WPAFB VPP partners with ABC and Mid-Ohio OSHA Education Center for annual Safety Day Conference

  • Published
  • By Bill Hancock
  • 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT- PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --   The WPAFB Voluntary Protection Program, in partnership with the Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors, Mid-America Occupational Safety and Health Administration Education Center, and Ohio Valley Construction Education Foundation, presented the seventh annual Safety Day Conference at the Dayton Convention Center on 21 Jan.

The all day joint event provided the latest safety and health workshops and information to local construction and industry leaders, focusing on methods of reducing and eliminating workplace injuries and illnesses by applying the principles of OSHA's VPP. The theme for this year's event, "Weathering the Storm," offered attendees topics in safety and health management educational tracks, including best practices and cost savings ideas for their respective businesses.

The opening address was provided by Brig. Gen. John F. Thompson, Commander, 303rd Aeronautical Systems Wing, and Air Force Program Executive Officer for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command. Thompson shared his thoughts on maintaining a safety program during difficult economic times.

"Why do we care about safety in this age of shrinking budgets? My bottom line is better because of VPP involvement," said Thompson. "All those, in any organization, must know the responsibility of safety. A healthy and safe workplace is a substantial return on investment. Safety does not have to be a big investment in dollars; it can be free. Utilize the resources you have--you can do a lot for a little--and the payoff will be significant. Prevention is cheaper than cure."

The general added, "Without leadership commitment the elements of VPP do not work. As leaders we must always lead by example." To illustrate his point, Gen. Thompson told a story. "When I first arrived at AFMC, I would often leave late at night. Often I would jay-walk across the roadway to my vehicle instead of using the approved crosswalk. After all, it was late and who cared. When a near accident happened in a crosswalk, someone pointed out that I also had a habit of jay-walking. They were right. I was wrong. Now, no matter the hour, I always use the crosswalk. Remember someone is always watching, and as leaders you must set the example and walk-the-walk."

Attendees had opportunity to go to OSHA-authorized workshops and visit exhibits of leading safety and health suppliers showcasing their goods and services, featuring personal protective equipment and clothing, ergonomic tools, and services such as consulting, exposure monitoring, and drug testing.