Training key to VPP certification

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office is working with Voluntary Protection Program team leaders from each of the Wings and Unit Safety Representatives to ensure that Hanscom's workforce is aware of and up to date on their safety training requirements. 

"Training is absolutely critical," said Michael Trudeau, "It forms the foundation of a safety minded culture which is what we need to ensure our personnel have the knowledge and tools needed to do their jobs safely." 

In addition to the formal training requirements, Mr. Trudeau said that all personnel should be attuned to safety issues both at their worksites and around the base. 

"The training is a good starting point for helping to build our VPP culture," Mr. Trudeau said. "We want all of our employees to be actively engaged in making this the safest place to work." 

The Safety Office encourages supervisors to regularly brief employees on safety topics and gather employee feedback on areas of concern related to workplace safety. 

Safety training requirements for Hanscom personnel include: 

Supervisor Safety Training - All newly assigned supervisors, both military and civilian, are required to attend this eight-hour course that provides supervisory personnel with a working knowledge of their basic responsibilities for providing a safe and healthful workplace. The next Supervisor Safety training class will take place during the March 9-13, ESC Integration Week, new supervisors or anyone in a supervisory capacity who has not taken the course can register online at the ESC University Web site. 

Unit Ground Safety Representative Training - This training is required for all newly appointed USRs, it is conducted the first Thursday of every month at the 66 ABW Safety Office located in Building 1721. USRs must call 781-377-5135 to confirm their attendance. 

Weapons Safety Representative, Flight Safety Representative, System Safety Representative and Operational Risk Management Training courses - Training is required for all newly appointed representatives, contact the 66 ABW Safety Office to schedule the appropriate training at 781-377-5135. 

Course II, Local Conditions Course (Newcomers Safety Orientation) - This course is mandatory for all newly assigned active duty personnel and highly encouraged for civilians and family members. Training is conducted and scheduled as part of the Newcomers Orientation training through the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The briefing discusses safe driving rules for the base, local area; it also provides situational awareness on local area hazards for newcomers. 

Course IIIA, Intermediate Traffic Safety - This two-hour course is taught to all first-term Airmen, including officers, upon completion of Course II training. Airmen will receive this training at FTAC. Those Airmen who do not attend FTAC, including first-term officers, will attend one of the scheduled courses offered during an ESC Integration Week. The next class will take place during the March 9-13, ESC Integration Week, registration can be accomplished through the ESC University Web site. 

Course IIIB, Advanced Traffic Safety - This advanced traffic safety course will be taught to all first-term Airmen (including officers) approximately one year after assignment at their first permanent party duty station. The course is approximately two hours in length and is taught during ESC Integration Week. The next class will take place during the March 9-13, ESC Integration Week, registration can be accomplished through the ESC University Web site. 

Course V, Defensive Driving Course - This computer based training provides and tests vehicle operators on safe and defensive driving skills. Training is conducted at the 66 ABW Safety Office, Building 1721, for personnel identified as needing additional driver awareness training. Contact the Safety Office at 781-377-5135 to schedule training. 

Motorcycle Safety Training - This course is mandatory for all active duty members, DoD civilians that ride in an on-duty status and it is highly encouraged for family members on a space available basis. Training is conducted seasonally from approximately May to Oct. Sign up times will be announced. For more information contact the Safety Office at 781-377-5135. 

Safety Investigation Board Annual Training - This course is mandatory for all personnel qualified to participate in aircraft mishap investigations. Training is usually conducted in Jan. of each year with make-up sessions scheduled as necessary. 

For more information contact the 66 ABW Safety Office at 781-377-5135.