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Visit provides yardstick for VPP

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 72nd Air Base Wing is one step closer to reaching a "Star."

In mid-August, the wing's Voluntary Protection Program team hosted a staff assistance visit from the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters and the Department of Defense Center of Excellence.

During their four-day stay, four officials observed the culture of VPP within the wing. The results will be used to help the wing prepare for the upcoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration's visit and should the OSHA visit prove successful, the wing may qualify for

"Star Program Status" certification.

"This visit gives us a gauge on where we are in implementing VPP and brings an awareness of areas we may need to place more emphasis on prior to submitting an application to OSHA," said Carol Murray, a member of the 72nd ABW VPP team.

Brenda Williams, of the 72nd ABW VPP team, agreed.

"The team gave us great insight as to what OSHA would be looking for and ideas on how we could get employees excited about our VPP program," Ms. Williams said.

Senior Airman Scott Caldwell, 72nd ABW VPP team lead, said the results from the visit were favorable. The majority of air base wing employees know and are involved in VPP. They are also excited about the program.

But, there is a small population that isn't familiar with the program. Airman Caldwell said staff officials suggested the team better publicize VPP before the official OSHA visit.

"We have come a long way from when we first started," said Deborah Burge, of the 72nd ABW VPP team.

"This visit showed we are on the right track and that we have to continue to have our leadership and employees involved in the program to make it work. That is a very important key to having a success VPP program."

Airman Caldwell said he hopes the OSHA team visits early next year. Should they like what they find, the 72nd ABW VPP team can apply for "Star status," meaning OSHA praises the units' efforts to achieve and maintain a safe and healthy worksite.