Keep safety a top priority

  • Published
  • By Safety office
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the Unit Compliance Inspection approaches, Team Travis continues to stay focused on completing all necessary tasks and items.

During this time, safety remains Travis' top priority and responsibility. To that end, the Voluntary Protection Program is dedicated to ensuring safety stays at the top of the list. 

VPP was initiated by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration started the VPP in 1982 to enhance workplace safety and health and reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

The Department of Defense adopted the VPP as a means to significantly reduce mishaps. 

There are four key elements that comprise the program: management commitment and employee involvement, work site analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.

"First-line workers are the people most likely to recognize and be affected by potential workplace hazards. VPP provides the opportunity for workers to be involved in the design and implementation of their health and safety program," said Capt. Jim Kerley, 60th Air Mobility Wing chief, Commander's Action Group.

Team Travis can contribute to the program by:

-- Knowing that the VPP is a cooperative effort between employees (government, civilian and contractors), management and OSHA to enhance workplace safety and health; and

-- Knowing that everyone is responsible for safety and health at work and at home

Also, there are three steps one can take when observing a safety issue:

1. Take action by correcting the problem immediately or suggesting a better way to accomplish the task

2. Report the issue to a supervisor or safety representative

3. Report safety concerns to the VPP hotline at 424-SAFE (424-7233)

Anyone can become involved in the Travis safety programs by performing safety inspections and becoming part of work site safety committees.

"VPP will shift safety from a program managed by an office to a culture implemented by every Airman," Captain Kerley said. "This shift will definitely have an impact on our ability to support the mission, because reducing mishaps will increase combat capability."

"Taking care of our Airmen is the ultimate goal," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Pierce, 60th AMW chief of Safety. "The best way we can accomplish that goal is getting everyone involved in safety, which we will do with VPP."