Huntsville Center Kicks Off Fiscal Year 2025 with Safety Meeting
Huntsville, Alabama – As we step into fiscal year 2025, the Engineering and Support Center at Huntsville is making waves in the arena of safety management, especially for Department of Defense (DoD) medical facilities. On September 17, Andrew Boston, the Safety and Occupational Health Manager, along with colleague Todd Lewis, led a crucial meeting with corporate safety leaders that focused on the challenges and policy changes heading into the new year.
Streamlined Safety Processes for DoD Facilities
The Operation and Maintenance Engineering Enhancement (OMEE) program has been established to meet the growing operational and maintenance demands of medical facilities associated with the DoD. One of the standout features of this program is its simplicity. It provides a framework for quick-response contracts designed to manage repair, replacement, and preventive maintenance for equipment across various DoD installations worldwide.
During the meeting, which occurs quarterly, participants seized the chance to update one another on various safety topics. Boston emphasized the importance of this forum: “This is a great opportunity to directly communicate with contractors and break down barriers. It helps in identifying and addressing multiple issues that may arise in the field,” he said.
A Collaborative Platform for Safety Improvement
Kellie Williams, the Huntsville Center safety chief, pointed out that such meetings create a work environment focused on safety. “This best practice aids in reducing the number of Safety and Occupational Health resubmittals and reviews. We share insights and solutions regarding the issues that arise in our projects,” Williams remarked.
The in-person forum drew participation from corporate safety leads representing five key contractors on the OMEE program, like Spencer Farrow, who serves as the vice president for Government Services Risk Management at Health and Human Services. He highlighted how these meetings are crucial for maintaining a hazard-free workplace. “We not only collaborate with our counterparts at other companies, but we also work to create a unified understanding of the requirements set forth in the Engineer Manual 385,” Farrow stated, emphasizing the need for a consistent safety program across all OMEE task orders.
Understanding New Safety Policies
This year, discussions centered on notable revisions to the Corps safety manual, EM 385-1-1, particularly regarding the format for the Accident Prevention Plan. Boston and Lewis took the time to explain the new format for this plan and the competent person form, alongside other program requirements. “EM 385-1 outlines the methods and procedures necessary to ensure that work is performed safely. It serves as the governance document for Corps employees and our contractors,” Boston clarified.
The forum not only provided detailed guidance to participants as they enter fiscal year 2025 but also fostered collaboration around relevant topics intended to support armed forces effectively. “Our goal is to make sure contractors are well-equipped to complete their tasks safely. By doing so, we can enhance the speed and quality of our services that support the warfighter, particularly from a medical standpoint,” Boston added.
Championing Safety as a Top Priority
Col. Sebastien Joly, Huntsville Center’s commander, echoed the sentiments regarding safety, praising the center for being a leader in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “In 2022, we became the first Army organization to receive the prestigious Safety and Occupational Health Star. Safety takes precedence in everything we do at the Huntsville Center, ensuring that we protect our most valued asset—our people,” Joly said.
It’s clear that the Huntsville Center is paving the way for safe practices in engineering and support, preserving the well-being of its personnel and contractors alike. With continued focus on collaboration and frequent updates regarding safety policies, the commitment to a safe work environment seems stronger than ever as we embrace the new fiscal year.
