Volume #1, Newsletter #2 Fall 2012
Message From Commissioner Malveaux     


I enjoyed seeing many of you at our recent VOSH conference.  The conference not only provided an outstanding program of seminars and speakers, but it provided an opportunity for DOLI staff and employers to network and share best practices with each other.  Preparations will soon be underway for next year’s conference so keep checking DOLI's website  for more information as it becomes available. 

Virginia’s weather can present many challenges for safety and health as Hurricane Sandy recently reminded us.  Parts of Virginia’s Eastern Shore suffered extensive damage.  We are reminded to assess our environment and determine the possible hazards and protective measures that should be taken during recovery efforts.  Now as the weather turns colder, this is the time of year to make sure that boilers are operating safely and efficiently.

As we look ahead to 2013, DOLI plans to release a series of Public Service Announcements on some of the most common safety and health issues.  Topics will include Overhead Line Safety, Fall Protection, Reverse Signal Awareness, Heat Stress, and Trenching Safety. 

Have a safe holiday season,

Seventeenth Annual Occupational Safety and Health Conference a Success  

 

It’s all a memory now but just a short while ago, the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center was filled with the many participants and vendors who attended the Seventeenth Annual Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Conference sponsored by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. 

There were more new attendees at this conference than ever before.  Many participants noted that the quality of this conference compared to larger conferences, yet was still small enough to allow for meaningful conversations.  Participants liked having many sessions to choose from and learning how Consultants can help. Many participants take advantage of the training opportunities and complete their general industry training at the conference.  Another highlight included the dynamic speakers, keynote speaker Dr. Robert Emery and general session speaker J.A. Rodriguez, whose discussions greatly added to the conference.

If you did not attend this year, do not worry.  Information on the Eighteenth Annual Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Conference will be made available early next year.  For more information, visit  DOLI"s website as details become available.  See you next year!

Virginia Apprenticeship Council Recognizes Outstanding Apprentices for 2012
 
 

On November 15, the Virginia Apprenticeship Council recognized four apprentices as Virginia’s Outstanding Apprentices for 2012.  The Council, in association with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, sponsors the awards program, which honors outstanding apprentices each year who have completed their training programs and are nominated by their sponsoring organizations.  Nominated apprentices are judged in many areas, including craftsmanship, accuracy, cooperation, leadership, creativity, decision-making, and consideration for their companies and co-workers.

  

Mr. Darold S. Kemp, Chairman of the Virginia Apprenticeship Council, accompanied by Vice Chairman Dudley Harris and Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Courtney Malveaux, presented the Outstanding Apprentice Awards at a ceremony on November 15, 2012 to the following persons:

LaTonya Pope from Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Gregory Hoefflin from Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipyard
Justin Duke from D.E. Kirby Inc.
Nabil Awwad from Mt. Vernon Ladies Association of the Union

Apprenticeship Council Chairman Kemp said, “The Virginia Apprenticeship Council is dedicated to fostering the job and skill development opportunities available through apprenticeship.  Our 2012 outstanding apprentices represent the best of what apprenticeship has to offer.” 

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Jim Cheng provided introductory remarks and assisted with the presentation of awards.  Secretary Cheng spoke of his efforts to promote the growth of Virginia's business community and attract new investment into Virginia’s economy. He pointed to the skilled workforce and the programs we have to keep that workforce ready for jobs in the 21st century.

The Virginia Voluntary Apprenticeship Program was established in 1938.  Apprenticeship training is used in more than 400 occupations in Virginia.  There are approximately 13,000 registered apprentices employed by more than 2,500 employers throughout the Commonwealth.  Additional information on registered apprenticeship can be obtained by visiting DOLI's website.

 
Safety and Health Codes Board Meet


On September 12 the Safety and Health Codes Board met at the State Corporation Commission to consider and adopt several Federal Identical Regulations put forth by the agency.  Information about the meeting, including the agenda and minutes, are available on Virginia's Regulatory Town Hall website.  The next meeting of the board has not been scheduled yet but will take place next spring. 

The Heat is On 

 contributed by Ed Hilton, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety

As summer winds down and we slip into fall and eventually winter, now is the time to look ahead at heating equipment maintenance. Having the burner adjusted and controls checked early will not only assure economical operation, but can also make you look wise compared to those who are frantically trying to get one of the few repair men available on those first cold mornings.

 Recommendations For A Safe Boiler Room

1) Keep the boiler room clean and clear of unnecessary items. The boiler room should not be considered an all-purpose storage area. The burner requires proper air circulation in order to prevent incomplete fuel combustion and the production of carbon monoxide.

The boiler room is for the boiler!

