DAFB launches Voluntary Protection Program, seeks OSHA's 'star' status for safety

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven B. Harrison
  • 436 Airlift Wing commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The safety and well-being of "Team Dover," and the integrity of our multi-million dollar equipment is my number one priority. In the past two years, injuries and illnesses have cost the Air Force more than $200 million in direct costs to pay for civilian compensation, and more than 4,000 Active Duty (reported) injuries, adding to lost time on the job. Dover alone has lost 398 workdays and more than $530,000 in equipment damage over the past nine months. This is not an acceptable cost of doing business.

The Air Force launched the Voluntary Protection Program in 2007. The goal is to reduce incidents by 75 percent, and reach OSHA's highest level of safety ... "Star" status. In accordance with the Air Force game plan, I have established a VPP champion, Joey McCoy, who reports directly to the Wing vice commander, providing a "direct" conduit to senior staff to address workplace safety issues.

His primary objective is to implement the program and provide guidance to the base populace on our "way forward" to achieve "Star" status. Since 1 April, Mr. McCoy and Lorie Bellamy, 436th AW Ground Safety chief, have worked to complete base-wide VPP 101 training and an Air Mobility Command 10-person worksite safety assessment. Mr. McCoy established two civilian General Electric "Star" status mentor sites, and is aggressively working to resolve problem areas identified in the VPP Safety Culture Survey. We are currently on track to reach "Star" status by December 2010.

VPP doesn't institute new safety programs; it builds upon safety programs already in place including workforce safety policies and established OSHA's safety requirements.

I recognize that it will take time and money to implement this program. But the evidence suggests we will gain payback, as we empower our workforce to make their jobs safer, in fewer hours lost to workplace and off-duty accidents, as well as less time and money spent on equipment and asset repair. In the next 45 days, therefore, VPP initiatives will become part of our Environmental Safety Occupational Health Council. In addition, group and squadron VPP POC's will be established.

As you know, I have the highest confidence in the quality of our force. I believe that when we empower and resource our men and women of all ranks, whether uniformed or civilian servicemembers, we unleash the creativity, responsibility and maturity that is the envy of fighting forces around the world.

So I intend to empower our force to enact change where they see fit by giving all a stake and a voice in the success of this program and in the responsibility to improve our Air Force. There will be challenges going forward, but by giving the ownership of safety directly to every Team Dover member we are best postured to overcome them. At Dover AFB, everyone will have an equal voice in workplace safety.