Critical Days of Summer coming to a close, but safety remains a priority

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  As the Critical Days of Summer safety campaign concludes Sept. 3, the 66th Air Base Group Safety Office reminds base personnel that it doesn't mean the importance of safety should be forgotten.

The theme for this year's observance was "Safety - It's Personal," intended to serve as a reminder that safety is everyone's responsibility and the decisions individuals make impact their friends, families and Air Force community.

This year's theme takes on additional meaning as the Air Force has seen an increase in fatalities this summer -- many while operating a motor vehicle - as compared to the past few years.

"The Air Force has seen a spike in fatalities this summer," said Galen Williams, 66th Air Base Group Safety Office director. "Through 13 weeks of this summer's campaign, the Air Force has lost 14 servicemembers in accidents that, in many cases, could have been avoided."

More than three-quarters of the accidents were motor vehicle related, and while many remain under investigation, several factors are known to contribute to vehicle accidents.

"Texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking and talking to passengers can result in driver's being distracted," Williams said. "In addition, alcohol remains a serious contributing factor that can have dire consequences."

The Safety Office suggests when traveling long distances, include risk management as part of planning a trip.

"Hanscom has done well during this year's Critical Days of Summer," said Williams. "However, it is important for people to remember to incorporate safety throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend and all through the year."

Williams noted that mishaps still occur anytime. The most frequent types among military and civilian members is slips, trips and falls and sports injuries.

"It's important for people to take all precautions when playing sports," he said. "Our highest mishaps continue to be on the field or in the gym."

To help further reduce the number of injuries, the Safety Office will continue efforts in safety awareness throughout the year. One avenue is through the Community SharePoint site, which can be accessed by clicking on the Safety and Security links on HanscomNet.

In addition, Williams urges organizations across the base to share best practices and lessons learned on safety with personnel in their unit.

"All units should continue process improvements with their safety procedures," he said. "Leveraging technology is important to ensure we provide the best training and hazard reporting tools to make life better for leaders, supervisors and Team Hanscom as a whole."

As the Critical Days of Summer safety campaign comes to an end, contact the Safety Office at 781-225-5584 for information on upcoming safety initiatives.