**FY 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs**

**Annual Occupational Safety and Health Report to the Secretary of
Labor**

**Name of Department/Agency**: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

**Address**: 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420

**Number of Federal Civilian Employees this Report Covers**: 247,435

**Contact information for the Department's DASHO and OSH Manager**:

+--------------+----------------------+-----------+------------------+
| **Name**     | **Official Title**   | **Te      | **Email**        |
|              |                      | lephone** |                  |
+--------------+----------------------+-----------+------------------+
| **DASHO:**   | Assistant Secretary  | \(202\)   | <micha           |
|              | for Human Resources  | 461-7752  | el.hager@va.gov> |
| Michael W.   | and Administration   |           |                  |
| Hager        |                      |           |                  |
+--------------+----------------------+-----------+------------------+
| **OSH        | Director, Office of  | \(202\)   | <fra             |
| Manager:**   | Occupational Safety  | 461-5021  | nk.denny@va.gov> |
|              | and Health           |           |                  |
| Frank J.     |                      |           |                  |
| Denny        |                      |           |                  |
+--------------+----------------------+-----------+------------------+

**Executive Summary**

**[Statistics]{.underline}**

**[Injury and Illness Trends]{.underline}:**

-   The number of total injury and illness claims: 10,036

-   Lost time injury and illness claims: 4,633

-   Total claim rate: 4.06

-   Lost time claim rate: 1.87

Total Workers' Compensation (WC) chargeback costs in Chargeback Year
(CBY) 2007 were: \$166,086,857.27

VA's total and lost time claims rate have declined this reporting
period. VA's Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) trend continues to
have a reduction in total claims. Reductions are based on data provided
by the Department of Labor's (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) using employment figures OSHA obtains from the
Office of Personnel Management (OPM). VA also tracks claim rates using
hours worked from our paid system and these rates have also shown a
decline in the previous reporting period.

During this period, VA promoted safety education through quarterly
national safety conference calls, distance learning, and providing OSH
information via VA's OSH Website at
[www.va.gov/vasafety](http://www.va.gov/vasafety). Each Administration
promotes and provides targeted OSH education and equipment to address
their organization's specific needs, such as safe patient movement and
handling equipment for our medical centers. VA has established a Safety
Steering Committee (SSC) that will improve VA's OSH program focus and
identify new OSH program initiatives in FY 2008.

The number of fatality claims for FY 2007: 2 (up one from FY 2006).

Page 2.

**[OSHA Initiatives]{.underline}**

**Safety, Health and Return-to-Employment (SHARE) Initiative**: VA met
three of the goals for the Presidential SHARE Initiative for FY 2007.

-   **Goal 1: Reduce total injury claims rate by 3 percent per year**.
    Although VA decreased total claims rate from FY 2006 (4.24 percent
    to a rate of 4.06), indicating a 4.2 percent decline from 2006, VA
    did not meet the initiative from the baseline 2003 total claim rate
    of 4.43. In order that VA meet the 2007 goal, the total claims rate
    would have to have been 3.92. VA missed the goal of a decrease by 3
    percent per year, by a minor .6 percent.

-   **Goal 2: Reduce lost time claims rates (LTCR) by 3 percent per
    year**. The target for reduction in LTCR for 2007 was 1.94; VA's
    LTCR decreased from the FY 2006 rate of 2.00 to 1.87 for 2007. The
    LTCR declined by 3.6 percent from FY 2006.

-   **Goal 3: Increase the timely filing of claims by 5 percent per
    year**. VA's claims submission timeliness rate continues to remain
    above the national average of 73.9 percent and above our target of
    82.4 percent by 4.6 percent at 86.2 percent for FY 2007.

-   **Goal 4: Reduce the rate of lost production days (LPD) due to
    injury by 1 percent each year**. VA exceeded the goal of 56.7 days
    with 50.9 days. This was a decrease in LPD by 11 percent, well below
    the DOL reestablished FY 2006 baseline of 57.3 days.

**Motor Vehicle/Seatbelt Safety:** VA had 141 motor vehicle accidents in
FY 2007. All accidents were investigated. No significant trends were
noted. Seatbelt usage within VA is encouraged and mandated. VA presently
does not have a method of tracking seatbelt usage. VA utilizes an
automated data management system for tracking injuries and illnesses,
called the Workers' Compensation Occupational Safety Health/Management
Information System (WC-OSH/MIS). WC-OSH/MIS is used to obtain the number
of motor vehicle accidents. However, this number only provides the motor
vehicle accidents that result in personal injury and require medical
and/or compensation cost for the FY; we do not have a Departmental
system that rolls up the motor vehicle accidents. On July 17, 2007, VA
held a Designated Agency Safety and Health Official (DASHO) Conference
Call with participation from the National Safety Council (NSC) and
Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Links to free driving training for
the General Service Administration (GSA) contract employees was provided
courtesy of the NSC to all participants.

**Recordkeeping Requirements:** VA implemented a recordkeeping Website
in FY 2005 as a resource and promotional tool to implement the new
recordkeeping requirements. VA has maintained the Website with
appropriate revisions, i.e., updates as recently as October 23, 2007.
The Website www1.va.gov/vasafety provides each Administration with links
to OSHA forms, resources, and requirements under 29 CFR Part 1960 and
1904. In addition to the Website, VA held a DASHO Quarterly Conference
on January 16, 2007, reviewing OSHA Forms 300, 300a and 301 and had VHA,
National Cemetery Administration (NCA), and Veterans Benefits
Administration (VBA) participation with 66 participants. Additionally,
on the Website is a link to educational distance learning streamed
videos jointly developed with OSHA and the U.S. Postal Service. VA
supports our labor partners and their Annual Safety Conference. During
this annual union safety conference, the OSHA recordkeeping requirements
are taught.

Page 3.

**[Employee Training and Support]{.underline}**

VA provides safety educational courses through its Website and the VA
Learning University (VALU), providing safety managers, safety collateral
duty personal, and union officials with beginner, intermediate, and
advanced safety education. VA conducted four national conference calls
during this reporting period. The subjects of the calls were: OSHA
Recordkeeping, OSHA Annual Report and preparation for the coming year,
Mold, Vermin, Education opportunities for all Administrations, Driver
Safety, Violence in the Workplace, and the new OSHA Establishment
Coding.

VA promotes, as a part of their national conference calls, the
involvement of VA safety staff in Field Federal Safety and Health
Councils. VA has employee representatives from five VA medical centers
that chair these local councils.

**FY 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs**

**Annual Occupational Safety and Health Report to the Secretary of
Labor**

**Detailed Report**

# 1. [Statistics]{.underline}

**a. [Injury and Illness Statistics]{.underline}**

**[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):]{.smallcaps}**

  --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
                                    **FY       **FY       **Change**
                                    2006**     2007**     

  Number of Federal Civilian        237,633    247,435    9,802 employee\
  employees, including full-time,                         4.1% increase
  part-time, seasonal, and                                
  Intermittent employees                                  

  Total Claims Injury/Illness       10,084     10,036     48 claims\
  (number of Injury/illness claims                        .5% decrease
  -- no lost-time, first aid,                             
  lost-time and fatalities)                               

  Total Claims Rate (rate of all    4.24       4.06       .18 decrease\
  injury/illness claims per 100                           4% decline
  employees)                                              

  Lost Time Claims (number of       4,568      4,633      65 claim
  claims that involved days away                          increase\
  from work)                                              1.4% increase

  Lost Time Claims Rate (rate of    1.92       1.87       .05 decrease\
  only the injury/illness claims                          2.6% decrease
  with days away from work per 100                        
  employees)                                              

  Lost Work Days (number of days    5,476      2,855      2621 decrease\
  away from work)                                         47% decrease

  Lost Work Day Rate (per 100       62.3       50.9       11.4 days\
  employees)                                              18% decrease
  --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------------

+----------+-----------------+---------+--------+--------+-----------+
| **Fiscal | **Fatalities    | **Lost  | *      | **No   | **Total   |
| Year**   | From**          | Time**  | *First | Lost   | Claims**  |
|          |                 |         | Aid**  | Time** |           |
|          | **WC-OSH/MIS**  |         |        |        |           |
+----------+-----------------+---------+--------+--------+-----------+
| FY 2007  | 2               | 4,826   | 432    | 5,250  | 10,510    |
+----------+-----------------+---------+--------+--------+-----------+
| FY 2006  | 3               | 5,434   | 557    | 6,405  | 12,399    |
+----------+-----------------+---------+--------+--------+-----------+
| FY 2005  | 4               | 5,793   | 628    | 6,508  | 12,949    |
+----------+-----------------+---------+--------+--------+-----------+

> The total injury and illness claims rate, as well as the number of
> lost time claims have decreased this reporting period. VA's
> Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) trend continues to have a
> reduction in claims. During this period, VA promoted safety education
> through the use of quarterly national safety conference calls,
> distance learning and providing OSH information via VA's OSH Website:
> [www.va.gov/vasafety](http://www.va.gov/vasafety). Each Administration
> also promotes and provides targeted OSH education and equipment to
> address their organization's specific needs, such as safe patient
> movement and handling equipment for VA medical centers (VAMC). VA has
> established a Safety Steering Committee (SSC) to improve VA OSH focus
> and identify initiatives to better improve VA's OSH program in FY
> 2008.

Page 2.

**[Veterans Health Administration (VHA):]{.smallcaps}**

> In 2002, VHA implemented an administration-based workers\'
> compensation program to improve program performance, expedite
> return-to-work, strengthen training, and manage costs. From FY 2006 to
> FY 2007, total injury and illness cases increased from 9,526 to 9,975
> with a similar increase in lost time cases from 4,255 to 4,508. During
> this period, total lost work days decreased more than 45 percent from
> 4,827 to 2,209. Training and education tools have been developed in
> further support of the program, including a set of intranet lectures
> and a monthly training call for the Veterans Integrated Service
> Networks (VISN) structure. A cascade training program for the review
> of all cases was implemented in 2007.
>
> VHA's review of the VA Worker's Compensation Management Information
> System (WC-MIS) data indicates 3 years (2004-2006) of steady progress
> in reducing total claims and a significant reduction in the lost time
> claims rate. These reductions have occurred after a dramatic 40
> percent decline in reported injury rates from 1994-2003. VHA will
> continue to monitor the Safety, Health, and Return-to-Employment
> (SHARE) Goals closely, identify "best practices" to reduce injury
> rates, and work closely with VA's SSC to reduce injury rates.

  ------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------
  ** **                           **FY 2006**  **FY 2007**    **Change**

  Number of Federal Civilian      213,369      222,085        \+ 8,716
  Employees, including full-time,                             
  part-time, seasonal,                                        
  intermittent workers                                        

  Total Cases Injury/Illness      9,526        9,975          \+ 449
  (number of injury/illness                                   
  cases---no lost-time, first                                 
  aid, lost-time and fatalities)                              

  Total Case Rate (rate of all    4.9          5.2            \+ 0.3
  injury/illness cases per hours                              
  worked)                                                     

  Lost Time Cases (number of      4,255        4,508          \+ 253
  cases that involved days away                               
  from work)                                                  

  Lost Time Case Rate (rate of    2.2          2.3            \+ 0.1
  only the injury/illness cases                               
  with days away from work per                                
  hours worked)                                               

  Lost Work Days (number of days  4,827        2,209          \- 2,618
  away from work)                                             

  Lost Work Day Rate (per 100     2.3          1.0            \- 1.3
  employees)                                                  
  ------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------

Page 3.

