SPECIAL EDITION | 2020
OUTSIDE THE
LINES
Hampton Roads District Special Edition
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Smile! It’s Worth It, Even Behind Your Mask USE YOUR SMILE TO CHANGE THE WORLD. DON’T LET THE WORLD CHANGE YOUR SMILE.
This spring and summer has been like no other we’ve experienced in our lifetime. It has taken away and changed so many routine tasks and engagements that we considered mundane, and likely took for granted previously. I know I certainly don’t take them for granted anymore. Tools like Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, etc. have become commonplace in our day-to-day interaction with family, friends and coworkers. We get excited about an opportunity to visit loved ones, even when separated by a driveway or remaining in our cars. Eating food from a restaurant is now a rare luxury and grocery shopping is a valued outing. Our summer vacations have changed, our kids schools have changed, our work environment has changed, and still I challenge you to remain optimistic and to simply smile - and do so more often. The following is an excerpt from a segment of CBS Sunday Morning that aired in early September. Correspondent Jim Axelrod shared his story of running errands and realizing that his facial mask concealed his gratitude towards those he encountered. He described how his
interactions felt changed because his smile wasn’t visible with a mask. “Smiles are the grease for our interpersonal communications, our most efficient way to signal warmth, safety, empathy, compassion, or – at the grocery store – gratitude … a non-verbal supplement to expand the limits of what words alone can express. Studies have shown smiles are actually contagious. They lift the mood of both the source and the target of the smile. And now, COVID has robbed us of this critically-important tool we use to connect with each other. We’ve been sad before as a country, living without smiles for a time in the aftermath of assassinations, terror attacks, school shootings. But this is different. Wearing masks is a structural change in the way we live. COVID has literally wiped the smiles from our faces. So, keep this in mind as you go about your business, for now our words are all we’ve got. Not just the ones we choose, but how we
deliver them. From behind a mask, tone and inflection are the new smiles. Forget the face-to-face world. In a mask-to-mask world, the golden rule is that people can’t feel what they can’t see. Let’s all be part of the solution, and find other ways to smile at each other.” I encourage us all to continue to use this as an opportunity to embrace new habits and seek out ‘other ways to smile’ at each other to keep a sense of normalcy in your lives. Changes that were thought to be temporary are now likely longterm, and how we adapt as people, and as coworkers will determine our resiliency and ability to succeed during this pandemic. Yes, smiling has new challenges in today’s masked world. However, with a little extra effort, a smile and comment of appreciation towards others can bring extra joy that is so needed in 2020. See the full segment and entire transcript from CBS Sunday Morning at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ the-smile-behind-the-mask/ Jim Axelrod is the chief investigative correspondent and senior national correspondent for CBS News, reporting for “CBS This Morning,” the “CBS Evening News,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” and other CBS News broadcasts.
O u r C h a l l e n g e t o Yo u :
S p i c e u p y o u r m a s k f o r t h e h o l i d a y s ! T h i s y e a r p a i r y o u r n o r m a l h o l i d a y s w e at e r w i t h a h o m e m a d e “ u g l y ” C h r i s t m a s Fa c e M a s k ! G l u e o r s e w b u t t o n s , b e a d s , r i b b o n s o r c o t t o n b a l l s f ro m a ro u n d t h e h o u s e a n d s h a re y o u r t a c k i e s t , g a u d y a n d fe s t i v e c re at i o n w i t h u s . Text from your phone
Attach to an email
Submit via webform
Direct message on Twitter
Send photo to 757-409-4028
Email it to hamptonroadspublicinfo@ vdot.virginia.gov
bit.ly/HR_Engage
@VaDOTHR
You Shared
Here are some photos of VDOT crews practicing social distancing and maskprotection techniques at work and at home. Thanks to everyone who sent in photos!
Between the Lines is a newsletter created by the communications department, specifically to benefit the employees of the Hampton Roads District of VDOT. Outside the Lines is a special edition spin-off series published during the coronavirus pandemic, to remind us that we are all in this together as community members and as One VDOT. We share stories and information you can use in Between the Lines, on InsideVDOT, the Electronic Bulletin Boards, VDOT-TV and social media. Share your news and stories at hamptonroadspublicinfo@vdot. virginia.gov
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“ I ’ v e h e a rd t h e w o rd “ e s s e n t i a l e m p l o y e e ” a l o t o v e r t h e l a s t s e v e r a l m o n t h s . I t ’s a c o m m o n t e r m u s e d t h ro u g h o u t V D O T a n d c e r t a i n l y a t o u r Tu n n e l s . We ’ v e f a c e d h u r r i c a n e a n d s n o w e v e n t s i n t h e p a s t b u t t h o s e u s u a l l y o n l y l a s t a f e w d a y s a n d t h e n i t ’s o v e r.
