At Chièvres Air Base in Belgium, safety is a paramount concern for military operations, not only in combat but also in daily activities at the Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) Benelux, part of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade.
To ensure a safe working environment, the team at LRC Benelux relies on the expertise of Bernard Jaye, their dedicated safety officer, who recently achieved dual safety certification in Belgium and the United States.
This accomplishment positions Jaye as a pioneer; he is the first local national employee to receive this dual recognition, including Level II certification in Belgium and qualifications from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The journey to obtain these certifications was challenging and took Jaye five years to complete, showcasing his dedication and commitment to safety standards.
Diana Ioane, the director of LRC Benelux, highlighted Jaye’s achievement as a significant milestone for the organization.
“Nothing existed before I took the job. I had to create and build the program from the ground up,” Jaye explained, reflecting on his role since the position of safety officer was established approximately 6.5 years ago.
His work involves categorizing job positions according to their risk levels within the organization.
For instance, employees in low-risk positions, such as office workers and clerks, contrast with those in high-risk positions like maintenance workers handling chemicals and heavy machinery.
The LRC Benelux facility also includes a paint booth, identified by Jaye as one of the more hazardous areas where safety measures are crucial.
Having spent nearly 43 years working for the Army, Jaye’s career path has included roles in transportation and management before moving into safety.
“Safety is a team effort,” he emphasized, noting the importance of collaboration with various safety offices, including the 405th AFSB Safety Office and the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Safety Office.
Jaye outlined his primary purpose as protecting employees and preventing accidents, advocating for a culture of safety through proactive measures.
“I really try to stress prevention. I also provide risk and accident analysis and safety training, and I conduct safety inspections,” he elaborated, reinforcing the need to adhere to both U.S. and Belgian safety regulations.
This dual adherence is critical for ensuring that all safety practices are comprehensive and effective.
Jaye expressed his pride in working for the U.S. Army, valuing the collaborative environment rich in diversity.
“The collaboration I have been a part of all these years has been so great – learning so many different things from so many different people,” he said, reflecting on the unique experiences he has encountered through his work.
His commitment to the mission of protecting and supporting Europe highlights the critical role safety plays at the LRC.
As part of the broader framework of logistics support, LRC Benelux manages a wide range of services, including supply chain management, maintenance, and transportation.
The center focuses on maintaining the safety and efficiency of day-to-day operations while supporting U.S. Army Garrison Benelux.
With Jaye at the helm of safety initiatives, LRC Benelux continues to uphold a strong commitment to providing safe work environments for all personnel, ensuring that safety remains a fundamental aspect of all operations.
image source from：army
