News

402nd Software Group focuses on safety during Wingman picnic, sports day

  • Published
  • By Lisa Mathews
  • WRALC/XPT
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga --  On Oct. 3 more than 500 people turned out at Freedom Park for a day of sports, fun, food and safety. The 402nd Software Maintenance Group conducted its wingman picnic and field day, and safety was a key focus for the entire event. 

"Each squadron hosted an event and were graded on the various elements of the Voluntary Protection Program," said Laurie McAlister, unit safety representative, or USR. 

The second VPP element, worksite analysis, was used days before the field day when the squadron safety reps did operational risk management evaluations for each event. The evaluations identified the potential risks and allowed the USRs to develop safety measures for protecting everyone while they played. 

The management commitment and employee involvement element was visible in the numerous signs at each event. Signs were posted showing the safety rules for each game, warm-up exercises and even signs describing the personal protection equipment available to protect the participants during the games. 

The fourth VPP element, training, was valuable as each player received a safety briefing before his or her event. The safety judges applied the hazard prevention and control VPP element as they rated the success of the safety controls. The events included a medley race, volleyball, tug of war, kickball, poker, and a fun walk and run. Beautiful weather, a volunteer band and good food made for a perfect setting for the fun. 

Members of the 402nd Maintenance Wing senior leadership team judged the sporting events using a safety scorecard based on the four elements of the VPP. 

"We've learned through employee involvement just how meaningful and important safety is, to not only our work environment, but also our everyday lives," said Chris Moore, 402nd SMXG deputy director. 

"I am impressed with how the emphasis on safety and VPP is being embraced by our employees during their off-the-job and home activities," said Marian Fraley, 402nd Maintenance Wing deputy director. "I am convinced our focus on VPP is having a positive effect beyond work." 

Supervisors of the various squadrons showed their support during the events either as participants or referees. USRs briefed participants on safety issues prior to the events and led groups in stretch and flex exercises to prepare them for the activities. 

The USRs also ensured that the participants had the right apparel for each event. At the track events, one participant had to be reminded that shoes were required when kicking a football. Those monitoring the events said that when people were informed of something that was not safe, they took the information good naturedly and were glad to learn how to play safely. 

Signs with helpful safety information were posted at the various locations so that safety was in the spotlight at all events. Even the Texas Hold'em poker event had VPP information posted. While the popular game did not include a great deal of physical hazards, the squadron hosting the event took the opportunity to share information on VPP, safety and health. 

The final event to determine the overall winner of the safety plaque was the tug of war. USR Sean Johnson and his team from the 579th SMXS did an excellent job preparing for the event and educating participants on safety and VPP. 

"I think a lot of people participating are doing a good job. We're keeping it safe," said Steve Duffield, director of the 577th SMXS. 

Don Ellis, who leads a public automatic defibrillator program, talked to the group about the Automated External Defibrillator program on base. Mr. Ellis explained that recently a WR-ALC employee's life had been saved by co-workers who were trained in the use of the devices.
 
"These folks get it. Management's commitment and employees' involvement is key. This is evidence that you can increase safety and health awareness while having fun," said Bill Leipprandt, WR-ALC VPP office representative. "I have no doubt that OSHA VPP Star recognition is in the future for SMXG."