In the face of this pandemic, the term has a new meaning now in our c o u n t r y. I t b e c a m e v e r y e v i d e n t v e r y q u i c k l y w h o w a s n e e d e d t h ro u g h o u t t h i s n a t i o n t o k e e p i t g o i n g . F i r s t re s p o n d e r s a n d m e d i c a l w o r k e r s w e re always at the top of the list but we found out how much we also depend o n s e r v i c e p e r s o n n e l i n t h i s c o u n t r y. E v e r y o n e f ro m g ro c e r y s t o re c l e r k s t o b a n k e r s t o v a r i o u s d e l i v e r y p e r s o n n e l a re n o w v i e w e d m u c h d i ff e re n t l y t h a n b e f o re , w i t h m o re re s p e c t a n d i n c re a s e d v i s i b i l i t y t o t h e i r c o n t r i b u t i o n s . L i k e w i s e , V D O T ’s f i e l d p e r s o n n e l ’s s e r v i c e t o H a m p t o n R o a d s i s a l s o n o w v i e w e d m u c h d i ff e re n t l y.
The public has a better understanding of what we do day in and day out.
B e v e r y p ro u d o f t h a t ! T h a t re s p e c t i s w e l l d e s e r v e d . ”
- K e n R e y n a rd , F a c i l i t y M a n a g e r H a m p t o n R o a d s H a r b o r Tu n n e l s ( H R H T )
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What’s Next for VDOT in Hampton Roads?
MOVING FORWARD, HOW WILL LIFE AT VDOT BE DIFFERENT NOW WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A PANDEMIC?
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related to your situation, please talk to your supervisor or members of the Human Resources team to discuss options. In addition, services provided by VDOT’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are available.
Hampton Road’s executive and command staff have worked continually since early March to keep staff safe and maintain operations supporting the citizens of Virginia. With the Commonwealth currently in the phase of commercial reopening and less restrictive public engagement, we know that there are still questions about how the “new normal” will look for VDOT. Q: For the staff that transitioned to teleworking, is there a date set where they will be expected to return to the office? A: Although some target dates have been preliminarily identified, no date has been set in stone for any change to our existing working operations. No further changes are expected until after VDOT and Commonwealth agencies fully enter Phase 3 based on Gov. Northam’s directives. (Currently VDOT is in Phase 2 of reopening) However, our teams have been gathering items necessary for reopening and are moving forward in preparation. Our DE and executive staff are committed to a tiered approach to reopening and do not anticipate reaching full pre-pandemic staffing levels in our buildings in 2020. Q: What kinds of things will be in place so that we are safe to work in the office buildings? A: Not everyone who is currently working remotely will return at once, instead a phased approach will be implemented. To ensure staff safety while in our office locations, our district’s facilities team has implemented all CDC and state guidelines to reduce crosscontamination. You’ll see enhanced cleaning around VDOT buildings with increased frequency, including areas with high traffic, like elevators, printers, entrance ways, and break-rooms. Touch-less systems have been implemented and specialized self-cleaning pads have
been installed on door handles and elevator buttons. Additionally you’ll see more cleaning supply stations for disinfecting your personal areas, signage and visual reminders for social distancing, fewer chairs and expanded spacing in group gathering areas, and physical plexiglass shields for engaging with the public. We are also rearranging some workstations to ensure adequate spacing between staff.
Speak with your supervisor honestly about your concerns and open a dialogue about what type of workplace structure is right for you at this time. Q: What happens if someone in the office is exposed? A: Human Resources and Civil Rights teams have detailed processes to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken should an employee test positive or be exposed to COVID-19. If you feel you might be in this situation, please speak to a member of these teams promptly.
Q: Will we be required to wear a mask inside the office?
Q: Will I need to be tested before returning to the office?
A: For those engaging with the public at our district and residency offices, rest stops or construction zones, we will still require the use of face masks for both staff and public visitors. Staff can remove masks when working in their individual desk locations, but should wear them during group meetings, in hallways and elevators, in restrooms, or when physical distancing cannot be met. In addition, every staff member should always carry a mask with them, so it is ready to use when needed.
A: There is no general requirement for testing of non-symptomatic staff before they return to a physical office location. Should you feel you need testing, speak to a member of HR for guidance.