**[National Cemetery Administration (NCA):]{.smallcaps}**

+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
|                           | **FY       | **FY 2007**     | *         |
|                           | 2006**     |                 | *Change** |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Number of Federal         | 1,599      | 1,621           | +22       |
| Civilian Employees,       |            |                 |           |
| including full-time,      | OPM data   | OPM data        | 1.4%      |
| part-time, seasonal,      |            |                 | increase  |
| intermittent workers      |            |                 |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Total Cases               | 171        | 168             | 1.8%      |
| Injury/Illness (number of |            |                 | decrease  |
| injury/illness cases---no |            |                 |           |
| lost-time, first aid,     |            |                 |           |
| lost-time and fatalities) |            |                 |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Total Case Rate (rate of  | 10.69      | 10.36           | 3.1%      |
| all injury/illness cases  |            |                 | decrease  |
| per 100 employees)        |            |                 |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Lost Time Cases (number   | 101        | 99              | 2.0%      |
| of cases that involved    |            |                 | decrease  |
| days away from work)      |            |                 |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Lost Time Case Rate (rate | 6.32       | 6.11            | 3.3%      |
| of only the               |            |                 | decrease  |
| injury/illness cases with |            |                 |           |
| days away from work per   |            |                 |           |
| 100 employees)            |            |                 |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Lost Work Days (number of | No data    | No data         | N/A       |
| days away from work)      | available  | available at    |           |
|                           | at report  | report time.    |           |
|                           | time.      |                 |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+
| Lost Work Day Rate (per   | 296.6 FY   | No data         | At least  |
| 100 employees)            | 2006       | available at    | 1%        |
|                           | baseline   | report time.    | reduction |
|                           | per DOL    | Expect to meet  |           |
|                           |            | goal of 1%      |           |
|                           |            | reduction.      |           |
+---------------------------+------------+-----------------+-----------+

> This chart reflects statistics for five Memorial Service Networks
> (MSN's) and the 125 cemeteries the MSN's manage. NCA knows that two
> MSN's, MSN I and MSN V [each]{.underline} have two high volume burial
> rate cemeteries (cemeteries that conduct approximate 30 burials a day)
> and correspondingly have a larger work force with more opportunities
> for exposure to safety hazards. These cemeteries are MSN I (Calverton
> and Long Island) and MSN V (Riverside and Willamette); the data
> collected generally reflects these differences.
>
> Facilities with high injury and illness rates. The paragraphs above
> under Executive Summary (sections \"OSH in NCA\" and \"SHARE Data\")
> explains the organizational changes NCA has made to better manage lost
> time case rates and to decrease accident/injury rates. As noted above,
> NCA has created a Human Resources (HR) Center in Indianapolis and
> hired an experienced HR person who has WC experience. Our hope is to
> reduce even more our lost time case rates while improving our claims
> submission timeliness.

Page 4.

**b. [Fatalities]{.underline}**

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> In FY 2007, two fatalities were reported to the Department of Labor\'s
> (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the
> Office of Workers\' Compensation Program (OWCP). Up from one in FY
> 2006, WC-OSH/MIS data base indicates two fatalities for VHA. According
> to the WC-OSH/MIS, one fatality was a claim that was originally
> accepted in 1993 for a fatal heart condition. However, in April 2007,
> the claim was reopened, but should not count as a fatality in 2007.
> The other fatality claim in 2007 is a case that was filed by widow/
> widower for a date of death February 28, 2007. This claim has not been
> adjudicated as of this report.
>
> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA):]{.smallcaps}**
>
> In 2007, several fatalities were reported to OSHA and OWCP. In three
> cases, the deceased employees experienced a cardiac event determined
> to be non-work related or the cause has yet to be determined.
>
> ![](media/image1.wmf)
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA)]{.smallcaps}:**

  ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
  **Fatalities/Catastrophic       **Cause---FY 2007**
  Events**                        

  None                            N/A
  ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------

> **Fatality and Catastrophic Accident Investigations.** NCA has not had
> any fatalities or catastrophic accidents either in FY 2007 or FY 2006.

**c. [Office of Workers' Compensation Program Costs]{.underline}**

**[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):]{.smallcaps}**

  ------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
                                  **CBY 2005**    **CBY 2006**    **CBY 2007**

  Total Chargeback                \$156,155,997   \$164,090,900   \$166,086,857

  Total Continuation of Pay (COP) Not available   31,569 Days     31,731 Days

  Total Chargeback + COP          \$156,155,997   \$164,090,900   \$166,086,857

  Chargeback for claims that      \$7,692,715     \$8,396,522     \$10,032,539
  occurred in the CBY                                             
  ------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------

Page 5.

**[Veterans Health Administration (VHA):]{.smallcaps}**

> A Network Director Performance monitor explicitly addressed
> return-to-work of employees on the periodic roles from DOL. A system
> was developed to track actual status, including work capacity, level
> of skill and ability and acceptance of a job offer. In parallel, VHA
> developed a series of tools on clinical \[early\] case management and
> disseminated these through internal conferences. The attached figure
> shows the chargeback year 2007 compensation costs as compared to prior
> years. VHA implemented its own national WC program, with internal
> oversight, in 2004.

**[National Cemetery Administration (NCA):]{.smallcaps}**

  ------------------------------------ ------------- --------------------
  ** **                                **CBY 2006**  **CBY 2007**

  Total Chargeback                     \$2,471,989   \$2,655,598 (WC/MIS)
                                                     Data

  Total Continuation of Pay (COP)      21,514 Hours  5,860 Hours

  Total Chargeback + COP               \$2,471,989   \$2,655,598 (WC/MIS)
                                                     Data

  Chargeback for Cases that occurred   \$131,945     \$88,778
  in the CBY                                         
  ------------------------------------ ------------- --------------------

**d. [SIGNIFICANT TRENDS AND MAJOR CAUSES OR SOURCES OF LOST TIME\
]{.underline}** **[INJURIES]{.underline}**

**[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):]{.smallcaps}**

+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| **Nature** (sprains,       | **2006  | *       | **2007  | **2007  |
| contusions, etc.)          | Percent | *2006** | Percent | Percent |
|                            | of      |         | of      | of      |
|                            | Total** | **      | Total** | Cost**  |
|                            |         | Percent |         |         |
|                            |         | of      |         |         |
|                            |         | Cost**  |         |         |
+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Back Strain/Sprains        | 27%     | 15.5%   | 27%     | 17.1%   |
+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Sprain/Strain (not back)   | 18%     | 13.6%   | 18%     | 15.8%   |
+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Contusion                  | 9%      | 4.6%    | 9%      | 3.3%    |
+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Traumatic Injury (not      | 8%      | 6.8%    | 7%      | 5.2%    |
| classified)                |         |         |         |         |
+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| Pain/Swelling in Joint     | 6%      | 2.6%    | 8%      | 5.6%    |
+----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+

Page 6.

  ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **Cause of Injury** (slips,    **Percent   **Percent   **Percent   **Percent
  handling tools, etc.)          of Total**  of Cost**   of Total**  of Cost**

  Unclassified                   34%         18.6%       37%         20%

  Other manual handling and      16%         8.2%        17%         11.7%
  equipment                                                          

  Fall/slip floor, work surface, 8%          7.1%        8%          8.0%
  aisle way                                                          

  Fall/slip walkways, curbs,     4%          3.0%        4%          3.0%
  porches                                                            

  Slip, twist, trip, not falling 3%          4.8%        3%          2.2%
  ------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

> The major nature of lost time injuries for VA continues to be back
> strains and sprains, followed by sprains/strains of ligaments. The
> causes of injuries can be defined into unclassified, other manual
> handling and equipment, and fall/slip floor - work surface/aisle way.
>
> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA):]{.smallcaps}**
>
> Implementation of the Automated Safety Surveillance and Tracking
> System (ASISTS), an in-house knowledge-management and injury reporting
> system, remains a core element of the VHA safety program. The overall
> distribution of injuries remains similar as in prior years. VHA has
> undertaken major interventions on several of these injury categories.
>
> Although the in-house injury reporting system confirms that,
> generally, this distribution of injuries has not changed substantially
> over the prior years, the total number of reported incidents in the
> in-house injury reporting system declined from 28,117 to 25,236, about
> 10 percent. Patient transfer injuries continued to decline. The number
> of "not elsewhere classified" injuries declined by 20 percent,
> reflecting VHA's continuing emphasis on accurate reporting and
> targeted injury prevention program development.
>
> ![](media/image2.wmf){width="4.125in" height="2.2694444444444444in"}
>
> VHA has developed programs to reduce common injuries and continues to
> encourage the increased reporting of injuries. Formal examination of
> reporting rates suggests that under-reporting remains an issue. VHA
> has undertaken a major project to understand the drivers for
> under-reporting.
>
> VHA has undertaken the valuations of several specific hazards. After
> implementation of a safe patient movement and handling program in
> several regional hospital systems, VHA undertook a systematic
> evaluation of reasons for success and failure, identified likely
> determinants, and as modified the program. A similar event took place
> for slips, trips, and falls, with the development of a national
> program guidance tool.

Page 7.

**[National Cemetery Administration (NCA)]{.smallcaps}**.

***NOTE: VA\'s WC-OSH/MIS was the source of data*.**

  ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------
  **FY 2007 Major Trends**                             

  **Nature** (sprains, contusions,    **Percent of     **Percent of Cost**
  etc.)                               Total**          

  Back Strain/Sprains                 18%              Not Tracked

  Sprain/Strain not back              18%              Not Tracked

  Punctures/Lacerations               14%              Not Tracked

  Contusion                           7%               Not Tracked

  Traumatic Injury (not classified)   43%              Not Tracked

  **Cause of Injury** (slips,         **Percent of     **Percent of Cost**
  handling tools, etc.)               Total**          

  Unclassified                        55%              Not Tracked

  Other manual handling and equipment 21%              Not Tracked

  Fall/slip floor; work surface;      3%               Not Tracked
  aisle way                                            

  Fall/slip walkways, curbs, porches  4%               Not Tracked

  Fall Slip Other                     9%               Not Tracked

  Slip, twist, trip, not falling      8%               Not Tracked
  ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------

### Injuries while lifting and moving headstones has been identified as our single greatest source of lost time disabilities. The MSN's are required to provide safety training, emphasizing proper lifting techniques, since headstones can weigh up to 240 pounds. Back injuries associated with the movement and positioning of headstones, caskets, and equipment has the highest incidence rate of all types of injury, so NCA emphasizes precautions and frequently train our employees on proper lifting techniques and procedures. Lifting devices have also been developed for use in some of our cemeteries, which has helped, and will continue to help reduce the number of incidents associated with handling headstones.

> **Workplace Violence Program and Initiatives:**
>
> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA):]{.smallcaps}**
>
> In 2000, VHA undertook a systematic review of violence prevention
> policies and their implementation strategies. The review was triggered
> by a series of adverse events, several of which had death or near
> death as a consequence. In 2001, a national committee and task force
> developed a report and made 15 recommendations. The recommendations
> included a national standard on violence prevention and a national
> survey on the experience of assaults and verbal abuse. Training was
> documented for over 90 percent of employees that year, and the survey,
> published in 2005, identified several important phenomena. First, VHA
> employees experienced assaults and verbal abuse at more than twice the
> rate of U.S. Postal Service employees. Second, patients were
> perpetrators of 85 percent of assaults on clinical staff. High risk
> areas and occupations included geriatrics, mental health, nursing, and
> the police. In general, assaults in VHA represent type II or type III
> events, such as criminal robberies or domestic partner violence. Other
> non-occupational events represent less than 3 percent of all
> incidents.

Page 8.

