Professional Safety - May 2019

FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

NATIONAL DATA HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
DATA HOUSE

FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 each industry sector to test the ability of
the independent variable recordable rate
MANUFACTURING TRADE, TRANSPORTA- to predict the occurrence of the three de-
DATA HOUSE TION & UTILITY pendent variables: 1) restricted-work rate;
DATA HOUSE 2) lost-time rate; and 3) fatality rate. The
corresponding simple linear regression
models were used to estimate with 95%
confidence the dependent variable on
average when there was one recordable
incident per 100 workers within each in-
dustry sector. The models did not account
for variables that might exist within each
industry sector or organization that could
affect incident occurrence due to such
data not being available for inclusion.

The researchers also used descriptive
statistics to establish visual models as
compared to Heinrich’s triangle. The
models presented identify the percentage
of improvement (or lack thereof) over the
9-year period covered within the scope of
this research in other recordable, restrict-
ed-work, lost-time and fatality rates.

Research Findings & Analysis

When examining the regression models

Figures 2 through 5 show the percentage of improvement in incident rates across the four to predict fatalities across all sectors, we see
measured categories of other recordable (green), restricted work (yellow), lost time (or- that NAICS sectors 31-33, 22, 53, 71 and 81
ange) and fatality (red). all have significant positive slopes at the 5%
significance level, whereas NAICS sector 62

has a negative slope at the 5% significance

•construction (NAICS 23); level (Table 1, p. 46). The regression models used to predict lost-

•manufacturing (NAICS 31-33); time cases all had significant positive slopes with the exception of

•wholesale trade (NAICS 42); sectors 51, 54 and 72 (Table 2, p. 47). The regression models used
•retail trade (NAICS 44-45); to predict restricted work cases that had positive slopes were all
•transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49); sectors except 51, 52, 54, 61, 71, 72 and 81 (Table 3).
•utilities (NAICS 22);
•information (NAICS 51); When examining the regression models within each sector,
•finance, insurance and real estate (NAICS 52-53); we see that NAICS sectors 11, 21, 23, 31-33, 22, 53 and 56 all had
•real estate, and rental and leasing (NAICS 53); positive slopes at the 10% significance level. This means that for
each recordable incident per 100 workers, the average restrict-

•professional scientific and technical services (NAICS 54); ed-work cases per 100 workers increased, the average lost-time

•management of companies and enterprises (NAICS 55); cases per 100 workers increased and the average fatalities per

•administrative and support, and waste management and 1,000 workers increased by the slopes given in the respective

remediation services (NAICS 56); regression model.
•educational services (NAICS 61); When analyzing the percentage of improvement nationally
•healthcare and social assistance (NAICS 62);
•arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71); and within industry sectors across the categories of other re-
•accommodation and food services (NAICS 72); cordable, restricted-work, lost-time and fatality rates, albeit lag-
•other services, except public administration (NAICS 81). ging measures, a revised image appears when utilizing stacked
Analyzing data at the industry sector level provided a more bar graphs (Figures 2 through 12, pp. 49-51). This “house” im-
age provides one aspect of identifying where opportunities exist

granular understanding of performance within different in- for improvement in addressing relevant systems issues through

dustries rather than only analyzing data at the macro level of proactive safety activities (leading measures).

national performance. This level of analysis provides greater Following Heinrichian logic, one might expect to see an

insight into specific issues that can be addressed when applying evenly built block house in which a percentage reduction in
Heinrich’s theory in light of current performance. lower severity incidents (other recordable incidents building
up to recordable incidents) would equate to an equal percent-
In this research, separate simple linear regressions were per- age reduction in greater severity incidents (lost-time incidents
formed to predict fatality, restricted-work and lost-time cases building up to fatality incidents). This expectation is somewhat
using the recordable cases as the predictor variable. In addi- present nationally as well as in the construction, manufactur-
tion, the simple linear regression models were used to estimate ing, and trade, transport and utility industry sectors. Figures
with 95% confidence the average number of fatalities per 1,000
workers when there was one recordable incident per 100 work- 2 through 5 show the percentage of improvement in incident
ers. Three separate linear regression models were used within rates across the four measured categories of other recordable

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 49

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7

INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL &
DATA HOUSE BUSINESS SERVICES
DATA HOUSE

(green), restricted work (yellow), lost time

(orange) and fatality (red).

These models somewhat depict what

might be expected following Heinrich’s

theory. They also demonstrate an increas-

ing opportunity to apply information

produced through a focus on SIFs. While

construction has experienced a consis-

tent level of performance improvement

in other recordable, restricted-work and

lost-time incident rates, a large decrease FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9

appears when comparing the level of per- EDUCATIONAL & LEISURE, ENTERTAIN-
formance improvement related to fatali- HEALTH SERVICES MENT & HOSPITALITY
ties. This analysis could point to the need DATA HOUSE DATA HOUSE
for an increased level of activity related to

risk assessment and follow-up related to

high-risk tasks.

When applying the house model to

other industries, a much different story is

revealed. Industries falling into a category

of moderately fitting the house model

include information, professional and

business services, educational and health

services, and leisure, entertainment and

hospitality. These industry sectors in-

dicate improvement in each of the four

measured categories, although there is no The industry sectors represented in Figures 6 through 9 indicate improvement in each of
uniform improvement in escalating cate- the four measured categories, although there is no uniform improvement in escalating
gories of severity. categories of severity.

The three remaining industries of natu-

ral resources and mining, finance, insur-
ance and real estate, and other services fall into a more severe the precise 300-29-1 ratio presented in Heinrich’s theory, but
we may find a similar ratio, such as the 20-5-1 ratio found by
category of complying with the house model in that not only
is there incongruity of performance across the four measured Seward and Kestle (2014).
Second, “frequency breeds severity” is an age-old maxim
categories, but also these industries experienced no improve-
that has been connected to Heinrich’s theory and has been
ment in one category.
criticized upon various BLS data analyses. This statement holds

Discussion & Implications opportunity for remodeling in the context of linear regression

Heinrich’s theory has come under a great deal of recent crit- findings and the house depictions of the BLS data presented in

icism for three primary reasons. First, it has been stated that this research. Rather than completely dispensing with Hein-

Heinrich’s research would not stand up under modern peer-re- rich’s concept in an attempt to fully embrace an alternative of

viewed scrutiny. Although this assumption can be supported efforts in the area of SIFs, an option is to evolve the statement

utilizing the fact that his data are not available, one could to “frequency sometimes breeds severity.” This statement ac-

equally assume that it would stand up under modern peer-re- counts for both the value of Heinrich’s theory as is evidenced

viewed scrutiny if his data were available. Context is essential by the BLS data and the need to address SIFs where incidents

in understanding this dilemma. Heinrich was an independent occur that are uniquely tied to specific industrial risks that are

researcher who collected data from his place of employment not accounted for in other levels of data analysis, such as other

to make an impact in an area in which he was passionate: the recordable rates and behavior-based observation data. In the

protection of human life. His model makes intuitive sense house models in which variance appears, opportunity exists to

when considering statistical probability and human error. For further research these industry sectors to determine the degree

example, a growing body of research exists regarding the risks to which safety and health management systems have been es-

associated with distracted driving, such as eating or texting tablished. A lack of such systems could be a primary reason for

while driving. The greater frequency at which a population unequal distributions of improvement. In addition to SIFs, fo-

engages in distracted driving could result in a volume of in- cus could also be applied in the area of risk assessment related

cidents in which a motorist might swerve or abruptly apply to incidents that occur in categories in which low performance

the brakes to avoid a collision (minor events), and the more improvement is indicated.

likely we are to see auto incidents resulting in property damage Third, Heinrich clearly presents the notion that the worker

(moderate events). The more that population experiences the is at fault for incidents in his second axiom of industrial safe-

outcome of property damage incidents, the more likely we are ty: “The unsafe acts of persons are responsible for a majority

to see incidents that involve a fatality (severe event). When ap- of accidents” (as cited in Petersen, 2001, p. 10). When used

plying Heinrich’s theory to modern occupational safety issues as a sound bite, this axiom could lead one to conclude that

and unique industries or work environments, we may not find Heinrich placed too much emphasis on the worker. However,

50 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11

NATURAL RESOURCES FINANCE, INSURANCE
& MINING DATA HOUSE & REAL ESTATE
DATA HOUSE

FIGURE 12 For the industry in which an established near-hit reporting
sectors represent- process is in place, data collection can be
OTHER SERVICES ed in Figures 10 problematic because of the assumption
DATA HOUSE through 12, there that the volume of near-hit reports gath-
is incongruity ered during a given period is a quantifiable
of performance whole. In an organization in which safety
across the four is a significant component of the organiza-
measured catego- tional culture, employees may still fail to
ries. In addition, report near-hits because they do not want
these industry to take the time to do so or because they
sectors expe- personally do not see value in the process.
rienced no im- This calls into question establishing near-hit incidents in the in-
provement in one clusion of a model that can yield accurate information regarding
category. safety performance and improvement. Rebbitt (2014) identified
a similar issue when citing a ConocoPhillips Marine study in
a further exploration of his fourth and fifth axioms illuminate which at-risk behaviors and near-hits were qualified as “estimat-
his multifaceted approach to the system in which the worker ed” in creating a revised pyramid model.
exists. Heinrich found reasons for unsafe acts and conditions to The findings of the research presented in this article do not
include improper attitude, lack of knowledge or skill, physical refute Heinrich’s theory, but build upon the concepts he pre-
unsuitability and improper environment. Management and sented and interpret them in light of current available national
the system at work in an organization can have a direct impact data. Heinrich’s theory should remain as a respected component
on all four of these issues. Management can impact the cul- of the history of safety management and presented within the
ture of an organization, which can in turn have an impact on safety profession in its historical context while continuing to
a worker’s attitude. Management is responsible for providing evolve and build upon it, as has been presented here in the form
safety training, which impacts the worker’s knowledge or skill. of a house as a way to view the interaction of prevention efforts
Physical unsuitability can be addressed through management that result in outcomes among the categories of other recordable,
consideration of ergonomics. The environment can be impacted restricted-work, lost-time and fatality rates. Such work can honor
by budgetary decisions made by management or the culture it the work of a forefather of the profession while striving to adapt
fosters. Heinrich also presented engineering revision, persua- relevant principles to modern safety management.
sion and appeal, personnel adjustment and discipline as tools The linear regression results indicate that in a number of cases,
that can be used to prevent accidents, all of which are under the minor incidents (quantified within the scope of this research
control of management. Heinrich does not present workers as a as other recordable injury rates) do indeed predict more severe
mutually exclusive entity, but rather presents them as having a incidents (quantified within the scope of this research as restrict-
dynamic relationship with management. It is a both/and prop- ed-work, lost-time and fatality rates). Although the data may not
osition in which the conduct of one can impact the other, re- exactly match Heinrich’s ratios, these results are precisely within
sulting in an accident (negatively) or the development of a safe the spirit of what Heinrich was communicating, which makes
work environment (positively). the concept of dispensing with Heinrich’s theory a premature
action. Rather, further investigation should be conducted within
These axioms should be interpreted in their historical con- industries, organizations and local facilities to determine how
text. They were established in a reactive era that included a cy- or whether Heinrich’s concepts fit after evaluating the degree to
cle of incident occurrence, investigation conducted, and issues which risk assessments are being conducted and addressed, and
addressed. Heinrich’s axioms actually underpin much of what the degree to which safety and health management systems are
was introduced approximately 7 decades later when manage- in place (in the spirit of Heinrich’s axioms).
ment systems were first addressed on a large scale through the An analysis of fatality rates has nationally demonstrated a
establishment of ANSI Z10 and, more recently, ISO 45001. Al- 15% improvement over the period of 2002 to 2014, which spans
though Heinrich addressed the manifestation of a failure being the current NAICS industry classification system. Data should
at the point of worker activity, he did not appear to negate the be further analyzed to determine the role of SIFs and risk as-
responsibility of the system in which the error occurred, as is sessment within specific industry sectors or individual opera-
evidenced in a holistic reading of his axioms. tions. For example, the national fatality data are greatly skewed
by the large volume of fatalities within the natural resources
A specific replication of Heinrich’s theory is problematic, and mining, and construction industries, with fatality rates of
which is why the research presented in this article uses BLS data. approximately 21 and 10, respectively (accounting for 43% of all
Beginning at the level of near-hit reporting can be challenging fatalities in the U.S. in 2014) compared to all other industries
due to reporting issues. Even within an organizational context having fatality rates of approximately 5 or below. These two
industries present an obvious need to address issues from mul-
tiple facets that are leading to the occurrence of fatalities.
Incident rate improvement should also be viewed in light
of current incident rates within various industrial sectors in
which incident rates might be considered as low, thus im-
pacting the amount of incremental improvement that can be
expected. For example, the restricted work rate in the finance,
insurance and real estate sector in 2014 was 0.2, which could

