AFMC Command News

Hanscom VPP undergoes certification inspection

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom's journey towards certification as a Voluntary Protection Program site reached a long awaited milestone May 18, as a team of auditors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration arrived to begin the work of inspecting the base's program to determine if it has met the requirements for VPP certification. 

Upon their arrival, members of the OSHA team were welcomed to the base during an in-brief session at the Hanscom Conference Center where base and VPP team leaders briefed the auditors on the base's mission and commitment to the principles of VPP. Base personnel were able to watch the in-brief via simulcast on their base computers.
 
"This is a special day because it shows our commitment to safety" said Rich Lombardi, Electronic Systems Center executive director, during his welcoming remarks to the OSHA team. 

"What we all want is a safe workplace for our personnel. VPP is not a buzzword here; it is a part of our culture. We've put a lot of effort towards this and we're excited to have you here." 

As he spoke to the OSHA team and Hanscom personnel, Mr. Lombardi said there was "goodness" in having them find the base's weaknesses as well. 

"We learn by what you tell us," he said. "We want to continue to grow." 

Following Mr. Lombardi, the team heard from Col. Mary McRae, the new ESC chief of staff, who provided an overview of the ESC mission. Colonel Dave Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander, spoke next of the installation's commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all of its personnel. 

Galen Williams, 554th Electronic Systems Wing VPP team leader, talked about the base's VPP journey, highlighting the support that the base has received from OSHA and its VPP mentor, General Electric in Lynn, Mass. 

Bob Sands, OSHA's Region 1 VPP manager, spoke on behalf of the audit team thanking the base for the opportunity to review its program. He outlined what personnel could expect during the May 18 to 22 audit saying that the team would be walking around facilities, talking to employees and supervisors, and reviewing documentation. 

"I know the commitment that the Air Force has for safety and health," Mr. Sands said. "We're really happy to be here." 

Following the in-brief, the auditors went right to work visiting several 66th Air Base Wing facilities and talking to employees along the way. 

"The evaluation is going well," Mr. Sands said. "The base has an outstanding culture of safety and employees we spoke with were enthusiastic in their support of VPP."

At the conclusion of their inspection on May 22, the OSHA team will determine if Hanscom has met the requirements for one of the following VPP designations: Star, Merit, or Demonstration. 

The team will submit their report and recommendations to the OSHA Regional Administrator and ultimately to the OSHA Assistant Secretary who will make the final determination on Hanscom's VPP certification.