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News | Aug. 14, 2015

Distribution headquarters kicks off OSHA Voluntary Protection Program with Area Safety Representatives

By Jessica Roman DLA Distribution Public Affairs

As part of ongoing efforts to improve occupational safety and health across Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, the Susquehanna installation kicked off the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program with Area Safety Representatives on Aug. 12.

DLA Distribution Susquehanna is the lead for the program at Susquehanna, and is currently pursuing VPP “Star” status at the Susquehanna establishment – which includes 11 different DLA activities at New Cumberland and Susquehanna, Pa.

“We want to get safety integrated into the culture,” said Dave Mack, Distribution Safety Office manager, and lead for the headquarters portion of Susquehanna’s VPP program. “Our goal is a single, cohesive safety program across the DLA activities on the installation.”

The OSHA management system, centered on VPP, includes hazard prevention and control, management commitment, employee involvement, worksite analysis, and training.

Mack hopes that Susquehanna’s VPP slogan – “If it’s Not Safe We Don’t Do it!” – will be internalized by employees when thinking about safety in their environment, whether that environment is in an office, in a warehouse, outside, or even at home.

Supervisors will be instituting monthly and quarterly safety checks of all areas, and reporting any hazards and unsafe conditions they find.   Mack is also encouraging each team to start each meeting with a safety message.  “This is one example of a great way to integrate thinking about safety into the normal routines of our day,” he said.

Two DLA Distribution sites are currently VPP “Star” establishments – Norfolk, Va., and San Joaquin, Calif.  Additional sites are seeking star status in the future.

“Our vision for the future is to be a world-class example of safety success,” concluded Mack.