The Value of VPP:The Value of VPP:Improving Safety CultureImproving Safety Culturein an R&D environmentin an R&D environment

The Value of VPP:The Value of VPP:Improving Safety CultureImproving Safety Culturein an R&D environmentin an R&D environment

Steve Goheen, Ph.D.PNNL VPP Steering Committee Co-Chair

PNNL-SA-57997

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AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstract

Employee involvement is a critical element for improving safety culture. The management-worker partnership fostered by the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a highly effective way of getting employee involvement in support of improving safety culture as a foundation for excellence in Integrated Safety Management (ISM). Implementing VPP in an R&D environment is challenging, given the independent, self-directed nature of research activities. PNNL has successfully engaged researchers in the traditional management-labor partnership for continuously improving worker safety and health. This presentation outlines the key steps used to achieve this result, and highlights some of the recent accomplishments that allowed PNNL to achieve record levels of safety performance.

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OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline

Introduction – Definition of VPP Employee and Management InvolvementResearchers vs. organized labor – A distinction from traditional VPP implementationPNNL approach to engaging researchers in VPPVPP-initiated improvements at PNNLConclusion

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What is VPP?What is VPP?What is VPP?What is VPP?

VPP = Voluntary Protection ProgramDeveloped by OSHA in the 1980s as a way to define and reward the best safety & health performers5 tenets of VPP Management Commitment Employee Involvement Worksite Analysis Hazard Prevention and Control Health and Safety Training

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OSHA VPP Mission StatementOSHA VPP Mission StatementOSHA VPP Mission StatementOSHA VPP Mission Statement

“The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) promote effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.” (from the VPPPA website)

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DOE-VPPDOE-VPPDOE-VPPDOE-VPP PNNL was the first DOE Office of Science National Lab

to achieve VPP STAR status

Other SC Labs that have contacted us about DOE-VPP: LANL ORNL ANL LBNL BNL More?

DOE Sites with VPP STAR Status

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How is DOE-VPP Different How is DOE-VPP Different from OSHA- VPP?from OSHA- VPP?

How is DOE-VPP Different How is DOE-VPP Different from OSHA- VPP?from OSHA- VPP?

“The DOE-VPP is identical to the OSHA VPP except that participation is open to contractors employed at DOE-owned facilities.” (from the VPPPA website)

(Note: there is a minor structural difference in the tenets – DOE has 5 and OSHA has 4)

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Integrated Safety ManagementIntegrated Safety ManagementIntegrated Safety ManagementIntegrated Safety Management

Integrated Safety Management (ISM) is a systematic approach to integrating safety into work planning and execution. In the ISM context, the term ‘safety’ is synonymous with "environment, safety, and health" (ES&H). It encompasses protection of employees, the public, and the environment.

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How is VPP Different from ISMS?How is VPP Different from ISMS?How are they similar?How are they similar?

How is VPP Different from ISMS?How is VPP Different from ISMS?How are they similar?How are they similar?

VPP Voluntary Bottom-Up People oriented

Analysis of hazards Implementation of

controls Safe work Continuous improvement

ISMS Mandatory (contract) Top-Down System oriented

Analysis of hazards Implementation of

controls Safe work Continuous improvement

Differences

Similarities

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Employee InvolvementEmployee InvolvementEmployee InvolvementEmployee Involvement

Employee involvement follows from management leadershipVPP enables/accelerates employee involvementWhat does it mean to be involved in safety as an employee? Employee involvement results in greater:

Knowledge of safety Interest in safe behavior Enthusiasm/passion for safe behavior

Different kinds of employees get involved in different ways Bargaining Unit Management Support workers Exempt workers

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Bargaining vs. Non-BargainingBargaining vs. Non-Bargainingat PNNLat PNNL

Bargaining vs. Non-BargainingBargaining vs. Non-Bargainingat PNNLat PNNL

BargainingNon-Bargaining

Total Staff at PNNL Representatives on VPPSteering Committee

• When VPP started at PNNL, bargaining unit staff accounted for over half of all injuries

• Since that time, VPP is at least partly responsible for helping reduce bargaining unit injuries by over 80%

