: Gas Clip Technologies Everyone has heard the line, “What they don’t know won’t hurt them.” It is a lie that people frequently use as an excuse to keep something secret. However, the truth of the matter is that what a person does not know is usually what hurts them in the end, particularly in … Three Dangerous Gases in Confined Spaces
Contributor: Scott Schneider, MS, FAIHA Ergonomics is not a four-letter word. Under the OSHA Act, every worker is guaranteed a workplace “free of recognized hazards.” Yet in 2020, a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that almost a quarter of a million workers in the United States lost work because of musculoskeletal disorders (Table MSD1) … Ergonomics: The New Frontier
Contributor: Meg Klaers, Industrial Safety Program Manager, Walman Optical Safety Eyewear ON-THE-JOB: 2,000 EYE INJURIES PER DAY The number of job-related eye injuries that require medical attention in the U.S. each day. Eye injuries make up nearly 45% of all head injuries that lead to missed workdays. 40% of on-the-job eye injuries happen in the … A Safer Workplace with Safety Eyewear
Contributor: AuditSoft The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) has promoted safety and health at worksites for more than four decades. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have implemented effective safety and health practices that keep injury and illness rates below the national average. The VPP started … Safety and Health: The VPP Difference
Contributor: Roco Rescue If entering permit-required confined spaces is performed at your worksite, then this is a question you absolutely should be asking yourself. And if you are, that is a good thing; it implies knowledge of OSHA’s requirement that an organization must provide for the safety of their personnel working in confined spaces. Asking … How Do I Choose a Qualified Rescue Service?
Last week, VPPPA Chairperson Terry Schulte sat down with Blaine from The SafetyPro Podcast to talk about the early days of VPP, busting VPP myths, the advantages of being a part of the VPPPA community, and what safety and health professionals can expect this August at the 2022 Safety+ Symposium in Washington, D.C.
Release Date: July 14, 2022 Contact: Keri Usher, Communications Manager, kusher@vpppa.org 703-761-6519 Falls Church, VA – The Board of Directors of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association, Inc. (VPPPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Williams as the association’s next Executive Director. Williams was previously the Director of Membership for the Association of the Wall and … VPPPA Announces New Executive Director
Contributor: American Heart Association Women are less likely than men to receive CPR from a bystander. But why? The reluctance, new research suggests, may be fueled by worries of being accused of sexual assault or doing physical harm. Knowing people’s secret fears is the first step to dispelling them, experts say. The insights come from … Why people fear performing CPR on women – and what to do about it
Contributor: Joe Tantarelli, Speaker and Senior Safety Consultant for SafeStart This article was originally published in the Spring 2018 issue of VPPPA’s quarterly magazine, the Leader. My accident—we’ll call it that for lack of a better term—happened in June 1983. I was 26 years old. Maybe you can relate to me at 26: my Sundays usually … The Buried Truth About Human Factors
Contributor: Sentinel Safety leaders hope to never receive the news that co-workers are injured but, unfortunately, it happens. Workplace deaths may result from sudden accidents or long-term complications. That’s why more organizations are turning to technology. Organizations and workers benefit from having data insights to prevent injuries and predict workers’ future health risks. Take for … Improving Occupational Safety Efforts in the U.S. Air Force and Other Organizations
Contributor: Dianne Grote Adams, CIH, CSP, CPEA, FAIHA President and Founder of Safex, Inc. This article was originally published in the Autumn 2021 issue of VPPPA’s quarterly magazine, the Leader. As health, safety and environmental (HSE) professionals, we recognize that safety is good business. While we’ve spent years honing our technical skills, we often don’t spend … Improving Communication Skills to Influence Safety Culture
Contributor: Soundtrace The Month of May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) which serves as a reminder to re-evaluate your company’s Hearing Conservation Program. According to the CDC, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States and is more prevalent than diabetes or cancer. Occupational hearing loss, which … Better Hearing Protection for Better Hearing Month
Contributor: 5th Element Inspection Services LLC Understanding Dropped Objects Gravity doesn’t take a break. Dropped Objects continue to pose the greatest risk of serious injuries, fatalities, and equipment damage in several industries worldwide. Similar statistics apply to leisure activities and home life, too. What is a Dropped Object? Any item with the potential to cause injury, death, or equipment/environmental damage, that falls down … Dropped Objects: A Prevalent Workplace Concern That Your Company Needs to Address
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. What is … Stand-Down To Prevent Falls