> **Clinical Violence Prevention (NIOSH type II -- "Client"**)
>
> VHA has long had a program on violence prevention in health care. The
> program \-- Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior" (PMDB)
> \-- was developed in the 1970s after recognition of the threat of
> patient assaults. It consists of a cognitive module, hands on training
> modules addressing de-escalation and personal safety skills, and a
> module on therapeutic containment. Between 2003 and 2005, VHA
> implemented Network Director monitors to reestablish at least two
> hands-on trainers in each facility, revise violence prevention
> policies in each facility, develop a national electronic flagging
> system to warn of prior assaults by patients, and to establish an
> infrastructure to maintain the flagging system. Each facility
> developed a Disruptive Behavior Committee (DBC), under senior clinical
> leadership, to review all assaults, determine follow up, and manage
> the content and guidance of the behavioral flag. This system was a
> semi-finalist for the well-known Innovations in American Government
> Award, supported by Harvard University.
>
> VHA has undertaken a series of efforts to evaluate violence prevention
> rejuvenation. In 2003, VHA and the National Institute for Occupational
> Safety and Health (NIOSH) undertook on-site evaluations in six
> hospitals. Two years later, VHA undertook a national review on
> violence prevention and policy implementation in residential
> rehabilitation facilities. In 2006, VHA sent a field team to each
> hospital in each regional healthcare system to evaluate design of
> checklists, semi-structured interviews and data reviews. In 2007, VHA
> replicated that review nationally, sending a team of at least three
> individuals to the remaining medical centers and reviewed violence
> prevention, training, DBC performance and clinical practices. The
> results of that evaluation have just been rolled up nationally and are
> currently being evaluated. The evaluation will be used to develop a
> list of deficiencies with a locally defined abatement plan, develop a
> manual on violence prevention and health care, and establish a scoring
> system for the quantitative assessment of violence prevention and
> effectiveness. VHA plans to conduct a follow-up survey in 2008 to
> compare results with those of 2001 and evaluate the effectiveness of
> the intervention programs.
>
> The table below presents the overall number of injuries reported each
> year in ASISTS, VHA's injury management system. In general, internal
> data suggest that at most 1 in 5 events are reported; data from the
> peer-reviewed literature suggest as few as 1 in 15 are actually
> reported in any single reporting system.
>
> **Data on Assaults: Injuries Reported in ASISTS.**

  ------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- ---------------
  **Year**      **All        **Percent of   **Number of     **Percent of
                Assaults**   All Injuries** Assaults that   All Assaults
                                            Occur to        that Occur to
                                            Nurses**        Nurses**

  2002          1,148        4.9%           909             79.2%

  2003          1,306        5.4%           1,029           78.8%

  2004          1,265        5.0%           974             77.0%

  2005          1,447        5.6%           1,171           80.9%

  2006          1,464        5.2%           1,195           81.6%

  2007          1,292        5.1%           1,034           80.0%
  ------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- ---------------

Page 9.

> The next table presents data on assaults from WC-MIS. These represent
> only the cases newly reported during the fiscal year and excludes
> "legacy" cases. Legacy cases are active prior to the fiscal year and
> are often "permanent" and require very different management and
> intervention strategies. Again, peer-reviewed publications suggest
> that any single reporting system captures approximately 1 in 15 actual
> assaults. In general, VHA's experience suggests that four times as
> many assaults are reported in the internal injury management system.
> At present VHA has not been permitted to merge the data from these
> systems to examine whether at least some of the workers compensation
> data are not reported in the injury management system, but the general
> feeling is that this does represent a problem.

  ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **Year**   **Number of **Number   **Number of **Number of **Percent   **Average
             Assaults    of those   Nurses with Assaults    of Assault  Cost of
             Reported to Assaults   Injuries    with Lost   Claims with "New"
             the WC      with Lost  from        Time        Lost Time   Assaults
             System for  Time**     Assaults    Injuries    that Occur  for
             the First              Reported    Occurring   in Nursing  Nurses**
             Time Per               for the     in Nurses** Staff**     
             FY**                   First Time                          
                                    that FY**                           

  2002       278         164        191         121         73.8%       \$ 22,026

  2003       307         178        190         107         60.1%       \$ 28,632

  2004       263         156        177         110         70.5%       \$ 28,931

  2005       284         155        206         120         77.4%       \$ 27,818

  2006       295         144        193         97          67.4%       \$ 37,522

  2007       290         135        187         94          69.6%       \$ 27,240
  ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

> **Co-worker Assaults (NIOSH Type III -- "Co-worker")**
>
> Based on the 2001 survey, VHA also realized that co-worker violence
> represented a hazard and formulated a "civility" project in VHA\'s
> National Center for Organizational Development. As part of the annual
> All Employee Survey, VHA developed an instrument to measure civility.
> Several intervention models were tried and VHA has been using the
> civility instrument to evaluate their effectiveness. Five papers
> summarizing that work were recently presented at the Academy of
> Management. A follow-up survey ("Aggressive Behavior Prevention
> Survey") is examining the overall effectiveness in January 2008.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA):]{.smallcaps}**
>
> Over the past fiscal year, NCA had six violence in the workplace
> incidents. None were significant; all were handled by the
> supervisor/director as reflected below:
>
> 1\. [Houston National Cemetery]{.underline} (1 incident). Employee was
> told he/she would receive a personnel action regarding an incident.
> He/she was overheard using the word "kill" in a telephone conversation
> shortly after the counseling. A follow-up investigation revealed no
> "threat was intended/made". NCA\'s Central Office was aware of the
> incident; no further action was taken.

Page 10.

> 2\. [Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery]{.underline} (2 incidents; same
> two individuals). A scuffle broke out between two individuals in the
> maintenance area break-room in the March/April time frame; the
> individual starting the scuffle was suspended. A few weeks later the
> same two had a second confrontation involving the previously guilty
> individual throwing rocks at the second person. The cemetery proposed
> removal; the individual resigned before action was taken.
>
> 3\. [Marion National Cemetery]{.underline}. On April 2, 2007, the
> ex-wife of an employee came to the cemetery and committing battery on
> her ex-husband. VA police were called and escorted the wife off the
> grounds; no police report was filed. No action was taken against the
> employee.
>
> 4/5. [Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery]{.underline} (two incidents).
> The cemetery foreman allegedly threatened employees. The foreman is
> currently on leave pending the outcome of an investigation. The second
> incident involved an employee who is also the union shop steward who
> verbally threatened employees. An investigation concluded with
> disciplinary action.
>
> 6\. [Los Angeles National Cemetery]{.underline}. An individual in the
> compensated work therapy (CWT) program got in a scuffle with a
> temporary employee. An investigation resulted in the temporary
> employee being terminated and the CWT person removed from the program.
>
> NCA is in the process of completing 19 safety and occupational health
> handbooks. Violence in the Workplace is one of these handbooks. Once
> officially signed-off on by the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs,
> NCA plans to distribute these workbooks through the MSN's (area
> offices) down to the cemeteries. Workplace violence and related formal
> policy is covered in the handbook. Currently, NCA employees receive
> training provided by VHA at many of their medical centers and outreach
> clinics.
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> 1\. VBA Regional Office Oakland reported a veteran was claiming
> non-receipt for his compensation payment. The claimant appeared to be
> under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Oakland Regional Office
> Safety Officer requested the presence of FPS Police Officers. The
> claimant's claims folder was under the jurisdiction of the Reno
> Regional Office and check tracer action had already been initiated.
> The claimant was advised, in the presence of the FPS officers, that he
> would not be issued a special payment. He then left the office
> followed by the FPS officers.
>
> 2\. VBA Regional Office Oakland reported a veteran acting in a
> threatening manner using his cane in the Disabled American Veterans
> office. A duress alarm was activated and the Federal Protective
> Service, accompanied by building security guards, responded to the
> alarm. The veteran regained his composure and was assisted by regional
> office employees. Lock guards were installed on the doors to all the
> Service Organizations because the veteran was able to force the lock
> on the door to Disabled American Veterans.
>
> 3\. VBA Regional Office Manila reported two psychiatric patients were
> observed in a loud confrontation at an employee's workstation. A
> social worker mediated to reconcile the patients' misconception.

Page 11.

### **[Workplace Violence Programs/Initiatives]{.underline}**

> VBA has worked with the Department to develop a policy template for a
> Violent Behavior Prevention Program. The template was distributed to
> each of VBA's specific programs. Each facility now has written policy
> describing roles and responsibilities, training, investigation,
> reporting requirements, and assessments of potential sources of
> violent behavior. Medical care, counseling, disciplinary and adverse
> actions are also covered. Any person engaging in violent behavior will
> be reported to appropriate authorities and prosecuted to the fullest
> extent of the law.
>
> **[VBA Highlights]{.underline}:**

-   VA Regional Office Milwaukee has VAMC police on duty in the lobby
    and their presence serves as a major deterrent for any inappropriate
    behavior. The station has issued both a Facility Safety Policy
    Circular 23-07-01 and a Violent Behavior Prevention Program Circular
    00-04-01 to managers, supervisors, and employees.

-   VA Regional Office Houston had the VAMC police hold a mandatory
    station-wide training presentation on workplace violence. During
    this presentation the station introduced its newly revised reporting
    form and educated the staff on the proper procedures for documenting
    and reporting various types of workplace violence.

**e. [Contract and Volunteer Employees]{.underline}**

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VA does not maintain details regarding contract employees or
> volunteers nor the injuries or illness statistics for the different
> categories in a national database.
>
> [**Veterans Health Administration (VHA)**.]{.smallcaps}
>
> VHA contractors are managed at the medical center level. The total
> number of VHA contract employees and supervision status is not
> available. There were 162 reported VHA contractor injuries during FY
> 2007. The VA Volunteer Services (VAVS) is supported by over 350
> organizations and represents the largest volunteer organization in the
> Federal government system. VA volunteers provide a broad range of
> services in support of the VA mission. Volunteers provide support for
> patient transportation, personal assistance, information technology,
> and medical services. During FY 2007, there were 194 VHA volunteer
> injuries.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> NCA executes various 'contracts' throughout the year with different
> numbers of personnel involved. The contracts have written into them
> that the Contractor is responsible for injuries and accidents to his
> workers since they are responsible for direct supervision of their
> employees. NCA does not maintain data in this area. If a contract
> worker is seriously injured, he or she is taken to the nearest
> hospital. If an incident occurs with no resulting injury, it is the
> responsibility of the contract supervisor to document the occurrence.
> Appropriate paperwork is initiated and sent to the cemetery's
> servicing hospital. This information is maintained in the VHA ASISTS
> database.

[Page 12.]{.smallcaps}

**2. [OSHA Initiatives -- SHARE, Seat Belt Safety, and Recordkeeping
]{.underline}**

**[Requirements]{.underline}**

> **a. [Safety, Health and Return-to-Employment Initiative
> (SHARE)]{.underline}**
>
> \(1\) Reduce the total injury and illness claim rates by 3 percent per
> year.
>
> [**Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)**.]{.smallcaps}
>
> Although VA decreased the total claims rate from FY 2006 by 4.2
> percent to a total claims rate of 4.06, we have not met the initiative
> from our baseline 2003 total claims rate of 4.43. In order for VA to
> meet the 2007 goal, the total claims rate would have to have been
> 3.92. However, for 2007 VA\'s total claims have decreased slightly
> from FY 2006. OSHA records now provide VA with a breakdown by
> administration, which has facilitated focused reviews of each
> administration.
>
> ![](media/image3.wmf)**Total Claim Rates (TCR)**
>
> \(2\) Reduce lost time injury and illness rates by 3 percent per year.
>
> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> The target lost time Claims rate for 2007 was 1.94; VA's lost time
> claims rate decreased from 2.00 to 1.87. OSHA records now provide VA
> with a breakdown by administration, which has facilitated focused
> reviews of each administration.

Page 13.