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 51

make large percentage of improvement gains challenging to Heinrich, H.W. (1931). Industrial accident prevention: A scientific ap-
realize, and incremental gains might be typically expected. proach. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Over time as rates greatly lessen, the percentage of improve-
ment might tend to lessen, which calls into question the need Heinrich, H.W. (1941). Industrial accident prevention: A scientific ap-
for a timeline remodeling of Heinrich’s theory at a point when a proach (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
relatively low rate is reached.
Johnson, A. (2011). Examining the foundation: Were Heinrich’s theo-
Additional research is needed to determine the role of risk ries valid, and do they still matter? Safety+Health, 184(4), 62.
assessment, and safety and health management systems within
various industries. An underlying assumption of Heinrich’s Krause, T. (2011, Oct. 1). Accidents just happen? Leadership can pre-
theory might be that organizations are working to manage oc- vent serious injuries and fatalities. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News.
cupational safety. Such research could verify whether Heinrich’s Retrieved from www.ishn.com/articles/91809-accidents-just-happen
theory indeed holds true due to the reflection of expected data in
the house model in the areas of other recordable, restricted-work, Lander, L., Eisen, E.A., Stentz, T.L., et al. (2011). Near-miss reporting
lost-time and fatality cases. Research on risk assessment could system as an occupational injury preventive intervention in manufac-
yield beneficial information as to its impact on all levels of inci- turing. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 54(1), 40-48.
dents, to include those addressed by a specific emphasis on SIF
where applicable rates are high. Research on safety and health Manuele, F.A. (2011, Oct.). Reviewing Heinrich: Dislodging two
management systems could identify best practices, possibly chal- myths from the practice of safety. Professional Safety, 56(10), 52-61.
lenging long-held beliefs that have been accepted in the safety
profession, and can determine the relationship between manage- Mattis, G.T. (2011). Severity study in reverse: Testing Heinrich’s safety
ment systems activities and incident performance. pyramid. In Proceedings of Safety 2011 ASSP’s Professional Development
Conference and Exposition, Chicago, IL.
Petersen (2001) presents the safety profession as having dis-
tinct eras of historical evolution: Nash, J. (2008, Nov. 4). EHS worldwide horizons: Preventing death on
the job. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News. Retrieved from www.ishn.com/
•inspection era; articles/87745-ehs-worldwide-horizons-preventing-death-on-the-job
•unsafe act and condition era;
•industrial hygiene era; Petersen, D. (2001). Safety management: A human approach (3rd ed.).
•noise era; Des Plaines, IL: ASSP.
•safety management era;
•OSHA era; Radvanska, A. (2010). Accident losses elimination by means of safety
•accountability era; pyramid analysis. Annals of Faculty of Engineering Hunedoara—Inter-
•behavior-based era and human era. national Journal of Engineering, 8(1), 73-76.
The safety profession is built upon an honorable history
as has been chronicled in these eras. There is opportunity to Rebbitt, D. (2014, Sept.). Pyramid power: A new view of the great safe-
continue in a new data-driven decision era in which incident ty pyramid. Professional Safety, 59(9), 30-34.
prevention techniques are not utilized because of their assumed
relevance and effectiveness, but one in which past successes and Seward, M. & Kestle, L. (2014). Health and safety practices on Christ-
failures can be viewed in their historical contexts and applied church’s post-earthquake rebuild projects: How relevant is Heinrich’s
with revision, as well as new and emerging methodologies, safety pyramid? Proceedings of the 30th Annual Association of Research-
based on data that is collected and analyzed on a granular level. ers in Construction Management Conference, Portsmouth, U.K., Associa-
The research presented in this article, along with a body of tion of Researchers in Construction Management, 361-370.
other research and practices, attempts to continue in that di-
rection by focusing on industrial sector performance beyond Smith, T.A. (1999, Sept.). What’s wrong with behavior-based safe-
national level data applied to what might be considered a one- ty? Professional Safety, 44(9), 37-40.
size-fits-all theory. The house model presented here is intended
to assess performance from one perspective as a way of know- Ward, R.B. (2012). Revisiting Heinrich’s law. In Chemeca 2012: Qual-
ing where we stand and potential ways to move forward. Lag- ity of life through chemical engineering, Wellington, New Zealand, 1179-
ging measures were used because of the ability to collect usable 1187.
data published by BLS, yet many opportunities exist to create
granular models that can be used through the use of other lag- E. Scott Dunlap, Ed.D., CSP, is a professor in Eastern Kentucky Univer-
ging and leading measures. As Rebbitt (2014) states, “Recogniz- sity’s (EKU) Safety, Security and Emergency Management graduate program,
ing that organizations have their own pyramid can help better where he teaches both campus and online courses, and leads graduate
manage risk and identify trends.” PSJ student research. His 15 years as a practitioner in industry and his recent
engagement as a U.S. Technical Advisory Group member for the establish-
References ment of ISO 45001 have provided him with the background to assess organi-
zational safety performance from both a systems and organizational culture
Basford, B.P. (2017). The Heinrich model: Determining contemporary perspective. Dunlap is a professional member of ASSP’s Louisville Chapter
relevance. Online Theses and Dissertations, 474. Retrieved from https:// and a member of the Society’s Academics Practice Specialty.
encompass.eku.edu/etd/474
Bryan Basford is a general manager for MV Transportation. He has exten-
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2015). Injuries, illnesses and fatali- sive leadership experience in transportation and logistics, and holds an M.S.
ties. Retrieved from www.bls.gov/iif/oshsum.htm in Safety, Security and Emergency Management from EKU. While at EKU,
Basford was awarded a funded position in the Central Appalachian Regional
BLS. (2016). Census of fatal occupational injuries (CFOI): Current Education and Research Center, a NIOSH-funded grant project that is a joint
and revised data. Retrieved from www.bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htm#rates venture between EKU and the University of Kentucky.

Gallivan, S., Taxis, K., Franklin, B.D., et al. (2008). Is the principle of Michelle L. DePoy Smith, Ph.D., is an associate professor in EKU’s
a stable Heinrich ratio a myth? Drug Safety, 31(8), 637-642. Department of Mathematics and Statistics. She teaches undergraduate and
graduate courses in applied and mathematical statistics. Her research inter-
ests include statistical quality control and statistics education.

Disclaimer

Vantage Point articles in Professional Safety provide a forum for authors
with distinct viewpoints to share their ideas and opinions with ASSP mem-
bers and the OSH community. The goal is to encourage and stimulate critical
thinking, discussion and debate on matters of concern to the OSH profes-
sion. The views and opinions expressed are strictly those of the author(s)
and are not necessarily endorsed by Professional Safety, nor should they be
considered an expression of official policy by ASSP.

52 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

CASE STUDY
Peer-Reviewed

VALUE
STREAM MAPS

Improving Procurement
of Ergonomic

Office Equipment

By Marie Hayden and Diana Schwerha

SSAFETY PROFESSIONALS USE USER-CENTERED APPROACHES in through the system and as a method for identifying value and
their everyday work to keep employees safe and healthy. Such non-value-added steps. A VSM provides a visual representation
approaches include walking the site (Gemba walks), conducting of a system’s process by illustrating the various stages and cycle
task analyses and seeking user input through formal or infor- times of the process (Hofacker, Santos & Santos, 2012; Teichgra-
mal methods. While in small organizations obtaining infor- ber & de Bucourt, 2011). VSMs track a product from its origin
mation about processes and functions in need of improvement with the supplier through its arrival at the end user (Tan, 2001).
may be easy, large organizations pose a greater complexity be- Typical uses for VSMs include tracking a product through the
cause of their multiple departments and sometimes conflicting manufacturing process or following it through the procurement
processes. In these types of organizations, a more structured process. A VSM includes processing, travel and wait times. Some
approach is needed that allows for canvasing employees and VSM examples used for safety include the procurement process
understanding potentially differing methods or challenges. for endovascular stents in healthcare (Teichgraber & de Bucourt,
Typical methods of obtaining user ideas include surveys 2011), a management process on hip procedure in healthcare
or channels that allow anonymous suggestions. While these (Simon & Canarcari, 2012), and construction procurement for
methods provide valuable information, a weakness is that they a public building (Hofacker, et al., 2012). VSMs can be present
may consider the individual’s viewpoint singularly rather than or future; a future VSM applies possible solutions to implement
within the larger organizational context. This is not a fault, but waste reduction and reduce cycle time (Abdulmalek & Rajgopal,
a potential risk of using those types of input. 2007; Hofacker, et al., 2012).
For many years, lean manufacturing practitioners have used
value stream maps (VSMs) to understand how a product flows VSMs are easy to produce, provide multiple viewpoints and
help OSH professionals speak the language of process improve-
KEY TAKEAWAYS ment, thus integrating safety goals with process improvement
metrics (Schwerha, Boudinot & Loree, 2017). The purpose of
•This article presents research that shows how value stream maps this study was to demonstrate how a VSM can be used to better
understand the procurement process for ergonomic equip-
(VSMs) were used to document the procurement process for office ment at a large university. This process was specifically chosen
equipment to establish better methods of helping users obtain because no standardized approach for procuring ergonomic
equipment to reduce the risk of overuse injuries in their office jobs. office equipment existed and because safety professionals were
interested in the various methods and outcomes to implement a
•The research consisted of two parts: 1) a survey to employees better approach. Additionally, researchers were focused on ways
to efficiently address the needs of hundreds of employees, since
regarding office equipment; and 2) three focus groups with em- multiple one-on-one appointments for every type of ergonomic
ployees who were active in the procurement process. VSMs of the equipment purchased would not have been feasible. A better sys-
current process were created from the survey data and improved tem that produced improved user outcomes was needed.
with focus group input.
Why Focus on Office Equipment?
•The benefits of using a VSM include obtaining user input, creating The researchers specifically focused on office equipment

better documentation and offering recommendations to stream- because of the number of employees engaged in office-related
line the process.

•VSMs are recommended as a structured way for OSH professionals

to obtain information about user needs and ways to improve pro-
cesses to reduce workplace injuries.

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 53

FIGURE 1

STUDY METHODOLOGY

Develop and VSM Focus group VSM focus Recommend-
distribute survey survey sessions groups ations for
future VSM

tasks, the incidence of injuries in these tasks and potential can reduce health risks (Bidassie, et al., 2010; Robertson, et al.,
costs in terms of employee health, especially musculoskeletal 2013; Robertson & O’Neill, 2003).
disorders (MSDs). Known to occur in office workers, MSDs are
soft-tissue injuries that may affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, Studies show that ergonomic office equipment and training
blood vessels and discs in the musculoskeletal system (Barr, help reduce MSDs. Amick, Robertson, DeRango, et al. (2003),
Barbe & Clark, 2004; NIOSH, 2017). Physical risk factors for collected short daily symptoms surveys on experienced pain
MSDs consist of awkward postures, contact stress, force and level or discomfort scaled 0 (none) to 10 (extremely severe) “at
vibration. Factors that contribute to the severity of the disor- the beginning, middle and end of the workday for 5 days during
ders are frequency, duration and intensity. Studies indicate that a workweek.” Their study showed that the average difference
the continued growth of computer use has increased concerns in pain level or discomfort by the end of the day decreased 4.3
about work-related MSDs (Robertson, Ciriello & Garabet, 2013; points with the ergonomic intervention (chair) and training,
Robertson, Huang & Larson, 2016; Robertson & O’Neill, 2003). 2.2 points with only ergonomic training and 1.2 points for the
controlled group. It demonstrated that the ergonomic interven-
Many office employees spend more than 75% of their work tion and training was twice as effective than only ergonomic
hours seated at a computer in static or recurring awkward pos- training, and four times more effective than the controlled
tures that cause strain on the body (Matos & Arezes, 2015). group with regular settings. Bidassie, et al. (2010), reported a
Studies report that 40% to 80% of computer users may have ex- significant decrease in the incident rates from 0.672 to 0.093
perienced work-related MSDs (Robertson, et al., 2013; Robertson, related to their 17 years implementing an office ergonomics
et al., 2016). Even more alarming is that upper extremity mus- program and providing knowledge and equipment to employ-
culoskeletal symptoms reported by workers ranges from 63% to ees. Hoffmeister, Gibbons, Schwatka, et al. (2015), studied the
86% (Dropkin, Kim, Punnett, et al., 2015; Robertson, et al., 2016), effects of ergonomic programs on operational metrics, report-
and 50% of employees experienced both upper-extremity and ing the average impact from ergonomic interventions increased
lower-back disorders (Robertson, Huang & Lee, 2017). productivity by 66%, quality by 44%, safety records 82% and
decreased workers’ compensation costs by 71%. These studies
In addition to the human cost of these injuries, MSDs are discuss the benefits of ergonomic interventions and training
costly for companies in not only direct costs of medical and in- (Robertson, et al., 2013; Robertson & O’Neill, 2003) but do not
surance premiums, but also indirect costs such as productivity discuss how such equipment can be efficiently procured to en-
declines, turnover and loss of morale. MSDs financially affect sure that employees receive the assistance they need to improve
individuals and organizations in terms of worker disability, lost their well-being.
work days (Bidassie, McGlothlin, Goh, et al., 2010; Choobineh,
Motamedzade, Kazemi, et al., 2011), and decline in worker per- Methodology
formance (Halford & Cohen, 2003). This research consisted of two parts: 1) a survey to employees