Contributor: Jean Ndana, ASP, CSP, ASQ-SSBB, ASQ-CQE “A worker’s first day shouldn’t be his last day on earth.” I said these chilling words a few months ago when I narrated the tragic story of a 23-year-old temporary employee who did not return home from his first day at a Michigan factory. He was removing imperfections … Working Safely with Pedestal and Bench Grinders: 10 Proven Best Practices
Contributor: Toby Graham, KPA Imagine having a process to catch issues before they become problems – keeping your business efficient, your people happy, and your money in your pocket. That’s the premise behind Corrective and Preventive Actions (or CAPA for short). CAPAs are systemic improvements to an organization’s processes designed to fix recurring safety issues. Want … Using Corrective & Preventative Actions to Keep Your Company Safe
Contributor: CableSafe® Working at heights could be required in several industries and it might be a part of your everyday job. Some occupations are more dangerous than others depending on the nature of the task, but regardless of the height you are dealing with; work at height safety should be established and rigorously followed in … Ways to Increase Your Safety While Working at Heights
Contributor: Columbia Southern University As you navigate your way through the occupational safety and health field, adding certifications can significantly boost your career prospects. Becoming a Certified Safety Professional® – commonly known as a CSP® – is a worthwhile goal as you plan your career. Whether you’re an established safety professional considering certification or still … How CSP® Certification Can Advance Your Occupational Safety and Health Career
Contributor: 5th Element Inspection Services LLC Establishing safety as a priority in the workplace is imperative to the well-being of all employees. Not only does it improve general morale, performance, and efficiency, it goes well beyond the job site and affects every aspect of your life. If your personal safety is in question, it is … Workplace Safety and Your WHY
Contributor: CableSafe® One of the most dangerous scenarios at work is when someone drops something while working at a height or an object is knocked off an edge unexpectedly, which can result in terrible injuries or fatalities to employees. Employers must have a safe work procedure in place for employees working at heights, as well as … How to Prevent Falling Objects in the Workplace
Contributor: Chris McGlynn, Director of Safety/VPP Coordinator, Roco Rescue Your company has a strong safety culture with outstanding employee participation. Everyone is committed to safety and goes out of their way to do things in the safest way possible. As a safety professional, everything is great in your world until suddenly, a “near-miss” report lands … Good Catch – Now What?
Position Details Job Code #: JC-293055 Working Title: California Voluntary Protection Associate Safety Engineer Classification: ASSOCIATE SAFETY ENGINEER # of Positions: 3 Work Location: Orange County Job Type: Permanent, Full Time Final Filing Date: 3/28/2022 Job Description and Duties Working at the Cal/OSHA means much more than showing up for a job. You will be able to work on programs … Job Opening: California Voluntary Protection Associate Safety Engineer
Contributor: Soundtrace Did you know Hearing Protection Devices do not prevent hearing loss—they only reduce the risk of hearing loss? Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common occupational disease and the second most self-reported occupational illness or injury. In the manufacturing sector, occupational hearing loss accounts for 1 in 9 recordable illnesses, according to … The Invisible Hazard
Overview Access Compliance has open positions for Med Techs, LPNs, Physicians Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners for their Latham and Utica Offices. These are exciting opportunities with flexible schedules! Descriptions are provided below. COVID-19 Vaccination is required for hire for all positions. Per Diem Physician Assistant / Nurse Practitioner Position Available at Latham Office! Access Compliance, … Access Compliance Job Openings
Author: Matt Luman, Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, US Farathane This article was originally published in the Winter 2018 issue of the Leader Magazine. In the construction industry, it’s safe to say that women are underrepresented. Even when compared to traditionally male-dominated sectors, women have yet to breakthrough in many areas of construction. Just nine percent … A History of Powerful Women in Construction
Contributor: CableSafe® Globally, falls are contemplated to be the second leading cause of accidental deaths. Considering this crucial fact, slip, trip, and fall accidents call for global attention towards the utilization of effective prevention measures and strategies. Furthermore, fall prevention has been a substantial area of concern, owing to the fact that slip-and-fall accidents are … 5 Tips to Prevent Fall Accidents
By: Warren Silverman, MD FACOEM, Medical Director, Workplace Forensics LLC Following the attacks of 9/11, there was a realization that the open freedoms of the society in the United States created massive vulnerabilities for those who wish to harm us. With an analysis of these dangers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was tasked to … Assessing Risks and Vulnerabilities in US Chemical Facilities
