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VPP STAR status recertification audit scheduled for January

  • Published
  • By Michael Wilson
  • 558th Software Maintenance Squadron
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Three years ago, 76th Software Maintenance Group, along with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex Staff Offices, received recognition for being the first work areas on base to receive the coveted Voluntary Protection Program STAR Status Certification by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.   The VPP initiative promotes effective worksite-based safety. 

Everyone at all levels must work together in a cooperative, action-oriented approach where management, the union, employees and OSHA collaborate as a team to combat workplace hazards, reduce injuries and illnesses, and ensure the safety and health of everyone in the organization.  The STAR status is the highest level of certification and is designated for exemplary worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems.

Worksites must be recertified every three years, and the 76th SMXG OSHA audit is coming up Jan. 12-16. During the OSHA audit, inspectors will be randomly speaking to 76th SMXG employees. While we practice safety measures on a daily basis in our jobs, sometimes it's easy to forget the terminology or other details. In preparation for this, all employees have taken a "VPP 101" training course to brush up on their knowledge.

The VPP Group Steering Committee has been hard at work for several months in preparation for the audit.  Several subcommittees have been stood up to ensure everything goes smoothly when OSHA arrives.  Everything from employee training, transportation for inspectors, website updates, media initiatives, educational "lunch and learn" classes and more have been planned to ensure a successful recertification for the 76th SMXG.   

While the 76th SMXG was the first group to achieve VPP STAR status, OC-ALC has jumped on the VPP bandwagon with the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group, 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group and the 76th Maintenance Support Group completing their initial audits this fall. OC-ALC and the union unite in their mission to help employees work and play more safely through VPP.