> **Lost Time Claim Rate (LTCR)**

![](media/image4.wmf)

> \(3\) Increase the timely filing of injury and illness claims by 5
> percent per year.
>
> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> Our claim submission timeliness rate continues to remain well above
> the national average of 73.9 percent and above our target of 82.4
> percent at 86.2 percent for\
> FY 2007. This is slightly down from FY 2006, 87.4 percent submission
> timeliness rate.
>
> **Timely Filing of Injury and Illness Claims**

![](media/image5.wmf)

> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA):]{.smallcaps}**
>
> Timely submission of workers\' compensation claims (CA-1s and CA-2s),
> mandated to be within two weeks increased from 45% compliance in 2001
> to 85.4% in 2006, a stellar performance improvement. Timely submission
> compliance in 2007 was 87%. No accurate agency data are available on
> Continuation of Pay (COP) costs at this time. Each medical center
> maintains the necessary documentation and enters it into the Personnel
> and Accounting Integrated Data (PAID) system. Review of the data
> suggests that major inaccuracies persist, unexpectedly and
> unpredictably, throughout the system. A major effort has begun to
> improve data coding and national roll-up, including the development of
> a new electronic, Web-based system currently under development.

Page 14.

![](media/image6.wmf){width="6.374305555555556in"
height="3.0868055555555554in"}

(4) Reduce the rate of Lost Production Days (LPD) due to injury and
    illness by 1 percent per year.

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VA exceeded the goal of 56.7 days with 50.9 days. This was a decrease
> from FY 2006 LPD of 62.3.
>
> **Lost Production Days**

![](media/image7.bmp)

Page 15.

> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**

  ---------------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
  **Goals**        **FY     **MSN-I**   **MSN-II**   **MSN-III**   **MSN-IV**   **MSN-V**
                   2007 NCA                                                     
                   Goal**                                                       

  Reduce total     10.37    59 Claims @ 21 Claims @  30 Claims @   25 Claims @  33 Claims @
  injury and                21.96%      9.91%        13.83%        11.72%       15.14%
  illness case                                                                  
  rates by 3% per                                                               
  year                                                                          

  Reduce lost time 6.14     47 Claims @ 11 Claims @  11 Claims @   11 Claims @  17 Claims @
  injury & illness          17.5%       5.2%         5.1%          5.2%         7.8%
  case rates by 3%                                                              
  per year                                                                      

  Increase the     69.2%    47%         71%          90%           69%          76%
  timely filing of                                                              
  injury & illness                                                              
  claims by 5% per                                                              
  year                                                                          

  Reduce the rate  TARGET   Unable to   Unable to    Unable to     Unable to    Unable to
  of lost          293.6    obtain data obtain data  obtain data   obtain data  obtain data
  production days  days                                                         
  due to injury &                                                               
  illness by 1%                                                                 
  per year                                                                      
  ---------------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------

> NCA met its goal for Total Case Rate and Lost Time Case Rate. DOL's
> prediction and NCA's mid-year check showed a trend of increase in both
> Total Case Rate and Lost Time Case Rate. It appeared at that time we
> would not meet these two goals by the close of the reporting year, but
> the rates decreased during the second half of the year. LPD totals are
> not in yet, but we are expected to meet it by a fairly large margin.
> DOL has set an individual goal for NCA which is higher than the
> Overall VA goal. It is projected that NCA will meet the NCA projected
> goal, but not the estimate for VA's overall goal.
>
> NCA fell short of VA's goal for the timeliness of claims submission.
> The Department goal set by DOL was 69.2%; NCA obtained 67.6% on time
> claims form submission.
>
> We are making changes to the process (previously explained) and feel
> these changes should help us increase this number by more than 5% next
> fiscal year.
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)]{.smallcaps}**.

### 

### The total case rate (TCR) reported by DOL shows a slight increase from 1.46 percent in FY 2006 to 1.6 percent in FY 2007. The TCR is relatively low as compared to the 3.92 goal. There is also a slight increase in the lost time injury and illness cases, as well. The DOL report shows .96 percent in FY 2006 and 1.05 percent in FY 2007. Another SHARE goal is to increase the timely filing of claims by 5 percent per year. A majority of stations reported they filed OWCP claims within the 14-day filing period, and in most instances within 5 workdays after receiving the supervisor's report, CA-1 or CA-2. There were some stations that reported they did not submit claims timely. There are opportunities for improvement in this area that will allow VBA to achieve the extended SHARE goal of reducing the timely filing rate by 50 percent. VBA lost production days due to injury and illness also increased during FY 2007 as compared to FY 2006. Restricted/light duty programs have been implemented to allow employees to return to work. 

Page 16.

-   **Newark RO** - GSA property manager allows the RO safety officer to
    make direct contact with building sub-contractors to report
    potential problems and to request immediate corrective action. Daily
    morning briefings are conducted with the GSA property manager to
    discuss pending building repairs and maintenance.

-   **Philadelphia ROIC** - Quarterly safety inspections are conducted
    of the entire facility. VA Safety Committee meetings are held
    quarterly to discuss safety inspections, evacuation plans, etc. In
    February 2007, discussions were held with supervisors about the
    importance of filing OSHA Form 301 within a week of an accident. A
    revised safety manual was issued in March 2007 reflecting updated
    information on reporting workplace accidents and car accidents.

-   **Providence RO** - Cash awards are given to employees who
    recognize, correct, or report hazards in the workplace. The goal is
    to sustain training and awareness of safety, which is ongoing.

**b. [Motor Vehicle/Seat Belt Safety]{.underline}**

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VA experienced 141 motor vehicle accidents in FY 2007. This is a
> decline from 184 for FY 2006. We presently do not have a method or
> tracking mechanism in place to capture the total number of motor
> vehicle accidents experienced, only the number of accidents resulting
> in personal injury, or those that have filed a WC claim. Claims
> involving motor vehicle accidents have a code of 203; VA utilizes the
> WC-OSH/MIS database to determine the FY costs and case by cause of
> injury field. For FY 2007 we have recalculated the data from FY 2005
> -- FY 2007 to systematically obtain the data from the same nature of
> injury and codes in the WC-OSH/MIS database. VA held a DASHO
> Conference call with participation from the National Safety Council
> (NSC) and VHA. Links to free driving training for GSA contract
> employees was provided courtesy of the NSC to all participants.

+----------------------------+--------+---------+--------+------------+
|                            | **FY   | **FY    | **FY   | **Change   |
|                            | 2005** | 2006**  | 2007** | from**     |
|                            |        |         |        |            |
|                            |        |         |        | **FY       |
|                            |        |         |        | 2006**     |
+----------------------------+--------+---------+--------+------------+
| Number of motor vehicle    | N/A    | N/A     | N/A    | N/A        |
| accidents experienced by   |        |         |        |            |
| employees                  |        |         |        |            |
+----------------------------+--------+---------+--------+------------+
| Number of accidents        | 161    | 130     | 141    | 9%         |
| resulting in personal      |        |         |        | increase   |
| injury                     |        |         |        |            |
+----------------------------+--------+---------+--------+------------+
| OWCP costs of accidents    | \$1    | \$      | \$1    | 20%        |
|                            | 50,239 | 162,463 | 94,073 | increase   |
+----------------------------+--------+---------+--------+------------+
| Amount of liability claims | N/A    | N/A     | N/A    | N/A        |
| against the agency due to  |        |         |        |            |
| accidents                  |        |         |        |            |
+----------------------------+--------+---------+--------+------------+

> There is currently no mechanism in place to track the percentage of
> seat belt use by employees. However, employees traveling on official
> business in a government vehicle are provided with safety information
> and the requirement to use seat belts. State law requires the use of
> seat belts or a citation maybe issued to the driver.
>
> National VA statistics on facility vehicle accidents and seat belt
> compliance are not currently available.

Page 17.

> VA promotes participation of each administration in the collaboration
> with the efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in their
> efforts to encourage the use of seat belt compliance and safe motorist
> programs.
>
> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> A VHA vehicle inventory, accident, and injury tracking database became
> operational\
> FY 2007. The database tracks vehicle accidents, driver and passenger
> profile and injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are reported on Standard
> Form (SF) 91, Motor Vehicle Accidents or equivalent. Accident
> documentation is retained by the facility and forwarded to GSA, for
> GSA vehicles.
>
> All employees' routinely operating vehicles complete Medical Center
> Driver Training including medical center traffic patterns, safe and
> defensive driving techniques, driver and passenger safety requirements
> and mandatory seat belt use. Use of seat belts is enforced at the
> facility level by VA Security and Law Enforcement personnel. National
> VHA statistics on seat belt compliance are not currently available.
>
> VHA continues to educate staff on 15-passenger van precautions and the
> propensity for a rollover accident and prohibits further purchase or
> donation. In addition to publishing a VHA Guidebook on Fleet
> Management with a chapter on Safe Operation, VHA will also publish a
> Directive on patient transportation to address general driver medical
> qualifications, training and safe driving practices. VHA published
> equivalent requirements for volunteer drivers.
>
> **VHA Motor Vehicle Accidents and Injuries**

  ------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------
  ** **                                      **FY       **FY       **Change**
                                             2006**     2007**     

  Number of motor vehicle accidents          N/A        315        
  experienced by employees                                         

  Number of accidents resulting in personal  17         40         235%
  injury                                                           

  OWCP costs of accidents w/ COP             \$7,689    \$49,092   640%

  Vehicle repair costs due to accidents      N/A        N/A        \--

  Amount of liability claims against the     N/A        N/A        \--
  agency due to accidents                                          
  ------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------

> Not Available (N/A). VHA vehicle repair costs and liability claims are
> currently not tracked by VHA.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA)]{.smallcaps}**

  ------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------
                                             **FY       **FY       **Change**
                                             2006**     2007**     

  Number of motor vehicle accidents          20         28         + 40%
  experienced by employees                                         

  Number of accidents resulting in personal  0          1          +100%
  injury                                                           

  OWCP costs of accidents                    0          0          0

  Vehicle repair costs due to accidents      \$14,630   \$27,718   \+ 90%

  Amount of liability claims against the     1          0          \- 100%
  agency due to accidents                                          
  ------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------

Page 18.

> **[Mechanisms in Place to Track the Percentage of Seat Belt Usage by
> Employees]{.underline}.**
>
> Seat belt use and usage of the operator's Personal Protective
> Equipment (PPE) are monitored through the Report of Accidents (VA Form
> 2162). Upon completion of the supervisor's investigation, usage of
> seat belts and PPE are specified in the descriptions of the Report of
> Accidents. From these VA accident reports, it has been reported that
> seat belts are always worn, even when motor vehicle accidents
> occurred.
>
> **[Efforts Taken to Improve Motor Vehicle Safety and Seat Belt
> Usage.]{.underline}**
>
> The MSN Safety Offices review all Report of Accidents for motor
> vehicle accidents, usage of seat belts, and PPE. As part of the
> supervisor's corrective action, the Safety Officer provides training
> material and tasks supervisors to provide additional motor vehicle
> safety.

**[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).]{.smallcaps}**

> VBA reported a total of 39 accidents involving government automobiles
> during FY 2007. This is less than a 1 percent decrease from the 40
> motor vehicle accidents in FY 2006. Three of the 39 accidents resulted
> in personal injury. However, VBA experienced a 100 percent decrease in
> OWCP costs compared to FY 2006. Vehicle repair costs also declined.
> There was a significant increase in the amount of liability claims
> against the agency. Primarily this was due to one liability claim in
> the amount of \$18,500.

