309th EMXG receives OSHA Star recertification: A testament to their commitment to safety

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  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 309th Electronics Maintenance Group at Hill Air Force Base has been reapproved as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star participant, OSHA’s highest level of recognition.

To earn VPP Star certification, an organization must meet demanding requirements such as maintaining a comprehensive safety and health program, undergoing periodic OSHA onsite evaluations, submitting annual data, and involving workers and managers in efforts to continuously improve their safety and health programs and performance.

"Our team at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex is incredibly grateful for the hard work put in by the complex, air base wing, and our dedicated employees to make this happen. We are thrilled to congratulate the 309th EMXG on their OSHA Star recertification, which is a testament to their exceptional commitment to occupational safety and health,” said Brig. Gen. Kenyon Bell, Ogden ALC commander.

Since 1982, OSHA has been acknowledging American worksites that have demonstrated exceptional records and sustained dedication to ensuring workplace safety and health, and sites meeting VPP's demanding requirements typically experience injury and illness rates 50-60 percent below their industry average.

“VPP sites are models for what employers and employees can achieve by working cooperatively with one another and with OSHA to achieve a level of worker protection that seeks excellence and goes beyond compliance with government regulations,” said Jennifer S. Rouse, OSHA Region 8 administrator, in her letter informing the 309th EMXG of their VPP Star reapproval.

The 309th EMXG was first nominated for VPP Star status in June 2015. Awarded in 2016, the group was the first organization at Hill AFB to achieve Star status, as well as the first Department of Defense organization to do so in OSHA Region 8, which includes Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and North and South Dakota.

The 309th EMXG is the electronics center for the Ogden ALC and provides repair and overhaul for exchangeable assets for a multitude of systems on a wide assortment of Air Force weapons systems including fighter aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, powered aerospace ground equipment, tactical shelters, as well as refurbishment of radomes worldwide.

The group’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective maintenance solutions to support the warfighter.

“I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment for a safe working environment displayed by the entire 309th Electronics Maintenance Group and validated by the OSHA VPP Star recertification,” said Daniel Posch, 309th EMXG director. “The dedication and hard work by every human weapon system within this factory is commendable.

“We remain committed to workplace safety excellence while seeking ways to make our factory even safer. Together, I have no doubt we will achieve these goals further posturing our factory for future success as part of the Air Force’s World Class Organic Industrial Base,” he said.