On August 29, 2007, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force (Air Force) signed an OSHA Strategic Partnership (OSP), for a term of three years. The goals of the OSP were to reduce civilian and military workforce injuries and illnesses at each participating installation by three percent per year, expand Air Force participation in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), and provide mechanisms for promoting contractor safety and health.

Based on the achievements realized from the agreement, OSHA and the Air Force agreed to conclude the OSP as of August 29, 2010.

Through working to meet the agreement's goals, a number of successes resulted from the OSHA and Air Force OSP, including:

• Enhancements to Air Force installations' safety and health management systems (SHMS)
• Approval of nine Air Force installations in OSHA's VPP
• Development and implementation of a contractor policy document which established safety and health requirements and provided guidance and practical techniques for contractors coming onto Air Force installations participating in the OSP.
• Identification of several Air Force Best Practices such as:
  • The 402 Software Maintenance Group, developed an identification badge enhancement that identifies personnel with special medical conditions. Jewelry (such as medical alert bracelets) is prohibited in some shop areas, and the badge marking will aid emergency responders
  • The 115th Fighter Wing's Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS) contained an algorithm that assists in root cause identification as part of their incident investigation reports
  • The 148th Fighter Wing Duluth increased the effectiveness of communication between labor and management by promoting active involvement in Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Committee and OSP meetings

Report prepared by: Diane Price, Program Analyst, Office of Partnerships and Recognition, August 29, 2010.