OC-ALC team takes important step in VPP process

Published Oct. 17, 2008
By Combined Wing Staff Group
Tinker Air Force Base

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The Combined Wing Staff Group recently conducted their VPP gap analysis, a major step forward in achieving OSHA recognition for their safety and health efforts.

Over the years, the Air Force has achieved an excellent safety and health program, but wants to make it even better and is working towards a world-class program. The Combined Wing Staff Group, made up of the 327th ASW, 448th SCMW and the OC-ALC Staff Offices is one of seven Voluntary Protection Program groups here at Tinker supporting that goal.

The gap analysis consisted of five teams made up of management and employee volunteers from each of the three organizations. They performed an extensive review of safety and health processes, conducted interviews with personnel and visiting work centers throughout the three organizations.

"They asked us to note that the gap is not an inspection, not a pass or fail; it is a process to gauge the effectiveness of the safety and health program and shed light on areas that can be improved. They encourage all employees to take ownership of their safety and health at work, home and play," said Robert Roche, a VPP team member.

The teams were assisted by the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group, 76th Commodities Maintenance Group, AFGE 916 Local and the Base Safety office. These organizations have experience with the VPP process. They were on-hand to mentor the teams as they performed their tasks.

"The 76th being primarily a maintenance organization offered a different safety and health perspective. Their experience helped shed light on areas that otherwise could have been overlooked. They were an invaluable asset to the teams and were greatly appreciated," Mr. Roche said.

In the coming weeks, the teams will be working to document their findings and put together an action plan to close the gaps identified. In coming months, the teams will hold events to increase employee involvement, establish methods to track accidents and near misses and work to address safety and health issues provided to the teams through the Combined Wing Staff Group VPP Web site.

The group's ultimate goal is to achieve a world-class safety health culture that employees can be proud of and contributes to the Air Force's overall goal.

"A unique aspect of organizations participating in VPP is an injury rate 50 percent below their industry counter parts. This is a good thing, for the organizations and Tinker AFB as it competes for future workload," Mr. Roche said.