By: Kevin Gardner When it comes to staying safe and healthy in the workplace, keeping your body and mind alert, nourished, and fit are essential. 1. Stay Hydrated and NourishedDrink plenty of water to perform your best throughout the workday. When you are dehydrated, your mood is often affected and you may become irritable and … 5 Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy at Work
Electrical safety and usage of safe electric cables outdoor is as significant as it is in-door. Cables are protected so that they are able to sustain in detrimental conditions and outdoor environment. Protection is primarily needed from external influences like mechanical damage, temperature, water and other such factors. Nonetheless, the electric cables should be protected … How do you protect outdoor electrical cables?
Release Date: January 26, 2022Contact: Ariana Hanaity, Communications Coordinator, ahanaity@vpppa.org 703-761-6517 Falls Church, VA – The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) today announced its latest strategic partnership with AuditSoft, a leader in innovative technology for OHS auditing purposes. The first collaboration between the two partners will be the launch of VPP Online, a new cutting-edge program aimed at … VPPPA Announces Strategic Partnership with AuditSoft
The Environmental Health and Safety Leader reports to the GE Flight Test Operation Site Leader. This person will provide health & safety operational support to the site to ensure first and foremost that we are keeping our team members safe. Additionally, this leader will be working closely with the business to drive implementation of programs … Job Opening: EHS Leader – Flight Test Operation
By: Kevin GardnerEvery workplace poses a certain amount of risk, but much of the risk can be mitigated by implementing some simple workplace safety measures.1. Keep Employees Relaxed and RestedOverworked and stressed-out employees present a safety risk to your organization. Studies show that fatigue leads to greater risk for accidents. Implement automation to reduce employee … 7 Ways to Increase Workplace Safety
As most of you are aware, on the night of December 10, 2021, a violent, long-tracked tornado moved across Western Kentucky, producing severe to catastrophic damage in numerous towns. In response, the KY Labor Cabinet is coordinating various relief efforts and currently calling for donations, specifically personal protective equipment (PPE) for cleanup workers. Those who are interested … PPE Donations Needed in Western Kentucky
Overview S&B Engineers and Constructors Ltd. is looking for a Certified Industrial Hygienist to develop, implement and manage industrial hygiene program intended to measure and reduce employee exposure to chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards during industrial construction activities. -and- Develop, implement, and manage industrial hygiene program and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance as mandated … Job Opening: Certified Industrial Hygienist
Contributor: CableSafe® As per Safeopedia, “a danger zone is a place near any machine or piece of equipment where a person may be hit by the machine, be caught in between two moving parts or material and a moving part of the machine, be hit and fall from heights, be burned by hot materials, or receive an … Danger Zones and Workplace Hazards
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the period for submitting comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. Comments on the ANPRM must now be submitted by January 26, 2022. The 30-day extension provides stakeholders more time to review … U.S. Department of Labor Extends Comment Period for Rulemaking to Protect Indoor and Outdoor Workers from Heat Hazards
OSHA has launched a new online portal for submitting applications for the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), which recognize employers and workers in the private industry and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. The new portal modernizes … New Online Portal Simplifies Application Process for OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs
Hendrickson is looking for an experienced EHS professional to join their team! The individual in this position would be responsible for project work and assisting the implementation of Environmental, Health and Safety policies and programs that support business practices within the Clarksville, TN facility (TN OSHA Volunteer Star site). Essential Functions: Provide overall safety direction and assistance … Job Opening: Environmental Health & Safety Rep II
Associate Mgr HSE – Lab & Offices – Building Material SME & MOC (Creve Coeur, MO)The position is an Lab & Offices HSE Manager Safety who assists in the development/implementation/management of comprehensive safety programs that address personnel safety and property protection in compliance with OSHA and corporate requirements for STL and other facility and lab operations … Bayer Job Openings
Contributor: CableSafe® Understanding Dropped ObjectsDropped Objects (struck by a falling object or a piece of equipment) continue to account for 9.6 percent of the top ten causes of workplace accidents across different industries. According to Liberty Mutual’s Annual Workplace Safety Index, ‘struck by a falling object’ is the top four cause of the most serious workplace accidents … Dropped Objects Prevention: Are we doing enough to prevent the hazards and reduce risks?
