ESHOCAMP inspectors set to visit Laughlin Published April 3, 2012 By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A team of 25 inspectors from the Air Education and Training Command are scheduled to come to Laughlin April 23 to 27 to conduct a Tier III Environmental Safety Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program inspection. The ESOHCAMP is a base-level auditing program for achieving compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Ramon Flores, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron, explained how the guidance for ESOHCAMP inspections establishes a three tiered inspection program. Tier I is based on a self assessment checklist completed monthly in identified workplaces. Tier II is an annual assessment conducted by an in-house team that gauges the performance of Tier I. Tier III is an assessment conducted by an external team of subject matter experts who look into how a unit manages their conformity with complex ESOH regulations. "The main purpose of ESOHCAMP is to provide us an expert look into our regulatory risks and vulnerabilities, then identify and correct the actions needed to promote continuous improvements in our ESOH program," Flores said. He also noted that the objectives of these assessments are to ensure units are in compliance with all applicable ESOH regulations. They also assure that problems such as degrading the environment and adversely affecting the health or safety of employees are effectively addressed to the proper authority. Flores said the assessments also collect information that will allow commanders to anticipate and prevent future ESOH problems, provide data for use in identifying, programming, and budgeting ESOH requirements and provide accurate and complete information to the public on the status of the installation's ESOH compliance programs. "The inspection validates that we are protecting the health of our workers and protecting our environment," said Master Sgt. Rick Chang, 47th Medical Operation Squadron. "This allows us to continue the mission with the minimum of adverse impact and the maximum compliance with federal, state and Air Force regulations." The last Tier III external inspection here was completed in April 2009.