June is National Safety Month Published June 8, 2016 By Natalie Eslinger Air Force Safety Center HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Air Force Safety Center and 66th Air Base Group join the National Safety Council in highlighting June as National Safety Month. According to the NSC, the goal for National Safety Month is to raise awareness of what it takes to stay "Safe For Life," and focuses on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads and in homes and communities. "Safety awareness and mishap prevention in the Air Force is a job we must all accomplish every day, everywhere," said Bill Parsons, the Air Force chief of occupational safety. "A large part of awareness is risk management. When we continue to improve our risk management abilities, we enhance awareness which, in turn, prevents mishaps in all situations." The NSC themes for each week of June are: - Week 1: Stand ready to respond - Week 2: Be healthy - Week 3: Watch out for dangers - Week 4: Share roads safely Safety materials available for use are found at the NSC website and on the National Safety Month page at the Team Hanscom Safety SharePoint site at https://cs3.eis.af.mil/sites/24169/National%20Safety%20Month/default.aspx. "Safety is a habit you can live with," said Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Mueller, the Air Force chief of safety. "Whether it's at work, at home or at play, we must make safe decisions for ourselves and those we care about." With warmer weather here and travel and outdoor activities expected to increase over the next several months, Hanscom's Safety director asks all members of Team Hanscom to place a greater emphasis on risk management. "Summer is a critical time to incorporate risk management in off-duty activities," said Galen Williams, 66 ABG Safety director. "It is our responsibility as safety professionals to deliver that message to all Airmen -- military and civilian -- about the dangers associated with outdoor activities this time of year." He also said that safety starts at the top of an organization and is something that must be stressed all the way down the chain. "Take an active role in keeping your fellow Airmen safe," he said. "Be a great wingman, an engaged supervisor and the one who sets the example for safety, both on and off duty." The Air Force Occupational Safety Division has purchased an Air Force-wide membership to the NSC which provides units with safety information and practical tips for on and off-duty activities. For more information on summer safety, contact the Safety Office at 781-225-5584 or visit the Safety SharePoint site at https://cs3.eis.af.mil/sites/24169/default.aspx.