Hanscom becomes first AF installation to earn VPP Star certification Published Aug. 17, 2009 By Rhonda Siciliano 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Hanscom has officially been designated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Assistant Secretary as a Voluntary Protection Program Star certified site, making it the first Air Force installation to achieve this recognition. In May, Hanscom's VPP underwent a thorough inspection by a team of OSHA auditors who evaluated the base's safety processes, met with employees and managers and performed site visits to determine if Hanscom met the requirements needed to earn its designation as a Star certified site. The audit team concluded that Hanscom met and in many cases exceeded OSHA's VPP requirements. "The commitment on behalf of management and employees to VPP was outstanding said Bob Sands, OSHA's Region 1 VPP manager. "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 was proud of the "Team Hanscom" effort to become the first Air Force installation to achieve Star certification, but more importantly he said, "This highlights what we already know--safety and a wellness culture is an important aspect of optimizing the ESC mission, it is ingrained in our daily work and everyone plays a valuable role in our VPP." Colonel Orr expressed his thanks to the OSHA Regional VPP team and General Electric in Lynn, Mass., Hanscom's VPP mentor, for their assistance in guiding Hanscom through the entire certification process. A ceremony is being planned for September where OSHA will officially present Hanscom with its Star certification.