Hospital awarded VPP STAR status by OSHA

  • Published
  • By James Spellman, Jr.
  • 60th Medical Group
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has awarded David Grant USAF Medical Center the designation of a new Voluntary Protection Programs STAR site.

DGMC joins an elite group of only 2,236 businesses out of more than 70,000 nationwide to have achieved this level of performance. Additionally, DGMC is the first organization in Air Mobility Command and only the second medical center in the Department of Defense to achieve VPP STAR status. Less than ten hospitals in all 50 states have been awarded VPP STAR status for excellence in safety and health.

"Our number one priority at DGMC is safety," said Dr. (Col.) Brian Hayes, 60th Medical Group commander. "Our diligence and actions have paid big dividends through our commitment to workplace safety, not only for ourselves, but for every person who walks through our doors."

Developed in 1982 for use in private industry to enhance workplace safety and health, OSHA credits the program with saving 862 companies an estimated $1 billion by reducing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Conversely, preventable injuries and illnesses have cost the Department of Defense an estimated $10 to $21 billion annually according to the National Safety Council.

The process for achieving VPP STAR status at DGMC started in 2007 with an initial assessment of the medical center's safety and health programs.

"There was a large slate of compliance issues and documentation requirements by OSHA that had to meet VPP criteria," explained Margaret Banks, safety manager for DGMC. "This included breaking down traditional barriers of how we look at safety and health between employees, contractors, the union and volunteers."

According to Ms. Banks, the final hurdle was an on-site program evaluation last June when a team of OSHA evaluators conducted staff interviews, workplace evaluations and documentation reviews. "The OSHA evaluators determined DGMC's safety and health programs were excellent, and we were recommended for VPP STAR status," said Ms. Banks.

"We now join the ranks of companies like Georgia-Pacific, Boeing, Monsanto, Omaha Steaks and Morton Salt Company in showing how much we care about our people," Colonel Hayes added. "I truly believe we are the best at getting better. We cannot rest on our achievements but have to work every day to improve our safety record, both on and off duty."

A formal flag raising ceremony by OSHA officials, DGMC staff and invited guests is being planned for April 9.