  ------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
                                                   **FY 2006**   **FY 2007**

  Number of motor vehicle accidents experienced by 40            39
  employees                                                      

  Number of accidents resulting in personal injury 2             3

  OWCP costs of accidents                          \$3,555.39    0

  Vehicle repair costs due to accidents            \$55,572.01   \$41,869.36

  Amount of liability claims against the agency    \$7,932.05    \$22,582.00
  due to accidents                                               
  ------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------

> **[Mechanisms in Place to Track the Percentage of Seat Belt Usage by
> Employees.]{.underline}**
>
> VBA requires the use of seat belts by both the driver and front seat
> passengers. VBA stations reported that they have no mechanisms in
> place to track the percentage of seat belt usage by employees.
> However, state laws require the use of seat belts or a citation is
> issued to the driver. No citations were issued to VBA employees for
> failure to use seat belts while on official government business.
> Periodic spot checks are conducted to confirm compliance.
>
> **[Efforts Taken to Improve Motor Vehicle Safety and Seat Belt
> Usage]{.underline}**.
>
> Stations are making efforts to improve motor vehicle safety and seat
> belt usage by focusing on defensive driving training; requiring the
> completion of VA on-line courses and video training; promoting
> attendance at national safety seminars; and by utilizing\
> e-mail and posters to educate and communicate driver safety and seat
> belt requirement to employees. VA regional offices have local
> circulars and directives that require review and signed
> acknowledgement by all VBA employees who are authorized to use GSA
> vehicles while traveling on official business. Driver safety rules and
> regulations are retained in the vehicles.

Page 19.

**c. [Recordkeeping Requirements]{.underline}**

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VA has no standardized requirement of the Administrations to obtain
> the OSHA recordkeeping. Some of the Administrations continue to
> perform manual data collection and others utilize an electronic
> version. VA implemented a Website in 2005 and has maintained it with
> appropriate revisions and updates as recently as October 23, 2007. The
> Website (www.va.gov/vasafety) provides the Administrations with links
> to OSHA forms, resources, and requirements under 29 CFR Part 1960. The
> Website was developed to provide the Administrations with the
> capability for improved utilization of OSHA recordkeeping
> requirements.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> All our record keeping is done via the Inspection Tracking System
> (ITS); in addition, VA Form 2162 is completed for all accidents,
> rather they result in an employee injury or not. All NCA sites are
> responsible for maintaining OSHA 300 logs. OWCP cases are referred to
> one central location, the WC Program Manager at the NCA HR Center.
> Trends are identified by a review of VA Form 2162, OSHA Logs, and the
> site safety officer input. If trends are discovered, additional
> training may be directed, and if PPE is necessary to correct an issue,
> it is provided.

  --------------------- --------- -------- -------------------------------------
  **Component**         **Yes**   **No**   **Please describe if you checked
                                           "YES."**

  Agency Wide           X                  VA Forms 2162

  Web based             X                  NCA Inspection Tracking System (ITS)

  Excel based           X                  MSN in house tracking

  Access based                    X        

  Paper only                      X        

  Includes no injury    X                  All no injury accidents are recorded
  and near-miss                            on a VA Form 2162 within ITS
  accidents                                

  Includes OWCP data    X                  Central Office

  Generates OSHA Form   X                  Cemeteries and other facilities
  300                                      maintain log

  Generates OSHA Form   X                  Cemeteries and other facilities
  300A                                     maintain/post log

  Generates OSHA Form   X                  Cemeteries and other facilities
  301                                      maintain log

  Generates multiple              X        Currently there is no roll up
  reports                                  mechanism in place

  Other                                    N/A
  --------------------- --------- -------- -------------------------------------

> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).]{.smallcaps}**

  --------------------- --------- -------- -------------------------------------
  **Component**         **Yes**   **No**   **Please describe if you checked
                                           "YES."**

  Agency Wide           X                  WC-MIS and AQS

  Web based             X                  WC-MIS and AQS

  Excel based                     X        

  Access based                    X        

  Paper only            X                  OWCP filing is done through hardcopy
                                           CA-1

  Includes no injury    X                  VA Form 2162, Report of Accident, is
  and near-miss                            maintained by the Safety Office when
  accidents                                submitted

  Includes OWCP data    X                  Use CA-1 to record accidents

  Generates OSHA Form   X                  ASISTS database, OSHA Website
  300                                      

  Generates OSHA Form   X                  ASISTS database, OSHA Website
  300A                                     

  Generates OSHA Form   X                  OSHA Website
  301                                      

  Generates multiple              X        
  reports                                  

  Other                           X        
  --------------------- --------- -------- -------------------------------------

Page 20.

## Examples of how VBA's recordkeeping system(s) have been used to improve the OSH program.

-   VARO Little Rock is now able to file claims with DOL electronically,
    which should improve its timeliness.

-   VARO Montgomery's review of safety records has directed the station
    in its safety training needs. It noted the majority of injuries were
    back related; therefore, back braces were purchased for all file
    clerks and engineering staff. Also, it identified the need for
    driver safety training.

-   VA Montana Healthcare System manages OSH recordkeeping components
    for VARO Fort Harrison. Improvements are made through tracking and
    trending injury and illness reports entered into ASISTS.
    Improvements are made on an ongoing basis. Near miss reporting and
    periodic workplace inspections identify hazards before injury occurs
    and are corrected immediately. Safety Committee meets monthly and
    reviews current injury claims, making recommendations for corrective
    actions needed to prevent similar accidents.

-   VA regional office safety managers have used data to identify trends
    in tripping/fall hazards to improve housekeeping procedures and to
    purchase safer "walk-off" mats at building entrances. In response to
    employee reports of ergonomic concerns, workstation evaluations have
    been conducted to adjust chair/monitor/keyboard locations and to
    provide better keyboard trays.

**3. [Employee Training and Support]{.underline}**

> **a. [OSH TRAINING]{.underline}**
>
> [**Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)**.]{.smallcaps}
>
> VA provides OSHA and safety educational courses through the VALU by
> providing assigned safety managers, safety personnel and union
> officials with beginner, intermediate, and advanced safety training.
> VA conducted four national conference calls during this reporting
> period. The subjects of the 2007 conference calls pertained to: OSHA
> Recordkeeping, OSHA Annual Report and preparation for the coming year,
> Mold, Vermin, Education opportunities for all Administrations, Driver
> Safety, Violence in the Workplace, and the new OSHA Establishment
> Coding and provides a course on the OSHA recordkeeping requirements at
> the annual union safety conference.
>
> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> The VHA Occupational Safety and Health training program emphasizes
> employee skill and understanding in hazard recognition, standard
> procedures, best practices and emerging issues. Medical center
> employees receive initial and annual OSHA compliance training based on
> job classification and supervisor assignments. All facilities perform
> annual awareness training for employees in the areas of safety,

Page 21.

> health and security, including hazard recognition. The annual training
> also includes violence in the workplace. VHA Central Office supports
> site-based training via satellite broadcast (VAKN), specialized
> Web-based initiatives, independent study programs, workshops and
> lecture series. Lastly, VHA provides conference-based training
> opportunities to promote communication and national initiatives.
>
> The VHA Center for Engineering & Occupational Safety & Health (CEOSH)
> Website serves as the VHA occupational safety and health staff's
> primary portal to occupational safety and health resources and
> information. The CEOSH Website was completely remodeled in FY 2007 to
> provide more user friendly access to state-of-the-art professional
> information and tools. It provides thousands of pages of regulatory
> compliance and best practice information, such as the online NFPA Life
> Safety Codes, Top Ten OSHA Violations, and comprehensive VHA
> Guidebooks. Use of this on-line resource has increased more than
> six-fold in the past three years. VA access to current NFPA Life
> Safety Codes, Joint Commission Environment of Care News, American
> Society of Testing and Materials/American National Standard Institute
> (ASTM/ANSI), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), American
> Conference of Governmental Hygienist (ACGIH), and many other
> frequently used professional references are now available via the VHA
> CEOSH Website, saving thousands of dollars that would otherwise be
> paid by facilities. In FY 2007, VHA hired and mentored four graduate
> occupational safety and health trainees to begin a 2-year traineeship.
> This class is the fourth group of trainees to be hired as part of the
> national VHA succession planning effort.
>
> VHA provides model OSH program resources and expertise in the
> development and implementation of VA's Safety Strategic Plan (SSP) and
> the SSC, whose purpose is to provide oversight, policy recommendation,
> and evaluation of administration safety and occupational health
> programs. Several VHA conferences were provided during 2007. VHA
> supported first Federal Clinical Occupational Health (COH) annual
> conference (Myrtle Beach) with the Chesapeake Education Heath Program.
> A one-week course on Basic Safety for Safety, Fire Protection and
> Industrial Hygiene was available for all new and existing VHA safety
> and health employees. VHA continues to coordinate with VA unions and
> DOL to strengthen VHA's safety and health programs. One of several FY
> 2007 VHA/union activities included a highly successful AFGE/NVAC
> safety conference. Presentations and coursework were provided on
> accident investigation, blood-borne pathogens, ergonomics, and use of
> PPE. VHA also coordinated with DOL to provide a respiratory protection
> course for FY 2007.
>
> VHA continues quarterly conference calls for all union safety
> representatives at the national and facility levels. Topics and
> speakers are selected by the National Union Safety representatives.
> VHA also continues to extract inspection data from the OSHA national
> database with distribution to each VHA Network on a quarterly basis
> for assessment and improvement of Network programs. VHA continues to
> offer training classes for the union safety representatives and
> collateral duty staff. The Basic Course provides a review of safety
> management principles and an overview of VA OSH programs, regulations,
> and standards. The main thrust of this course is to provide hazard
> awareness training for the Union members. VHA has offered this course
> for the last 10 years. VHA also offered Basic Safety, Fire Protection
> and Industrial Hygiene Course for entry level OSH staff. These courses
> and additional topic-specific training opportunities for medical
> center safety and engineering staff are provided in the following
> table.

Page 22.

> **VHA National OSH Training Courses**

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------- -----------
  **Audience**        **Course Title**                         **Number
                                                               Trained**

  **Supervisors**     Supervisor Safety and Health Training    13,023

  **Safety and Health Basic Safety, Fire Protection and        36
  Specialists**       Industrial Hygiene                       

                      Intermediate Safety and Industrial       31
                      Hygiene                                  

                      ASISTS/OSHA 300 Training                 350

                      OSHA Respiratory Training Course         79

                      NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2006 Edition   213

                      NFPA 99                                  387

                      VISN Safety Training                     69

  **Collateral Duty   AFGE National Council Safety Training     234
  Safety and Health                                            
  Personnel and                                                
  Committee Members**                                          

                      Basic Safety for Union Representatives   31
                      -- 101                                   

                      Intermediate Safety for Union            36
                      Representatives                          

  **Employees and     Preparing for Emergencies and Disasters:  1,048
  Employee            All Hazards                              
  Representatives**                                            

                      Defensive Driving                         236

                      Office Safety                             226

                      VHA Decontamination Training             602

                      Boiler Safety                            742

                      Hazmat Awareness                         53

                      Defensive Driving Techniques              225

                      Back Safety                               127

                      Emergency Response                        80

                      Bloodborne Pathogens                      71

                      Accident Investigation and Reporting      62

                      Asbestos Awareness                        53

                      Behavior-based Safety for Supervisors     49

                      Cold Stress                                49

                      Computer Ergonomics                        49

                      Fire Prevention and Safety                 48

                      Workplace Safety Orientation              46

                      Workplace Security Awareness              46

                      Carcinogen Safety                         40

                      First Aid\--Basic                         40

                      Workplace Security Awareness              36

                      Fall Protection Awareness                 34

                      Access to Medical and Exposure Records    32

                      First Aid\--Medical Emergencies           31

                      Toxicology (HAZWOPER)                     30

                      First Aid\--CPR                           29
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------- -----------

Page 23.

> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> As noted in the Executive Summary, NCA has a workforce primarily
> comprised of wage grade employees at 125 cemeteries managed by five
> MSN's or area offices spread across the country. Some cemeteries are
> open for burial and/or cremation; some utilize contractors for ground
> maintenance, while others are closed for all burials. This operational
> environment poses a difficult challenge for ensuring proper and
> adequate training opportunities and documentation on all mandatory
> safety programs in effect. Identifying this challenge, NCA has
> included mandatory training requirements and a schedule that will be
> maintained and managed within VA\'s recently implemented Learning
> Management System (LMS). We anticipate a significantly improvement for
> our employees regarding both receiving and documenting required safety
> and health training at all levels of the Administration.

+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
|                | **Types of Training Provided in FY       | *       |
|                | 2007**                                   | *Number |
|                |                                          | Tr      |
|                |                                          | ained** |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Top          | 1\. MSN IV Director received initial OSH | 1       |
| management     | Supervisor Training.                     |         |
| officials**    |                                          | 2       |
|                | 2\. AFGE National VA Council Safety      |         |
|                | Training Conference                      |         |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
| *              | 1\. NCA OSH Supervisor Training          | 25      |
| *Supervisors** |                                          |         |
|                | 2\. Workplace Violence                   | 36      |
|                |                                          |         |
|                | 3\. Motor Vehicle Safety                 | 29      |
|                |                                          |         |
|                | 4\. Materials Handling                   | 10      |
|                |                                          |         |
|                | 5\. Bloodborne Pathogens                 | 9       |
|                |                                          |         |
|                | 6\. Energy Control (Lockout/Tagout)      | 25      |
|                |                                          |         |
|                | 7\. Emergency Preparedness Plan/Fire     | 29      |
|                | drill                                    |         |
|                |                                          | 19      |
|                | 8\. OSHA Compliance standards for        |         |
|                | Sup\'s.                                  |         |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Safety and   | NCA does not have OSH Specialists. The   | N/A     |
| health         | servicing VA Medical Centers & VISN      |         |
| specialists**  | Safety Offices provide this support for  |         |
|                | NCA facilities.                          |         |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Safety and   | NCA does not have OSH Inspectors. The    | N/A     |
| health         | servicing VA Medical Centers & VA        |         |
| inspectors**   | Network (VISN) Safety Offices provide    |         |
|                | this support for NCA facilities.         |         |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Collateral   | 1\. AFGE National VA Council Safety      | 6       |
| duty safety    | Training Conf.                           |         |
| and health     |                                          | 1       |
| personnel and  | 2\. OSHA OTI Course 510 (Construction    |         |
| committee      | Industry)                                | 1       |
| members**      |                                          |         |
|                | 3\. OSHA OTI Course 6010                 |         |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Employees    | 1\. Proper Handling of                   |  230    |
| and employee   | Headstones/Markers                       |         |
| rep            |                                          |  150    |
| resentatives** | 2\. Workplace Violence                   |         |
|                |                                          |   29    |
|                | 3\. NCA Equipment Operator Training      |         |
|                |                                          | 351     |
|                | 4\. Motor Vehicle Safety                 |         |
|                |                                          | 337     |
|                | 5\. Fire Prevention/Fire Safety          |         |
|                |                                          | 242     |
|                | 6\. Seat Belt Training                   |         |
|                |                                          | 270     |
|                | 7\. Personal Protection Equipment        |         |
|                |                                          | 314     |
|                | 8\. Energy Control (Lockout/Tagout)      |         |
|                |                                          | 230     |
|                | 9\. Hazard Communication                 |         |
|                |                                          | 338     |
|                | 10\. Emergency Preparedness Plan         |         |
|                |                                          | 48      |
|                | 11\. Fire Extinguisher Training          |         |
|                |                                          | 410     |
|                | 12\. Hazardous Material (MSDS)           |         |
|                |                                          | 243     |
|                | 13\. Pesticide and Herbicide Handling    |         |
|                |                                          | 84      |
|                | 14\. Bloodborne Pathogens                |         |
+----------------+------------------------------------------+---------+

Page 24.

> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VBA continues to focus not only on implementation, but also on
> maintenance of program policies in response to OSHA, OWCP, or other
> Presidential initiatives. Numerous training opportunities have been
> provided to all employees in an effort to educate and provide an
> understanding of the fundamentals in attaining a safe and healthy work
> environment.
>
> **VBA Highlights:**
>
> VARO Des Moines contracts with the Employee and Family Resources
> Program to provide counseling and training to employees on an
> individual basis for a variety of problems and issues that include
> office safety issues. Also, a monthly newsletter is provided to all
> employees with various topics concerning employee welfare.
>
> VBA continues to have an active safety training program at its
> regional offices, assuring that employees and supervisors receive
> appropriate job health, safety awareness, and hazard recognition
> information and training.
>
> At many of VA's regional offices new employees are provided safety
> orientation. The orientation may include summaries of the procedures
> for reporting of hazard, fires, work-related accidents, injuries,
> illness, medical emergencies and emergency plans for evacuation.
>
> **VBA Training Highlights:**

+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
|               | **Types of Training Provided in FY 2007** | *       |
|               |                                           | *Number |
|               |                                           | Tr      |
|               |                                           | ained** |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Top         | 1\. Pandemic Influenza                    | 20      |
| management    |                                           |         |
| officials**   | 2\. OSHA Training                         | 42      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 3\. Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)  | 39      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 4\. Introduction to OSHA (video)          | 7       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 5\. Office Safety (video)                 | 7       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 6\. Prevention of Violence in the         | 19      |
|               | Workplace                                 |         |
|               |                                           | 8       |
|               | 7\. CPR                                   |         |
|               |                                           | 24      |
|               | 8\. Proper Lifting Techniques             |         |
|               |                                           | 24      |
|               | 9\. Motor Vehicle Safety                  |         |
|               |                                           | 24      |
|               | 10\. Evacuation Plan                      |         |
|               |                                           | 8       |
|               | 11\. OSHA Reporting                       |         |
|               |                                           | 30      |
|               | 12\. Office Ergonomics                    |         |
|               |                                           | 6       |
|               | 13\. Emergency Management                 |         |
|               |                                           | 3       |
|               | 14\. Occupant Emergency Plan              |         |
|               |                                           | 6       |
|               | 15\. Recordkeeping Requirements           |         |
|               |                                           | 3       |
|               | 16\. Fire Drills                          |         |
|               |                                           | 3       |
|               | 17\. Tornado Drills                       |         |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **            | 1\. Pandemic Influenza Instruction        | 96      |
| Supervisors** |                                           |         |
|               | 2\. Continuity of Operations Plan         | 36      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 3\. Introduction to OSHA                  | 26      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 4\. Office Safety (video)                 | 14      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 5\. The Essentials of OSHA Compliance     | 16      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 6\. OSHA 300 Record Keeping               | 3       |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+

Page 25.

+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
|               | **Types of Training Provided in FY 2007** | *       |
|               |                                           | *Number |
|               |                                           | Tr      |
|               |                                           | ained** |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Supervisors | 7\. COOP                                  | 15      |
| (Cont.)**     |                                           |         |
|               | 8\. COOP Table Top Exercise               | 7       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 9\. Employee Assistance Program           | 10      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 10\. CPR                                  | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 11\. Occupant Emergency Plan              | 42      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 12\. Ergonomic Chair Clinic               | 24      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 13\. Fire/Safety Training                 | 78      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 14\. Motor Vehicle Safety                 | 11      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 15\. Hazard Communication                 | 3       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 16\. Forklift Operator Training           | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 17\. Prevention of Violence in the        | 20      |
|               | Workplace                                 |         |
|               |                                           | 14      |
|               | 18\. Fire Drills                          |         |
|               |                                           | 3       |
|               | 19\. Green Environmental Management       |         |
|               |                                           | 20      |
|               | 20\. OWCP Procedures                      |         |
|               |                                           | 20      |
|               | 21\. Emergency Preparedness Training      |         |
|               |                                           | 20      |
|               | 22\. Tornado Drills                       |         |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Safety and  | 1\. COOP                                  |   3     |
| health        |                                           |         |
| specialists** | 2\. Defibrillator                         |   2     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 3\. CPR                                   |   2     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 4\. Office Safety                         | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 5\. Office Ergonomics                     | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 6\. Safe Work Practices                   | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 7\. Slips, trips, and Falls               | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 8\. General Bomb Threat Procedures        | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 9\. Proper Lifting Techniques             | 2       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 10\. OSHA Record Keeping                  | 4       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 11\. Spill Clean-up Procedures            | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 12\. Fire Safety                          | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 13\. Hazard Communication                 | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 14\. Workplace Safety Orientation         | 2       |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Safety and  | 1\. The Essentials of OSHA Compliance     |   1     |
| health        |                                           |         |
| inspectors**  |                                           |         |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Collateral  | 1\. OSHA Training                         | 56      |
| duty safety   |                                           |         |
| and health    | 2\. Station Safety Circular               |  8      |
| personnel and |                                           |         |
| committee     | 3\. Bomb Threat Procedures                | 9       |
| members **    |                                           |         |
|               | 4\. Building Evacuation Procedures        | 10      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 5\. Use of Oxygen Inhalators              | 9       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 6\. Summoning Emergency Services          | 10      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 7\. Operation of Fire Extinguishers       | 10      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 8\. Introduction to OSHA (video)          | 5       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 9\. Office Safety (video)                 | 5       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 10\. Fire Extinguisher Training           | 42      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 11\. Evacuation Chair Training            | 13      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 12\. Pandemic Flu Awareness               | 4       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 13\. COOP Table Top Exercise              | 20      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 14\. Fire Safety                          | 18      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 15\. Health Fairs                         | 8       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 16\. Health Screening                     | 4       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 17\. Prevention of Violence in the        | 1       |
|               | Workplace                                 |         |
|               |                                           | 30      |
|               | 18\. CPR                                  |         |
|               |                                           | 12      |
|               | 19\. Defibrillator                        |         |
|               |                                           | 12      |
|               | 20\. Occupant Emergency Plan              |         |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+

Page 26.

+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
|               | **Types of Training Provided in FY 2007** | *       |
|               |                                           | *Number |
|               |                                           | Tr      |
|               |                                           | ained** |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Collateral  | 21\. Motor Vehicle Safety                 | 12      |
| duty safety   |                                           |         |
| and health    | 22\. OSHA Reporting                       | 1       |
| personnel and |                                           |         |
| committee     | 23\. Evacuation Plan                      | 3       |
| members       |                                           |         |
| (Cont.)**     | 24\. Office Ergonomics                    | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 25\. OSHA Recordkeeping                   | 3       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 26\. Federal Employee Union Safety Course | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 27\. Hazard Communication                 | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 28\. Recordkeeping Requirements           | 9       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 29\. Occupant Emergency Plan              | 9       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 30\. Fire Drills                          | 10      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 31\. Building Security Meetings           | 380     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 32\. Emergency Preparedness Training      | 57      |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+
| **Employees   | 1\. VA Health & Safety Conference         | 1       |
| and employee  |                                           |         |
| repr          | 2\. Introduction to OSHA (video)          | 16      |
| esentatives** |                                           |         |
|               | 3\. Office Safety                         | 295     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 4\. Proper Lifting Techniques             | 58      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 5\. The Essentials of OSHA Compliance     | 1       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 6\. Building Evacuation                   | 258     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 7\. Sanitation Techniques/Infection       | 37      |
|               | Control                                   |         |
|               |                                           | 82      |
|               | 8\. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)     |         |
|               |                                           | 328     |
|               | 9\. Fire Safety Training                  |         |
|               |                                           | 17      |
|               | 10\. CPR                                  |         |
|               |                                           | 1535    |
|               | 11\. Motor Vehicle Safety                 |         |
|               |                                           | 995     |
|               | 12\. OSHA Reporting                       |         |
|               |                                           | 95      |
|               | 13\. Evacuation Plan                      |         |
|               |                                           | 9       |
|               | 14\. Defibrillator                        |         |
|               |                                           | 124     |
|               | 15\. Safety Information                   |         |
|               |                                           | 300     |
|               | 16\. Ergonomic Chair Clinic               |         |
|               |                                           | 255     |
|               | 17\. Prevention of Violence in the        |         |
|               | Workplace                                 | 264     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 18\. Occupant Emergency Plan              | 910     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 19\. Fire Drills                          | 11      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 20\. Electrical Safety                    | 18      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 21\. Hazard Communication                 | 6       |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 22\. Spill Clean-up Procedures            | 630     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 23\. Pandemic Influenza                   | 480     |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 30\. COOP                                 | 34      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 31\. Green Environmental Management       | 70      |
|               |                                           |         |
|               | 32\. Tornado Drills                       |         |
+---------------+-------------------------------------------+---------+

> **b. [Field Federal Safety and Health Councils]{.underline}**
>
> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VA is intimately involved with Field Federal Safety and Health Council
> (FFSHC). VA presently has five VA employees serving as chairpersons
> for area FFSHCs. VA provides support through the Web page and conducts
> monthly VA conference calls where participation in the FFSHC is
> encouraged. In addition, VA has encouraged Administrations to promote
> the advancement of occupational safety and health throughout the VA by
> encouraging participation in FFSHC. VA has supported special
> contribution awards for participants.

