DLA Information Operations leads the way in VPP Stage Two implementation

Courtesy Photo | Defense Logistics Agency Information Operations is setting the example for the rest of the McNamara Headquarters Complex in reaching full safety and health compliance.  

FORT BELVOIR, VA, UNITED STATES

06.27.2012

Story by Sara Moore 

Defense Logistics Agency   

FORT BELVOIR, Va. - As the Defense Logistics Agency continues to implement the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Programs, DLA Information Operations is setting the example for the rest of the McNamara Headquarters Complex in reaching full safety and health compliance.

DLA Information Operations was the first organization at the HQC to have a superviser complete the VPP Passport, which is the first step in Stage Two of the program, when Barry Hutchinson, staff director for information technology business, licensing and performance management, completed his March 29. Since then, most of the supervisers and more than 20 employees within DLA Information Operations have completed their VPP Passports, and most of the supervisers have taken required superviser safety courses.

“It takes both supervisers and employees working together to make the workplace the safest place it can be,” Hutchinson said. “If we all keep a watchful eye out for safety issues, then there will be less of us that have to miss work due to a slip, trip or fall at work. I didn’t know anything about VPP in the beginning, but the more I learned about it, the more I wanted to be involved.”

Since completing his VPP Passport and safety training, Hutchinson has continued to be involved with VPP as a member of the DLA HQC VPP steering committee. This committee includes representatives from all organizations within the headquarters complex and employee unions. The committee members hold weekly meetings to plan the way ahead for bringing the complex to full Stage Two compliance, he said.

The VPP Passport is a checklist and workbook that each employee must fill out to acknowledge that he has been introduced to certain safety concepts. It includes topics like employees being aware of emergency response plans, being involved with housekeeping inspections and being able to report safety hazards and mishaps. Once a passport is completed, it is signed by the area safety monitor, the employee’s supervisor and then goes to the VPP steering committee.

DLA Information Operations was identified in September 2011 as the lead organization in implementing the HQC VPP workplace safety and health program. The kickoff for stage two began in March, Hutchinson said, adding that he jumped at the chance to complete his passport and become more involved with the program. From there, DLA Information Operations focused on getting all its supervisors trained and compliant and is now in the process of reaching out to all DLA Information operations employees in DLA Headquarters, he said. Having one organization lead the way is a good idea because it helps pave the way for everyone else and allows lessons learned through the process to be passed on, he noted. One big lesson he has learned through the VPP Stage Two implementation is that people will get involved with a program with the right encouragement and enthusiasm, he said. Also, he said, his awareness of workplace safety has increased greatly since becoming involved with the program.

“It changed my thinking about safety and keeping a watchful eye out for potential hazards in the building,” Hutchinson said. “Recently, I saw a person’s heel get caught on a torn rug and reported it as a near mishap using the eWorkplace link to report it to the safety office, and someone came down to immediately glue the carpet down until it could be replaced. It felt good to be a part of ensuring that another employee wouldn’t be subject to a potential hazard.”

Although DLA Information Operations is taking the lead, other organizations in the McNamara Headquarters Complex will soon follow with an official Stage Two kickoff in July.

• Date Taken: 06.27.2012
• Date Posted: 07.03.2012 16:59
• Story ID: 91077
• Location: FORT BELVOIR, VA, US