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ESOHCAMP - ASSESSING SUCCESS

  • Published
  • By Debi Smith
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard AFB's environmental, safety and occupational health programs were found to be healthy overall after a week-long assessment by experts from all across the Air Force.

The 24-member Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program team evaluated Sheppard AFB Sept. 13-16.

Mr. Wayne Fowler, Sheppard AFB ESOHCAMP program manager, said the evaluation was the most stringent he's experienced.

"This team consisted of the most qualified assessors within each of their protocol areas we have seen since the program was initiated over 18 years ago," he said. "I can't remember having an external assessment that looked at every area of all 14 environmental programs as well as the occupational health and safety areas in such depth."

During the team's assessment, four Sheppard personnel were recognized as environmental leaders in their field. They received a certificate of accomplishment and coin by Colonel Gibson.

Staff Sgt. William O'Brien, 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, was recognized for establishing an outstanding occupational health program. Through his management, compliance rose to 100 percent for the first time in more than two years at Sheppard.

Mr. Charles Berry, 82nd Logistics Squadron, received accolades for his bulk fuel storage lead responsibilities that included the receipt, storage and issue of more than 1.7M gallons of JP8, ground fuels and cryogenics annually. He is also the flight environmental coordinator and compliance evaluator, working closely with base environmental to provide quarterly environmental tank inspection reports in an outstanding manner.

Senior Airman Kerringten Wright, 82nd Communications Squadron, received recognition as manager for the Lock Out/Tag Out program with responsibility for training, documenting procedures and securing the correct devices for 12 personnel to perform LO/TO duties. His efforts led to the purchase of a state-of-the-art LO/TO wall-mounted equipment locker that includes a device for any situation the Airfield Systems Technicians would encounter.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Loupe, 366th Training Squadron Electrical Flight, made a difference by providing LO/TO training for instructors and all students who come through the Electrical Program. As an instructor, he went above and beyond to identify LO/TO hazards within the instruction area.

The assessment also identified some areas of improvement needed throughout the installation.

"Each of these findings will result in the development of management action plans following an extensive study into the "root causes," Mr. Fowler said. "Each of these improvements fall into what the assessment team noted to be a relatively healthy program."