Office equipment designed to place the employee in neutral on procurement and office employee health; and 2) three focus
postures reduces the risk of injury and supports employees’ groups with employees who were active in the procurement
needs and well-being (Robertson & O’Neill, 2003). Procure- process. Figure 1 illustrates the order of the methodology used
ment of office equipment, however, may require assistance from in this study. The survey established general knowledge of the
a trained ergonomist. Therefore, the procurement process for procurement process and areas that affect process duration,
office equipment may be different from ordering supplies and quality and functionality. Focus groups established more de-
equipment that do not require professional knowledge. While tail on the VSM created from the survey data and provided
much information is available on the Internet about arranging suggestions for improvement. VSMs established a visual rep-
office equipment by oneself, procurement processes that result resentation of the current process, knowledge of the process
in the wrong item or take excessive time may affect an employ- stages and differences that occurred between academic units.
ee’s physical health because they do not provide the appropriate Information from the VSM established the different stages and
or required product in a timely manner. This could result in the types of waste. This research was approved by the Ohio Univer-
employee purchasing equipment that does not fit the user, and sity Institutional Review Board and individuals participated on
it can potentially increase the risk of work-related MSDs among an informed-consent basis. Both the methodology and results
office workers (Mahmud, Bahari & Zainudin, 2014; Robertson, section were provided from Hayden’s (2016) thesis, “Engaging
et al., 2013), and decrease the employee’s task performance Users Through the Application of Value Stream Mapping to
(Halford & Cohen, 2003). Streamline the Procurement Process for Office Equipment” (pp.
28-29, 31, 33-36, 42-43).
Paquette (2016) discusses employees’ knowledge of available
services that impact their request to improve their work envi- The Qualtrics software program was used to create an online
ronment to reduce the risk of work-related MSDs from the large survey, which consisted of four sections: 1) demographics; 2)
variety of equipment and tools. Studies demonstrate that assis- current workstation equipment; 3) procurement process knowl-
tance in providing office equipment that better fits an employee

54 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

Recommendations from the focus
groups provided a future value stream

map to improve the process. These
suggestions centered on providing
the user with more information about
products to order and methods to

simplify the process.

PHOTOS.COM/PHOTOS.COM/GETTY IMAGES PLUS edge; and 4) satisfaction with purchased items. The purpose of Each group created VSMs on their process. A current VSM
this part of the study was to obtain generalized information on (created with Visio) began with participants determining the
the process of procuring office equipment and the health status need for equipment and finished with participants receiving
of those procuring equipment. The first section, demographics, equipment. Recommendations made by the focus groups
included five questions establishing participants’ history with helped with the development of a future VSM.
the procurement process. Demographics questions also focused
on the time spent using equipment and when participants ex- Results: Survey Data
perienced discomfort or pain from daily use of equipment. The The survey was directed to participants who work at com-
second section consisted of six questions concerning current
computer workstation equipment and focused on the type puter workstations. Of the nearly 5,000 individuals receiving
and features of the office equipment participants used daily. the survey, 11% responded (548 out of 4,789 people started the
The third section focused on the procurement process and survey). The mean respondent age was 44.7 years (SD = 11.9
consisted of 15 questions to determine participants’ awareness years). Distribution for gender responses was 62.7% female,
and involvement with equipment purchasing procedures. The 36.9% male and 0.37% other. The average length of employment
fourth and last section consisted of six questions concerning at the university was 9.9 years (SD = 9.1 years). The average time
requesters’ satisfaction related to the length of time to receive spent working on a computer was 30 hours per week (SD = 11.7
equipment, and the quality and function of their procured of- hours/week; Hayden, 2016, p. 31).
fice equipment. A VSM was created from the survey data. Al-
though VSMs are usually created from documented data such Participants provided information on pain or discomfort
as receipts or time stamps, this one was created from survey experienced in nine specific areas of the body. Results indi-
responses and information recorded from memory. cated that slightly more than half of participants experienced
pain working at a computer workstation. Figure 2 (p. 56)
The second part of the study consisted of three focus groups provides a visual breakdown on participants who acknowl-
that were assembled to characterize the procurement system edge pain or discomfort in the nine areas of the body listed.
at the university. These focus groups included representatives Participants experienced pain in the neck, shoulders, upper
from an academic department, the Equal Opportunity and Ac- back and lower back with 42% experiencing pain in the entire
cessibility Department and a combined university library/proj- body section, 7% on the right side, 2% on the left side and
ect management group. The purpose of this part of the study 49% experienced no pain.
was to better characterize individual departments’ processes
and delineate challenges, barriers and benefits of the process. To understand the participants’ work environment, the
researchers asked participants what type of office equipment
The academic focus group included five individuals familiar they currently used. The most common pieces of equipment
with the request and purchase stages. The accessibility group identified were wired mouse controllers (49%), wired stan-
consisted of four participants possessing an understanding of dard-shaped keyboards (65%), and chairs with a height-adjust-
the required stages to determine, request and purchase equip- able seat (28%), adjustable back support (19%), armrest (26%)
ment. The combined university library/project management and casters (24%).
group handled orders of 15 to 20 pieces of office equipment
and the staff were familiar with the university’s stages of pro- Data collected on the process indicated 68% (331 of 490)
curement (i.e., determine, request, purchase). The campus of respondents recently procured office equipment. A large
ergonomist made recommendations for potential focus group
participants, as did the participants themselves. Participants
were contacted through e-mail and completed an informal con-
sent form (Hayden, 2016, pp. 28-29).

Focus group sessions lasted approximately 1 hour and par-
ticipants did not receive compensation. Each session consisted
of a group introduction, slide presentation and a discussion
guided by interview questions. The slide presentation ex-
plained the concepts of a VSM and flow process gathered from
the survey data. The remainder of the sessions covered ques-
tions concerning the current procurement process (Hayden,
2016, pp. 28-29).

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 55

FIGURE 2 satisfied rates for length of time, quality

PARTICIPANTS WHO EXPERIENCED and functionality were in the range of
PAIN IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY 50% to 83%, even though the responses
for dissatisfaction were small (10%). Of

the three areas, length of time had a

350 lower satisfaction compared to quality

300 and function. Lower satisfaction was
Number of people
Neck
Shoulders
Upper back
Elbows
Lower back
Hips/thighWsr/isbt/uthtaonckdss
Knees
Ankles/feet
250 seen for the purchase of chairs, keyboard
trays and computer desks compared to
200 keyboards, mouse controllers and other

150 equipment.

100 Table 1 compares the process satisfac-

50 tion of no assistance versus ergonomist

0 assistance in length of time, quality and

functionality at each stage. There was no

significant difference in satisfaction on

the length of time (df = 7, f = 5.98, p = .5)

between the ergonomist assistance and

no assistance in the procurement process.

Body section Satisfaction in the length of time illus-
trated little differences in determine (1%),

All/both Left None Right request (8%) and purchase (9%) stages but
assembled equipment had 18% higher sat-

isfaction with ergonomist assistance than

TABLE 1 no assistance. There was significant differ-

SATISFACTION WITH NO ASSISTANCE ence of satisfaction for both the quality (df
VS. ERGONOMIST ASSISTANCE = 7, f = 69.42, p = .000) and functionality
(df = 7, f = 58.02, p = .000) on the procured

equipment in the process. Both quality and

Process Assistance Determine Request Purchase Assemble functionality indicated higher percentage
satisfaction Ergo assist 62% 69% 83% 79% satisfaction with the ergonomist assistance
No assist 63% 55% 63% 61% than no assistance. The percentage differ-
Time Ergo assist 85% 91% 94% 93% ence in each stage of quality satisfaction
No assist 73% 67% 71% 72% was 12% to determine equipment, 23%
Quality to request, 23% to purchase and 21% to
assemble. The percentage difference for
Ergo assist 87% 94% 100% 93%
each stage of functionality was 16% to de-

Functionality No assist 72% 67% 72% 74% termine equipment, 27% to request, 28%

to purchase and 19% to assemble. Overall,

assistance from the professional ergono-

mist resulted in higher satisfaction ratings

percentage (73.8%) reported their most recently procured for office equipment quality and functionality than those rating

equipment as chairs, mouse controllers and keyboards. A small for processes with no assistance.

percentage reported computer desk, keyboard trays and other.
The survey asked about four different stages for obtaining new Value Stream Map

equipment: 1) determining the need for the equipment; 2) re- Information from the survey provided a basic skeletal structure

questing the equipment; 3) purchasing the equipment; and 4) of the current procurement process (Figure 3). The three focus

assembling the equipment. Participants were actively involved groups provided more detail on the current procurement process.

in determining (36%) and requesting (36%) equipment. Results VSMs provide different features to illustrate the process. A feature

noted 40% of participants marked acquired assistance as no indicating suppliers and consumers was used to represent vendors,

assistance, which means that they did not require assistance and the initial and end stages. Each of the four arrows between the

or were unaware of assistance for that procurement stage. Re- stages have different meanings. The solid black arrows are used to

ports indicated 21% of assistance came from coworkers, 14% represent information sent between stages: The straight arrow is

from others, 14% from supervisors and 11% from the university manual information and the zig-zag is electronic information. A

ergonomist. Participants reported other assistance came from thick solid green arrow represents equipment transported from

administrators or vendors. vendor to consumer, while the striped arrow represents equipment

The survey asked respondents about their overall satisfac- moved between the process. In manufacturing, the triangle rep-

tion on the length of time required to procure equipment, resents inventory between stages but in this case study it was used

and the quality and functionality of the procurement process to represent wait time. The bottom of the map divides the times

satisfaction was rated using a five-point Likert scale of 1) very for each process and the overall cycle time.

dissatisfied; 2) dissatisfied; 3) neutral; 4) satisfied; and 5) very Both the survey data and the data from the three focus

satisfied. The overall satisfaction for both somewhat and very groups consisted of four stages between initiating the pro-

56 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

cess and receiving the equipment: 1) determine equipment; providing the user with more information about products
2) request equipment; 3) purchase equipment; and 4) as- to order and methods to simplify the process. For example,
semble equipment. Survey and focus group data collected participants recommended that a catalog with a simple in-
participants’ estimated cycle time used to complete the terface and details on price with listed benefits could reduce
task at each stage. Figure 3 shows one of the current VSMs time on approval in the request stage. Preapproved resources
created from the collected data. Between the survey data in a catalog could reduce the time spent for approval in pro-
and focus groups, the decision to replace equipment oc- curement services. An inventory list of ergonomic equipment
curred for reasons including broken or worn down, caus- already on campus or in company stock could decrease the
ing discomfort or ergonomic support. The information time to purchase equipment. Improving communication
from the survey data and focus groups showed a difference between the ergonomist and procurement services to help
in the knowledge of the current procurement process. The employees procure equipment to fit their needs would also be
main differences were assistance acquired at the stages, beneficial. Another solution was to create a decision tree that
purchasing process and time length. The creation of the would direct an employee on which steps to take to procure
VSMs demonstrated that procurement processes differed equipment and the type of assistance needed. In some cases,
between the departments. This was not evident from the depending on the established procurement policy, it may lim-
survey and thus justified the use of the focus groups to it the changes to reduce the time frame. During the wait time
collect more detailed data. it may benefit employees by providing ergonomic training.
This could avoid instances of employees not knowing how to
Recommendations from the focus groups provided a future adjust equipment to a neutral posture.
VSM to improve the process. These suggestions centered on

FIGURE 3

CURRENT VALUE STREAM MAP

!
! ! !

