First Air Force mock audit tests Voluntary Protection Program Published March 26, 2008 By 1st Lt. Geoff Buteau 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- The Air Force's first Voluntary Protection Program mock audit took place here March 24-28 to evaluate the overall safety of the base as a work site. An out briefing is scheduled for April 11 to provide feedback to base officials. VPP originates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and focuses on incorporating the Air Force's culture of safety in the air, on the ground, at work, at home and at play. The mock audit is in preparation for when OSHA conducts its onsite review of Hanscom AFB. The review date has yet to be determined. According to mock audit team member Lt. Col. Wade Weisman, the team was pleased to see how broadly the VPP reaches throughout all the different organizations here. "VPP team leads aren't just in one office, but are spread out and integrated through the organization, and that's exciting to us," Colonel Weisman said. He is from the Secretary of the Air Force's office of Installations, Environment and Logistics. During the mock audit, the team evaluated the "Three P's," which Colonel Weisman said are "paper, people and places." Paper. The team inspected all safety documents and policies; many of which are contained in the Safety Office or on the Intranet. People. The mock audit team interviewed a wide range of personnel, including senior leadership. Team members focused on perceptions and effectiveness of the installation safety and health performance. Places. The team visited various work sites to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and determine if the safety practices outlined in guidance and discussed by personnel are put in practice in the workplace. Though Colonel Weisman admits the site visits are what make people most nervous, the goal of this process is to match what is written and what people are saying to what is actually happening. He also said it's not necessarily about being perfect. If there is a problem, the inspection team will evaluate the organization's ability to address it. If there is a system in place to fix those problems when they arise, said the colonel, "that's just as important as having it perfect." The significance of this training is to become an OSHA Star-certified site, said Rolen Johns, 66th ABW Safety Office director. "Safety is good here at Hanscom, but VPP program enhances it," Mr. Johns said. Star-certifications and good safety scores aside, Mr. Johns said it comes down to people being safe while they're working at Hanscom AFB.