Safety remains priority

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 66th Air Base Group Safety Office reminds everyone that despite the Critical Days of Summer campaign recently concluding, the importance of safety should not be forgotten.
The theme for this year's CDOS observance was "Safe 'n Sound - All Year Round." The theme serves as an important reminder that safety is everyone's responsibility throughout the year, not just through the summer months.

"The Air Force saw a significant spike in fatalities throughout the summer," said Galen Williams, 66th Air Base Group Safety Office director. "The Air Force lost 17 servicemembers in mishaps 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 drivers being distracted," Williams said. "In addition, alcohol remains a serious contributing factor that can have dire consequences."

The Safety Office encourages including risk management as part of planning a trip, especially when traveling long distances.

"Hanscom did well this summer," said Williams. "However, it is important for people to remember to incorporate safety throughout the year, especially as weather changes here in New England."

Williams noted that mishaps occur anytime and anywhere. The most frequent types among military and civilian members are slips, trips and falls, as well as 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, safety personnel will continue their 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."

To learn more about Safety Office initiatives, call 781-225-5584.