Collaboration nets major safety results Published July 22, 2011 By Faye Banks-Anderson 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- It looks like a war room, and in theory that's exactly what it is. With charts, A3 sheets and posters gracing the walls, and computers lining several rows of tables, the Workplace Safety and Health Team members fight to make sure Robins achieves and sustains OSHA compliance and ensures work force wellness in a world-class manor. The team is working on interim and long-term fixes, sustainability plans, and there's even an exit strategy for further sustainment by the work force. The team works daily to make Robins a safer and more secure environment for its employees. "Robins is committed to dramatically improving the safety and health of the Robins' work force, and the establishment of the 18-person Workplace Safety and Health Team is proof of that commitment," said Marcee Mickler, team member and 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group chief engineer. "Frequent collaboration among engineers, safety specialists, mechanics, and contractors to deliver safe products which meet the safety needs of workers is essential to success. "As team lead for fall protection used on the flightline, I am excited about the new fall protection equipment we are purchasing and installing on the flightline," Mickler said. Scott Edge, chief engineer for the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group - which received many of the initial OSHA citations - said he too is excited about the progress being made. "We've analyzed dust-generating processes to identify those which lacked proper controls," Edge said. "We've also developed controls for those processes, including decontamination procedures, and established standard procedures for using containment bags to control dust." No matter who you talk to on the team, they will tell you creating and sustaining standard processes is key to success. This is especially important in the bioenvironmental area, where bio surveys are the cornerstone documents for protecting employees who work on aircraft. "One of the standard checklists we developed incorporates more disciplines of professionals in our in-briefs and bio survey process," said Toni Hurley, an industrial hygienist on the team. "That way, we ensure the union, engineers, quality control and safety are notified and can lend their concerns and expertise when bio surveys are being conducted. By involving more experts, we will try to ensure all processes are evaluated and controls are recommended." Another standard change is making the bio surveys easier to read. The results section is now color coded to show when personnel exposures are more than regulatory limits, and a glossary has been added to explain technical terms, Hurley added. They have also created an interim reporting format that can be sent to shops quicker when changes occur between regularly-scheduled bio surveys. All of the team's standardized changes are geared toward improving worker safety. "Standard processes will result in a better trained work force which is more informed of possible hazards," said Jay Fiebig, team leader and 402nd Maintenance Wing technical director. Fiebig also credited the strong union partnership on the team for helping to address areas which need improvement, improving communication and building trust. Ray Fisher, union representative and team member, agreed. "I believe this team is very instrumental in changing our culture and our processes," he said. "We have made great strides forward and are moving in the right direction." However, Fisher believes when the team is disbanded in the near future, the work force may slip backwards if the team's efforts are not sustained.