McMahon: No democracy on safety Published June 17, 2011 By Faye Banks-Anderson 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Remember when you were growing up and it made a big difference when your parents told you exactly what they needed you to do? Such was the case Monday when Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, Warner Robins Air Logistics commander, met with a room full of commanders and directors down to the squadron level on exactly what he expected of them and the work force on the issue of safety. His message was clear and straight to the point. "We must maintain and improve a safe and secure work environment," he said. "I need to let everyone know my expectations and opting out is not an option. "I know some people don't believe that this transformation we're going through applies to them. But you have two choices. Change your mind or change where you work. "No one person in this organization is more important than the organization ... including me," McMahon said. The general stressed that nothing else is more important than providing the work force with a safe and healthy place to work. Safety has long been a keystone issue for the Air Force but he believes that about 40 percent of the work force doesn't understand how important this is or that the word is not getting down to the lowest level. "There are some people going in a different direction either because they don't want to change or they think they're special," he said. Going in a different direction is not an option." During his talk, the general never raised his voice, but it was evident he was very passionate about what needs to be done here. "I need to make people understand there is not a democracy on this subject. It's a much greater cost if we don't do what we need to do," he stressed. Throughout the talk, he said numerous times that a safe and secure workplace is the only option. The general said it's up to the people in the audience to make sure they begin the culture change and to provide their workers with the tools and guidance needed to do so. "We need to hold folks accountable," McMahon told the audience. "My expectation of you is for you to communicate to your folks - make sure they understand." During the briefing, McMahon pointed to one chart called the seven tenets of occupational safety and health, and pointed out that this one chart could have been the entire briefing. 1. Safety first now and tomorrow 2. All Injuries must be prevented 3. All Exposures must be safe-guarded 4. Knowledge of safety and health is essential 5. Involvement by all Center employees is paramount 6. Strong, standardized processes are critical 7. Everyone is accountable McMahon expressed that leaders and employees have to work together. Workers should not have to call OSHA to fix these important issues. "The first-level supervisor and the technician should be able to get together on this. That's when we become successful. It is a privilege to work at the ALC, not a right. It's a privilege we have to earn every day. "The bottom line is that we have to take care of our people and ensure they know how important this is. Then, they become part of the solution." For more on Workplace Safety and Health at Robins, click here.