qm_winter_2015

13 / 36

Virginia C apitol C onnections, Winter 2015 13
Success at the Virginia Department of Corrections has inspired
agency management to expand participation in VPP by establishing
a process to prepare their sites internally for VPP. According to Mr.
Michael Williford, Risk Manager for the VADOC, the consistent
safety performance at the Lunenburg and Augusta facilities has
reduced injuries for staff and offenders, resulting in significant cost
avoidance which benefits Virginia taxpayers.
DOLI and VADOC are developing a strategic partnership to
implement VPP challenge concepts to establish a formal method to
prepare additional correctional facilities for VPP participation.
The Challenge project could offer a prototype for other
employers or other government agencies to replicate the VADOC’s
achievements.
The Governor’s Office has proposed legislation this year that
would create a formal statutory framework for VPP and offers the
Commonwealth a unique method of partnering with the “Best of the
Best” employers in Virginia to create a network of safety and health
excellence to share with other aspiring Virginia workplaces.
Visit DOLI’s website for valuable information and education at
Another valuable source of information is the VPP Participants’
Association (VPPPA). The VPPPA members are a ready source of
experience and knowledge for existing and aspiring VPP workplaces.
If you are interested in VPP, consider attending the 19th Annual
Region III VPPPA Conference March 4-6, 2015 at the Homestead in
Hot Springs, Virginia to meet employees and managers from some of
the Association’s member sites in attendance.
Benefits of VPP…
Besides enhanced safety and health, there are numerous other
benefits that individual VPP sites experience. Collaboration with
VOSH has included opportunities to showcase best practices at
conferences and workshops or occasions to train with VOSH
employees to share the latest efforts in worker safety and health.
Active employee involvement in safety can also lead to higher
quality production, better general housekeeping, suggestions that
translate into improved efficiency and other exceptional business
metrics.
The Future of VPP...
As the news of VPP’s success nationally and in Virginia has
spread, so has the number of sites and employers interested in this
game-changing approach to safety and health management systems.
The many months of preparation and review required by the VPP
process do not seem to be a deterrent for the newcomers. In 2014,
there were six new sites reviewed by onsite evaluation teams for
inclusion in VPP. Many new sites are expected to be ready for
application in 2015.
The Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) is
working with DOLI to develop a program that would bestow a similar
recognition for construction sites and contractor members who
have adopted enhanced safety and health programs. These efforts
have resulted in the creation of the Building Excellence in Safety
and Training (BEST) program, which provides a unique model
for partnering with exemplary general contractors to improve site
safety and health and a vital safety model for improving employee
protections in this hazardous group of industries.
DOLI Commissioner C. Ray Davenport speaks at Huber Best Practices Day.
VPP works in the
public sector too!
The Virginia Department of Corrections
(VADOC) has two facilities in VPP
(Lunenburg Correctional Center in
Victoria and Augusta Correctional
Center in Craigsville). They are the
only correctional facilities in the
VPP nationwide. Both facilities have
consistently incurred lower workers’
compensation costs than other
comparable VADOC sites and have
significantly lower OSHA rates (TCR,
DART) than the national rates for
Correctional facilities. These sites
have also been leaders by example in
changing the safety culture in VADOC
by providing expertise and guidance
for what is possible in occupational
safety and health at VADOC.
International Paper’s Richmond Corrugated Division has
been a VPP site since 1999. Ms. Mildred Johnson, the site
VPP Coordinator, states that VPP has elevated the “process
of safety” as a way of doing business for both management
and employees at their site. Members of the United Steel
Workers Local 08-694 are entrusted to initiate, monitor and
complete many duties associated with plant safety at this
corrugated “bulk box” manufacturer.
Management’s confidence in the engagement of employees
in their own safety is evident in the consistent investments in
safety and new equipment at this established facility
V