News

Section sets record for injury-free workdays

  • Published
  • By Faye Banks-Anderson
  • 78 ABW/PA
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Records are made to be broken, but one Robins shop has done such a good job they may be the only ones who can break their own record.

For 1,147 consecutive days, the 78th Civil Engineer Group's Hazardous Waste Operations Section has not sustained a lost workday injury.

"It's very commendable, especially considering they are responsible for pick up of all hazardous waste on base," said Dave Decker, 78th Air Base Wing Ground Safety manager. "Just think about it; for more than three years being that safe."

The nine-person shop also weighs, processes and tests the waste, which may includes flammable, corrosive and other hazardous materials like chromium, cadmium and lead.


Shop personnel also crush and recycle the collection drums for scrap metal, and process used oil to sell back to the government. But several years ago, no one could foresee such a record.

The organization was anything but the poster child for safety, said Randy Stillwell, section chief. "We nursed it and maintained our safety way of life," he said.

What made the difference and set the shop on its record-breaking course, he said, was employee buy in, standardized process development, and guidance from the safety office.

"I'm fortunate and blessed to have good employees; everyone takes an active part," Stillwell said.

One way employees follow their safety journey is through an Employee Involvement Board in the main hallway. The board is used to post safety and employee information, as well as keep track of open safety problems until they are corrected and the results posted on the board.

The shop also conducts weekly safety meetings and monthly inspections, and has 'engaged' safety representatives.

Written processes incorporate health and safety plans such as job safety analysis, Personal Protective Equipment lists, and associated hazards and maintenance instructions.

Stillwell believes it's important to lead by example.

"We all want to leave every day and go home the way we came to work - whole and safe," he said. "It's important your employees know who you are ... that you trust and respect them. They have to know that you're not afraid to do what's right."