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AMC Safety reviews 2009 'Back to Basics' campaign

  • Published
  • By Laura McAndrews
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Remaining numbers are still trickling in and being quantified by Air Mobility Command's safety experts, but so far all statistics reflect that AMC's Critical Days of Summer campaign to educate its people and prevent mishaps was successful.

"We had a slight decrease in the number of reportable mishaps from last summer," said Mr. Pat Nevitt, AMC occupational safety and health specialist, who oversees the command's Mishap Trend and Analysis Program.

A reportable mishap ranges in definition from any injury, caused from a lost duty day to a fatality, as well as any incident resulting in significant costs. While most summer tragedies happen during recreation away from the work environment, AMC safety officials also emphasized the importance of safety in the workplace. Officials and supervisors shared safety ideas, inspected work areas and increased employee involvement in safety programs to prevent mishaps.

Their efforts were a success, officials said. During the summer of 2008, 31 percent of AMC mishaps were industrial, or on-duty. In the summer of 2009 it decreased to approximately 19 percent.

Although a full account of reportable mishaps are still being reported from the summer 2009 "Back to Basics" campaign, to date, AMC has noted a slight decrease in four-wheel private motor vehicle accidents, but a rise in motorcycle accidents.

"As the popularity of sport bikes grows so does the increase in the number of mishaps," said Mr. Mark Erpelding, AMC chief, Ground Safety Division.

While the number of reportable mishaps significantly declined there was a rise in fatalities amongst AMC Airmen.

"Unfortunately, AMC did not reach its prior year record and goal of zero fatalities during the summer months. We lost three of our service members," said Mr. Wayne Bendall, AMC occupational safety and health specialist.

All three of AMC summer fatalities were single vehicle accidents, one of which was a motorcycle. In all three incidents speed was a factor and two included alcohol.

"All Airmen need to remember that getting 'back to basics at home and at work' will still save lives," Mr. Bendall said.

During the fall and winter seasons, many new risks present themselves including reduced daylight hours, safety officials said. Dangers associated with heights while cleaning out gutters, and driving on slippery leaves and snow and icy roadways are among potential risks that AMC personnel must remain mindful of engaging in as well.

"We want every Airman to be on their guard and look out for one another," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Benoit, deputy chief, Ground Safety Division. "We need everyone to apply sound risk management decisions whether they are on- or off-duty. No job is too small and every life is too valuable to be lost from an unfortunate mishap that is within our control to prevent."