VPP program promotes safety, health

  • Published
  • By Joey McCoy
  • USAF retired
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Voluntary Protection Program is a partnership between the Air Force and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to promote effective safety and health programs. 

Before you roll your eyes to the back of your head, throw your arms in the air, and shout out loud, "great, another program," let's get a few facts straight. 

Historically, during all military operations more servicemembers were killed or injured due to accidents, than enemy actions. For instance, in World War II, 56 percent of the deaths were from accidents, versus 43 percent from enemy action. In Desert Shield/Storm, the figures were even worse. In 2006 alone, industrial mishap losses exceeded $29 million in personal injury or equipment damage. In addition, the AF pays more than $125 million annually for civilian worker's compensation charges. Bottom line ... we can definitely improve when it comes to protecting our equipment and ensuring the safety of our people. 

VPP was initiated by OSHA in 1982 to enhance safety both in the workplace and at home. Over the past 27 years, VPP has a proven track record. Companies that adopted VPP delivered amazing results ... reducing safety mishap incidents 50 percent and drastically lowering absenteeism. 

The Department of Defense adopted VPP as a means to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses. AF senior leadership agreed the force can do better, and in 2007, launched VPP. The goal is to reach OSHA's highest level of safety ... 'Star Status,' and to reduce mishaps 75 percent by 2010. 

VPP is 'The Wingman's Safety Program' and was designed to mature the safety Wingman concept by moving from a compliance-based safety and health program to a performance-based safety recognition program to achieve 'best in class.' In other words, change the culture on how the Air Force approaches safety. So how do we, as a force, move forward to change our safety culture? 

Everyone should be looking out for his Wingman on and off duty. VPP fosters the Wingman concept by promoting personal responsibility to identify and reduce hazards and inefficiencies. As a result, every Airman and their Wingman will actively identify and take action to eliminate hazards. So how do we get started? 

Participation in VPP is an ongoing commitment to excellence in occupational safety and health. To be recognized in VPP, an installation must demonstrate cooperation between employees, management and OSHA in support of VPP. We need to document the implementation of exemplary safety and health programs, and maintain injury rates below the industry average. 

The VPP process starts with an AF-led and contractor supported leadership engagement followed by an assessment, the engagement consists of senior leadership VPP training and initial 101 VPP training for everyone else. The assessment is five days long and consists of AF/OSHA safety professionals examining and documenting safety standards and personnel involvement across the installation. The installation commander will be given an analysis management tool showing safety areas completed or deficient, and is broken down into the following VPP key elements: management leadership and involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training. 

All areas of the analysis need to be closed before applying for the VPP star. The installation commander will establish the VPP focal point or champion, and set the course to reach OSHA's 'Star' status 24 to 36 months after the initial assessment. By now many may be thinking ... what's the cost, and what is the payback? 

VPP builds upon safety programs already in place. Still, cost exists in time, effort and training. Employee involvement constitutes the cost in time. Re-directing the entire workforce to be proactive and individually take responsibility for their safety and well-being sums up the effort cost. Training falls under hazard identification and reporting and mishap investigation. The evidence reflects that as we empower our workforce to make jobs safer, the payback is increased availability, efficiency and morale. 

Everyone benefits from a safer workplace. You can contribute by knowing that VPP is a cooperative effort between employees, management and OSHA to enhance workplace safety and health. 

The Voluntary Protection Program is not just about resources conservation and smart operations; it's about our responsibility as Wingmen to ensure the safety of all our Airmen -- officers, enlisted and civilians. VPP will only work if you make safety ... priority number one. 

By empowering our men and women in all ranks, whether uniformed or civilian service members, we unleash the creativity, responsibility and maturity that are the envy of fighting forces around the world. While we salute our brothers-in-arms as they deploy into harm's way and pray that they return safely, our goal is to ensure everyone goes home to their families each and every day.