News

Medical group works toward “Star” status

  • Published
  • By Stephen Groller
  • 436th Airlift Wing Voluntary Protection Program
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Medical Group is improving their safety and health systems using the Voluntary Protection Program in hopes of achieving the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's "Star" status.

Focusing on the VPP principle of "management leadership and employee involvement" the medical group has initiated an Employee Safety Committee to inspect the workplace monthly for potential hazards. Any hazards found are immediately reported to both management and the safety office so fixes can be put in place.

"VPP has brought focus on one thing: safety," said George Patten, 436 MDG safety manager. "When everyone is thinking about safety, not just the safety monitors, it's a good thing."

"Being involved in this program has been great. It provides a voice for the employees on safety concerns. As we continue to grow into VPP, the improved communication has led to a stronger overall safety culture in the medical group," said Kimberly Eilenstine, 436th Medical Operations Squadron medical support assistant and safety committee member.

The medical group has also used VPP to look into other areas of improvement.

"We have focused on improving VPP and safety knowledge through our initial and annual training," said Capt. Loree Lunsford, 436 MDG training officer in charge. "This has led to recognizing safety issues and knowing what actions it takes to correct them. It's employees taking care of each other."

A key reason to VPP's ongoing success is the medical group's partnership with the union, who also plays a role in VPP. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 1709 has been working since the inception of VPP.

"VPP made all Department of Defense employees: military and civilian aware of the importance of safety and health awareness to perform our duties," said Robert Jones, 436 MDG union steward.

Another reason for the success of VPP is the support from medical group leadership.

"VPP has taken what was already a solid safety program within our group and boosted it to the next level," said Lt. Col. Allen Kidd, 436 MDG interim commander. "Steady progress toward full VPP implementation and achievement of 'Star' status has resulted in top to bottom involvement in patient and staff safety. VPP is truly becoming part of our culture and will result in a far safer environment for patients and staff."

The 436 MDG plans to invite OSHA to visit and show them how VPP has improved their safety and health systems. By applying the principles of VPP and improving on an already solid safety system, the medical group's goal is to meet all of OSHA's functional and cultural improvements.

"The journey to VPP 'Star' status will take time," said 1st Lt. William Downs, 436 MDG VPP lead representative. "VPP is not just another safety program; it takes ownership through open reporting. It's the wingman concept by living safely in all aspects of your life. VPP is a culture change from 'because I was told to' to 'because I can make a difference.'

"If VPP is done correctly it'll sprout and grow into every corner of everyone's life where individuals and groups take pride in their own safety. When we reach 'Star' status it'll be because each individual can make a difference no matter how small. But this can only be achieved if we do it together, one step at a time. This is how the medical group journey will lead them to 'Star'," said Lieutenant Downs.