Q: What if I do not feel comfortable in a group setting? A: We know that each person and role has a unique set of circumstances that may influence their comfort level at work. We are committed to you as a member of our VDOT family, that we will work to not put you in any position where you feel unsafe or that unduly increases anxiety. If you have concerns or additional questions
Q: More Questions? A: You likely have many more questions related to how the pandemic is impacting our future work. Our team has created a reference called “A Guide as We Return to Work During a Pandemic” that further describes the safety protocols for returning to our facilities. Stay tuned on how to get your copy! VDOT uses information distributed by the CDC, VDEM, VDOH, National Safety Council and others expert sources when determining procedures and polices for re-opening.
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Tips for Remote Work | VDOT OF TOMORROW • • • • • At this point, you’ve probably had time to learn by trial-and-error what works for you at home. However, here are some additional tips to make your home work environment better. 1) Pay attention to the ergonomics of your desk space. Whether using a laptop or desktop, take a moment to ensure your desk is positioned at the right height, and your desk chair supports your posture. There are many other ergonomic tips that can be found on the InsideVDOT safety page. As tempting as sitting on the couch may be, it will likely end up causing strain on your back, neck and eyes. 2) Make sure you have the right gear to help. If you conduct a lot of meetings, an external microphone or headset may be helpful for better sound control. Also, an additional light source may be needed to ensure you are visible on camera. A wireless mouse can help reduce cords on your tabletop and be easier to use than a laptop mouse. 3) If you have a laptop and move to various locations, start the day with it unplugged. This guarantees at some point, you’ll have to get up from your seat and plug it in to charge. Sometimes at home, we get cemented to our seats without realizing it and move less than we would in normal work environments. 4) Embrace your animal co-workers. Set up the fake keyboard for your cat to sit on, or position the dog bed near your desk so that your pets can help keep you feeling loved during the day.
Photo Credit: David Black, Consultant Construction Manager for VDOT 5) Match your space to your personality. If you are the type of person who works best in quiet, setting up a dedicated workstation in a separate area of the house might work best. If you work better with others around, setting up near your family room or an outdoor window might help you feel less isolated during the day. 6) Embrace methods to keep you organized. At home our desk spaces are likely more cramped compared to our previous workspace and we no longer have unlimited access to printers and copiers. Keep an open mind to adjustments to your organization systems to maximize productivity in your new environment. 7) Try to keep your personal cell phone for personal and your work cell for work. Not only does this reduce the amount of time you
have to carry two phones around, it also helps maintain better life / work balance after hours. 8) Don’t forget to take time off. Vacation is still important, even if it is a stay-cation. It may feel weird taking time off when you’re already at home more than ever, but dedicated “you” time is deserved. 9) Be honest and realistic with yourself. It’s okay to love or hate working from home. Do you have a tip on how to work smarter in 2020? Share with us, and we are likely to share with the Hampton Roads team! Also, visit ideaDRIVER for suggestions from other VDOT employees around the state for working remotely.
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Engagement Challenge:
S h o w u s y o u r n e w w o r k s p a ce . W h e t h e r y o u a re s e t u p at h o m e , o r h a v e re a r r a n g e d y o u r A H Q o r w o r k s i t e d e s k t o m a i n t a i n b e t t e r d i s t a n c i n g , s e n d u s a p h o t o of y o u i n y o u r a d j u s t e d w o r k e n v i ro n m e n t . Text from your phone
Attach to an email
Submit via webform
Direct message on Twitter
Send photo to (757) 409-4028
Email it to hamptonroadspublicinfo@ vdot.virginia.gov
bit.ly/HR_Engage
@VaDOTHR
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Policy Update: Riding Together in Vehicles • • • • • Updated June 4, 2020
When necessary, employees may ride together in vehicles. The following guidance will help VDOT staff stay safe while providing increased capacity to accomplish our mission. Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. • • • •
Before you enter a vehicle, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Once you reach your destination, rewash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as soon as possible upon arrival.
Teams from Eastville AHQ (left) and Temperanceville AHQ (right) developed new cab separation barriers to accomplish physical distancing while performing job tasks requiring multiple people in a truck.
Wear cloth face coverings. This policy will be enforced by supervisors the same as wearing your seat belt. Practice social distancing. • Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to only those necessary. • Open the windows or set the air ventilation/air conditioning on non-recirculation mode to improve ventilation. • Remember to clean vehicles before and after use. • Do not share personal protective equipment (P.P.E.) (such as vests, safety glasses, hard hats), tools, phones, radios, or other personal items. Look for new and creative ways to improve safety in those situations where employees are co-located. Kudos to Eastville and Temperanceville AHQs who made modifications to their trucks to ensure job tasks like roadside vegetation control spraying, transporting tractor mower operators for mowing operations and the transferring of equipment to other AHQ’s could continue in a manner where employees felt safe. The solution involved installation of a custom physical barrier that separates the driver from the rear seat passenger which enables these job tasks to now be accomplished.
