OSHA Recertifies Naval Air Station Jacksonville For 'Star' Status

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection team recertified the Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville safety program June 14 for continuing Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) "Star" status during a command evaluation.

"The station was originally Star certified in April 2010, with the requirement to be recertified within three years," said NAS Jacksonville Safety Manager Ron Williamson. "With this inspection, the station is certified though 2018 as long as mishap rates stay below established levels.

"The inspection involved a review of all OSHA requirements; a physical inspection of workplaces and interviews with randomly selected employees. There were very few and only minimal safety deficiencies found in the work spaces; employees interviewed knew the safety program fundamentals; and all OSHA regulatory requirements reviewed had necessary documentation," Williamson added.

NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Sanders applauded the VPP Star team.

"Unlike many base inspections, VPP Star involves all personnel. Anyone could be randomly interviewed and any shop could be inspected," said Sanders. "Only a few minor deficiencies were found, and everyone interviewed was very positive and knowledgeable about their personal safety - which is one reason why we remain the best shore base in the U.S. Navy."

He continued, "We also completed this inspection in the face of sequestration cuts, funding reductions and with impending furlough days on the horizon. Passing an OSHA VPP Star inspection is difficult enough under normal circumstances but to complete this with as few findings as the base had and under the present difficult circumstances is remarkable."

"This was truly a total NAS Jacksonville team effort," said Williamson. "This certification shows we have done everything possible to keep civilians and Sailors at NAS Jacksonville as safe as possible. Thanks again to everyone involved for keeping NAS Jax one of the few bases in the Navy with a VPP Star certified "Star" safety program.

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.