$
! /
!
! $
!

- . . / - $( .
! %
!
! !
! ! !
! % " $ )
!
0
# "

" '
!

- -(.2 $ .(1
! ! ! ! ! !
# $
. /

! ! $ %
/
" $ !
! )
$

2 ! - ! - ! - ! !
- . / 423&0 $
-(.2 $ -(1, $

2 ! - ! - ! - !
& $

- . -(.2 $ / 1-(-2/ $ 0 4.-.&0 $



Note. Reprinted from Engaging Users Through the Application of Value Stream Mapping to Streamline the Procurement Process for Office Equip-
ment (Master’s thesis), by M.A. Hayden, 2016, p. 50. Reprinted with permission.

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 57

Marie A. Hayden is

an Oak Ridge Institute

for Science and Educa-

tion (ORISE) research

fellow at Centers for

Disease Control and

Conclusion Hoffmeister, K., Gibbons, A., Schwatka, N., et al. Prevention. She holds
This study successfully applied the lean manufacturing VSM to (2015). Ergonomics climate assessment: A measure an M.S. in Industrial
of operational performance and employee well-be- and Systems Engi-
understand the procurement process for office equipment. A two- ing. Applied Ergonomics, 50, 160-169. doi:10.1016/ neering and a B.S. in
part methodology was utilized to obtain generalized information j.apergo.2015.03.011 Environmental Health
from university employees as well as more specific data from three from Ohio University.
different departments. A review from the survey and focus group Mahmud, N., Bahari, S.F. & Zainudin, Hayden is a member
VSMs provided the difference between the known process and the N.F. (2014). Psychosocial and ergonomics risk of ASSP’s Central Ohio
employee’s belief about the procurement process. The survey and factors related to neck, shoulder and back com- Chapter.
the focus groups demonstrated the importance of assistance and plaints among Malaysia office workers. Interna-
communication acquired in the procurement process. The survey
also demonstrated that procurement done with the assistance of a tional Journal of Social Science and Humanity, Diana J. Schwerha
professional ergonomist led to better procurement decisions. In- 4(4), 260-263. is an associate profes-
dividuals rated both quality and functionality with a significantly sor in the Department
higher percentage satisfaction when they had ergonomist assistance. Matos, M. & Arezes, P.M. (2015). Ergonomic of Industrial and
These results are important because poor procurement decisions evaluation of office workplaces with rapid office Systems Engineering
can lead to not only waste (in the form of unused equipment), but strain assessment (ROSA). Procedia Manufactur- at Ohio University. Her
also poor working conditions and increased risk for injury. ing, 3, 4689-4694. doi:10.1016/j.promfg.2015.07.562 areas of specialty are
aging workers and the
In addition to outlining the process, the study showed that Minnick, W.D. & Wachter, J.K. (2019, Jan.). integration of safety
using a VSM can point to differences that can then be used The role of leading and lagging indicators in and ergonomics with
to develop suggestions for improvement. In today’s world of evaluating OSH professionals’ performance. process improvement.
changing technology, products and processes, the ability to Professional Safety, 64(1), 32-36. She holds a Ph.D. in
identify problems and correct them in a timely manner is Industrial and Man-
extremely important. OSH professionals are evaluated on dif- NIOSH. (2017). Elements of ergonomics agement Systems
ferent metrics, and being able to obtain input is important in programs. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/niosh/ Engineering from West
accomplishing their goals (Minnick & Wachter, 2019). The VSM topics/ergonomics/ergoprimer/step1.html Virginia University.
gives the user the ability to do this quickly without the need for Schwerha serves as
a large sample size. The tool can be easily learned and applied to Paquette, S. (2016). Ergonomic accommo- faculty advisor for
procurement and safety applications. As a fundamental tool for dation in return to work. In I.Z. Schultz & R.J. ASSP’s Ohio University
lean processes, its use for safety applications produces results Gatchel (Eds.), Handbook of return to work: Student Section of the
and metrics that are understandable to the business world and, From research to practice (pp. 307-326). New Central Ohio Chapter.
as such, places the improvement and worth of safety interven- York, NY: Springer Science+Business Media. She is a professional
tions at the table with business processes and metrics. PSJ member of ASSP’s
Robertson, M.M., Ciriello, V.M. & Garabet, Central Ohio Chapter
References A.M. (2013). Office ergonomics training and a and a member of the
sit-stand workstation: Effects on musculoskel- Society’s Academics
Abdulmalek, F.A. & Rajgopal, J. (2007). Analyzing the benefits of lean etal and visual symptoms and performance of Practice Specialty
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role of supervisory relations and coworker
Barr, A., Barbe, M. & Clark, B. (2004). Work-related musculoskeletal support. International Archives of Occupational
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Bidassie, B., McGlothlin, J., Goh, A., et al. (2010). Limited economic eval- (2017). Improvements in musculoskeletal health and computing behav-
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gram. Applied Ergonomics, 41(3), 417-427. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2009.09.005 iors: Effects of a macroergonomics office workplace and training interven-

Choobineh, A., Motamedzade, M., Kazemi, M., et al. (2011). The tion. Applied Ergonomics, 62, 182-196. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2017.02.017
impact of ergonomics intervention on psychosocial factors and mus-
culoskeletal symptoms among office workers. International Journal of Robertson, M.M. & O’Neill, M.J. (2003). Reducing musculoskeletal
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cial factors in the self-reporting of musculoskeletal disorder symp- Schwerha, D.J., Boudinot, A. & Loree, N. (2017). Integrating safety
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Hayden, M.A. (2016). Engaging users through the application of value of the 2017 IISE Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
stream mapping to streamline the procurement process for office equip-
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Hofacker, A., Santos, A. & Santos, A.P.L. (2012). A critical view of the lean tools and management principles to health care improvement proj-
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Acknowledgment & Disclaimer

This publication was supported by Grant T03OH009841, funded by the Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occu-
pational Safety and Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the
authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or the
Department of Health and Human Services.

58 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

STANDARDS INSIDER

HOW STANDARDS ARE DEVELOPED

By David F. Coble

There are tens of thousands of standards, codes, regulations, laws, guidance materials,
norms and other terms worldwide that specify a minimum level of attainment. The word
standards will be used in this article to encompass these types of documents.

European Telecommunications Standards In- Secondary Education Act of 1965, standardizes David F. Coble
stitute (ETSI, 2019) states that standards are intend- the assessments designed to evaluate academic
ed to provide “rules or guidelines to achieve order.” achievement. David F. Coble, M.S.,
British Standards Institution (BSI, 2019) states that CSP, is president of
standards are “an agreed way of doing something.” Some standards establish a minimum level of re- Coble, Taylor & Jones
International Organization for Standardization liability, usefulness and convenience. For example, Safety Associates in
(ISO, 2019) states that standards provide “require- the Global System for Mobile Communications was Cary, NC. He has 43
ments, specifications, guidelines and characteristics launched in Finland in 1991 and is the most widely years’ safety experi-
to ensure that products, services and systems are used of the three digital telephone technologies ence including 12 years
safe, reliable and fit for purpose.” American Na- (TechTarget, 2019). Now used in more than 200 with NC OSHA and the
tional Standards Institute (ANSI, 2019) states that countries, this system allows people to use their mo- past 31 years assisting
standards are a “recognized unit of comparison by bile phones virtually around the world. clients worldwide with
which the correctness of others can be determined.” identifying and con-
But perhaps the most important use of standards trolling hazards. Coble
Standards are vital to everyday life and most of is to establish minimum requirements for the pro- holds a B.S. from Uni-
the time we do not even think about them. Stan- tection of people, property and the environment. versity of North Caro-
dards are why a light bulb can fit practically every lina, Chapel Hill, and
lamp socket, why a toaster can be plugged into the Developing OSH Standards an M.S. in Safety Man-
wall receptacle and work, why a file can be sent Regardless of the origin and intended use of a agement from Univer-
through the Internet and why professional baseball sity of Arizona. He is
diamonds are the same size. Manufacturers, sellers, standard, the process for development is general- content coordinator of
workers, customers, users and regulators need stan- ly the same. ASSP’s Manufacturing
dardization to compete globally, to protect the pub- Practice Specialty and
lic, workers and the environment, and to strengthen 1) A Need Exists has served on ASSP’s
the global supply chain so that citizens and their First, the need for a standard is established. The and National Safety
governments are confident in the integrity of global- Council’s standards
ly produced goods and services. need can be established by an industry sector, an development commit-
individual, a government agency or an organi- tees. He is a member
Standards developed by nongovernmental orga- zation. A series of tragedies, a single event, a de- of the ANSI B11.19 and
nizations (NGOs) can be voluntarily followed such veloping storm of unwanted consequences or the ANSI/ASSP Z590.3
as the more than 9,500 standards developed by unknown of what might happen can trigger the committees, and is
ANSI, the more than 20,000 standards developed by development of standards. working on a standard
ISO or the more than 30,000 standards developed to safeguard employ-
by BSI. Some of these voluntary standards become •Standards are sometimes triggered by tragedy. ees who work alone.
law through organizations such as OSHA, the state The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25,
elevator and pressure vessel code agencies, and the 1911, in New York City caused 146 worker deaths,
U.K.’s Health and Safety Executive. Other standards 62 of which occurred when workers jumped or fell
are developed as law by governmental agencies and from windows. Exits were blocked, fire escapes
legislatures, such as the first hazardous chemical collapsed, firefighting equipment consisted of a few
right-to-know laws of the 1980s. buckets of water and fire department ladders could
not reach the eighth or ninth floors. This single
Standards Are Established for Various Reasons event triggered the writing of the definitive egress
Some standards establish uniform measurements. rule in 1913 by the Committee on Safety to Life (the
origin of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code).
For example, a USB plug should fit into the USB
port on a device. A VGA or HDMI plug should fit •Standards can be triggered by a continuing series
into a projector so that you can show a presentation. of events. In the late 1960s, Congress responded to
The dimensions of these adapters are specified by the continuing series of work-related fatalities and
the EIA/CEA 861 standard so that they are uniform catastrophes in the U.S. and promulgated the Wil-
and compatible. (EIA is the Electronics Industries liams-Steiger OSH Act of 1970.
Alliance and CEA is the Consumer Electronics
Association, now called the Consumer Technology •Standards may be triggered by a sudden surge
Association.) of events. There was a developing storm of concern
about keyboards and computer screens in the 1990s
Some standards establish a minimum level of when every desk was equipped with these techno-
quality. For example, the No Child Left Behind Act logical wonders and people began complaining of
of 2001, a reauthorization of the Elementary and aching hands and strained eyes. The term carpal
tunnel syndrome became widely known. As a result,
standards such as ANSI/HFES 100-2007, Human
Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations,