Have you ever had an amazing idea to improve efficiency, safety & employee health, effectiveness or even just day-to-day work at VDOT, but didn’t know who to tell or how to get it implemented? VDOT’s Office of Strategic Innovation is proud to give you the opportunity to share your innovations with the new ideaDRIVER platform. ideaDRIVER is an interactive crowdsourcing site that allows VDOT employees to share and discuss original ideas and innovations that help VDOT. Each submitted idea will be vetted and voted upon by fellow VDOT coworkers, and evaluated and considered for implementation. You can log on to ideaDRIVER with your VDOT username and password at vdot.ideascalegov.com.
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Powered by People
Chris Hall, District Engineer • • • • • If you’ve read or heard elements from District Engineer Chris Hall’s professional bio, you probably already know that he served as a civil engineer and officer within the Army and Army Corp of Engineers.
The best advice he’s received from others, including his dad, is to remain humble and never assume you know it all. Chris is a history buff, specifically for the years surrounding WWII. His early interest in the military led him to VMI for college and the Army afterwards. Today, he continues to engrosses himself in numerous books and documentaries each year from those who lived and served during the WWII era.
However, you probably did not know that he grew up around caskets and funeral processions. His dad was a second generation funeral director in northeast Ohio when Chris was a young child. Here are some additional fun facts about our district’s most senior executive that we learned in a recent interview.
In his free time, he tinkers and works to restore a ‘54 Willys Jeep (pictured) in his garage, while occasionally enjoying a pipe, a self-described guilty pleasure.
He is the youngest of four children in his family, with three older brothers. In addition to his dad and grandfather working at the mortuary, his family also operated a 500-acre farm, raising beef cattle. Chris spent many hours working to help both family businesses. Hoping to be a farmer himself, he embraced many farming skills early on, including operating heavy equipment and showing cattle and horses in 4-H Club.
days of the week, even when traveling or on vacation.
Chris’s first job, outside of family farming duties, was working the front desk at the local YMCA. In his teenage years, his family bought a fishing camp in northern Ontario, providing Chris with a steady outdoor summer job through college.
Chris’s greatest pet peeve is tardiness. He gets extra annoyed when he is running late himself to an engagement.
Chris dislikes raw fish and sushi, preferring steak with baked potato instead. Ideally, topped off with his favorite chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream for dessert. Admitting he’s not much of a brave or adventurous eater, he once ate curdled goat cheese while in Iraq and describes it as one of the worst things he’s ever encountered, hoping to “never cross paths with it again.” You’ll rarely find him without a set of running shoes nearby. He runs most
When asked about advice he’d share with his younger self, Chris expressed that he wished he knew the importance of being patient and more empathetic earlier.
• • • • • His friends and family consider him the sensible one in the group. At home, his kids describe him as silly, and is frequently heard laughing at his own dad jokes.
Chris has traveled all over the world for work and pleasure. He is quick to share details of the remarkable landscapes of the coastal northwest, the Panama Canal and its nearby jungles, the Alps of northern Italy, Germany and Bavaria, and the DMZ in Korea. Left on his bucket list is an off-road adventure in his Jeep, perhaps across Colorado’s old mining trails and mountainsides. Chris has four children and enjoys 28+ years of marriage, which he proudly states is truly his most illustrious achievement.
“District Dissect” A new series of 15-minute virtual team sessions hosted by District Engineer Chris Hall to connect with employees across the Hampton Roads district. Look for a calendar invite in your email. Or connect with your supervisor to ensure your participation at upcoming sessions. Each event begins at 8:00 a.m. Sessions are recorded for access after the event.
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Policy Reminder: Social Media Etiquette • • • • • While we have been required to physically distance ourselves from each other during this pandemic, in many ways technology brought us closer than ever before. In an instant, we can share our thoughts, frustrations, joys and sorrows with friends, family and colleagues. This ability to speak as an individual on matters of importance in our communities and in our nation is a freedom enjoyed by Americans and Virginians. That said, when representing ourselves to the public as VDOT employees, whether on social media or within our communities, our words and actions are viewed in the context of the institution that we serve. To the public, VDOT employees are responsible for maintaining the highways on which they travel, assist them when stranded on a roadside, ensure their safe passage through tunnels and over bridges and work alongside law enforcement to safely direct traffic as they exercise their right to peacefully assemble in the streets. Over the last few months, VDOT has received several complaints from the public regarding social media posts made by employees identifying themselves as VDOT employees. In doing so, those communications and behaviors can have a direct impact on the community’s confidence in VDOT’s ability to carry out our mission in public service. In addition, some of these posts violate VDOT’s Shared Values in Public Service and Code of Ethics, which every VDOT employee is expected to understand, commit to and demonstrate in their conduct and behavior. You are reminded to be cognizant that others are watching your behavior, just like when you are driving an agency vehicle. We urge each of you to review Commonwealth’s Electronic Communications and Social Media policy and the some key points below:
WHEN REPRESENTING OURSELVES TO THE PUBLIC AS VDOT EMPLOYEES, WHETHER ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS ARE VIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE INSTITUTION THAT WE SERVE.