Page 27.

> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> Five active Field Federal Safety and Health Councils are currently
> chaired by VHA safety and health professionals. Data on the number of
> staff and union members who attend Council meetings is not available.
> Participation in Field Councils is directly supported by VHA Directive
> 7701, Occupational Safety and Health, and Handbook 7701.1,
> Occupational Safety and Health Procedures. VHA Facility Directors are
> responsible for encouraging the participation of staff and union
> representatives in local Federal Safety and Health Councils. An OSHA
> Representative presents a course on \"Federal Agency Safety and Health
> Programs\" at every Basic Facility Safety and Union Safety course for
> new VA Safety and Health staff and new Union Safety Representatives.
> Those courses include a discussion of Field Federal Safety and Health
> Councils and all employees are encouraged to return to their area and
> attend a nearby Council, if available.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration]{.smallcaps}** **(NCA).**
>
> Currently NCA does not have any employees involved with any Field
> Federal Safety and Health Councils.
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> VARO Des Moines participates in the Greater Des Moines Federal Safety
> and Health Council Program. Usually one manager and two collateral
> duties employees of the Regional Office attend the quarterly meetings.
> A safety training topic is provided at each meeting which is discussed
> by the Regional Office Safety Committee and provided to other
> employees as needed.
>
> VARO Denver continues to be involved with the Denver Federal Executive
> Board. The Director and/or representatives, including the Chief,
> Support Services Division, continue to be a part of discussions.
>
> VARO Buffalo has the Chief, Support Services Division attend quarterly
> meetings of the Council.
>
> VARO Montgomery's Safety Specialist actively attends and participates
> in the Central/Southeast Alabama Federal Safety and Health Council.
>
> VARO Atlanta's Safety Officer continues to coordinate with the Atlanta
> Federal Safety/Health Council to receive more training aids and
> classes that will be available for supervisors and human resources.
> The Safety Officer attends the Atlanta Federal Safety and Health
> Council quarterly, and prepares briefs to Division Chiefs on safety
> and health issues.
>
> VARO St. Paul has provided a member to the Council for the last 24
> years. Management supports involvement in the Council and current
> members offer suggestions and volunteer for various activities. VARO
> Buffalo disseminates information from the Council meetings to
> employees.

Page 28.

> Philadelphia ITC encourages involvement with the council and have
> provided support through promoting closer working relationships with
> the council members, including recognized Federal Labor Union, and the
> Federal Executive Board on special problems, programs, and projects
> relating to occupational safety and health.
>
> **c. [Other Support Activities]{.underline}**
>
> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VA provides OSHA and safety educational courses through the VALU by
> providing assigned safety managers, safety personnel and union
> officials with beginner, intermediate, and advanced safety training.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> NCA had eight employees attend the 2006 VA AFGE Safety Council
> Conference in Las Vegas, NV, January 22-25, 2006**.**
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VHA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VBA Regional Office Nashville is actively involved in the Estes
> Kefauver Building Security Committee. The Office has open
> communication with tenants; schedules and attends regular security
> meetings; trains new committee members; reviews, updates and tests the
> occupant emergency plan annually; and reviews security recommendations
> for the building.
>
> VBA Regional Office Pittsburgh contracts with Federal Occupational
> Health (FOH) to provide employees with on the spot emergency care for
> minor injuries and for preventive care such as the annual flu shots.
> The FOH also offers a wide variety of in-house programs that employees
> are free to attend.
>
> All VBA Regional Offices hold various seminars, safety fairs, and
> health and fitness fairs.

**4. [ACCOMPLISHMENTS]{.underline}**

**a. [FY 2007 Accomplishments]{.underline}**

**[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):]{.smallcaps}**

> The establishment of a Departmental SSC.
>
> Each Administration has conducted complete facility WC case reviews
> through\
> WC-OSH/MIS to execute and evaluate the effectiveness of the
> Administrations RTW efforts and management of the facility WC
> programs. First year baseline data has been obtained. Areas of
> improvement have been identified and efforts are underway to utilize
> the data in our site reviews that have been initiated with our newly
> revised WC Strategic Plan.

Page 29.

> All Administrations are required to have a system in place by which
> managers and supervisors are evaluated on their safety program
> effectiveness and utilization of implemented programs to encourage a
> safe working environment.
>
> Each Administration has been encouraged to develop and participate in
> programs that recognize outstanding performers and employee
> participation in the OSHA program elements.
>
> Efforts are underway to standardize the collection of COP, in order to
> promote return-to-work efforts throughout the Administrations. In
> addition, this will provide VA an improved account of the new
> initiatives and the performance measures outcomes.
>
> **[Veterans Health Administration (VHA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> In FY 2007, VHA had no willful violations and eight repeat violations.
> The notice of seven repeat violations at a single VHA facility is an
> increase from four repeat violations in FY 2006. Overall, the low
> level of OSHA violations demonstrates the success of the VHA
> Occupational Safety and Health Program and compliance with OSHA
> programs. Annual workplace evaluations were conducted at VA
> facilities, deficiencies were identified and programs were
> re-evaluated. The findings and abatement plans are tracked and
> discussed with top management of the medical centers. An annual OSH
> survey by the Healthcare Analysis Information Group (HAIG) tracks and
> verifies completion of facility safety surveys, in addition to
> compliance with core OSHA injury and illness reporting requirements,
> VHA standard procedures and union participation. The HAIG survey
> identifies future occupational safety and health issues requiring
> further attention, as well as documenting our achievements. During FY
> 2007, the HAIG also conducted a survey of occupational health clinic
> staffing, training, quality improvement and population served. During
> FY 2005, the General Accountability Office (GAO) audited the VHA OSH
> program and identified the HAIG annual survey as a Federal government
> "best practice."
>
> Within VA medical centers, the Safety Committee remains the premier
> decision making body for safety and health issues. Significant issues
> are continually identified by various services through the information
> and issue-gathering process and brought to the Committee for
> assessment and development of recommended resolutions. Recommendations
> receive final approval by the medical center director. This group
> provides for continuous oversight of the medical center safety and
> health program. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
> Organizations (JCAHO) surveyors regards the Safety Committee as the
> most important committee of the medical center. Written safety
> performance measures are maintained as a part of position descriptions
> from top management to rank and file employees.
>
> Every 3 years, each medical center is subjected to a specialized JCAHO
> administrative and clinical survey that closely evaluates the safety
> and health program, as well as the working environment, of each
> medical center as criteria for accreditation. This accreditation is
> critical to the operation of the medical centers.

Page 30.

> As follow-up to on the 2001 All Employee Survey, VHA established a
> Network Director performance measure on employee and workplace
> satisfaction including annual surveys emphasizing measures of safety
> climate. VHA has examined the relationship between employee
> satisfaction and system performance, with quantitative analysis, and
> has been able to show strong relationships between improved employee
> satisfaction with clinical, fiscal, and infrastructure performance and
> patient satisfaction.
>
> VHA continues to require performance measures and monitors for the
> Directors of each VISN ("VISN" and "Network" are used
> interchangeably). Performance monitors for 2007 included a 2-year
> monitor that requires all supervisors in VHA to document completion of
> an 8-hour training course in safety, with a WC component. Each VISN
> Director must report all repeat and willful violations along with a
> plan on how they will be corrected. These initiatives have created a
> much greater emphasis on controlling accidents, as the measures
> directly reflect on each Director's performance. VHA plans to develop
> a performance monitor to evaluate and improve workplace safety in VHA
> Research Areas where hazardous materials are stored and used. This
> initiative will involve staff engaged in research program oversight as
> well as VHA safety and health programs. Programs, compliance, and
> training will be part of the review and evaluation.
>
> VHA has undertaken the evaluations of several specific hazards. After
> implementation of a safe patient movement and handling program in
> several regional hospital systems, VHA undertook a systematic
> evaluation of reasons for success and failure, identified likely
> determinants, and analyzed program modifiers. A parallel evaluation
> process took place for the slips, trips, and falls program with the
> development of a national program guidance tool. VHA also applies
> aggregated root cause analyses of common injury types to identify
> broad system contributions to adverse safety events. Investigations
> are focused on blood-borne pathogens and patient transfer injuries
> after implementation of a technology program. VHA continues to assess
> and analyze high-risk unit programs with emphasis on patient movement
> mechanisms and implementation strategies.
>
> VHA has identified a new very effective model sharps injury program to
> effectively eliminate sharps injuries among medical center
> practitioners. The program, developed at a VA medical center, relies
> on common program elements such as leadership and top management
> commitment to develop an institutional base (steering committee), an
> administrative champion, and resources (a dedicated training room,
> training devices, and training equipment, including high-tech models
> and simulators). It relies on a peer-safety leader, in this case the
> chief resident, to conduct initial and regular follow-up training.
> Finally, it involves observation of procedures to identify changes in
> training needs.
>
> The VHA CEOSH manages the Safety Automated Facility Evaluation (SAFE)
> software and database to standardize annual workplace evaluations
> through the use of uniform criteria. Through a strong program of
> deficiency identification and decisive abatement, the potential for
> accidents has been reduced. During FY 2007, SAFE software was
> significantly improved with the release of version 4.5. In addition,
> SAFE criteria were reviewed by field advisory groups and updated to
> reflect current safety management and compliance requirements. 

Page 31.

