Total safety at RAF Wittering was formally recognised yesterday when the Cambridgeshire Station’s Safety & Assurance Centre picked up a major Royal Air Force award.
RAF Wittering’s Total Safety & Assurance Centre looks after the safety requirements of every unit on the Station. From airfield operations to the engineering and logistics squadrons of the A4 Force Elements, their only concern is the safety of people at work and those who are affected by the Station’s work.
"There is an absolute requirement to ensure none of our people come to harm when they come to work, and that other people are not harmed as a result of our actions and activities."
Wing Commander Maxey
Officer Commanding Operations Wing
The RAF Safety Trophy 2019 was presented at MoD Shrivenham by Air Commodore Mark Jeffery, head of the RAF Safety Centre. Fire safety, transport, mental health, health & safety, fuels and transport are just a few of the many responsibilities the team carries. Their work is made more challenging because of the varied nature of the Station’s contributions to the RAF and Defence.
In particular, the award recognises the team’s work in maintaining the safety of RAF Wittering’s airfield. Less than two years ago, the airfield was used only by the Grob tutor aircraft; today fast jets, transport aircraft and helicopters all make use of the long runway and wide taxiways.
"People imagine that safety management is all about clipboards and standing over someone’s shoulder when they’re trying to work, but that’s not the case anymore. We help our people understand what safety policy means, and help them keep a safe working environment."
Flight Lieutenant Blakemore
Officer, Safety & Assurance Centre
The Total Safety & Assurance Cell is located in the Force Headquarters building at RAF Wittering and can be easily contacted by anyone on the Station who needs help and advice.
"Our team has worked with real dedication and what they have achieved is greater than the sum of the parts. But there is no room for complacency, just because you’ve got an award, it doesn’t mean you can relax. Total Safety is a combination of individual efforts which are always ongoing."
Wing Commander Maxey
Officer Commanding Operations Wing