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If you identify yourself as a VDOT employee on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), you are representing VDOT on your social media. Any posts should represent our values and should be responsible and professional. Posting threatening, obscene, intimidating, defamatory, harassing, discriminatory or otherwise unlawful messages or images is prohibited.
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If you do not wish to be held to agency standards, you should remove any reference to employment with the agency (preferred) OR specify that the views expressed are yours and do not represent the agency.
Any employee failing to follow this policy is subject to disciplinary action under Commonwealth’s Standards of Conduct.
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Safety is Always Priority #1 in Hampton Roads • • • • • Working with the safety teams across the district, our Safety Managers have produced a new Safety Playbook & Journal tool, to be distributed this fall to every employee. This compact and portable playbook and journal provides a handy pocket-sized reminder of safety actions that protect ourselves, our coworkers, and our customers. Each day, we must be diligent and approach every action through the lens of safety, taking the time to “Think, Plan, and Act,” before our tasks begin and until the task is complete. Ways each of us can use the Safety Playbook:
• Quick safety topics and reference information • Personal motivation: Tape a photo of your family or friends as a visual reminder of the reasons you work safely.
• Writing journal for observations, notes or doodles • Put your name on the back so easy to return if lost • Be proud of your commitment to a safe workplace for you and others. Quick reference items located inside journal:
• VDOT’s Safety Mission statement and Philosophy of Safety • Checklist for identifying the correct P.P.E. for each job • Vehicle backing tips and spotter hand signals (Look for our District’s backing policy updates to align with these by OSHA)
• Safety Reporting: Reference for which events need to be • • • • • •
reported and how to do so Full contact info for both District Safety Managers Idea list for safety briefing topics Safety Excellence Awards: What are they and how to submit Real words from our team, highlighting the items in their life that drive their focus on safety each and every day Back Cover: DE’s Permission Slip reminding everyone of their responsibility to improve workplace safety conditions Journal pages: Blank graph paper and lined paper for notes or diagrams while on job site, or at your desk.
Safety is critical for each and every one of us. Look for your copy soon! Playbooks will be distributed by supervisors at your primary work site location. If you are currently working remotely, coordinate to pick up your copy the next time you drop in to the office.
Views of the Safety Playbook & Journal’s cover (top) and various pages from the inside (bottom).
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D O N ’ T B E C O M E A S TAT I S T I C .
Y O U R FA M I LY N E E D S Y O U .
When we focus on safety, we mean it. Not only do we want you to remain safe during the day, but we share tips that will keep you and your family safe at home as well.
» L ISTEN CLOSELY AT SAFETY MEETINGS FOR IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS SHARED EVERY DAY AT VDOT. THINK TO YOURSELF AFTERWARDS “HOW COULD I SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH MY FAMILY?” » C HECK OUT THE ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD (EBB) AT EACH WORKSITE FOR WEEKLY TIPS » S TAY ON THE SAME PAGE, TALK ABOUT SAFETY WITH THOSE AROUND YOU.
E V E RY T H I N G W E D O AT T H E D I S T R I C T S TA R T S W I T H S A F E T Y Hazards are everywhere. Sometimes, it’s easy to identify potential dangers in our “The most important piece of safety equipment you’ll use is between your ears.”
immediate area. However, often there hidden dangers which are not readily visible or apparent and can cause significant harm. For those situations where we cannot remove the hazard completely, it’s our Personal Protective Equipment that provides a guard against potential injury or severity of injury. Always use the proper gear. Stay alert. Prepare for the unexpected. Embrace a group effort and seek to protect your colleagues. Every member of the VDOT Hampton Roads District deserves to return home after a day’s
- Christopher Hall, DE
work. Together we can make that happen.
THINK
PLAN
ACT
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LIFE IN COMICS
Comics work to share a humorous, and a little too real, view of 2020.
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Original author maintains all copyright rights to images.
