Photo By Ayan Sheikh | A member of the 113th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron wears hearing protection before...... read more read more
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – The 113th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron with the District of Columbia Air National Guard has reached an impressive safety milestone, recording over 1,114 days without an accident. The team’s high standards and rigorous commitment to workplace safety ensures the protection of both its civilian and military members and the broader JBA installation community.
“We take pride in our safety culture,” said Thomas Harley, an engineering equipment operator and unit safety representative. “It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about making sure that every person on our team goes home the same way they arrived—safe and unharmed.”
The Civil Engineer Squadron is responsible for maintaining approximately 65 buildings, along with the flight line and surrounding grounds. Their work spans multiple sections, including electrical, HVAC, structural maintenance, and custodial operations. Each area presents unique hazards, requiring tailored safety protocols and continuous training.
Steve Hamlin, electrical supervisor and assistant safety representative, emphasized the importance of regular safety meetings.
“We conduct weekly, monthly, and shop-specific safety briefings to reinforce best practices,” he said.
“For electricians, that includes wearing arc flash-rated clothing, insulated gloves, and protective footwear. These small details can mean the difference between a routine day and a serious incident.”
The squadron’s safety culture is rooted in its mission and adherence to strict regulations set by both federal and military agencies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes baseline occupational safety standards across all industries, while the Air Force Occupational Safety and Health (AFOSH) Division builds upon these regulations to address the unique conditions of military environments. AFOSH not only implements OSHA standards but also enhances them to mitigate risks specific to Air Force operations. For example, while OSHA may require only hand and eye protection for certain tasks, AFOSH mandates additional protective measures, such as hearing protection, to account for environmental factors unique to Air Force bases.
Across all trades, personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper hazard assessments are paramount to maintaining efficiencies and readiness. HVAC technicians, for instance, must wear specialized gloves and eye protection to handle refrigerants safely, while structural maintenance workers use impact gloves and protective footwear to guard against heavy equipment hazards.
“We take a hands-on approach to safety,” said Christopher Luckett, utility system repair supervisor. “For example, when working with refrigerant gauges, we ensure our team has face shields and gloves resistant to freezing temperatures. We don’t just talk about safety…we practice it every day.”
A key element of the team’s safety success is its proactive response to near-miss incidents. “An incident means we had a close call,” Harley explained. “We don’t ignore those. We analyze what happened, identify contributing factors, and adjust our procedures to prevent a future accident. That’s how we stay ahead of potential dangers.”
The safety program also incorporates routine inspections and spot checks, not as a punitive measure, but as an opportunity for continuous improvement.
“If we see someone doing something incorrectly, we don’t just correct them—we explain a better, safer way,” Harley said. “That fosters a culture of learning and accountability.”
The team’s dedication to safety extends beyond their own personnel. Given that their work often takes them into occupied buildings, they ensure that others in their workspace remain protected as well. “We communicate with building occupants when we’re working in their area,” Harley said. “If we’re handling chemicals or electrical repairs, we let them know so they can take appropriate precautions.”
As the 113th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron celebrates this safety milestone, they remain focused on continuous improvement.
“Safety isn’t a one-time goal—it’s an evolving commitment,” said Jorge Vargas-Martinez, maintenance mechanic supervisor. “We’ll keep refining our practices to protect our team and maintain the highest standards of operational readiness.”
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.17.2025 15:15 |
| Story ID: | 494575 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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