By: Kevin Gardner When you’re at work, you probably get caught up in assignments and everyday tasks. However, it’s vital to always stay safe. If you’re unsure about how to do this, here are five tips for staying safe in the workplace. 1. Use Safe and Regulated EquipmentOne of the most fundamental ways to stay … 5 Tips for Staying Safe in the Workplace
Contact: Ariana Hanaity, ahanaity@vpppa.org, 703-761-6157 Falls Church, VA – The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) has joined the Board of Certified Safety Professionals® (BCSP®) as an Affiliate in support of the Global Learning Summit (GLS), a virtual safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) professional development event hosted by BCSP to take place May 10-12, 2022.“This is an incredible opportunity to … VPPPA Joins BCSP’s Global Learning Summit
As the Safety Director at JLG Industries, you will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of onsite Health and Safety programs for our McConnellsburg manufacturing facility. You will play a critical part of our People First culture and an active role in ensuring all OSHA regulations are communicated and followed to sustain our … Safety Director Job Opening
By: Michael Hancock, SMS, SGE, Director of Safety, VPP Site Coordinator, Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico; Owner, Creative Safety, LLC This article originally appeared in the winter 2021 issue of The Leader magazine, a quarterly publication of VPPPA. I would love to know how many safety colleagues have been challenged with one or more of these … 3 Keys to Turn Safety Training into a Best Practice
By: Kevin Gardner Staying healthy while working can seem like a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be if you start by making small changes to your daily routine. Here’s how to stay healthy during your busy workday. 1. Do a Digital DetoxIf you’re on a computer for the majority of your workday, it’s … 5 Tips to Improve Your Health at Work
By: Ashley Lipman Despite the term “domestic”, relationship violence rarely stays at home. Every year, victims struggle with the impacts of domestic abuse in their career. While workplaces are making strides toward seeing their employees as fully developed human beings with lives outside of work, there’s still a ways to go— especially when promoting the safety … Navigating Domestic Violence When it Follows You To Work
By: Kevin Gardner Accidents in the workplace can be devastating to everyone involved. Not only can they have a profound impact on the victim, but also by their company, fellow employees, and loved ones. A proactive approach is the only way to diminish workplace accidents and create a safer environment for employees. Thankfully, it can … 5 Steps for a Safer Business and Workspace
By: Phil La Duke Author’s note: The following is an updated excerpt from my book Lone Gunman: Rewriting the Handbook On Workplace Prevention. Everywhere I go these days employers have the same lament—nobody wants to work. While that might have a modicum of truth to it, the more likely scenario is that job seekers are being … Preventing Workplace Violence Begins With Recruiting
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Monday that it is initiating enhanced measures to protect workers better in hot environments and reduce the dangers of heat-related hazards.On days with a heat index of 80°F or higher, OSHA staff will prioritize heat-related interventions and inspections of work activities. The initiative applies to indoor and outdoor … OSHA’s Heat Enforcement Initiative
During the Opening General Session at VPPPA’s 2021 Safety+ Symposium in Nashville, James (Jimmy) Hart, President of the Metal Trades Department (MTD), AFL-CIO, called attention to the impact and influence employees have on making safety in the workplace matter. “Your success spells out worker success,” Hart told VPPPA attendees. “You have the power, wisdom, message, and … MTD, AFL-CIO President Encourages Workers to Take the Lead in Making Workplace Safety a Priority