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Safe Driving Matters • • • • • Nearly a year ago, about an hour past sunrise, a multi-vehicle crash occurred on I-64 on the outskirts of Williamsburg that will remain in our collective memory for quite a while. The call initially was reported with 20 vehicles involved and all lanes blocked, but would be updated throughout the day for a final tally of 81 vehicles damaged on the road. Although there were no fatalities reported in the crash, the crash quickly gained national media attention, and consumed the attention of all area highway first responder agencies and communication teams for the remainder of the day. For the Hampton Roads District, this incident became a case study of what worked well and what could be improved for incident management and response. Crashes like this one also remind us how important embracing safe driving tips are to our individual and collective safety. WEAR SEATBELTS AT ALL TIMES All drivers and passengers should use seatbelts while in a moving vehicle. FACTOR IN WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS Take note of conditions that may reduce braking speed, visibility and maneuverability on the roads and adjust your driving behavior. Turn headlights on when using windshield wipers. Increase stopping distance in adverse conditions or if carrying a heavier than normal load.
PILE-UP ON I-64 WEST Photos from the scene of the severe crash on Dec. 22, 2019 with numerous vehicles piled onto each other.
USE SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS Communicating with other drivers on the road allows them to anticipate your movements. Use hazard lights when stopped on the side of road or traveling significantly lower than the normal rate of speed. STAY IN VEHICLE FOLLOWING CRASH Unless your vehicle is causing immediate danger, like fire or dispersing fumes, you are safer inside your vehicle, even if not injured, until rescue and police teams arrive. CARRY SUPPLIES USEFUL IN AN EMERGENCY Items such as reflective vests, seatbelt cutters, glass punches, road flares and first aid supplies can be useful before help arrives. ANTICIPATE THE WORST FROM OTHER DRIVERS Expect the other drivers near you to make mistakes. Consider what you would do if others react poorly to the conditions. Be ready to react for unexpected movements or actions from others to avoid an accident. GIVE YOURSELF TIME Make it a habit to leave 10 minutes early for your destination to allow extra time for unexpected delays. This will reduce your stress level while driving as well as the urge to speed. Photo credits via AP, top down: Ivan Levy; Ivan Levy; Emily Fields; Williamsburg Flight Center
NEWS PHOTOS SHOWED A TANGLED MASS OF VEHICLES WITH CAR HOODS CRUMPLED AND WINDOWS SMASHED.
REMOVE DISTRACTIONS Cell phones, food/drinks, and passengers all compete with your attention while driving. This includes resisting the urge to rubber-neck when passing other incidents. It takes extra commitment to stay focused solely on driving, but is worth it.
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Dealing with the Emotional Toll of Responding First Hampton Roads District Operations team members have responded to 26,293 interstate and highway incidents already this year. VDOT staff and contractors train regularly to respond quickly and effectively to crashes and road incidents impacting our citizens. Being physically prepared is only part of the process with dealing with emotional scenes.
7Strategies OF OUR STRESSFUL DAYS
Many of us must respond to incidents that occur on our roadways. Whether as a first responder at the scene or a traffic manager in operations, dealing with high-stress situations on a routine basis is guaranteed to take its toll on our emotional well-being.
Whether it’s a severe crash or just a close call, our responders are impacted by the situations they see on a daily basis - we all would be. Not only do our team-members feel connected to those drivers that are directly impacted by the situation, but also can bring the stress and emotion of their daily work home and replay those memories when surrounded by their kids, family and friends. Taking time to acknowledge the emotional toll of our work is an important first step in healthy recovery. Talk to each other. Seek help early and often to avoid compound effects. Remember that what makes us human, also makes us good at our jobs. Resources are available through VDOT’s Human Resources department and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help line. “Do not let the roles you play in life make you forget that you are human.” Roy Bennett
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Data count between Jan. - Oct. 2020
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BE WELL PREPARED. Training beforehand will help you anticipate and respond to your emotional needs and specific triggers during incidents. It will also help you recognize the signs of stress and exhaustion in yourself and your teammates, and how those can impact safety.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO DEBRIEF. Debriefing is not just to discuss logistics and incident information, workers need to emotionally debrief as well, including group discussions, individual counseling, mental health support, etc.
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BE HONEST WITH YOUR TEAM. Trauma is complex, and can rise up even long after the incident is over. Do not hesitate to speak to a supervisor about the situation. Take time to adjust and seek support services, even if you feel ‘fine’ at that moment. Ease back into work and be open to necessary work assignment adjustments.
BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN SELF. Abundant self-care prior to stressful situations can impact your ability to respond. Understanding your own personal vulnerability and recognizing signs of burnout and compassion fatigue will help you gain the tools you need in advance so that you are more emotionally prepared if a major incident occurs. As preparation before an incident occurs, ensure you are getting enough sleep daily, engage in stress-relief activities, spend time outside, find ways to laugh, etc.
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USE BUDDY SYSTEM FOR SUPPORT. Intentionally pairing up with another worker during and after a response can help you support each other and monitor each other’s stress reactions. Sometimes we are more likely to notice the impact of trauma in others rather than ourselves.
