Improving the safety culture is everyone’s business Published Dec. 9, 2011 By Jenny Gordon 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- To follow up last week's announcement regarding Robins coming off DoD's Top 40 Lost Time List, it would be appropriate to re-emphasize what a huge undertaking that was, and the partnership exhibited by the 402nd Maintenance Wing, American Federation of Government Employees Local 987, Directorate of Personnel, Injury Compensation Office and 78th Medical Group. During a recent interview, Roger Hayes, 402nd MWX safety chief, spoke passionately of the incredible teamwork during the past year that went into changing the safety culture on base. One only has to listen to Hayes for a few minutes before "catching safety fever," and realizing the energy and commitment he has in helping people. "Twelve is our year," said Hayes, referring to 2012. "We have a great start in the safety arena. Our reportable mishap numbers are way down. I think with continuing partnership and education with our employees and standardizing our processes, we'll continue to drive that down." Changing the way people think about safety, investing in the work force, responding to needs in a timely manner, and taking the time to listen to concerns, have all contributed to the journey during the past year. "This was truly part of a big plan," said Hayes. He was acknowledging ongoing training initiatives, investment in new equipment across industrial shops, safety awareness campaigns, and briefings to VPP representatives, to name a few. Hayes also pointed out he's particularly excited about uniting with union stewards, who are an integral part of the Center's new Safety Management System Implementation Team, which replaced the Workplace Safety and Health Team. "I believe we've come together for a common goal and that's to protect our workers," he said. "We are all standing together." Today's safety and health management system that is in place will go a long way. According to Hayes, the goal of the system is continuing to keep safety on everyone's mind.