Safety office claims National Safety Council award

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Wing Safety Office has added another trophy to their already impressive display of hardware.

Recently the office was named the first ever recipient of the Metropolitan Utilities District Off-the-Job Safety Award from the National Safety Council Greater Omaha Chapter.

This new award recognizes companies that have implemented and sustained a program to educate and encourage their employees and family members in off-the-job safety measures.

"This is not just a safety office award, it is really an award for the entire base," said Lt. Col. Paul Brawley, chief of safety. "I'm personally very proud to be part of a wing that takes such a vested interest in the safety of our Airmen and their families, both on-and off-duty."

While they may spend the majority of their time focused on ground, flight and weapons safety, this team of 14 also places a great deal of importance on off-duty safety as well. This includes their annual 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign and their award winning motorcycle training program, which trains nearly 350 riders every year.

"The motorcycle training program has been recognized by Air Combat Command, 8th Air Force and now by 12th Air Force as an outstanding training program," Colonel Brawley said. "The riders all come away with a new respect for how they use their vehicles."

However, it's not only the safety office's programs that helped them earn this award.

"The wing as a whole provides a lot of off-the-job safety training that the safety office is not even a part of," Colonel Brawley said. "For example, outdoor recreation has several very good safety training programs ... and the Airman and Family Readiness Center provides numerous programs for family members."

This award is just the latest feather in the cap for the 55th WG Safety Office as they have been recognized by the National Safety Council for 18 consecutive years with an award for superior achievement in injury prevention and safety performance.

"We have won this award each year since 1991 and are considered in the platinum level for this award," Colonel Brawley said.

In addition, the safety office has also been recognized by ACC for its flight safety program and as the command's nomination to the Air Force for the Colombian Trophy, both of which recognizes outstanding achievements in or contribution to flight safety.

Even with all of these achievements the safety office continues to look for ways to improve safety for every member of Team Offutt both on and off the job.

"We try to keep all of our training current, interesting and most importantly relevant," Colonel Brawley said. "If there is ever any negative feedback we take it seriously and adapt our programs to meet the needs of the Airmen."

The safety office will officially accept the award on behalf of the 55th Wing during the safety and health summit at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb., on May 20.