Make summer safety top priority

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Safety should be the first thing people think of when summer arrives, but sometimes it is the last thing they think of -- ever.
Operation Safe Summer -- Zero Fatalities takes place Memorial Day through Labor Day, and people who plan on having summer fun should also plan on summer safety as well.
Last year, Air Education and Training Command lost three Airmen. A total of 29 Airmen were lost last year because of senseless mishaps, said AETC Commander Gen. William Looney III. The general emphasized the responsibility of commanders, supervisors and Airmen in taking care of their fellow wingmen.
"Take care of one another -- step in when your wingman needs help," the commander said. "I am confident we can make it through this summer without a fatality -- it's within our control. Be safe and enjoy the summer."
The commander also directed each base to stand down flying operations for a portion of a day prior to Memorial Day to hold safety briefings. Today is wing safety day, where Team Vance members will receive training in the following areas:
n Operational and personal risk management techniques
n Driving safety
n Summer activity and high-risk safety
n Traffic safety refresher training
n Alcohol risk awareness
n Wingman program
n Permanent changes of station, relocations and vacations
n Fire extinguisher training
The Air Force chief of staff said many of the deadliest activities last year were because of automobile and motorcycle accidents that claimed nine Airmen.
"Alcohol, speeding, fatigue and failure to use seatbelts were the leading factors in these preventable deaths," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, CSAF. "Overwhelmingly, the primary factor in fatal mishaps occurs when people fail to apply (operational) risk management in their daily lives."
The wing safety office reminds people to incorporate ORM daily, and provides education for Team Vance members to ensure they are safe this summer and beyond Labor Day.
"Our people are our most valuable resources," said Randy Hakman, wing ground safety manager. "By educating them on the hazards of occupational and recreational activities, we can reduce the mishap potential significantly."
For more safety information, visit www.vance.af.mil or the Air Force Safety Center Web site at afsafety.af.mil/index.html.