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 59

STANDARDS INSIDER

Standards DAOLEDUC/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS 4) Revalidation
are why a Standards developed by NGOs undergo a reval-
light bulb were developed to help prevent cumulative trauma
disorders or repetitive motion injuries and illnesses. idation process every 5 to 10 years. The commit-
can fit tee or working group for that standard updates
practically •Guidance can be triggered by the unknown. the standard through a draft revision and goes
every lamp There still is no consensus on the effects of exposure through the public review process before issuing
socket, why to nanotechnology, but documents have been de- an updated standard.
a toaster veloped to help prepare for this unknown (Hull &
Bowman, 2018). Government agencies update their standards
can be whenever they perceive a need and as resources are
plugged 2) Content Developed available, unless the legislative body that authorized
into the Next, stakeholders develop the content of the the standard requires an update periodically. For
example, the OSHA standard regulating guarding
wall standard. What individuals or entities are con- of mechanical power transmission apparatus (29
receptacle sidered stakeholders depends primarily on the CFR 1910.219) is based on the industry consensus
and work, intended use of the standard. For example, if the standard ANSI B15.1, Safety Code for Mechanical
why a file standard is being developed internally for a specific Power Transmission Apparatus, developed in 1927
can be sent organization to help control an employee action as American Standards Association (ASA) B15-
through or behavior such as smoking, employee input, 1927, revised in 1953 and reaffirmed (a procedure
the Internet while recommended in a modern safety and health in which the committee or working group votes to
and why management system, may be of little concern to continue a standard as is) in 1958. While the ANSI
professional management. Management may have developed the B15 committee updated or reaffirmed that standard
baseball rule and stipulated that smoking is simply not ac- routinely until 2010 when ANSI B15.1 was rolled
diamonds ceptable on company premises. On the other hand, into ANSI B11.19, American National Standard for
if the standard is intended to have broad appeal and Machines: Performance Requirements for Safe-
are the acceptance through a consensus of those whom the guarding, OSHA has not made any substantial up-
same size. standard will affect, stakeholders would include dates to 1910.219.
manufacturers, users, labor organizations, govern-
ment officials, consultants and the public. The Framework for Standards Development
Nongovernmental standards are typically over-
3) Approval Process
The standard then goes through an approval pro- seen by an accrediting standards organization. That
organization oversees a fair development process
cess, which can be as simple as the OSH manager that ensures that a high-quality standard is devel-
writing the policy and the plant manager approving oped through the consensus of stakeholders, and
it. However, OSH standards developed by NGOs ensures adequate availability, distribution and
that are intended for broad use are typically devel- maintenance of standards.
oped through a public review process.
An accrediting standards organization is com-
That process includes the stakeholders devel- prised of staff who develop and maintain the poli-
oping a draft standard based on consensus of the cies, practices and procedures to ensure the integrity
stakeholders (usually called a committee or working of the standards development process. Examples of
group) circulating the draft standard for public accrediting standards organizations include ANSI
comment, rewriting the draft standard to address and ISO. These organizations oversee the develop-
public comments, and developing the final standard. ment and use of thousands of standards, technical
Standards developed by executive branch govern- reports and guidelines by accrediting the procedures
ment agencies undergo a similar process, but the of standards developers and approving their docu-
public input usually includes open hearings where ments as ANSI or ISO standards.
interested parties can testify and present their opin-
ions. Laws developed by the legislative branch of The actual development of standards is overseen
government also accept public input, usually from by a standards development organization (SDO) such
lobbyists and special interest groups, and, less fre- as an individual or an industry society, which is also
quently, constituents. called the secretariat. One example of an SDO is B11
Standards Inc., an ANSI-accredited SDO that devel-
ops and administers the ANSI B11 series of American
National Standards and technical reports on machine
tools and machinery safety. ASSP is another example
of an SDO. As secretariat of multiple standards proj-
ects, ASSP organizes the committees that develop and
maintain the standards, ensures that the process of
revision is timely and in accordance with ANSI pro-
cedures, and publishes the final product of the con-
sensus process. ASSP is the secretariat for standards
such as ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and
Safety Management Systems, and ANSI/ASSP Z590.3,
Prevention Through Design: Guidelines for Address-

60 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

ing Occupational Hazards and Risks in Design and book titled Safety Through Design was pub-
Redesign Processes. lished. In accord with its sunset provision,
the institute was dissolved in 1995.
Two Standards Development Stories
For many years, I was a member and chair of the In 2006, several of the participants in the
activities of the institute received an e-mail
ANSI B15.1 committee. Now, I serve on the ANSI from an executive at NIOSH encouraging
B11.19 committee. In addition, I have had a small that we participate in an initiative to be un-
part in the development of several other standards dertaken by NIOSH for prevention through
and laws including: design. In 2008, NIOSH announced that
one of its major initiatives was to “develop
•North Carolina Hazardous Chemicals Right-to- and approve a broad, generic voluntary
Know Law of 1985 (North Carolina General Statute consensus standard on prevention through
Chapter 95, Article 18); design that is aligned with international
design activities and practice.”
•ANSI/ASSP Z590.3;
•ANSI Z358.1, Emergency Eyewash and Shower I volunteered to lead that endeavor and
Equipment. served as the committee’s chair. Support
How did these two standards, ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 was obtained from the Standards Develop-
and ANSI Z358.1, become viable? ment Committee at ASSP. It was decided
to develop a technical report first for the
ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 learning experience that it would provide.
ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 is a reality because of the So, TR-Z790.001, Prevention Through De-
sign, An ASSP Technical Report, was issued
drive and perseverance of Fred Manuele. Safety pro- in 2009; it has since been replaced.
fessionals have long realized that the best approach
to controlling hazards is to design structures, I wrote a paper on prevention through de-
buildings, systems, processes and equipment free sign that was published in the October 2008
of unacceptable risks. This philosophy was even issue of Professional Safety. That paper was
being discussed when I became a North Carolina put into a draft form for a standard, with
OSHA compliance safety and health officer (CSHO) valued assistance from Bruce Main, who
in 1973, and when I attended my first CSHO course served as the committee’s vice chair. Tim
at the OSHA Training Institute in 1974. The OSHA Fisher, who is responsible for standards at
instructors emphasized the importance of design ASSP, agreed that we could use the canvass
with safety in mind and that is why so many initial method to obtain criticism of the draft that
OSHA standards specified requirements for design was sent to about 90 people. A Canvass Res-
such as ladders, guardrails, machinery, electrical olution Committee was formed to consider
installations, flammable liquid storage cabinets and and decide on the comments received from
myriad other pieces of equipment. those who suggested changes.

But it was several decades before the wheels turned, On Sept. 1, 2011, ANSI approved the stan-
putting this concept into a practical and useful stan- dard ANSI/ASSP Z590.3-2011, Prevention
dard. Let’s hear Manuele’s story in his own words: Through Design: Guidelines for Addressing
Occupational Hazards and Risks in Design
In the early 1990s, several safety profes- and Redesign Processes. This standard was
sionals recognized that design causal reaffirmed in 2016. (F.A. Manuele, personal
factors were not adequately addressed in communication, June 2, 2017)
incident investigation reports; designing
for safety was infrequently addressed in Therefore, ANSI Z590.3 resulted from the leader-
the popular safety literature; and safety ship of a highly respected safety professional with
management systems that organizations extensive experience.
had in place rarely included safety through
design provisions. ANSI Z358.1 Emergency
Eyewash & Shower Equipment
I chaired a committee at the National
Safety Council to study the feasibility of The first version of ANSI Z358.1 was approved
the council promoting safety through by ANSI in 1981. However, 6 years before that, two
design concepts. In 1995, the council es- North Carolina Department of Labor officials, Ray-
tablished the Institute for Safety Through mond Boylston and L. Albert Weaver, envisioned a
Design and this definition was approved by guidance document on proper installation of emer-
the steering committee: “The integration of gency eyewashes and showers in industry. It was quite
hazard analysis and risk assessment meth- common before 1981 to find any manner of emergen-
ods early in the design and engineering cy water for flushing of the eyes and body such as gar-
stages and taking the actions necessary so den hoses, drums full of water, spigots with a plastic
that risks of injury or damage are at an ac- hose attached, or even a 1.5-in. fire hose.
ceptable level.”
Boylston is deceased, but Weaver shares the story
A good deal was accomplished by the in- of the initial development of an emergency eyewash
stitute. Seminars, workshops and symposia and shower standard in his words:
were held. Proceedings were issued. And a

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 61

STANDARDS INSIDER

The document on eyewashes and safety NC OSHA was invited to participate in
showers started as an assignment from the development of a standard, since a
Ray Boylston (North Carolina’s first OSHA standard did not exist at that time. This
director with 20 years’ safety experience process first began with Industrial Safety
working for DuPont) in 1975 to me to de- Equipment Association. That group (an
velop guidance on eyewashes and safety SDO) was able to work with ANSI and
showers with the intent that the final have it produced as an ANSI standard.
product would be a guidance document (L.A. Weaver, personal communication,
similar to those we had produced on other June 3, 2017)
subjects at the North Carolina Depart-
ment of Labor, Occupational Safety and Therefore, ANSI Z358.1 resulted from a farsighted
Health Division (NC OSHA). Little did I state OSHA plan that included an OSHA director
realize that this document would ultimate- (Boylston) and his colleague (Weaver) working on a
ly be the basis for my master’s thesis at master’s degree.
North Carolina State University’s College
of Engineering. Conclusion
Many believe that there are already too many
After the eyewash and safety shower
guidance document was prepared, it end- standards to comply with and that U.S. competition,
ed up being used for other purposes as innovation and the ability to react quickly are com-
well. These other purposes included the promised. On Jan. 30, 2017, President Trump signed
development of an NC OSHA Standards Executive Order 13,771 (2017), titled Reducing
Notice (Directive) and the Eyewash and Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs. It is
Safety Shower Criteria Document entitled known as the “one in, two out” rule: For every new
Eyewash and Safety Shower Criteria Doc- regulation issued, at least two prior regulations must
ument, Division of Occupational Safety be identified for elimination.
and Health, NC Department of Labor, Ra-
leigh, NC, 1976. On the other hand, there are many safety and
health risks for which there is no standard yet. For
The NC OSHA Eyewash and Safety Show- example, in the U.S., it is estimated that 3 million
er Criteria Document was quite progres- people work alone for at least part of the day. There
sive in that it used anthropometric data to is no U.S. standard intended to safeguard an em-
establish eyewash and shower dimensions ployee who works alone (i.e., working solo with no
to protect the 5th percentile woman and readily available assistance in an emergency). Sev-
the 95th percentile man. Such dimensions eral Canadian provinces, the U.K., Australia, New
include the shower pull ring to be within Zealand, Germany and other countries have such
67 in. of the floor, the height of the eye- regulations.
wash fountain to be at 34 to 39 in. from
the floor, the distance between the eye- Like Manuele and Weaver, we each have oppor-
wash jets to be 4 in. and other dimensions tunities to make a difference for worker safety and
that were eventually incorporated into health. If you have a chance to join a standards de-
ANSI Z358.1-1981. velopment committee, do so. If you see a need for a
standard that can save a hand, an eye or even a life,
The criteria document included recom- bring it to ASSP’s attention. PSJ
mended travel distance to an eyewash or
shower (25 ft or 15 seconds), markings, test- References
ing and maintenance, and training for po-
tential users, all criteria that was eventually ANSI. (2019). Standard (Glossary entry). Retrieved from
included in ANSI Z358.1. The NC OSHA Eye- www.standardsportal.org/usa_en/resources/glossary.aspx
wash and Safety Shower Criteria Document
also led to a companion document entitled British Standards Institution (BSI). (2019). What is a
Absorption Type Chemical Burns Evaluation standard and what does it do? Retrieved from www.bsi
and Recommended Controls, also pub- group.com/en-GB/standards/Information-about-stand
lished by the NC Department of Labor. ards/what-is-a-standard

The criteria document also became the European Telecommunications Standards Institute
basis for a work product by Karen Britt, (ETSI). (2019). What are standards? Retrieved from www
now Peeler, who was working as an intern .etsi.org/standards/what-are-standards?
from Meredith College for NC OSHA, and
me, and submitted to ASSP for publication Exec. Order No. 13,771, 82 FR 9339 (2017).
in Professional Safety. That article was pub- Hull, M. & Bowman, D. (Eds.) (2018). Nanotechnology
lished in June 1977 as “Criteria for Effective environmental health and safety risk regulation and man-
Eyewashes and Safety Showers.” agement (3rd ed.). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
As word spread in the manufactur- (2019). We’re ISO: We develop and publish international
ing sector about the need for suitable standards. Retrieved from www.iso.org/standards.html
eyewash and safety shower equipment, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-110,
115 Stat. 1425 (2001). Retrieved from www2.ed.gov/nclb/
62 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org overview/intro/execsumm.pdf
TechTarget (2019). GSM (Global system for mobile com-
munication). Retrieved from https://searchmobilecomput
ing.techtarget.com/definition/GSM

CHECKPOINTS

TOOLBOX BALK

Keeping Your Safety Briefing Fresh

By Daniel Boreman

Ah, the dreaded toolbox talk. The intended goal is to inform work crews of safety-related issues,
concerns or events pertaining to the jobsite. More importantly, it is designed to start the
employees’ day with a focus on safety.