During the Opening General Session at VPPPA’s 2021 Safety+ Symposium in Nashville, OSHA’s Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor, James Frederick, asserted the importance of increasing collaboration between OSHA and VPP participants.“VPP is an important program for OSHA,” Frederick told VPPPA attendees. He continued that the program, “provides OSHA with an opportunity to work directly with … OSHA Official, James Frederick, Articulates the Importance of Collaboration Between OSHA and VPP
By: Ashley Lipman You can get back pain and many other issues as you age, and they can all be worsened by your work conditions. Even a simple desk job can make your back pain worse if you aren’t careful, as well as the factors like age, weight, and your sleeping position. You may already … Back Pain Prevention: Minimize the Risk of Injury at Work
By: John Heniff, Content Copywriter, Magid High temperatures on the job can make people miserable. And whether it’s from hot weather outdoors or high-heat applications indoors, discomfort can quickly escalate from an annoyance to a life-threatening situation. In fact, every day in the United States, 11 workers are seriously injured or die from heat stress, resulting in … Guide To Heat Illness Prevention While On The Job
By: Kevin Gardner No matter what your job is, work comes along with a lot of stress for many people. It can often feel like you don’t have a choice and that feeling stressed out is just how things are. Here are a few tips for managing stress while continuing to perform well on the … 5 Tips for Managing Stress at Work
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. By: Lisa Desai, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, MindWise Innovations The Importance of Fostering … August Behavioral Health Column
By: Kevin Gardner An artificial neural network (ANN) is a data processing paradigm that functions similarly to biological nervous systems. The innovative structure of an artificial neural network’s information processing system is its most important feature. This system comprises a huge number of highly interconnected processing computing pieces that work together to solve problems. Artificial … 7 Ways Neural Networks Can Be an Advantage
By: Kevin Gardner Starting your own company may pave the way toward fame and fortune, but that distinction is a prize that must be won. The commercial landscape is incredibly competitive, and small businesses have the deck stacked against them. To even the odds so that you can survive and thrive, you’ll practically need to … How To Be Everywhere at Once (Or at Least Pretend To Be)
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 … The Importance of Dog Bite Prevention Training for Field Employees
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. By: Lisa Desai, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, MindWise Innovations Investing in Employee Wellness … July Behavioral Health Column
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 … Tips for Business’s CRM Success
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. By law, OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation … New OSHA Noise Hazard Program
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. … Occupational Dog Bite Safety – Small Dogs & Why They Bite
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. By: Lisa Desai, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, MindWise Innovations It’s often difficult to … Returning to Work After the Pandemic
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. Not sure if your workplace is covered? OSHA has provided this handy flow chart. If the … OSHA’s COVID Standard is Out and Here’s What You Need to Know
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 … Occupational Dog Bite Safety
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 … The Fog Phenomenon Explained
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 … Are You Making Your Employees a High Priority?