2) Ensure that all personnel who operate or maintain the boiler room are properly trained on all equipment, controls, safety devices, and up-to-date operating procedures.  State law mandates that heating boilers be inspected every two years and maintained in a safe working condition. The following list is published by the National Board as an aid to boiler owners and operators.

3) Before start-up, ensure that the boiler room is free of all potentially dangerous situations, like flammable materials, mechanical or physical damage to the boiler or related equipment. Clear intakes and exhaust vents: check for deterioration and possible leaks.

4) Ensure a thorough inspection by a properly qualified inspector, such as one who holds a National Board commission.

5) After any extensive repair or new installation of equipment make sure a qualified boiler inspector reinspects the entire system.

6) Monitor all new equipment closely until safety and efficiency are demonstrated.

7) Use boiler operating log sheets, maintenance records, and manufacturer’s recommendations to establish a preventive maintenance schedule based on operating conditions, past maintenance, repair and replacements that were performed on the equipment.

8) Establish a checklist for proper startup and shutdown of boilers and all related equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

9) Observe equipment extensively before allowing an automated operation system to be used with minimal supervision.

10) Establish a periodic preventive maintenance and safety testing program that follows CSD-1-2009 Part CM and the manufacturer’s recommendations.                                                       

Voluntary Protection Program Update
 

Congratulations to Mark Ball of ABB Bland for being selected as VPP Mentor of the Year and to Jean Stewart of Delta Air Lines for being selected as VPP Volunteer of the Year.  Mark has worked with a number of sites this year and he has been an active VPP audit team member for the past two years.  Jean has been very supportive of Virginia’s VPP during her tenure at Delta’s Reagan National Airport station.  She was promoted to Station Manager in Albany, NY and still contributes.  Earlier this year she took her own vacation time to join an audit team.

Don’t miss the Region III VPPPA 2013 Conference at the Dover Downs Resort and Conference Center in Dover, Delaware April 30-May 3, 2013!  Make your plans now.

Also at the Dover Conference, Region III will hold a free (no tuition) class for prospective Special Government Employees (SGE’s).  The class is scheduled for April 29-30, 2013.  Approved participants will spend 2 days learning about the responsibilities of being an SGE and how they can support the VPP program.  In order to participate, applicants must complete the SGE Application and the Financial Disclosure Form.

Applications must be received by the US OSHA SGE Coordinator no later than January 15, 2013 in order to participate in the class.  The mailing address is on the application.

Being an SGE is an excellent way to be part of the continued growth of the VPP program and contribute to the sustained reduction of accidents at VPP sites.

We continue to have a number of new companies interested in applying for the VPP in Virginia.  Many new sites and companies have been in contact with our office to investigate their potential participation.  There are now 42 active VPP sites in Virginia. 

Congratulations to the following sites on their recent re-certification as STAR sites: 

RR Donnelley & Sons Lynchburg Plant
International Paper-Richmond Container

Tidewater Career Fair and Expo a Success

This summer the Division of Registered Apprenticeship and the Virginia Tidewater Consortium's (VTC) Educational Opportunity Center hosted its first "Registered Apprenticeship Career Expo Night" for registered sponsors/employers affiliated with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship in the Tidewater Region.  This created an opportunity for attendees to meet employers that can offer potential employment as an apprentice.



Approximately twenty-five currently Registered sponsors of Apprenticeship came and set up displays.  Other partners including the Virginia Employment Commission, Veteran’s Services, the Community College System and the Norfolk Workforce Center collaborated to make this event happen.

Up to 600 job seekers went through the vendor area and became familiar with Registered Apprenticeship programs in the area.    Vendors expressed surprise with the large turnout.  Many vendors indicated a desire to participate in the event again next year.

Stay tuned and visit DOLI's website for details on next year’s event as information becomes available.

DOLI Releases Virginia Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Report

The Virginia Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported a preliminary total of 127 occupational fatalities in the Commonwealth in 2011, an increase of 19 percent from the revised total of 107 fatalities reported in 2010.

“All workers, especially those in high-hazard industries, need to be vigilant in their safety and health practices in the workplace,” said Courtney M. Malveaux, Commissioner.  “Employees and employers need to remain mindful of the hazards they encounter every day.”

Some key findings in the report indicated that workplace fatalities for truck drivers, farmers, ranchers, and laborers decreased from 38 percent in 2010 to 31 percent in 2011.  Fatal work injuries occurring on streets and highways decreased from 14 percent in 2010 to 11 percent in 2011.

Major challenges are still present in the transportation industry.  Transportation incidents represented nearly half of all work-related deaths in Virginia and continue to be a leading cause of workplace fatalities.

Click here to view the full CFOI report.