Committee puts people first

Published Aug. 8, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The proof is evident; senior leadership does care.

A group of 14 members from the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, American Federation of Government Employees Local 916 and International Association of Firefighters F-211, better known as the executive steering committee, meets monthly to discuss, support, implement changes and promote awareness of Voluntary Protection Program endeavors occurring on base.

"We all believe people are our most important asset and as an executive steering committee we are committed to that," said Ross Marshall, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center executive director and ESC co-chair. "When we have our meetings we try to focus on what we need to do as a committee, what we need to fund and how do we prioritize things to show VPP is important."

The committee is divided into three categories -- co-chairs, voting members and OC-ALC program managers. The four co-chairs alternate overseeing meetings while the voting members offer opinions and judgments.

"We often associate safety only with industrial areas," said Laura Culberson, OC-ALC chief of Staff and voting ESC member. "But the truth is we all face hazards in our everyday work environment. Something as simple as tripping over an open desk drawer can actually result in a serious injury, so the mindset that a desk job can't present safety hazards just isn't true."

Overall, ESC members said the committee has been productive and accomplished several feats.

"We've done well but need to do better in ensuring safety, and Air Force Occupational Safety and Health are part of every ALC member's DNA. We need to keep safety on the forefront in all we do in achieving the mission," said ESC voting member Col. Bob LaBrutta, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander. "I believe that from 2010 to 2011, we've seen a very impressive reduction in injuries across the workforce.

That's huge and is paying back Tinker and the Air Force as a whole because of enhanced mission accomplishment and decreased medical expenditures. In fact, we've actually spent $2 million less on workman's compensation in 2011 than we did in fiscal 2010."

Mr. Marshall said five of the seven Tinker sites are below industry standards for the Total Case Incident Rate and Days Away/Restricted/Transferred rate, and each have goals an initiatives to improve safety. For example, he said the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group has made tremendous strides by introducing an initiative to protect the workforce when working on aircraft. Personnel suggested putting blocks of foam on the aircraft's sharp edges. They've created a prototype and are adjusting it for each of the weapon systems.

"The voluntary protection program is an 'idea factory,' generating all kinds of great suggestions on ways to improve safety in our workplace," said Kevin O'Connor, 76th Maintenance Wing vice director and ESC voting member. "The workforce, management and union are all part of its success and everyone should be proud of our efforts."
James Schmidt, AFGE Local 916 president and ESC co-chair, agreed.

"The ESC is only a tool to help monitor the progress of the program," he said. "A true VPP program comes from the employees. Employees are empowered to make safety decisions to ensure not only the safety of themselves, but the safety of co-workers as well."

While the ESC is doing their part to promote VPP, Colonel LaBrutta said the program is a team sport, and to truly be fruitful, everyone needs to participate.

"In order for us to continue enhancing the safety of our work spaces and installation at large, all of us -- management, union and workforce -- need to be actively engaged and involved," he said. "If you haven't committed yourself to this program, do so now. The Voluntary Protection Program makes a substantial difference, not only for yourself and your teammates, but for our Air Force!"