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Leaders set to visit Tinker to see depot, VPP in action

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  In less than a week, Tinker will receive a visit from two prominent Air Force and Occupational Health and Safety Administration officials.

The Honorable Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, and Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of Labor of OSHA, will visit the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Sept. 13 and 14. The purpose of their visit is to see what a depot does, how it compares with industry and other Air Force bases; and see OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs in action.

"Our commitment remains mission execution while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all our employees," said Col. Cedric George, 76th Maintenance Wing commander. "We look forward to showcasing our valued employees and our commitment during the visit."

During the visit, the executives with their entourage of eight others, will hear a briefing about VPP's role within the workforce and the progress various units have made and tour various industrial operations in Bldgs. 9001, 3001, 3228 and 2121.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see VPP initiatives that have been incorporated into the shops to further encourage safety and protect the workforce.

For example, within the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group, employees suggested putting blocks of foam on an aircraft's sharp edges. They've created a prototype kit and are adjusting it for each of the weapon systems.

At a working lunch on Sept. 14, visitors will be briefed by the industrial workforce on initiatives that have improved their work spaces.

Personnel in the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group may talk about the number of incidents that has been reduced by researching one type of injury at a time. By identifying and studying the root cause of why something is an issue, the group could better formulate ways to prevent it. The group has since reduced the number of eye injuries and drill mishaps and is working on the strains and sprains' issue.

"That's what we're aiming at, bringing in the folks from the floor and giving the short briefing to this level of folks," said Ryan Smith, 76th MXW Safety Office director. "They don't expect the safety office to communicate the written Air Force safety program; they want to hear from the people on the floor and how it's working."