Spotlight on Vanguard Fire & Security Systems - Summit Customer Since 2007

  Up-to-date training, cost effective, user friendly, and locally-based are just a few reasons why Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, Inc. chooses Summit as their expert safety training provider.  Since 2007, Vanguard has been using Summit’s Online OSHA 10 & 30 hour training to prepare their employees of over 100 technicians, engineers, consultants, and clerical staff. Prior to using Summit, Vanguard conducted safety training by either bringing onsite educators to teach their employees or by sending employees to classes, costing the company valuable time and money.  Utilizing Summit’s online OSHA 10 & 30 hour courses improved the consistency of training results for their employees and allowed Vanguard to dedicate more resources to customer service and greater product offerings.  

     While working with clients in the petroleum industry, power generation facilities, healthcare facilities, schools, restaurants, and government entities, Vanguard noticed that an increasing number of safety requirements were mandated to carry out business as usual. Vanguard set out to look for the perfect fit to accommodate their needs for training.  Vanguard learned more about Summit Training Source while researching web-based safety training providers online.  For Vanguard, the ability of Summit’s Online OSHA 10 & 30 Hour and to customize the training curriculum was a great benefit over other providers.  The quality and consistency of Summit’s training programs, convenience of having the program accessible online, and the ease of tracking the employees’ safety training using Summit’s LMS helped Vanguard achieve their goal of most importantly, keeping their employees and clients safe while exceeding industry requirements and the high standards of their clients.    

     Vanguard Fire & Security System, Inc. is a national fire protection and security company with over 50 years experience in the business of protecting people, property and products. Today, with over 100 employees, and a fleet of over 50 Vanguard vehicles, the company operates from five strategic offices and is a full-service provider of fire protection and security systems.  The company provides system design services, equipment sales, installation, inspection, and servicing of fire protection and security systems for a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and petroleum customers nationwide.  Vanguard services clients all across the US and throughout the world.  To learn more about Vanguard Fire & Security System, Inc. visit www.vanguard-fire.com.

            We are privileged to have Vanguard Fire & Security System, Inc. as a customer and pleased they are able to utilize Summit’s training programs as part of their safety initiatives. For more information on Summit’s online OSHA 10 & 30 hour training, call 1.800.842.0466 or visit us on the web at www.safetyontheweb.com.

Put a Stop to the Violence: Lower your Risk of Workplace Aggression with Summit

Workplace violence: it could never happen to you, right?  But did you know OSHA reports that about 2 million U.S. workers each year are victims of some kind of workplace assault?  Or that the most extreme form, homicide, is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States?   Additionally, a study by NIOSH found the staggering statistic that up to 70 percent of workplaces in the U.S. do not have either a formal program or policy in place to address the problem.  Though workplace experts believe that greater awareness in recent years to workplace violence may have contributed to a decline in the mass shootings that captured headlines in the late 1980s and early 1990s, we still see incidents today, such as the Arizona killings that took place in January.   What’s more is that according to the International Labor Office, violence at work is increasing worldwide and has reached epidemic levels in some countries creating an enormous global cost of millions of dollars in losses from absenteeism and sick leave.

But what is workplace violence exactly? 

Workplace violence can be any act of physical violence, threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening, disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.  More specifically, violence ranges- but is not limited to- bullying and mobbing, threats by psychologically unstable co-workers, and sexual harassment.  It can affect or involve employees, visitors, contractors, and other non-Federal employees.

And how can Workplace Violence be prevented?

• Awareness/Training

Training is one of the most critical components of any agency’s prevention program, and is necessary for all employees, supervisors, and staff that may be involved in responding to an incident of workplace violence.  All employees should know how to recognize and report incidents of violent, intimidating, threatening, and disruptive behavior, and should have phone numbers for quick reference during a crisis or an emergency

• Threat Assessment

The basis of a threat assessment is to determine the seriousness of a potentially violent or stressful situation and how to best intervene. The purpose of the threat assessment team is to provide guidance on managing the situation in a way that protects the employees by evaluating the risks persons under suspicion may pose to particular targets. The approach and the timing for these evaluations will be specific to the circumstances of the potentially violent situation.

Once a threat assessment is completed, management will decide what additional measures are needed to fix the situation or what new steps are being taken to alleviate misunderstandings and confusion.

• Long-Term Security

There are a number of basic security measures that many USDA offices already have in place, sometimes in conjunction with neighboring Federal offices or the facility.  In addition, there are ways to create physical barriers between the employee and the hazard, and administrative procedures which can reduce the likelihood for violence.  Many offices already have emergency plans that describe procedures to follow during a fire or other emergency.   The plan should also cover workplace violence emergencies, including bomb threats, and should be specific to the type of facility, building, and the workers it covers.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR processes are designed to help parties resolve conflicts with the assistance of neutral third parties to help prevent the escalation of conflict into violent or potentially violent situations.  ADR can be used as an alternative to court litigation or agency adjudications, or to help disputing parties resolve a problem that they cannot resolve on their own.  Other processes include facilitation, conciliation, mediation, and ombudsperson programs. The key is using ADR early, before emotions or conduct make discussion a non- option.