> CEOSH also manages the central VA Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
> database and is poised to significantly improve this service in FY
> 2008. In addition to maintaining images of over 30,000 active MSDSs,
> the new database will contain a more robust set of searchable
> value-added fields and has an inventory capability that will help VHA
> facilities more efficiently manage their required MSDSs. The CEOSH
> "Safety Challenge" Website feature includes top ten OSHA violations.
> In addition, a Web-based Hazard Recognition program is currently under
> development. This online program will provide 380 pictures of hazards
> in medical centers and train safety staff to recognize hazards in the
> work area. Visitors will be asked to identify occupational hazards by
> viewing photographs of medical center settings. The hazards are then
> identified with an OSHA reference. The CEOSH Website is available to
> all VA employees.
>
> VHA maintains a VA/Union Partnership committee to enhance
> communication and dialogue with employees and their representatives,
> particularly with regard to safety and health issues. The
> OSHA/VA/Union Partnership program assessment project indicates the
> receptivity of VHA to a cooperative and collaborative approach to
> occupational safety and health. Medical centers continue to work
> toward strengthening these partnerships. Through a cooperative effort
> both management and the unions are collectively involved in safety and
> health issues. There is union (employee) representation on every
> medical center safety committee, and several Networks have
> Network-level safety committees with the union participating as a
> permanent member. These Network-level committees are continually
> encouraged as a "best practice" strategy. Employee representatives
> also take part in medical center inspections. Conference calls for all
> Union National Safety Representatives are conducted to discuss issues,
> announcements and program updates.
>
> On a National level, VHA conducts specialized review of potential
> weather events and preparedness. VHA specialists monitor and analyze
> real-time events for each Gulf Coast hurricane warning. Implementation
> of VHA Emergency Operating Plans ensures sufficient supplies, fuel,
> equipment and oxygen, as well as lines of communication with emergency
> personnel and VHA Central Office. VHA also ensures shelters are
> established for employees and their families and coordinates with
> community emergency management officials. VHA plans to develop and
> implement safety and health policy and guidance for VHA employees who
> deploy to national, regional, or local disaster sites external to
> their workplace.
>
> VHA continues to develop and improve Avian Flu, Severe Acute
> Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Tuberculosis (TB) programs based on
> OSHA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations and policies
> with best practices and recommendations through the VHA Working
> Groups. VHA policy requires the reporting of VA patients with suspect
> or possible SARS, recommendations for the evaluation and care of
> patients, isolation and infection control, personal protective
> equipment, communication and education. Respirator fit testing,
> training and medical exams are provided for the use of disposable
> respirators and filtering face pieces.

Page 32.

> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> NCA conducts a thorough and exacting Organizational Assessment and
> Improvement (OAI) evaluation throughout the Administration. In doing
> so, personnel are pulled from throughout NCA and trained on standards
> for assessment. Assessments are made (after the organization has made
> its own assessment), a detailed report is rendered and corrective
> follow-up action conducted.

**[Some of the OSH areas reviewed in the OAI Assessment]{.underline}:**

-   Safety Training. Training is documented in terms of number of
    employees trained

    and the date the training is completed.

-   Drivers licenses are checked for currency and appropriate classes
    held.

-   Necessary PPE and safety measures are adhered to at all times.
    Specifically checked are ground maintenance operations and
    headstone/marker operations.

-   Equipment maintenance is strictly adhered to and practiced.

-   Annual safety inspections of all cemeteries are conducted.

-   Safety meetings are held and meeting minutes recorded and inspected.

> In summary, the OAI program is an important safety management tool for
> NCA.
>
> **[Return-to-Work]{.underline}**
>
> NCA fully participated in the VA\'s WC Steering Committee initiated
> Case Review and obtained its goal of completing case reviews for 100%
> of assigned chargeback year 2005 cases. NCA was able to make job
> offers for 23.6% of those jobs identified as being a suitable
> employment opportunity. Furthermore, of those jobs offered, 76% of the
> personnel returned-to work, either in their pre-injury position or an
> alternate position.
>
> **[Performance Standards]{.underline}**
>
> NCA does not employ specific performance standards for its managers,
> supervisors, or employees. However, in addition to a general duty to
> abide by all safety regulations and local policies clause in various
> policy documents, NCA is attempting to do better in the DOL/White
> House directed SHARE goals. Shortly after the end of the first six
> months in FY 2007, a memorandum was distributed to each Memorial
> Service Network (MSN). It directed them to report on their status
> regarding the SHARE Goals, as well as what steps had been implemented
> to address identified problem areas. Another memorandum was sent out
> at the end of the fiscal year requiring the MSN\'s to report on their
> end of fiscal year SHARE Goal statistics, while stating specific
> identified areas of concern and developing action plans to address the
> root cause of those identified areas of concern.
>
> **[Recognition]{.underline}**
>
> Currently NCA does not have a formal National recognition program for
> outstanding performers in the safety and occupational health arena.
> However, several of our MSN\'s have adopted programs and routinely
> formally recognize their employees for remaining accident free and for
> identifying potential safety and/or health workplace hazards.

Page 33.

> NCA had its first safety Directive (NCA Directive 7700) posted on our
> MIS Intranet site and distributed to the field. We have also assigned
> three full-time personnel in two different MSN's to improve our WC
> case management in identified facilities and regions where WC claims
> have been historical high. NCA also was able to open a field HR center
> in Indianapolis, IN, and staff it with six employees during FY 2007.
> Among one of the HR specialists hired is an individual who has a
> strong background in WC and who was subsequently designated NCA\'s WC
> program manager. The field HR center also has other employees who are
> knowledgeable in dealing with WC claim processing and case management
> who will be able to provide support to the designated WC program
> manager.
>
> VBA recognizes the following accomplishments and continues to monitor
> progress as reported by the Director of each regional office. VBA's
> overall commitment is to provide a safe and healthy work environment
> for its employees.
>
> **[Evaluations]{.underline}**
>
> VA regional offices have VISNS conduct Annual Occupational Safety and
> Health and Fire Protection Evaluations. Regional Office Safety
> Officers, Union representatives, and GSA are also represented. The
> evaluations note any safety deficiencies which are reported to the
> Regional Office Directors. All deficiencies noted in the evaluations
> are corrected.

### 

### [Return-to-Work]{.underline}

### 

### VARO Houston is strongly committed to returning employees to light duty immediately upon approval by the physician. Five employees were returned to work after being on short periods of COP, with restrictions in lifting, standing for prolonged periods, and kneeling/bending. The employees worked in their positions with the physical requirements temporarily modified in accordance with the OSHA Forms CA-17, CA-20, or other information from the physician of record. VARO Phoenix continuously monitors return-to-work/disability cases and works in conjunction with OWCP to get employees back to work on light or regular duty as soon as possible.

### [Performance Standards]{.underline}

### 

### VARO Chicago has procedures for safety and health issues spelled out in its emergency plan, life safety manuals and interactions with the Fire and Safety Team who communicate with and involve all managers, supervisors and employees. VARO Milwaukee has a "workplace responsibility" element in its performance standard that requires all managers to have an awareness of safety issues and precautions taken in their divisions.

### [Recognition]{.underline}

### 

### VARO Ft. Harrison provides recognition for naming employees illustrating outstanding Safety and Health program support that is decided and voted on in the monthly Safety and Health committee meetings. Criteria used is individual response to Safety and Health Action items in addressing program deficiencies and observed or noted utilization of best practices regarding Safety and Health procedures. VARO Wichita implemented an annual program of recognizing VBA employees who have contributed to the improvement of the Safety and Health Program. 

Page 34.

## Achievements of Fiscal Year 2007 Goals

> VBA is continuing to check for safety and health related risks.
> Offices are making sure all access areas are clear for safety,
> continuing to stress to employees the importance of safety in the
> workplace and continuing the timely filing of notices of injury and
> illness. Employees continue to be reminded to report potential
> hazardous conditions to their Safety Officers for action. VBA is
> continuing to make work areas as safe as possible and continuing
> safety inspections. Meetings with GSA and contractors are taking
> place. All employees are advised of the content of those meetings. All
> employees are continuing to be encouraged to report all of their
> safety concerns to the Director, station Safety Officer, or their
> Union representative. VA regional offices continue to conduct building
> evacuation drills with all employees. After action meetings are held
> with all floor wardens and monitors to critique the event.

**[5. [RESOURCES]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}**

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> VA Management and HR have hired two new program analyst positions for
> the OSH Office.
>
> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> NCA Management and HR have designated a new safety position. They will
> work with the NCA Safety Officer under the DSHO as the Safety and
> Occupational Health Program Manager**.**
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)]{.smallcaps}**.
>
> VARO New York has installed panic buttons in each division. Division
> managers, coaches and supervisors meet several times throughout the
> year to discuss urgent topics with the Safety Officer, HR staff, and
> station management. VARO Oakland purchased nine Automatic External
> Defibrillators. Hines ITC has purchased a training tape for the
> warehouse workers for forklift equipment safety and operation
> awareness. This is given annually to provide those employees with
> training.

**6. [Goals, Objectives, and Strategies]{.underline}**

> **[Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> The VA is in the early development of a Safety Strategic Plan (SSP)
> that is in the final stages of production and should be completed in
> FY 2008. The goal is to provide a Department-level plan that will
> provide guidance to the Administrations on managing and maintaining
> safety programs with standard processes and best practice information.
>
> VA continues to maintain the Website that allows the Administrations
> to access up-to-date information and newly released occupational
> safety and health guidance.
>
> We are evaluating the need for a tool to collect OSHA required
> information and relative documents on a continuum, rather than
> formulating the OSHA report at the end of the fiscal year.

Page 35.

> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> NCA\'s objectives this fiscal year are to complete our Safety and
> Occupational Health Handbooks, increase the amount, quality, and
> timeliness of our required safety training, and improve upon our
> existing SHARE goal results. These objectives are meant to achieve the
> overarching goal of decreasing the number and severity of injuries and
> illnesses our employees experience in the field and in the office.
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> VBA will continue to manage an active station Occupational Safety and
> Health Program, to investigate for trends in reducing time lost due to
> injury and illness, and to monitor the\
> FY 2008 performance targets for each of the goals under the SHARE
> program.

**7. [Questions/Comments:]{.underline}**

> **[National Cemetery Administration (NCA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> None
>
> **[Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).]{.smallcaps}**
>
> None

**Appendix I -- Agency Contact Information Continuation Sheet**

+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| **Name**                | **Official  | **T        | * |               |
|                         | Title**     | elephone** | * |               |
|                         |             |            | E |               |
|                         |             |            | - |               |
|                         |             |            | m |               |
|                         |             |            | a |               |
|                         |             |            | i |               |
|                         |             |            | l |               |
|                         |             |            | * |               |
|                         |             |            | * |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| **Sub agency Name:      |             |            |   |               |
| Veterans Health         |             |            |   |               |
| Administration (VHA)**  |             |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| OSH Manager: John       | CEOSH,      | \(501\)    |   | john.         |
| Beatty                  | Decon       | 257-1128   |   | beatty@va.gov |
|                         | Program     |            |   |               |
|                         | Manager     |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| Other Contact: Michael  | Director,   | \(202\)    |   | mich          |
| Hodgson, M.D.           | O           | 273-8353   |   | ael.hodgson@\ |
|                         | ccupational |            |   | va.gov        |
|                         | Health      |            |   |               |
|                         | Programs,   |            |   |               |
|                         | VHA         |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| **Sub agency Name:      |             |            |   |               |
| National Cemetery       |             |            |   |               |
| Administration (NCA)**  |             |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| John Lawton             | NCA Safety  | \(703\)    |   | john.         |
|                         | Officer     | 221-9718   |   | lawton@va.gov |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| John Thios              | NCA OSH     | \(202\)    |   | john          |
|                         |             | 501-3053   |   | .thios@va.gov |
|                         | Manager     |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| **Sub agency Name:      |             |            |   |               |
| Veterans Benefits       |             |            |   |               |
| Administration (VBA)**  |             |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| OSH Manager: John Buck  | Acting      | \(202\)    |   | john          |
|                         | Director    | 461-9763   |   | .buck1@va.gov |
|                         | for         |            |   |               |
|                         | Facilities  |            |   |               |
|                         | Access and  |            |   |               |
|                         | Adm         |            |   |               |
|                         | inistration |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+
| []{.mark}               | Workers'    | \(202\)    |   | beverl        |
|                         | C           | 273-7082   |   | y.young@vba.\ |
| Other Contact: Beverly  | ompensation |            |   | va.gov        |
| Young                   | Specialist  |            |   |               |
+-------------------------+-------------+------------+---+---------------+