Air Fore Reserch Laboratory earns elite VPP "Star Site" status

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A representative from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base April 25 to recognize Air Force Research Laboratory Headquarters for earning Voluntary Protection Program Star Site status.

Dale Henderson, OSHA compliance specialist for the Cincinnati-area office, presented the official Star Site flag in a ceremony that recognized AFRL Headquarters' VPP team. Led by A.J. Folino, AFRL's chief, Manpower and Military Personnel Division, other AFRL team members included Pam Bradbury, Gary Howell, Rick Macke, Brian Schafer, Stephanie Tillman, Norm Tucker and Greg Verdier.

Additional team members included Staff Sgts. Jimmie Buckner and Kimberly Lemaire and Katie Doyle from the 88th Aerospace Medicine Squadron as well as Jim Womack from the 88th Air Base Wing Safety office.

VPP Star Site status is the highest VPP honor bestowed by OSHA. VPP recognizes superior performance in the field of health and safety. OSHA began VPP in 1982 as a way to recognize worksites for exemplary attention to the health and safety of their workforce. Federal worksites became eligible in 1998 and AFRL Headquarters embraced VPP in 2009.

Safety and health management systems are implemented with the goal of keeping injuries and illnesses below National Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for relevant industries. Management, labor and OSHA work together toward this objective, using analytic tools, training, management commitment and the involvement of the entire workforce. The program is voluntary, with participants evaluated every three to five years. VPP is widely credited for dramatic reductions in workplace accidents and associated costs.

AFRL commander Maj. Gen. William McCasland accepted the OHSA Star Site plaque on behalf of the organization. The general then presented the team's key players with commander's coins, congratulating them on a job well done.

"This is a team effort, and it is right to recognize the people who led the way," General McCasland said. "These are leaders getting recognized for getting something done for all of us. This program brings about an awareness of safety and health, securing a buy-in from the 470 or so people in Headquarters who make this a safer and healthier place to work.

"The Air Force's culture is that of the Wingman, of wellness," General McCasland continued. "It's a culture of awareness of safety and health that extends into our private lives."

AFRL Headquarters became the eighth base organization to achieve VPP Star Site status.

It joins the 88th Air Base Wing staff, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center command staff, 88th Medical Group, 88th Operations Support Squadron, 88th Comptroller Squadron, 88th Mission Support Group staff, and the Logistics Readiness Division.