Occasionally, it only seems to suc- might not find interesting. For example, you are opting to discuss a subject that
ceed in causing anxiety and heartburn if you live and work in the Houston, TX, is somewhat unfamiliar, read up on
for field safety personnel and site super- area, you will be subjected to thousands the topic before presenting. Knowledge
vision. The common complaint is that of safety toolbox talks reminding work- builds confidence and confidence com-
toolbox talks can become stale when per- ers to stay hydrated. If you present a mands attention.
formed daily. During my last field safety topic peppered with eye rolls and heavy
role, I had to present a prepared toolbox sighs, the employees will mirror your Share Responsibility With the Crew
talk 6 days a week during a 6-month reaction to it. If the safety professional There is no rule that states the resident
project. About 3 weeks in, I felt myself thinks the topic is mundane, the crew
slipping into the mind-set that my topics will not take it seriously. Deliver every safety professional must be the one to
were getting repetitive, that the crew safety topic with the same level of inter- talk for the entire briefing. Spread the re-
did not want to hear me drone on every est and enthusiasm. Each topic deserves sponsibility. Ask the crew each day what
morning, and that there are not enough equal passion. they did the previous day to stay safe.
safety topics to keep things fresh. Even Did someone experience an incident or a
for a seasoned safety veteran, keeping near-hit? If the involved employee is will-
daily talks fresh can be a daunting task. ing, have him/her discuss the event with
Fear not, fellow safety nerds, I am here to the group. Interaction and participation
help put you back on the right path. are some of the best ways to keep people
involved and interested.
My Topics Are Getting Stale
Topics generally do not change, and SNEKSY/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS There Are Not Enough
Safety Topics to Keep Things Fresh
they do not get stale. They do not begin The Crew Does Not Want to
interesting, then grow boring. What gets Hear Me Drone on Every Morning During my time as a project safety
stale is how we are delivering the infor- coordinator on a large-scale construction
mation. So how do we spice it up? No one wants to hear anyone drone project, I found myself running out of
on about anything. Droning on is usual- presentation topics but hesitant to reuse
Retain Your Passion ly the result of one of three things: a lack a topic that I had reviewed as little as 3
Remember why you do what you do. of enthusiasm, knowledge or confidence. months prior. What I did not realize in
Sometimes a lack of one can cause the my struggle to keep things fresh, was that
Your goal is to keep employees safe. Get lack of the other two. It falls back on the project had so much turnover in 3
excited and stay excited. Your excitement the presenter, not the information being months that there were many personnel
will affect the workers. presented. who had not heard my safety briefings
the first time around. While I would not
Find New Things to Discuss Know What You Are Discussing recommend discussing the same five top-
There is a wealth of information on I am not suggesting you need to earn ics every week, there can be great value
to the employees in repetition. Space the
the Internet as well as all around you. a doctorate in every subject you discuss topics out but discuss them more than
Read the news and try to relate head- or that you should not talk about things once. If you need new material, get out
lines to the workplace or the home. Try of which you may not be a subject mat- there and find it.
to discuss topics that do not get the at- ter expert. But, do your homework. If
tention they deserve quite as often. For Like anything in life, you get out of
example, reminding employees about a situation what you put into it. Safety
safety on the way to and from work is briefings and toolbox talks are no differ-
equally as important to them as on-the- ent. There is an endless supply of infor-
job safety. Talk to other contractors or mation out there to share with coworkers
crafters. Find out what they are discuss- and crew members. Find it, make it
ing. Share your knowledge with them. relevant and continue to keep those folks
There is a world of topics out there that safe out there. PSJ
are as relevant as you make them. Ex-
pand your horizons so you can expand Daniel Boreman, CHST, CSST, is a safety, health and environmental leader with more than 14
the horizons of others. years’ experience in combined safety, rescue and emergency response. He specializes in program devel-
opment and implementation, training, compliance assurance and team building. Boreman combines
Keep Your Poker Face his years of practical experience and high energy to deliver informative and entertaining training
Sometimes we are forced to discuss sessions both live and in writing. He is a member of ASSP’s Gulf Coast Chapter, and a member of the
Society’s Oil, Gas, Mineral and Mining Practice Specialty.
topics that we, as safety professionals,

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 63

TRAINING TIPS

Top Three Benefits of

ON-SITE TRAINING

Getting the most out of your employees means continually helping them advance their
careers through educational opportunities to ensure that they are up to date on the latest
industry knowledge and best practices. 

Customizing Providing on-site training is a great way to do any business, but rather will be situations that apply
the training that. Having a subject matter expert at your facility specifically to your workplace. With tangible examples
experience providing their insights about how you can improve of how to apply different concepts to your business,
your operation through OSH principles can help opti- you will be able to optimize your safety management
to your mize both the employees’ time and the organization’s systems, productivity and the bottom line.
organiza- safety performance.
tion’s spe- In addition, customizing the training experience
cific needs Here are the top three benefits of on-site training. to your organization’s specific needs shows employ-
ees that you are invested in their safety and well-be-
shows 1) Time & Convenience ing and recognize the importance of integrating
employees Time is a precious commodity for any business, safety into the organizational culture.
that you are
invested in and the more time that employees can spend at their 3) Cost Effective
their safety facility, the more productive the organization can be. With any training, it is important to provide the
and well-be- With any training, employers want their team to ex-
ing and rec- pand its knowledge and gain insights into best prac- best educational experience at the greatest value.
ognize the tices. They also ideally want staff to spend the least The ability to train potentially dozens of employees
importance amount of time away from the office as possible. in your facility at one time is a tremendous benefit
of integrat- of on-site training from a cost perspective. Rather
ing safety If, for example, employees attend a 3-day off-site than having to fly employees off-site for training,
into the or- training, employers must calculate an additional bringing in one instructor for the whole group saves
ganizational 2 days for travel, which adds up to employees spend- both time and money. 
ing a full workweek away from the office and unable
culture. to fully attend to their normal responsibilities.  The average cost of a 1-night hotel stay in 2018
was $124.39. The average cost of domestic airfare in
If such training were conducted on site, the em- the first quarter of 2018 was $346.00. These statis-
ployees gain back 2 full days of work time, which tics alone demonstrate the cost savings of on-site
can then be spent on regular duties, improving both training. Depending on the number of employees
the employee’s productivity and that of the organi- attending an off-site training course, a company
zation as a whole.  could potentially be paying tens of thousands of
dollars for travel and accommodations. This is in
On-site training can be scheduled during a down- addition to any hosting costs incurred from paying
time in the organization’s workflow or to coincide for the use of an off-site facility.
with another internal meeting to make the best use
of trainees’ time. It also provides employees with Furthermore, having many employees attend a
the convenience of being at the facility where they single training can be cost saving in itself, given that
work every day and can visually demonstrate to the many programs offer group rates, which can be less
instructor the safety challenges they face. expensive than sending them to individual seminars.

2) Customizable Conclusion
As a safety manager, you want to know that the On-site training is a way to invest in both employ-

knowledge provided in training will be applicable ees and the workplace. Bringing learning to your
to your business and will address specific challenges facility allows for a convenient and cost-effective
employees encounter. On-site training provides this way to provide a customized training to workers. By
by tailoring the learning experience to your team’s providing on-site training, employees will recognize
unique needs. your commitment to their safety and the safety cul-
ture as a whole. PSJ
On-site training allows the instructor to walk
your facility, familiarize him/herself with your op- References
eration and gather further insights into how s/he
can apply the training to the scenarios that employ- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). (2018, July 17).
ees deal with on a daily basis. While other training 1st quarter 2018 airfare data. Retrieved from www.bts.gov/
methods are certainly beneficial, the instructor may topics/airlines-and-airports/1st-quarter-2018-air-fare-data
speak in more general terms about concepts and
techniques, leaving trainees with questions about Smith, J.S. (2019, Feb. 20). January’s year-over-year U.S.
how they can implement what they have learned. hotel average daily rate growth was the smallest since 2010.
BTN. Retrieved from www.businesstravelnews.com/Lodg
The scenarios presented during on-site training will ing/Januarys-Year-over-Year-US-Hotel-Average-Daily-Rate
not be generic examples that could be applicable to -Growth-Was-the-Smallest-Since-2010

64 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

PRODUCT PULSE

H2S Awareness

SafetyVantage’s hydrogen sulfide aware-
ness training is designed for workers in
and around environments where hydro-
gen sulfide is present. The online course
trains workers on industry insights and

best practices to mitigate hazards and
respond effectively in the event of an in-
cident. It discusses defining and locating

safety and health hazards, chronic and
acute exposure, controlling hazards, and

emergency response and rescue.
www.safetyvantage.com

Driver Training HazWOPER

AlertDriving’s Track and Train driver J.J. Keller Associates Inc.’s HazWOPER:
safety training combines telematics data Emergency Response Initial Training
with fleet safety training. Telematics data program is available in three cur-
uses GPS to target top crash causes, such ricula for awareness-level respond-
as harsh braking or speeding. The pro- ers, operations-level responders and
gram gathers driving data and analyzes HazMat-technician-level responders,
records against a determined threshold
to identify which drivers need training. each with a varying number of courses
Driver training focuses on how to avoid appropriate to the level. Topics include
emergency response planning, chemical
behaviors that may lead to incidents. fundamentals and hazardous substance
www.alertdriving.info
recognition and identification.
http://jjkeller.com/hazwoper

Virtual Reality

The OSHA Safety Sweep from PIXO VR provides an immer-
sive, repeatable experience that helps prevent injuries and
provides training in a virtual-reality setting. Module generates
a 20,000-sq.-ft fully rendered, photo-realistic 3-D training envi-
ronment in which user can perform tasks such as safety sweeps,
root-cause investigations and emergency response. Randomiz-
ing feature presents elements that are unique to each training
session to promote retention. Created using OSHA general
industry standards, module reinforces and assesses the skills
necessary to complete the OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses.
https://pixogroup.com

Laboratory Safety Lifesaving Program

ESafety’s online Biosafety: Laboratory The Red Cross Resuscitation Suite training program from American Red Cross pro-
Safety Awareness course addresses vides online adaptive learning that allows participants to customize their learning

hazards associated with biosafety Level path. Training program fea-
1 through Level 4 labs and work in- tures videos and simulations
of real physicians, nurses and
volving biological agents in a biosafety other healthcare staff in hos-
laboratory setting. Topics include bi- pital settings. Suite includes
ological risk groups, safety equipment modules on basic, advanced
barriers, routes of entry and ways to
reduce potential exposure. Module is and pediatric advanced life
designed to show the level of biocon- support. Preassessments allow
tainment precautions required to iso-
late dangerous biological agents in an user to test out of content al-
ready mastered. Program can
enclosed laboratory facility. be accessed on a computer or
www.esafety.com
mobile device.
www.redcross.org

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 65

PRODUCT PULSE

Power Line Safety NASTASIC/E+/GETTY IMAGES

Training Today’s Working Safely Near Power Lines online
training course is intended for general construction em-

ployees who work near power lines. Course reportedly helps
workers understand the major causes of power-line-related
incidents, identify dangers associated with power lines in
their workplace, learn OSHA power line safety regulations

and understand preventive measures to stay safe when work-
ing near power lines. Course also offers tips for what to do in

power line emergency situations.
https://trainingtoday.blr.com

Active Shooter
Preparedness

Vivid Learning Systems’ online active shooter pre-
paredness training is intended for work, home or
school audiences. Designed with the help of law
enforcement experts, course discusses the ways

that people typically react to active shooter events,
explains the importance of being familiar with sur-
roundings in a public space, identifies warning signs
of an active shooter event, identifies actions a person
can take to protect themselves during an event, and
explains what to do when law enforcement arrives.

https://vividlearningsystems.com

Automation Training

The Pilz Education System from Pilz is a modular training
system that allows users to learn the basis of safe automation
or hone their automation skills. According to manufacturer,
system’s industrial components realistically simulate the safety

and automation function of a plant or machinery. Training
features wiring examples, complex safety circuits with different

configurations, and control panels that users can work on to
test their knowledge of automation with real-life examples.

