Labor Day safety message

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Safety
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Labor Day weekend marks the end of the "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign. This weekend will be a four-day weekend for many Kadena members filled with good times with family and friends. However, we must all remain focused on our most important resource, our people. Without them the mission is not possible. Poor planning and bad decisions can lead to disaster. Although Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer safety campaign, we experience warm weather in Okinawa throughout the entire year which increases the risk for individuals to become involved in mishaps involving outdoor activities, especially water-related sports.

The Air Force lost six Airmen during week 14 (ending Aug. 25) in a variety of mishaps: three private motor vehicle accidents, one motorcycle accident, one drowning, and one in a light aircraft crash. There have been a total of 19 fatalities during this year's campaign which is an increase of 5 as compared to the same time period last year. The majority of the mishaps involved private motor vehicles, to include motorcycles. Two of the fatalities involved members from PACAF: the first mishap involved a member operating a motorcycle who was fatally injured after striking a vehicle; the second involved an airmen operating a PMV who lost control after experiencing a blown tire.

We cannot emphasize enough the need to stress the proper application of risk management during off-duty activities. Commanders, supervisors at all levels, wingmen, and family members have the right to inquire about the activities of their subordinates, co-workers, and fellow family members and help them to assess the risks involved and make proper risk decisions.

Place special emphasis on water safety, to include the importance of entering the water only when sea conditions are safe, using the buddy system while swimming, snorkeling or diving, and warning members never to jump, dive, or swim in unfamiliar waters.

If operating a vehicle, use seat belts 100 percent of the time, properly restrain your children and drive within the posted speed limits. Motorcycle operators must drive defensively, wear all protective gear and operate at a safe speed.

Remember to made good choices if consuming alcohol. Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking or ride with someone who has been drinking. There are plenty of options to get home safely.

Risk Management is not a long, drawn-out process - for most of our activities
we just have to encourage our folks to ACT!

- Assess the risks: What are the hazards, how likely are they to happen, and how bad would it be if one of them did happen?

- Consider options to limit risk: What are the choices? What is the best
choice, and who decides which choice to use?

- Take appropriate action: Based on the best choice: ACT.

Private motor vehicle fatalities are up (10 vs. four) over last year. Motorcycle fatalities are on par with last year. We've got just four days to go in this campaign and a month left in the fiscal year. Please encourage personnel to utilize risk management and make the right decisions. We need everyone to return to work safely on Tuesday.