Not only is June the start of PS’s 70th anniversary, it’s also the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month. Today’s topic is: “Prevent incidents before they start.”
You know the old saying: Plan for the worst, but hope for the best! Well, this is a good plan for both our on-duty and off-duty activities.
Here are some general rules of thumb/tips to prevent injuries:
- Read the instructions, directions, plans, processes, TMs, etc., that come with items, because knowing what to expect will help you plan for potential injuries. Pay special attention to all cautions, warnings and notes.
- Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job—both off-duty and in the workplace.
- Keep focused on the task at hand. Don’t become complacent! If you get distracted for any reason, take a break to refocus or discuss your circumstances with your teammates or supervisor.
- Vehicle restraints save lives! Wear your seatbelt. Ensure children have and use appropriate restraint systems for their physical size, age and state and local laws.
- Never drive distracted. Texting and using non-hands-free devices while driving is a deadly combination.
- Expect the unexpected! Always have an emergency plan. Keep a first aid kit, a cell phone to call 911 if needed, emergency lighting, extra food and water, etc., in your vehicles or at home. Hopefully these will never be needed, but if they are, you’ll be ready.
- Plan for and rehearse fire evacuation drills at your home with all of your family members. Ensure everyone, especially children, know how to safely egress. Have a designated rally point.
- Never drink and drive! Always use a designated driver. Ensure you assess the physical and mental impacts of prescription and non-prescription medications, and never take illegal drugs. Keep in mind that even in states with legal marijuana use, this exception doesn’t apply to DOD civilians and military service members.
For more information and helpful resources, visit the virtual home for Army safety, the US Army Combat Readiness Center, at:
https://safety.army.mil/
NOTE: Info contained in this article is paraphrased from a HQ ASC G4/Safety & Occupational Health Division communication, dated 4 Jun 2021.