• Employee Assistance Program

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is composed of trained counselors that address workplace stress and violence issues.  An EAP can be used to asses situations that may need to be brought to the attention of management or used to strategize ways to deal with uncomfortable or threatening situations.

Workplace Violence issues do not sit well with us here at Summit, and we would like to do everything in our power to prevent and correct such occurrences.  Our Online video “Workplace Violence: Prevent the Threat”, is the perfect way to begin transforming your workplace into a safe environment that will protect your most valuable assets – your employees.

Be the change and begin in the workplace. Call 800.842.0466 or visit www.safetyontheweb.com for more information on how to make your workplace a safer environment for everyone.    

Winterize your Workplace!

Work is hard enough without having to deal with cold weather, right?  Not to mention the accidents and associated costs that go along with winter’s working woes.  No one wants to deal with workplace issues in any season, especially during the cold winter months.  It’s no secret that during winter there are several predictable and unforeseeable factors that contribute to workplace incidents.  I’m sure many of you know from first hand experience that freezing temperatures and icy roads, to name a few, can change any workplace environment from safe to dangerous over night, leading to countless dangerous situations.  Here at Summit, we have found that the best way to combat these winter risks is to take preventative measures with training.  Be prepared with the wisdom to withstand the winter this season with some important safety suggestions that can be found in three our winter-related programs. 

o       Winter Driving

It is no surprise that vehicle accidents increase dramatically in the wintertime; icy roads, cold temperatures, and snow dramatically change everyone’s driving environment.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 38% of all driving accidents from October to March are winter-related, supporting the need for taking extra precautions during these months. 

Some Tips For Driving In Winter Weather:

• Reduce speeds. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal travel conditions. 
• Allow for extra travel time or consider delaying trips if the weather is inclement. 
• Always use headlights during inclement weather. 
•  Make sure windshield wipers, batteries, tires and defrosters are working and in good condition. 
• Carry blankets, flares and other equipment that would be helpful in an emergency. 
• Maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles. 
• Be courteous to other drivers. 
• Keep to the right except to pass, using turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions. 
• Always buckle seat belts.

o       Cold Stress & Hypothermia

Cold Stress hazards, like hypothermia and frostbite, can result from adverse environmental conditions and can set in without warning.  What’s worse, is that these hazards are not limited to winter alone; they can occur during any season and in different environments, such as freezers or refrigerators and when working underground or outdoors.  According to findings from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in recent years an astonishing total of 4,607 death certificates in the United States had hypothermia-related diagnoses listed as the underlying cause of death or nature of injury leading.  Knowing how to protect you and your workers from these chilling hazards and prevent costly accidents is essential for a safe workplace.   

Recommendations for employers for protection against Cold Stress:

• Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in cold areas for warmer months.
• Schedule cold jobs for the warmer part of the day.
• Reduce the physical demands of workers.
• Use relief workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs.
• Provide warm liquids to workers.
• Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
• Monitor workers who are at risk of cold stress.
• Provide cold stress training that includes information about:
• Worker risk
• Prevention
• Symptoms
• The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms
• Treatment
• Personal protective equipment

Recommendations for workers to protect themselves from Cold Stress:

• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Wear several layers of loose clothing for better insulation.
• Looser clothing provides circulation to the extremities and will not restrict movement in a hazardous situation.
• Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather.
• Boots should be waterproof and insulated.
• Wear a hat to reduce escaping body heat.
• Move into warm locations during work breaks; limit the amount of time outside on extremely cold days.
• Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid.
• Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.
• Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

An up-close look at Hypothermia: it’s a common form of cold stress and is a scary and serious consequence for all employees who work outdoors and are exposed to cold and wet environments for long periods of time.  Hypothermia occurs when the body loses more heat than it is producing. 

Here are signs and symptoms of hypothermia:

• Cool skin
• Slower, irregular breathing
• Slower heartbeat
• Weak pulse
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Severe shaking
• Rigid muscles
• Drowsiness
• Exhaustion
• Slurred speech
• Memory lapses

Treatment for Hypothermia:

• Move the victim into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove their wet clothing.
• Warm the center of their body first-chest, neck, head, and groin-using an electric blanket, if available; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm beverages may help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After their body temperature has increased, keep the victim dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• If victim has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

How to avoid Hypothermia:

• Train employees on cold and changing weather
• Use a buddy system
• Adjust work schedule for cold and changing weather
• Wearing layered clothing
• Wear full Personal Protective Equipment
• Consume good amounts of warm foods and liquids
• Wear eye protection 

For more information in these issues and how we can help with our programs, call 800.842.0466 or visit www.safetyontheweb.com and defrost your risk today!

What Makes A Safety Super Hero? You Tell Us...

What do you think makes a safety super hero?  How do you balace motivating your workers for safety with ensuring compliance and a productive workplace?  Share your thoughts with Summit and other safety professionals by leaving a comment on this post.