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The Distinction betweenThe Distinction betweenEmployees in a Research Environment Employees in a Research Environment

The Distinction betweenThe Distinction betweenEmployees in a Research Environment Employees in a Research Environment

Organized labor High risk functions / tools & equipment, etc. Unions promote safety

Support staff Mostly office work

Researchers Office Unique hazards in the laboratory Researchers generally work independently and have

great knowledge of the hazards (although risk perception may be affected by long experience and complacency)

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Research is a special caseResearch is a special caseResearch is a special caseResearch is a special caseCompared to organized labor and normal industry

Implementing VPP in an R&D environment is challenging, given the independent, self-directed nature of research activities. Researchers want to be safe, but they also have multiple demands on their time/attention Keeping their integrity in their field Maintaining contacts throughout the scientific community Sales to clients Publications Designing experiments Obtaining important research results Managing laboratory Staff Keeping resources operational Maintaining compliance with local, regional, state, national regs. Maintaining a good relationship with their managers

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Researchers’ Interest in SafetyResearchers’ Interest in SafetyResearchers’ Interest in SafetyResearchers’ Interest in Safety

Why do scientists have accidents? Same reasons as anyone (Human Performance)

How can you get the attention of scientists re: safety?

What drives scientists: Discovery (a passion) Getting funding so they can continue their work Working for a reputable organization Meeting milestones Keeping clients Getting the biggest bang for the client’s buck

Accidents stop research

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Accidents stop projectsAccidents stop projectsSafety is a good investmentSafety is a good investment

Accidents stop projectsAccidents stop projectsSafety is a good investmentSafety is a good investment

A fatality would threaten the future of the Laboratory. Each significant incident costs $100K-$1,000K.Our safety record influences our client relationship.Any significant incident can kill a project.Savings from safety programs = 5:1 (savings:cost)At PNNL, we have been saving about $1M/year due to improved safety (avg. 40 fewer accidents/year).

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Engaging Researchers in VPPEngaging Researchers in VPPEngaging Researchers in VPPEngaging Researchers in VPP

PNNL has successfully engaged researchers in the traditional management-labor partnership for continuously improving worker safety and health. Researchers are naturally engaged in safety Gentle and relevant reminders are appreciated Promote teamwork in safety as a company value Positive reinforcement (awards, recognition, etc.)

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Safety Initiatives from VPP at PNNLSafety Initiatives from VPP at PNNLSafety Initiatives from VPP at PNNLSafety Initiatives from VPP at PNNL

Porcelain PressSafety DiaLogBlood Pressure Monitors24/7 InitiativeWellness Program with Incentive AwardsErgonomic Web-Based SoftwareStretching SystemMeetings start with Safety Topics (table tents)Annual Picnic with Safety BoothsAnnual Survey with Incentive AwardsAnnual Safety Expo Participation Award-winning booth 60,000 participants (200,000 in Tri-Cities)

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Communication

Employee Feedback

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Employee Engagement

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Sustainable Performance

Human Element

Management AccountabilityPrograms, Tools, and Systems

Our path to achieving a sustainable Our path to achieving a sustainable safety and operational culturesafety and operational culture

Our path to achieving a sustainable Our path to achieving a sustainable safety and operational culturesafety and operational culture

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Tools, Systems, and Processes:

• Benchmarking

• Requirements management

• Facility operating envelop

• Electronic Prep and Risk

• Integrated Operations

• Lessons Learned, Best Practices

Line Management Commitment/Value

• Expectations

• R2A2

• Safety Leadership Training

Focus on the human elements of sustaining safety performance

• Sustained engagement through refreshment

• Human Performance Improvement

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ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion

Since implementing ISMS and VPP in the late 1990s, PNNL has achieved record levels of safety performanceVPP is a process; promoting continuous improvements in safetyResearch presents a special challenge Independent, well-educated workforce Complex work environment Competing priorities Unique hazards

Challenge: Engage researchers in safety Enable safe conduct of research Demonstrate the value of safety

VPP helps PNNL achieve operational excellenceWe are happy to share.