AZASSP Technical Meeting FY27-02

Session Description:
Go beyond the regulations and see what an exemplary safety and health program looks like in practice. This technical meeting combines a discussion on pursuing VPP, SHARP, and other ADOSH recognition programs with a guided tour of MITER Brands’ Western Window Systems facility in Phoenix, an ADOSH VPP Star site. Ava Gembala, OHST and Special Government Employee (SGE), will share practical insight from supporting multiple VPP sites, including lessons learned, common challenges, preparation strategies, and considerations for organizations interested in pursuing safety recognition. Participants will then tour the manufacturing facility to observe safety systems, employee engagement, hazard controls, training initiatives, and continuous-improvement practices in action.

Closed toed shoes and pants are required. The site will provide cut sleeves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. The tour will stay mostly in aisleways and not directly in the production process, so safety toe shoes are not a requirement. No shorts, skirts, or open toed shoes will be allowed as this is an active production environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the core elements and expectations of VPP, SHARP, and other ADOSH recognition programs and evaluate whether their organization may be positioned to pursue recognition.
• Describe practical strategies, lessons learned, and common challenges associated with preparing for and maintaining VPP or similar safety and health recognition.
• Recognize examples of effective safety practices during the MITER Brands facility tour and identify approaches that could be adapted to strengthen their own organization’s safety and health management system.

Instructor Bio: Ava Gembala Regional Safety & Health Coordinator II
Ava started her Cintas career on June 16, 2014. She has Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) Certification and holds an SGE designation.

Ava joined the Cintas safety team in December 2015, and is currently providing safety oversight to two First Aid & Safety Regions. She currently supports two *COR sites in Alberta, Canada, and five VPP sites located in Minneapolis, Portland, Kansas City, Wichita, Phoenix, and two more on the way – one in Seattle and another in Ontario!