“Star” shines on Hanscom VPP

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  After four days of thorough inspection, an audit team from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found that Hanscom's Voluntary Protection Program has met and in many cases exceeded the requirements to earn its certification as a VPP Star certified site. 

"The overall evaluation of Hanscom's VPP has been outstanding," said Bob Sands, OSHA's Region 1 VPP manager. "The commitment on behalf of management and employees to VPP was outstanding. Employees were not just involved but there was a real feeling of ownership among them for the program." Mr. Sands congratulated the 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office on their "excellent job of fostering the VPP program into the base." 

Col. Dave Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander thanked the audit team for their work and efforts to help the base establish its VPP. 

"We want to thank you for your comprehensive look at our program and for the lessons learned that you have provided. We appreciate the feedback; this was a positive experience for all of us." He also thanked General Electric in Lynn, Mass. for the assistance that they provided as Hanscom's VPP mentor. 

Mr. Sands during an outbrief session on May 21 with base personnel and leadership explained that there was one outstanding finding that the base would have 90 days to close out. Once that is completed the audit team will prepare its final report with a recommendation to the Regional OSHA Administrator that Hanscom become a Star certified site. The Regional Administrator will forward her recommendation on Hanscom's VPP certification to OSHA's Assistant Secretary who will have final approval authority on certification for the base. Once approved Hanscom will become the first Air Force installation to achieve VPP certification. 

During the outbrief, base personnel had the opportunity to hear from other members of the OSHA audit team including Stephen Gauthier, Dan Montanaro, and Bob Campbell with General Electric in Lynn, Mass. David Welsh from OSHA's Providence office was the fifth member of the audit team. 

"I was fortunate enough to come here in '06 when you began your VPP," Mr. Montanaro said. "To see where you were then and where you are today, it's really been a remarkable journey for you; I have no doubt that you will sustain it. The engagement from your entire team is 110 percent." 

Colonel Orr thanked VPP team leaders, unit safety representatives, facility managers and the 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office for their efforts in reaching this important milestone. "I'm proud of the efforts put forward by the entire base; we showcased a Hanscom culture focused on workplace safety, occupational health and wellness. It was a fantastic team effort to become the first Air Force installation to become a VPP Star site."