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. By: Nicole Scherr, MindWise Innovations Your life is rooted in the digital world, and … MindWise Staff Picks: Favorite Mental Health Digital Resources
By: Bollé Safety Our modern world is flooded with artificial light. We over illuminate our homes and workplaces, bright streetlights and signage line our roads, and now the glowing screens of our mobile devices follow us everywhere we go. The development of artificial light allowed us to work longer, sleep later, and facilitates our 24hr entertainment culture. … All You Need to Know About Blue Light
By: Rocio Espinoza Whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or direct employee, working from home is a fantastic way to avoid some common office headaches. You won’t have to sit in traffic every day, and there’s no more water cooler gossip and office drama to contend with. But working from home also presents unique challenges, especially if it’s … Easy Tips to Help you Stay Productive While Working from Home
By: Kevin Gardner Conflict is universal. How we handle our inevitable disputes with other people is often what determines our own success in life. Workplace environments in particular can be social pressure-cookers that put our capacity for critical thinking to the test. Here are six practical strategies for dealing with conflicts that emerge at work. … Simple and Effective Ways to End Company Conflicts
By: Makenzie PlusnickIn 2017, the National Association of Women in Construction-OSHA Alliance Committee conducted “The 2017 Survey by the NAWIC-OSHA Alliance Committee on Harassment in the Workplace.” It found that the number of women who indicated they had never experienced bullying, sexual harassment or sexism was higher than expected; however, in the detailed section, we … Uncovering the Risks and Challenges Facing Women in Construction
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. By: Lisa Desai, MindWise Innovations Managing Current Events-Related Stress in the Workplace The … April Behavioral Health Column
By: Kevin Gardner Whether you are working in an office, a retail environment, or a warehouse, workplace safety is incredibly important. Not only is the health and wellbeing of your employees at stake but the business itself could be at risk from workplace hazards. It is estimated that in 2019 workplace injuries cost almost $171 … 5 Essential Tips to Make Your Workplace Safer
By: Ashley Lipman A person needs enough sleep to maintain optimal health. That’s what studies say. Medical experts claim that proper rest patterns can improve our memory and mood and help us learn better. A healthy slumber can also strengthen our immune system. You’ll know if you aren’t sleeping well. Your energy is lower, you’ll feel … Healthy Sleep: What Is It and Are You Getting It?
Jacqueline "Jackie" Annis is an industrial hygienist with the Office of Partnerships and Recognition, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs in OSHA’s National Office. Jackie’s primary responsibilities include developing and overseeing internal policies and procedures for the VPP, reviewing VPP on-site evaluation reports for process safety management information, serving as the National Office liaison for two of OSHA’s ten Regions, and facilitating the management of OSHA’s National Strategic Partnership Program. She is an integral part of OSHA’s National Office team.
She has served with the Agency for 36 years, including five years as a senior industrial hygienist in OSHA’s Office of Health Enforcement, Directorate of Enforcement Programs in the National Office and 17 years as a compliance safety and health officer in the Denver, CO Area Office. Prior to her tenure at OSHA, Jackie worked as an industrial hygienist for the Department of the Navy in Alameda, California. Jackie obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in 1983.
Wayne Howard earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from UC Davis and has spent 12 years with Shell (at Martinez) refinery, 3 years with the consulting firm Process Safety, 15 years with Valero (at Benicia), and the last 10 years in the Corporate Process Safety Department. He is the Valero representative to AFPM's Advancing Process Safety Initiative.
Nathan Obaugh, PE is a senior engineer in the Safety and Operational Excellence Group at NuStar Energy. Nathan has over 10 years of PSM and process design experience in the petrochemical, refining and midstream industries. At NuStar, Nathan oversees all elements of the corporate PSM program and works directly on hazard analysis, process safety studies, PSM/RMP audits and provides process engineering support to the operations and capital projects groups.
Jared Teter, PhD is a senior staff scientist with a background in physics and hazards analysis. He has extensive experience in subscale testing of energetic materials and has served as program manager for several large testing and risk management projects. He has applied engineering and risk management protocols while evaluating the risk associated with propellant and explosives manufacturing, combustible dust, and other hazardous material related processes.
Tim Belitz has a degree in Environmental Health/Industrial Hygiene from Old Dominion University and a Master’s from Duke University. He has over 25 years of Industrial Health Safety and Environmental Experience and is a Certified Safety Professional. He has many years focused on Contractor Management and Process Safety programs.
Rob Walker graduated from Virginia Tech in Microbiology and Chemical Engineering. Rob has almost 35 years of experience working in the chemical plant and refining industry. His passion for Process Safety and Mechanical Integrity began very early in his career. Rob began with his current company, Honeywell, back in 2011.
Prasad Joshi has B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Chemical Engineering from two universities in India. Prasad has over 30 years’ experience in the business. He began with Honeywell in May 2022 as Principal Maintenance Engineer. He has worked internationally in Asia and Europe.