AFMAO participates in safety stand down Published Feb. 10, 2012 By Christin Michaud Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- In an effort to focus on the importance of safety, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations hosted a safety stand down day Jan. 27 in conjunction with the host wing. Training included evacuation procedures, lifting and ladder safety, a briefing on workplace hazards and an overview of the Voluntary Protection Plan. The day also included a word search and word scramble with safety terms offering a break from many of the briefings. "The word search was fun," said Tech. Sgt. Rose McGuffin, although she added the scramble was challenging. The safety day was a chance to for the staff here to review the Air Force Form 55, Employee Safety and Health Record and receive up-to-date training on hazards unique to the mission here. "Common sense is the single most important key to keeping yourself and those around you safe all the time," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Morgan, a unit safety representative. Emphasis was also placed on the VPP, a partnership between the Air Force and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to promote effective safety and health programs. The program, which began in 1982 and adopted by the DoD in 2006, is designed to build on programs already in place like Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century and wingman efforts. "It's about creating a culture of safety and continually making it better," said Tech Sgt. Latersa Frazier, who conducted the VPP briefing. VPP's principles elements focus on management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control and safety and health training. Essentially, each and every Airman, civilian and contractor is a safety representative. Everyone has the power to stop the line if they see something unsafe, said Col. Thomas C. Joyce, AFMAO commander. The stand down was a reminder for each person to take ownership of safety at work and at home.