OSHA training promotes safety readiness

Photo By Senior Airman Erick Requadt | Participants listen to Staff Sgt. Mason Meherg, 23d Wing NCO in charge of occupational safety inspections and training, during an OSHA training course, July 31, 2019, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The training is part of OSHA’s outreach training program, and covered an overview of the hazards a worker may encounter on a job site. The training emphasized hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erick Requadt)  

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA, UNITED STATES

07.12.2019

Story by Senior Airman Erick Requadt 

23rd Wing

The 23d Wing safety office is holding a free OSHA training course for section supervision, July 29-Aug. 2, 2019, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The training is part of OSHA’s outreach training program, and will cover an overview of the hazards a worker may encounter on a job site. The training will emphasize hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention.

“At the end of the day, it is every Airman’s responsibility to ensure they have the opportunity to return home from work each day without injury,” said Staff Sgt. Mason Meherg, 23d Wing NCO in charge of occupational safety inspections and training. “For supervisors, this is exponentially higher as their responsibility spans not only themselves, but their subordinates.

“OSHA courses are expensive on the outside, usually costing more than $175,” Meherg continued. “Offering this for free, the 30-hour course specifically, will provide section supervisors and above an educational piece for hazard recognition and safety program management to make those chances of returning home each day without injury greater.”

The hands-on training will consist of instruction on blood-borne pathogens, electrical safety, exit routes, emergency action plans, fire prevention, fall protection, hazardous communication, personal protective equipment, and managing safety and health.

“When I take this class, I hope to develop a better understanding of our safety AFIs, looking to see how we operate and what to look for to prevent the next potential mishap,” said Master Sgt. James Ross, 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of maintenance. “As Leaders, it’s crucial that we understand governing regulations, gaining the capability to identify issues, and then articulate those requirements to our peers and subordinates.

“Building a safety culture is an essential component for every work center, and is especially critical in our business of aircraft maintenance,” Ross added. “The Air Force mission is dependent on the safe and effective execution of employing airpower. We have a duty to provide a safe environment to all Airmen, and the OSHA class will enhance our ability to do so.”

Attendance for the class filled quickly, but Meherg said how he hopes to make this course a more regular opportunity.

“My hope is to add this course to our recurring schedule and provide it quarterly at a minimum,” Meherg said. “If the demand is there, I am not opposed to doing it monthly.”

Those interested in more information about OSHA or attending future classes may contact the safety office at 257-3923.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2019
• Date Posted: 07.12.2019 12:36
• Story ID: 331141
• Location: MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA, US