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76th PMXG reduces on the job injuries through successful Voluntary Protection Program

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Slips, trips and falls are inevitable. But, since the launch of the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group's Voluntary Protection Program, the rate of such incidents is significantly reduced. If the trends hold steady or continue to decline, group officials said they intend to pursue the Occupational Safety Health Administration's coveted "Star" status by 2014. Star status is recognition, proving the safe worksite.

The group's Total Case Incident Rate hovers at 2.9 and its Days Away, Transferred, Restricted rate holds steady at 1.4. In both cases, the current rate is below the national average and the group's target by at least half a point. Officials said the rates are at their lowest points in three years.

"The program is an opportunity for everyone to take safety into their own hands," said Sandra Chiles, 544th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron Steering Committee representative. "It is everyone's responsibility."

Since the group launched the program in 2007, several initiatives have been put in place to raise awareness and increase participation. After all, involvement is what will make us a world-class safety program. Some of the "voluntary" roles are participating in one of the councils or voluntary safety representative positions, said Deborah Jernigan, 76th PMXG Swing-shift GSC representative said.

Jim Bligh, 76th PMXG American Federation of Government Employees Local 916 and GSC co-chair, agreed.

"We all have minimum standards, but when a company is volunteering to go above and beyond the minimum standards using this VPP tool in day-to-day operations, everybody's efforts count," Mr. Bligh said.

Through word of mouth, safety scripts, posters and encouraging the reporting of potential hazards, the group has come a long way. Just two years ago in 2009, the group saw an average of seven injuries a month. In the first three months of 2011, there have only been 14 injuries.

Additionally, several morale-boosting and participation incentives - pizza parties and giving away lanyards - have been introduced.

"The morale booster is a real benefit," Ms. Chiles said. "It makes people more comfortable and it increases their self worth. They feel like someone cares about them and cares that they are integral part of what's happening."

Damaris Brandt, 76th PMXG unit representative and volunteer safety representative, agreed.

"When people don't get hurt, productivity goes up, attendance goes up, and their attitudes go up," she said. "It's just a win-win situation all around."