Courtesy Photo | Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, Calif., and its installation...... read more read more
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By Annette Silva
DLA Distribution San Joaquin, Calif.
FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, Calif., and its installation partners have been designated a Voluntary Protection Program Star Site by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The focus of VPP is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees and visitors through the involvement of management, the union and employees. DLA San Joaquin’s safety mission is to protect lives, protect the health and welfare of employees, prevent injuries and provide a workplace free from hazards, exceeding all Defense Department safety performance goals and expectations.
The installation is the first industrial site within DLA to be awarded star status, an achievement that is the result of DLA Distribution San Joaquin’s pursuit of the title nearly five years earlier.
The kick off to obtaining the coveted VPP star began with DLA Distribution San Joaquin in 2006. Significant changes to operating procedures were brought into place to instill a culture of safety throughout the organization. The VPP office was established in 2007, and sub-committees were formed in commitment to VPP. Committees were established in management, leadership and employee involvement; work site analysis; hazard prevention and control; safety and health training; marketing, advertising and media support; emergency response; ergonomics; and swing shift.
“The ideas, teamwork and leadership generated by management, union and employee mixed teams have had a direct impact on the success of the VPP Program,” DLA Distribution San Joaquin commander Marine Col. Adrian Burke said.
Numerous continuous safety programs supplement the growing safety culture. Examples include the Sprains and Strains Campaign, material handling equipment safety, and 101 Days of Summer Safety Awareness Campaign. These combined efforts were suggested, supervised and monitored by a team of safety champions.
Key performance indicators monitored include the total number of accidents reduced, positive behavior rewards, near-miss accident reports, safety training effectiveness improvement, hazard recognition enhancement and correction, and repeat safety audit and/or inspection findings.
In addition to understanding the concept of teamwork and building camaraderie, the committees has incorporated invaluable safety projects throughout the organization. Projects include the development of emergency evacuation maps, as well as the development of walking routes for employees to stay fit.
In November 2008, DLA Headquarters directed a “One Site – One Flag” effort to bring all DLA San Joaquin tenant commands into the VPP program. From that point on, every organization worked as a team in promoting and incorporating safe practices throughout the local enterprise.
In August 2009, the installation received insight from its mentors at DLA, DLA Distribution, and General Electric during a mock OSHA audit. Upon conclusion of the audit, the green light was given to proceed with the application submission process. In June 2010, OSHA visited the installation to conduct the official audit and evaluate the safety program.
“The DLA Distribution San Joaquin, Calif., workforce, and our ‘One Site – One Flag’ partners have been instrumental in this success story. This milestone was made possible because of their dedication and pride in a culture of safety,” Burke said.
A VPP star flag will be presented to the installation in celebration of the star site designation.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.02.2011 08:50 |
| Story ID: | 74673 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 195 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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