"I have been a safety professional for over 17+ years. In order to be called a Safety Hero a safety professional shall have the passion and dedication, not just show up to work and collect a check. He or she needs to be out in the forefront looking at the schedule and helping those to manage the risks they may encounter ahead of time. My beliefs are that everyone returns home to the ones they love in the same physical condition they arrived at work in. If a safety professional doesn't view safety as a value he is missing his calling. I challenge and mentor young safety professionals to be in the forefront to help those manage the risk, the industry is in a shift where allot of the baby boomers are in that retirement age, and we need to help our younger men & women succeed."  Kenneth R Majewski, Hoffman Construction

OH&S Virtual Event 2011

Mark Your Calendars, The Occupational Health and Safety Virtual Event is Coming!

Check out Summit’s Booth!

Who: Safety Professionals

What: Occupational Health and Safety Virtual Event 2011

When: February 16^th 9am-5pm

Where: vts.inxpo.com

Why: At just the click of your mouse you can have all the luxuries of a tradeshow without leaving your desk.

The OH&S Virtual Exhibit is the perfect opportunity to chat in real time with exhibitors and preview the latest products and solutions without leaving the comfort of your desk. Allowing you access to free content, downloads, presentations and more. Check out the 5 reasons OH&S thinks you should attend this event.

5 Reasons You Need to Attend This OH&S Virtual Event!

1. Stay current.

This OH&S Virtual Event is just what you need to keep up with the latest tools, technologies and information to enhance your workplace safety planning. View the latest products, attend cutting-edge educational sessions and share best practices with others in your field.

2. Save valuable time and money.

We realize budgets are tight. That’s why we’re bringing you innovative solutions and in-depth education FREE -- from the convenience of your computer. View product demonstrations, collect whitepapers and have all of your questions answered in real time, from leading suppliers—all in one place.  

3. Build your own schedule.

Based on your specific needs, choose to attend various live and on-demand sessions throughout the day covering today’s key topics.

4. Connect with the right people.

Choose from hundreds of workplace safety and health professionals also attending this OH&S Virtual Event. Network and chat with the attendees of your choice.

5. Share valuable information and lessons learned with your office.

Collect product descriptions, whitepapers, webinars, vCards, session PowerPoints and much more in your Virtual Briefcase.  Download for your own use and pass along valuable show materials to your colleagues!

For more information about the event check out http://ohsonline.com/events/ohs-virtual-event/home.aspx

Use of incentives in wellness programs on the rise: study
From National Safety Council Member News
February 11, 2011
Boston – Employers increasingly are relying on financial incentives to encourage employee participation in health improvement programs, indicates a study released Feb. 9 by the National Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments.

The study, a follow-up to research conducted in 2009, involved 147 mid- to large-sized companies in various industries nationwide. Overall, incentives provided by the companies averaged $430 per employee in 2010 – a 65 percent increase from 2009, when average spending was $260 per employee.

The types of financial incentives offered for participation in wellness programs included cash, gift cards or contributions to health savings accounts. The study tracked four main categories of wellness programs: health risk management (e.g., onsite flu shots), lifestyle management (smoking cessation programs), condition management (nurse phone lines), and communication and education (company wellness websites).

Approximately 12 percent of employers surveyed use negative incentives, such as reducing employer contributions to health plans, for employees who do not participate. Aside from incentives, companies involved in the study spent an average of $154 per employee on health improvement programs. The majority was spent on condition management programs, such as monitoring diabetes treatment.

The study further indicated the number of wellness programs will increase in coming years, as 63 percent of employers said they intend to increase program offerings in 2011. "Wellness programs in the past have typically had modest impact because of low participation rates," said Sunit Patel, senior vice president of Fidelity's benefits consulting business. "But our study indicated that incentives are starting to make a real difference in employee interest and engagement."

The Blizzard of the Century

It was the storm that brought most of the nation to a crawl and a massive clean up. Some are calling it the Great Blizzard of 2011; some are calling it “Snowpocalypse”. Whatever it may be called it will be one for the record books. The storm that hit the nation last Tuesday (February 4^th) left two thirds of the nation facing down power lines, shuttered highways and thousands of airport cancellations, along with a 2,000 mile trail of snow and ice from the Midwest to the northeast.

Snow falls that were record breaking and cancellations for days, it was the every kids dream snow day. For parents and businesses it was more of a nightmare. Shoveling driveways for hours and waiting for plows to clear a path, leaving roads still un-drivable for most places. With blizzard like winds reaching up to 50mph and over a foot of snow in some places of the country, driving was out of question for most.

Those that braved the heavy snow fall and strong winds were not all lucky. 11 deaths were reported due to the blizzard according to the NBC Chicago News. ABC News tells of three unfortunate deaths… A woman died on her way to work, she got stuck on a railroad track and was thrown from her car when a train hit her vehicle. A man in Detroit died in a car accident caused by icy road condition. In New York a homeless man burned to death when he tried to light cans of cooking fuel to stay warm.

Some thought they would leave town before the storm hit made it not much farther than the airport. This storm caused over 5,000 flights to be canceled. Flights were not the only thing that took a big hit that day. The economy lost millions in profit do to businesses closing. According the NBC Chicago the blizzard cost the Chicago area around $600millions. Other cities such as New York, Detroit and Indianapolis were affected financially from the storm. 

Check out these picture from around Grand Rapids, Michigan!