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BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. Emotions may rise up slowly or be subtle, and even come up without warning following an event. Keep in mind that trauma can be cumulated and build up through a series of incidents without an obvious ‘big one.’ Self-reflection, anonymous peer support, and counseling services are all ways to unpack your emotions. Trust yourself to seek help.
S EVEN
DEPRESSION, WITHDRAWAL & BURNOUT. When unaddressed, emotional trauma can manifest into much larger concerns with serious impact to your well-being and possibly, career. Stay alert for signs in yourself and your coworkers of changes to normal demeanor or temper.
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John Jacobs, District Construction Engineer • • • • •
John Jacobs serves Hampton Roads as VDOT’s District Construction Engineer. In his free time, John is an avid military historian and enjoyed participating in re-enactments. Here he recounts what it was like to participate in a full scale re-enactment of the American Revolution battle of Lexington and Concord some years ago. “April 19th is the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first battle of the American Revolution. Having grown up in Concord, I wanted to participate in the Bicentennial celebration. I joined a recreated British Army unit, the 10th Regiment of Foot. I was in the Light Infantry Company, which was the lead unit at the battle at Lexington Green and at Concord’s North Bridge. As part of the 200th anniversary of the Lexington and Concord battle, John’s unit marched over 20 miles retracing the actual route from Cambridge. It started around midnight of the 18th and arrived in Lexington before 5 a.m. We had arrived early and were waiting to move to the battle site at Lexington Green at 5:15 A.M. An out-of-breath Lexington minuteman came up to our formation and said that the Minuteman who had all their gunpowder had overslept and would not get here in time. Our Regimental Commander replied “Yell bang really loud.” Of course, we chuckled and then gave him some of our gunpowder. In 1775, a Lexington Minuteman, Joshua Harrington, was bayoneted during the Lexington Green battle. He crawled off the green
to his house nearby and died in the lap of his wife on the steps of his house. I was selected to do the bayoneting for the 200th Anniversary. In an ironic twist, the minuteman portraying Harrington was my father’s Volkswagen dealer for the previous ten years. As I was bayoneting him, I looked him in the eye and said “This is for the last VW you sold my Dad.” He immediately started laughing really hard… which no one else heard because of all the musket firing and battle noise. Overall, I had a lot fun with the 10th Regiment and was glad I was able to participate with them for this piece of history. In the following years, our unit also participated in the 200th anniversary of Yorktown where the British Army surrendered and American independence was gained.“
Top: John Jacobs in his British Army uniform, taken just after the Lexington Battle. Just afterwards he finished the remaining historic march to Concord located 12 miles to the west.
Middle: Scene from the re-enactment of the Lexington Green battle for a National Park Service film. John is in the front rank, second from the right. Only part of the Light Company is shown and the rest of the Regiment was in a column behind. Bottom: The Regiment marching in column (the Light Infantry Company was the last unit in the column and is just out of the frame of this photo).
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“Protecting myself means I’m also protecting my family and fellow workers.” -Kasey Jenkins, Structure and Bridge
WHAT’S YOUR REASON TO WORK SAFELY TODAY? Engagement Challenge:
E a c h of u s h a v e p e o p l e , a c t i v i t i e s a n d e s s e n t i a l t a s k s t h at a re m e a n i n g f u l t o u s a s w e re t u r n h o m e at t h e e n d of o u r d a y. O u r at t e n t i o n t o s afe t y o n ever y t a s k h e l p s e n s u re t h at w e re m a i n s afe a n d h e a l t h y, a n d a v a i l a b l e fo r t h o s e i m p o r t a n t t h i n g s . S h a re w i t h u s w h at m a ke s y o u s t a y e n g a g e d i n s afe t y ! Text from your phone
Attach to an email
Submit via webform
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Send photo to (757) 409-4028
Email it to hamptonroadspublicinfo@ vdot.virginia.gov
bit.ly/HR_Engage
@VaDOTHR
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HAPPENING AROUND THE DISTRICT Great things happen around the Hampton Roads District each month.
RESIDENTS THANK
SERVICE WITH
CREWS FOR REPAVING
A SMILE .
T his appreciation was captured in
Tim M ur phy ’s face mask
the Village Sq uare Williamsburg
ensures a smile from
subdiv ision follow ing repav ing.
anyone he meets.
HR BT’s
TAKING PHYSICAL DISTANCING SERIOUSLY T he Harbor Tunnels crew conducts a g roup meeting w ith social distancing.
EVAC AT HRBT Crews evacuated motorists safely during a vehicle fire in the eastbound HRBT tube.