Difficulty level is customizable for apprentices to experts with
modules that can be combined in different ways
without additional installation.
www.pilz.com

Lockout/Tagout Publication of this material does not imply testing, review or endorsement
by ASSP. To submit a product for this section, send an e-mail to professional
New Pig’s Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for Authorized Employ- [email protected]. Be sure to include product and contact information, along
ees training program teaches workers how to protect against with a high-resolution product photo.
unintentional exposure to different types of hidden energy.
Course describes hazardous energy types and energy control
procedures including preparation, shutdown, isolation, lock-
out, stored energy check, verification and release of lockout.
Course details the training requirements for LOTO, describes
the role of primary authorized employees during group lock-

out, explains how to differentiate between authorized and
affected employees, and offers best practices
for restarting affected equipment.
www.newpig.com

66 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

CONTINUING EDUCATION

NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU New Orleans, LA

June 9-12
Safety 2019 Professional Development Conference
The premier event of the OSH profession offers more than 240 concurrent sessions fo-
cused on 20 subject areas from construction to tranportation. Meet more than 5,000
peers who are also passionate about safety. The expo will host more than 600 compa-
nies presenting the latest products, technology and techniques for OSH.
ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org

MAY 2019 Holland, OH Wilsonville, OR
Syracuse, NY 5/22: Safety for the Human Resources Pro- 6/7: Workplace Aggression: Best Prac-
fessional. Cardinal Compliance Consul- tices to Prevent, Identify and Safely
•5/15 Women in Safety and Health Pro- tants; (419) 882-9224; www.cardinalhs.net. Mitigate Aggressive Behavior and Vio-
lence. Oregon Institute of Occupational
fessional Development Conference. ASSP DeKalb, IL Health Sciences; (503) 494-8311; www
Central New York Chapter; (315) 944- 5/28: OSH Standards for General Indus- .ohsu.edu.
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5/19-5/23: NAEP Conference. National Consensus Standards. ASSP; (847) 699-
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sionals; (856) 283-7816; www.naep.org.
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Advanced PHA Leader. ABS Consulting; New Orleans, LA
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Events During May, June & July (800) 345-2737; www.lia.org.
•6/8-6/9 Prevention Through Design.
Send event announcements to professionalsafety Ann Arbor, MI
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assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 67

CONTINUING EDUCATION

New Orleans, LA Orlando, FL Houston, TX
6/17-6/19: Forklift Operator Train-the- 6/25-6/27: Cause Mapping Root Cause
•6/8 Risk-Based Incident Analysis. Trainer. North American Crane Bureau; Analysis. ThinkReliability; (281) 412-
(800) 654-5640; www.cranesafe.com. 7766; www.thinkreliability.com.
ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org.
San Antonio, TX Hilton Head, SC
New Orleans, LA 6/17-6/20: NFPA Conference and Expo- 6/25-6/28: The Original Environmental
sition. National Fire Protection Associa- Compliance Boot Camp. Aarcher Insti-
•6/8-6/9 Managing Safety and Health. tion; (800) 344-3555; www.nfpa.org. tute of Environmental Training; (410)
897-0037; www.aarcherinstitute.com.
ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org. Woodland, WA
6/17-6/20: Mobile Crane Inspector. Quebec City, Canada
New Orleans, LA Industrial Training International Inc.; 6/25-6/28: AWMA 112th Annual Con-
(800) 727-6355; http://iti.com. ference and Exhibition. Air and Waste
•6/9 Safety 4.0: Updating Safety to Align Management Association; (412) 904-
Boston, MA 6018; www.awma.org.
With Industry 4.0. ASSP; (847) 699-2929; 6/17-6/21: ISO 45001: 2018 Occupational
www.assp.org. Health and Safety Management Systems Midland, TX
Lead Auditor. Bureau Veritas; (888) 357- 6/26-6/27: Petroleum Education Council
Orlando, FL 7020; www.us.bureauveritas.com. Basic Orientation Train-the-Trainer.
6/9-6/12: 2019 Public Risk Management PEC Safety; (800) 892-8179; www.pec
Association Conference. PRIMA; (703) 528- Holland, OH safety.com.
7701; https://conference.primacentral.org. 6/19: Trenching and Excavation Compe-
tent Person. Cardinal Compliance Consul- Winter Haven, FL
Rahway, NJ tants; (419) 882-9224; www.cardinalhs.net. 6/26-6/28: NRCA Qualified Trainer
6/10-6/12: HazWOPER Occasional Site Conference. National Roofing Contrac-
Worker. ehs International Inc.; (855) 234- Rockford, IL tors Association; (847) 299-9070; www
7462; www.ehsinc.org. 6/19-6/21: Machine Safeguarding. Rock- .nrca.net.
ford Systems Inc.; (800) 922-7533; www
Littleton, CO .rockfordsystems.com. St. Louis, MO
6/11: Standard Climber Certification. 6/26-6/28: Update for Construction In-
Safety One International; (800) 485-7669; Morgantown, WV dustry Outreach Trainers. OSHA Train-
www.safetyoneinc.com. 6/20: Lead Renovator Refresher. West Virgin- ing Institute Midwest Education Center;
ia University Safety and Health Extension; (800) 464-6874; http://ceet.slu.edu.
Houston, TX (800) 626-4748; https://extension.wvu.edu/
6/11: Gas Detection. Industrial Scientific community-business-safety/safety-health. North Kansas City, MO
Corp.; (800) 338-3287; www.indsci.com. 6/27: OSHA Silica Competent Person.
Mumbai, India The Builder’s Association; (816) 531-4741;
Washington, DC 6/20-6/21: Health, Safety, Environment Sum- www.buildersassociation.com.
6/11-6/12: Healthcare Transformation mit and Awards 2019. Synnex India; +91 22
Summit. Lean Enterprise Institute; (617) 4085 5555; www.indiahsesummit.com. Pittsburgh, PN
871-2900; www.lean.org. 6/28: H2S Train-the-Trainer. PEC Safety;
Des Moines, IA (800) 892-8179; www.pecsafety.com.
Schaumburg, IL 6/23-6/27: Yielding Agricultural Safety
6/12: CAOHC Refresher. Acoustic Associates; and Health 2019 Conference. Interna- JULY 2019
(847) 359-1068; www.acousticassociates.com. tional Society for Agricultural Safety and Littleton, CO
Health; (217) 333-5035; www.isash.org. 7/1: Standard Climber Certification.
New Orleans, LA Safety One International; (800) 485-7669;
6/12-6/13: 21st International Occupational Webinar www.safetyoneinc.com.
Ergonomics and Safety Conference. Interna- 6/24: Identifying Dementia in the Work-
tional Society for Occupational Ergonomics place. American Association of Occu- Tampa, FL
and Safety; (703) 989-3996; http://isoes.info. pational Health Nurses; (312) 321-5173; 7/1-7/2: Overhead Crane Operator. Crane
www.aaohn.org. Tech; (800) 290-0007; www.cranetech.com.
Frankfurt, Germany
6/12-6/13: Overview of Risk Based Process Las Vegas, NV Hillside, IL
Safety. Center for Chemical Process Safety, 6/24-6/28: ISO 9001/14001/45001 Integrated 7/2-7/3: OSHA 10-Hour for Construc-
American Institute of Chemical Engineers; Auditor Training. DEKRA; www.dekra.us. tion. Construction Safety Council; (800)
(800) 242-4363; www.aiche.org/ccps. 552-7744; www.buildsafe.org.
Davis, CA
New Orleans, LA 6/25: Fire and Life Safety Awareness. Online
University of California, Davis Exten-
•6/12-6/15 Math Review, ASP and CSP sion; (800) 752-0881; http://extension.uc •7/7-8/10 Risk Assessment Certificate.
davis.edu/health.
Exam Preparation. ASSP; (847) 699-2929; ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org.
www.assp.org.

Events During May, June & July

Send event announcements to professionalsafety
@assp.org.

• Current month advertiser
• ASSP community

68 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

Rahway, NJ Online Kirkland, WA
7/8-7/9: 10-Hour OSHA Outreach Con-
struction Industry. ehs International •7/14-8/11 Implementing ISO 45001. •7/18-7/19 Creating Line Management
Inc.; (855) 234-7462; www.ehsinc.org.
ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org. Safety Leadership. ASSP; (847) 699-2929;
Augusta, ME www.assp.org.
7/8-7/10: Update for General Industry Kirkland, WA
Outreach Trainers. OSHA Training Insti- Portland, OR
tute Education Center, Keene State Col- •7/15-7/17 Corporate Safety Management. 7/19: Silica in Construction, Maritime
lege; (603) 645-0080; http://oshaedne.com. and General Industries. Northwest Cen-
ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org. ter for Occupational Health and Safety;
Portland, OR (800) 326-7568; http://nwcenter.washing
7/8-7/10: Cranes in Construction. OSHA Waipahu, HI ton.edu.
Training Institute Pacific Northwest 7/15-7/17: Permit-Required Confined
Education Center; (800) 326-7568; http:// Space Entry. Building Industry Associa- San Diego, CA
depts.washington.edu/ehce/OSHA. tion of Hawaii; (808) 847-4666; www.bia 7/20: OSHA 500 Standards for the Con-
hawaii.org. struction Industry. Pacific Safety Center;
Tempe, AZ (855) 477-2411; www.psc411.com.
7/8-7/11: Collateral Duty for Other Federal Rockville,MD
Industries. OSHA Training Institute Educa- 7/15-7/17: Radiation Safety for Autho- Online
tion Center UC San Diego Extension; (800) rized User and Supervisors. Dade Mo-
358-9206; http://osha.ucsd.edu. eller; (509) 946-0410; www.dademoe •7/21-8/11 Prevention Through Design.
ller.com.
League City, TX ASSP; (847) 699-2929; www.assp.org.
7/8-7/12: Scaffolding. Scaffold Training Charlotte, NC
Institute; (281) 332-1613; www.scaffold 7/15-7/18: OSHA 30-Hour for Construc- Dayton, OH
training.com. tion. Carolinas AGC; (704) 372-1450; 7/22: Crane Operator and Safety. Kone-
www.cagc.org. cranes Training Institute; (866) 821-
Omaha, NE 4006; www.cranetrainingu.com.
7/9: Incident Investigation. Marcotte Risk Irvine, CA
Control and Safety Services; (402) 398- 7/15-7/19: HazWOPER General Site Raleigh, NC
9009; www.marcotteins.com. Worker. ehs International Inc.; (855) 234- 7/22-7/25: Industrial Ergonomics Pro-
7462; www.ehsinc.org. cess. The Ergonomics Center of North
Medford, OR Carolina; (919) 515-2052; www.theergo
7/9-7/10: Confined Space Train-the- Holland, OH nomicscenter.com.
Trainer. D2000 Safety; (800) 551-8763; 7/16: Electrical Safe Work Practices/Arc
www.d2000safety.com. Flash. Cardinal Compliance Consultants; Ann Arbor, MI
419-882-9224; https://cardinalhs.net. 7/22-7/27: Human Factors Engineering.
Oklahoma City, OK University of Michigan; (734) 647-7200;
7/10-7/11: Oklahoma Safety and Health Virtual Course http://isd.engin.umich.edu.
Congerence and Expo. National Safety 7/16-9/5: CIH Review. Bowen EHS Inc.;
Council, Oklahoma Chapter; (800) 457- (866) 264-5852; www.bowenehs.com. Dublin, CA
7233; www.nsc.org. 7/23: Safety and Health Management.
Webinar OSHA Training Center Chabot-Las Pos-
Park Ridge, IL itas Community College District; (866)
•7/17 Scaffolding Safety. ASSP; (847) 936-6742; www.osha4you.com.
•7/14-7/20 Math Review, CSP and ASP
699-2929; www.assp.org. Greenville, SC
Exam Preparation. ASSP; (847) 699-2929; 7/23-7/26: Construction Industry Train-
www.assp.org. Murray, KY er. Southeastern OSHA Training Insti-
7/17-7/18: 16-Hour Fall Protection Com- tute Education Center; (800) 227-0264;
petent Person. Safety Training and En- www.ies.ncsu.edu/otieducationcenter.
vironmental Protection; (270) 753-6529;
www.stepky.com.

San Antonio, TX MARELBU

June 23-26
Pulp and Paper Safety and Health Conference
This conference will feature speakers from within the safety community, as well
as from exhibits from vendors showcasing the latest innovations in personal and
site safety. Keynote speakers will discuss safety leadership and culture and share
reliable methods and tools to help increase employee engagement. Leaders will
share stories about empowering employees to understand safety as a value rather
than as rules or requirements.
Pulp and Paper Safety Association; (770) 446-1400; http://ppsaconference.org

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 69

VANTAGE POINT

What Safety Can Teach Us About

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS

By Thane Bellomo

The development of an effective safety culture is predicated on the assumption that human beings often
incorrectly identify risk by making assumptions and applying unconscious bias. The elimination and
mitigation of assumptions and unconscious bias in risk assessment is at the heart of keeping people safe.

