Tinker’s VPP program progressing Published July 23, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two on-base Voluntary Protection Program teams will soon receive an important visit. An Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters Safety team is scheduled to visit the 72nd Air Base Wing and 76th Commodities Maintenance Group July 26-30 to review their safety practices. The AFMC VPP team visit is two-fold. For the 72nd ABW, the AFMC team will conduct a mock audit, an act of tough love; the inspection will prepare the air base wing for the real event. For the 76th CMXG, the AFMC team will perform a staff-assisted visit, which is a more relaxed review of their procedures. Overall, their purpose is to determine if the two units have implemented and are complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's VPP concept. The AFMC team is also predicted to provide feedback so the units can pursue VPP "Star" recognition. Star status is considered the highest distinction and is presented to organizations that demonstrate, through the cooperation of management, union and government personnel, a safe and healthy work environment. "With AFMC's blessing, this will enable the air base wing to request a visit from OSHA," said Carol Murray, 72nd ABW VPP Integrated Design Team Management co-chair. The 76th Software Maintenance Group and 76th Maintenance Wing staff offices, which were also supposed receive a visit were recently granted the privilege, pending the approval of their mentor, Valero, of submitting their application to OSHA. "This is a major step in the process to becoming a 'Star' site," said Autumn Miller, 76th SMXG VPP Group Steering Committee member. "If OSHA thinks we are ready for an audit, they will come on site within six months. Recognition for star would validate just how great our safety and health programs are and encourage us to continue to improve." The practice of VPP within the Air Force began in 2006 when then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld mandated the Air Force participate in the program. Nine installations, including Tinker, were selected to pioneer the idea. In the past few months, the Tinker teams have been preparing for the visit. Ms. Murray said air base wing personnel have been refreshed about VPP and its purpose. They have been encouraged to report hazards, participate in worksite inspections and the "Game Plan" challenge, which puts safety into practice to reduce the number of work-related injuries and illnesses. Organized in a booklet, the program offers 32 safety-related activities that employees can participate in, plus an additional 11 challenges for supervisors. Activities include "chair a safety meeting in your work area," "participate in a community outreach program," and "assist a new employee in understanding the OC-ALC safety program and specific job hazards." When an activity is sufficiently completed, an employee must have a supervisor, unit safety representative, VPP shop representative or base safety professional sign off on it. In return, the individual is granted four hours off without having to take leave. "We want to show AFMC that the air base wing has embraced the VPP concept, reduced injuries and provided employees with the tools and knowledge to empower them in making Tinker a safe and healthy work environment," Ms. Murray said. "Our employees know VPP is every single person's responsibility. It's not hard or an additional duty; it should be a part of our daily lives."