SPIRIT WEEK
Staf f embraced
Spirit Week celebrations, including “Celebrity Day”, “Cartoon Day” & “College Game Day.” Pictured are Dolly Parton, “Go ODU” and a Minion f rom the District Of fice in Suf folk.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE DISTRICT Great things happen around the Hampton Roads District each month.
PURR-FECT KITTEN RESCUE W hen a kitten was found unex pectedly on the I-64 Widening Project constr uction site, VDOT env ironmental consultant Mellony Fisher took the pur r-fect task of ensuring it got a better home.
SSP ALSO SKILLED COW
FALCON BORN AT
HERDER
JRB SEEN IN WILD
W hen a cow got loose
on I-64, holding up traf fic and causing
Tagged as a chick at the
a spectacle, SSP Driver Austin Hagood
JRB, this Pereg rine Falcon
successf ully roped the animal.
was spotted in N. J. parks.
HEROES AT WORK
M embers
of the Jamestow n-Scotland Fer r y crew were honored during the DE’s District Dissect for sav ing a str uggling sw immer seen in the James River.
COM MERCIAL WORTHY O ne of the District’s assets, the Berkley Bridge, became the star of a national T V v ideo shoot for Mercedes Benz featuring the new 2021 vehicle lineup. .
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Word on the Street | Kudos and Accolades SAFE STUDENT DROP-OFF “I must say I have particularly appreciated how openly Mr. Carroll has communicated with me and has kept me informed by email and phone of the progress that is being made. He not only showed concern about the problem, but he took immediate action. I think I can speak for all the parents and kids at Lafayette High School in saying I am deeply grateful we have such a concerned, hardworking, and helpful administrator at VDOT.” Kudos to: Rossie Carroll Williamsburg Residency Administrator
BUILDING LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS “Scott Gardner responded to my report in less than 2 hours, listen to me characterize the problem from my perspective, and walked the property with me. He shared with me his thoughts on likely causes of the impacts, solution options, and cost/benefit tradeoffs. It was the best experience I’ve had with a VDOT represented so far in my Virginia Residency.” Kudos to: Scott Gardner Williamsburg Area Headquarters Superintendent
PROMPT STORM RESPONSE “It was a dark and rainy night when a tree fell across Lorac Road, blocking the entire road. It was a huge tree with no way around. Around 3 in the morning I heard noises from men and machines. Somehow someone discovered the tree had fallen and were working to remove it. How they knew it was down I do not know but I would like to thank those brave people working in the rain, mud and high water to remove that tree. The next day VDOT came out and cleaned up the whole mess, cut the tree and removed it. I would like to thank those brave people.” Kudos to: Williamsburg AHQ Posted in the Va Gazette “Last Word” section
STRANDED MOTORIST “Thank you to the SSP driver that stopped to check on me at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m, while I was broken down on I-64 E. I had contacted my insurance company and the tow was on the way... then still on the way... and then STILL on the way. The SSP stopped to see if I needed anything, put up cones for my protection and told me to call if there was anything VDOT could do. As stressful as the situation might have been, I felt comforted knowing VDOT was out there.” Kudos to: Safety Service Patrol Williamsburg / JCC route
CONSTRUCTION KUDOS “I live in Coquina Condos just off Laskin Road (behind Bella Italia). I travel to Hilltop 2 to 4 times per day on average. The contractors working on the current road work on Laskin Road are doing an OUTSTANDING job!!! Keep up the GREAT work!!” Kudos to: Laskin Road Project’s Construction Team Virginia Beach
“The transformation of Interstate 64 on the Peninsula is looking great!” Kudos to: I-64 Widening Segment III Project Team York County
“Thanks for providing the construction updates regularly. Its great to know what to expect next and how to keep up with the project.” Kudos to: Jordan-Ashley Walker, District Communications Specialist Laskin Road Project, Virginia Beach
VDOT Pop Trivia: The orange traffic cone has a long and distinguished history. The first traffic cones were invented in 1914. What were these traffic cones made out of? Answer displayed on last page.
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BETWEEN THE
LINES
| OUTSIDE THE
LINES
Between the Lines is an internal newsletter created by the communications department, specifically to benefit the employees of the Hampton Roads District of VDOT.
VDOT Pop Trivia Answer: “The orange traffic cone was first made of concrete. Some others during the early era of automobiles were made of heavy wood but were frequently run over by vehicles.
Outside the Lines is a special edition spin-off series published during the coronavirus pandemic, to remind us that we are all in this together as community members and as One VDOT. We share stories and information you can use, in Between the Lines, on InsideVDOT, the Electronic Bulletin Boards, VDOT-TV and social media. Share your news and stories at hamptonroadspublicinfo@vdot.virginia.gov