How the safety industry approaches ed that it is not that people do not want 200,000 hours worked. Starting in
this problem has much to teach us when to be safe, but that they often rely on 2008, the industry began to move away
eliminating or mitigating the effects assumptions and biases to determine from only an education and training
of unconscious bias in other aspects of risk. When investigating safety in- approach and began adding tools, pro-
behavior in organizations, most signifi- cidents, one typically hears, “I have cesses, oversight and accountability
cantly in the area of unconscious bias in done that job a hundred times,” “the measures in support of training and
diversity and inclusion efforts. structure looked secure” or “I was only education.
going to be up on the scaffold for a
Human beings are wired for uncon- minute.” In all of these cases, workers As shown in Figure 1, injury rates de-
scious bias, and it appears in all aspects assumed that the task did not require clined by 75% between 2008 and 2017,
of our lives. This can be problematic them to go through the steps needed from 0.13 injuries per 200,000 hours
when people assess risk in industrial to assess their risk in an objective way. worked to 0.03 against a goal of 0.10.
safety environments. The nuclear indus- They used their intuition, biases and This demonstrates remarkable progress
try is one of the safest work environ- assumptions, and they were injured. in reducing actual injuries on the job.
ments in the world (NEI, 2015) despite Marrying education and awareness
the fact that workers perform duties in Given the nature of unconscious with effective tools, processes, account-
areas that can be quite dangerous. A bias, it is inevitable that people will use ability and oversight worked spectacu-
nuclear power plant is often like a con- assumptions and biases to assess risk. larly. So, what can this teach us about
struction site with large pieces of equip- Left to their own devices, people may unconscious bias in the workplace,
ment being installed and maintained gravitate toward inaccurate risk assess- especially as it relates to diversity and
in potentially hazardous environments. ments due to their assumptions and inclusion efforts?
And yet, the nuclear industry’s safety biases. Given that fact, the safety indus-
record is one of the best of any industry. try has developed a whole constellation In my work in the area of diversity
How do they do it? of interventions to prevent this. Train- and inclusion, it was clear that un-
ing, education, tools, process, oversight conscious bias negatively affects the
The biggest concern among the nu- and accountability all play a mutually advancement of certain people in the
clear industry safety experts I have supporting role in getting people to workplace. In most industries dom-
worked with is incorrect assessment of stop and take the time to accurately inated by white men, this negatively
risk by workers. In other words, when assess risk and to eliminate or mitigate impacts women and people of color.
workers are engaging in a work task, it. The nuclear industry’s safety record Most people are not consciously bi-
they must assess the risks involved in is proof that this approach works at ased, but we are all affected by uncon-
that task to ensure that they are work- world-class levels to prevent injury to scious bias—the desire to be around
ing as safely as possible. They must its workers. people like us, the willingness to trust
understand and take action to address and believe in individuals who are like
any potential hazards that could occur In 2008, the nuclear industry con- us, the familiar nature we feel around
during the course of the job. The most sidered its injury rate too high. The people like us. This is an entirely nat-
significant cause of injury is an incor- incident rate stood at 0.13 injuries per ural phenomenon and the nature of
rect assessment of the risks involved
and a failure to eliminate or mitigate FIGURE 1
those risks.
U.S. NUCLEAR INDUSTRY INCIDENT RATES, 2008-2017
When working with nuclear safety
professionals, I am constantly remind- 0.13

Vantage Point 0.11 0.10
0.09
Vantage Point articles in Professional Safety
provide a forum for authors with distinct view- 0.07 YANGNA/ E+/GETTY IMAGES
points to share their ideas and opinions with 0.05
ASSP members and the OSH community. The 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
goal is to encourage and stimulate critical think-
ing, discussion and debate on matters of concern 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
to the OSH profession. The views and opinions goal
expressed are strictly those of the author(s) and
are not necessarily endorsed by Professional Note. Data adapted from “U.S. Nuclear Industrial Safety Accident Rate,” Nuclear Energy Institute,
Safety, nor should they be considered an expres- 2018.
sion of official policy by ASSP.

70 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

unconscious bias tells us that TABLE 1

left to their own devices, NUCLEAR INDUSTRY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ACTIONS

people will gravitate toward

what their unconscious bias Intervention Safety Diversity and inclusion
prompts them to do. People Education and
are more likely to hire, de- awareness Unconscious bias/assumptions: How it Unconscious bias/assumptions: How
velop, promote and reward Tools works/impact it works/impact
those more like themselves. •2-minute drill cards •2-minute drill cards
The operation of uncon- Process •Safety huddle •Diversity and inclusion huddle
scious bias in this kind of •Peer review •Peer review
decision-making is similar Accountability Corrective action process product Corrective action process product
to the biases and assump- and oversight to determine what went wrong to determine what went wrong
tions people apply to assess Executive review process/challenge: Executive review process/challenge:
safety risks. In fact, they are gaps/action/progress gaps/action/progress

almost the same.

In my work in diversity and In the nuclear industry, safety whether the plans they have in place

inclusion, the problem of unconscious experts know that education is not are sufficient to close those gaps? Of

bias is often approached from the per- enough. Their response has been to course we can. All of those activities

spective of changing hearts and minds. develop tools, such as the 2-minute are possible and reasonable. There is

In other words, if we can get people to drill, processes such as the corrective nothing stopping organizations from

recognize that they have unconscious action process and accountability and applying methodologies that we know

biases and that they need to change oversight models such as human per- work in confronting unconscious bias.

their thought patterns, people will stop formance review boards. All of these Of course it takes time and resources,

using unconscious biases. However, work together in a mutually reinforcing but studies and research have repeated-

this premise denies the very nature of fashion, together with education and ly demonstrated that diverse and inclu-

unconscious bias and how pernicious training, to keep people safe. While sive workforces outperform less diverse

biases and assumptions are in the way this effort takes time and resources, and inclusive workforces.

human beings make decisions. Uncon- those in the nuclear industry believe it I am reminded of the phrase, “Show

scious bias is, after all, unconscious. is worth it. me where someone spends their time

It is a tall order for people to address So how might we apply the kind of and money, and I will show you what

decision-making biases of which they approach that has worked so well in they value.” If we value diversity and

are not aware. Further, this approach dealing with unconscious bias in safety inclusion in the workplace and if we

belies human nature; left to their own to unconscious bias in diversity and believe that unconscious bias negative-

devices, people will gravitate toward inclusion? Table 1 shows how the inter- ly impacts our diversity and inclusion

their biases. connected set of actions that the nuclear efforts, then doesn’t it make sense to

Let’s apply this approach to build- industry uses to confront unconscious adopt proven methodologies to elim-

ing a safety culture. Suppose that we bias and maintain world-class safety inate bias and assumptions in deci-

only educated and trained people to performance can be used in the area of sion-making that we know work? The

be safe, offered courses on how risk unconscious bias in a diversity and in- way safety is approached in the nuclear

assessment is inf luenced by our biases clusion setting. industry can teach us a great deal about

and assumptions, and encouraged Can we take 2 minutes before a meet- how to eliminate bias to improve our

people to not use assumptions and ing or the selection of a high-potential diversity and inclusion outcomes. In

biases when determining risk as they candidate to talk briefly about what addition to changing hearts and minds

work. Would this approach keep peo- biases we might be influenced by? Can and building awareness, we need to

ple safe? Based on my work with safe- we have a peer check before finalizing develop tools, processes, and account-

ty experts, the answer is a resounding the selection of a team to ensure that ability and oversight models that work

no. That approach would never work, we are not unduly influenced by our together to force people to stop and

and more people could become in- biases? When we find we have made make decisions objectively. The nuclear

jured on the job. decisions that could have been influ- industries safety record proves that this

If this is so, then why do diversity enced by unconscious bias, can we do is possible. PSJ

and inclusion professionals spend so some digging to learn how that hap-
much time educating people about pened and create a recommendation to References

unconscious bias and so little time on ensure that it does not happen again? Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). (2015). Safe-
other equally important interventions Can executives challenge department ty: The nuclear energy industry’s highest pri-
that could eliminate or mitigate un- heads on whether they understand ority. Retrieved from www.nei.org/resources/
conscious bias in decision-making in their diversity and inclusion gaps and fact-sheets/safety-nuclear-energy-industry
the workplace? Where is the energy -highest-priority

around developing tools, processes, Thane Bellomo is an organizational development consultant with more than 20 years’ experience
accountability and oversight models to working with leaders and organizations to maximize their potential and optimize results. He has con-
ensure that we eliminate unconscious sulted and coached in the manufacturing, healthcare and energy industries and government, and has
bias where possible, and mitigate it published many articles and podcasts exploring how leaders, people and organizations most effectively

where needed? form and function. He can be reached at www.ccsperformance.net.

assp.org MAY 2019 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 71

BY THE WAY

The Right Koala-fications COPRID/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS NOT THE
WAY
A crime is committed at the zoo; who is the culprit? A crime VIDEFFECTS HD
scene technician might have some trouble solving the case be- Stumbling
cause humans are not the only animals with fingerprints. Koalas on a pipe
have fingerprints that are so similar to the human fingerprint that dream
it is nearly impossible to tell them apart. The pattern, shape and
size of the ridges are almost identical to those of human hands. Photo by
Trained experts have a difficult time telling them apart, even un- Thomas Van
der an electron microscope. This might be explained by the evolu- Hooser, Gold
tionary paths of humans and koalas. Researchers from University Coast Chapter
of Adelaide explain, “Koalas feed by climbing vertically onto
the smaller branches of eucalyptus trees, reaching out, grasping Safety is serious business. But unsafe practices still occur and we hope
handfuls of leaves and bringing them to the mouth. Therefore, the these “Not the Way” images help you recognize and eliminate more
origin of dermatoglyphes (fingerprints) is best explained as the
biomechanical adaptation to grasping, which produces multidi- hazards in the workplaces you influence.
rectional mechanical influences on the skin.” Thankfully, you can
probably dis-koala-fy these marsupials as a suspect. Misheard Melodies

Mistaken Sweet Tooth Have you ever realized you’ve been singing along with the
wrong lyrics at karaoke night? Here are some misheard lyrics
In Japan, the term from chart-topping hits:
sokkuri sweets refers
to the art of creating •“I want to hold your ham.” Correct lyric: “I want to hold
desserts that look
like other things. For your hand,” from “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” by The Beatles
example, you might
find a cake that •“Feel the beat from the tangerine.” Correct lyric: “Feel
looks exactly like a
bowl of ramen noo- the beat from the tambourine,” from “Dancing Queen,” by ABBA
dles, or a chocolate
confection painted •“Sweet dreams are made of cheese.” Correct lyric:
to look like sushi. A
Japanese game show “Sweet dreams are made of this,” from “Sweet Dreams (Are Made
called Ultraman Dash of This),” by Eurythmics
utilizes this art with a
silly result. Celebrity •“I just died in your barn tonight, mustard no mayon-
contestants are shown
a room full of differ- naise instead.” Correct lyric: “I just died in your arms tonight,
ent objects and they must bet on whether objects are real or It must have been something you said,” from “(I Just) Died In
a sugary treat. After placing bets on the items such as a back- Your Arms,” by Cutting Crew
pack, a piece of chalkboard chalk or sneakers, contestants must
taste the item to see if their bets are correct. The result could be •“We’re working for peanuts.” Correct lyric: “We’re head-
delicious (or not).
ing for Venus,” from “The Final Countdown,” by Europe

•“Feelin’ like a ham and mustard shake.” Correct lyric:

“Feelin’ like a hand in rusted shame,” from “Interstate Love
Song,” by Stone Temple Pilots

•“We built this city on sausage rolls.” Correct lyric: “We

built this city on rock ‘n’ roll,” from “We Built This City,” by Jeffer-
son Starship

“I’m not confused, Reconstructing Memories

I’m just well In recent years, the validity of eyewitness testimo-
ny has been under scrutiny. According to the Inno-
mixed.” cence Project, 73% of the 29 convictions overturned
through DNA testing were based on eyewitness tes-
Robert Frost timony. Much of this can be attributed to a miscon-
ception about the way we remember. When humans
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS recall a memory, many perceive it as rewinding a
video and replaying it again and again. However,
psychologists have found that a memory is actual-
ly reconstructed each time it is remembered, like
putting puzzle pieces together. Therefore, each time
we remember an event, it is possible that we are
influenced by external forces, such as questioning or
input from others. Can you trust your eyes?

If you have a cartoon, anecdote, joke or interesting safety item you’d
like to submit for publication on this page, send your contribution
to [email protected]. Submissions will not be returned.

72 PSJ PROFESSIONAL SAFETY MAY 2019 assp.org

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