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Work to make it right

  • Published
  • By Scott Eck
  • 20 FW Ground Safety
Throughout the Air Force, military and civilian personnel are often involved in numerous mishaps. While most of these mishaps are not life threatening, many are reportable to higher headquarters due to lost work time or costs involved.

Historically speaking, males ages 18-26 are responsible for the majority of mishaps. Although this demographic is considered the Air Force's 'high-risk' personnel, the number and types of mishaps affecting other age groups is growing. We recently learned from our latest AFCAST safety surveys that 75 percent of this high-risk/targeted age group stated that they would change their behavior if someone were to 'call them on it.' Hence, consider yourself 'called out.' There are several times a wingman could have stepped in to change behavior in recent Air Combat Command fatalities, and this is my attempt to do just that.

While each mishap is unique, some share many common elements including a failure to follow written procedures due to a lack of technical knowledge and/or proficiency. At times, we all have seen individuals who make willful or conscious decisions not to follow the written procedures and therefore take unnecessary chances due to a feeling of invincibility or the thought process of 'having gotten away with it before.' Countless investigations show these mishaps could have been prevented and should not have happened in the first place.

So where am I going with all of this information? More importantly, what is my point? Simple--we have numerous publications that allow us to accomplish our mission in the safest manner possible. When that guidance is unclear or unavailable, there may be times when we have to assess the situation and make a decision, in some cases a spilt-second decision, which can mean the difference between life and death. We accomplish this assessment through the risk management process. The key in this process is to identify hazards, assess the risk and to then implement measures to minimize or eliminate the risk before the mishap occurs. However, nothing can happen until people take action to correct or address potential problem areas.

Do not stop there. If you need equipment to do the job tasks...get it. Numerous mishaps occur each year from people 'substituting' equipment or tools. If your people require training...provide it. Make sure they are qualified and proficient; this training can go a long way in the prevention of a mishap. If you see a co-worker, friend or loved one about to do something unsafe...stop them.

Remember, the mishap prevention process belongs to everyone here on Shaw; from the highest ranking officer to the youngest airman. The success of our mission depends on it.

If you see something wrong...work to make it right.