1. In order to accomplish our mission at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), we must provide an effective safety and health protection program for our military, civilian employees, contractors, and visitors. Safety is of such importance that I have designated it one of our five key pillars for success. As the Chief Safety Officer of White Sands Missile Range, I expect every activity to be carried out, keeping safety paramount in planning and execution. Our Army leadership is committed to the safety of our people and protection of our assets. Injuries to personnel and destruction of property are serious incidents. Not only do they effect individual well being, but accidents cost our business funding that drives up our costs and makes us less efficient.
2. White Sands has a history that has placed us on the Top 40 list due to employee lost time accidents within the Department of Defense. Making this list is not something we can be proud of and is something we can all focus on together to correct.
3. Our Safety Program has several key imperatives that we all must follow:
a. Everyone is a Safety Officer: All must clearly understand that everyone must be constantly vigilant.
b. Leaders are Accountable: Every supervisor will include safety metrics in their performance appraisal. Metrics will include number of accidents, as well as the cost of current and previous workers compensation cases. The Chief of Staff, Installation Safety Office, and Civilian Personnel Office will assist.
c. Voluntary Protection Program: This OSHA program promotes a safe workplace by applying stringent, but measurable standards. VPP is ongoing in certain workplaces and others are encouraged to utilize this program.
d. Suicide Prevention: Suicide is a terrible tragedy that is affecting our White Sands Community. All leaders, military and civilian, must be involved.
e. Preparedness: Recent disasters show how vulnerable we are. Encourage everyone to follow recent FEMA guidance for the home and leaders must ensure their workplaces are prepared.
f. Occupational Health: Our great medical team at McAffee Clinic provides mandatory preventive services based upon each employee's hazard exposures. This program is not optional and supervisors will ensure all employees meet the programs requirements.
4. I expect Team WSMR leadership to promote safety in every activity. I expect a complete composite risk assessment of each activity is performed and potential hazards are identified and mitigated. If hazards cannot be mitigated to acceptable levels of risk, we must focus on alternatives that will allow us to complete our tasks.
5. I challenge every member of Team WSMR to develop a safety culture off-duty and at home with family. Operate privately owned vehicles/motorcycles safely, operate home appliances and equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, and consider risks associated with leisure and sporting activities. Instill this safety culture within your families. You are our biggest asset.
6. This policy will be disseminated to all employees and a copy posted on all official bulletin boards. This memorandum supersedes memorandum, subject: Policy Letter #12: Safety Policy, 20 January 2010.
JOHN G. FERRARI
Brigadier General, USA
Commanding