MCPON: Summertime, Think Safety

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Sonya Ansarov, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Summertime means fun in the sun, vacations and a myriad of outdoor activities, and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) wants Sailors and families to think safety first.

"Benjamin Franklin said, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' and in the case of summertime, it's worth a pound of safety," said MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "Each year the Navy loses service members to senseless and avoidable mishaps, and the summer season brings the potential for increased risk."

According to the Naval Safety Center, summer deaths spiked in 2008 then decreased in 2009 and 2010, but unfortunately increased again last year. In 2011, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 16 Sailors and 15 Marines lost their lives. One in an ATV wreck; three drowned; three during recreational activities; 11 in motor vehicles; and 13 on motorcycles.

"Losing even one Sailor or Marine is too many, especially when most of the incidents can be avoided with the proper planning and training," said West.

Training is the priority when it comes to motorcycle safety. According to Naval Safety Center, motorcycle fatalities increased from six in 2010 to 13 in 2011, which is more than a 100 percent increase. Motorcycle training and safety starts with the command having a designated motorcycle safety representative (MSR).

"Closing the training gap on motorcycle safety needs to be top priority for our leaders," said West. "Personal motor vehicle accidents are the second highest cause of fatalities in our Navy, and motorcycles are the primary casual factor with sports bikes remaining at the top of the list. MSRs play an important role in mitigating this risk by mentoring and educating our Sailors, and more importantly, ensuring they are registered and complete all required motorcycle training."

The Naval Safety Center's summer campaign "Live to Play, Play to Live," also focuses on alcohol awareness, water and boat safety, sexual assault, and suicide awareness, and summer sports activities.

"Fourth of July is just around the corner so start planning safety now," said West. "Whether you are on the highways, waterways or in the backyard, safety must come first. And if you drink, don't drive and have a plan to get home."

When traveling long distances, remember to use TRiPS, the on-line, automated risk-assessment tool that helps users recognize and avoid the hazards they face on the highway: fatigue, not buckling up, and driving too far. TRiPS is located at https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil.

"You and your families are important to the Navy," said West. "Use the tools the Navy provides and remember to think safety first."

Safety is one of the key areas of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps.

To learn more about the Naval Safety Center's summer campaign, visit www.safetycenter.navy.mil.

Iwo Jima begins '101 Critical Days of Summer' Safety

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Natasha R. Chalk, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) are participating in '101 critical days of summer,' a campaign which runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

 The campaign helps raise awareness in order to prevent possible mishaps that can happen to service members during the summer months. Sponsored by the Naval Safety Center, the program traditionally focuses on motor vehicle safety, water safety, alcohol awareness, sexual assault and suicide awareness.

"The safety office is working with all departments to ensure that the missions and evolutions are completed safely and properly," said Lt. Christopher Neboshynsky, Iwo Jima's safety officer.

With Iwo Jima currently deployed in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, it is vital that the crew prepare themselves.

"Being deployed to an area where the heat and humidity are higher than back home, we should be extra vigilant in our daily endeavors and in our work environment," said Neboshynsky.

While the campaign focuses on mostly outdoor activities, the safety team's primary focus is deployment concerns: staying hydrated, use of proper gear when participating in sports, safe and responsible consumption of alcohol on liberty and preventing work place mishaps.

"When participating in outdoor activities, Sailors and Marines should be careful, take breaks, hydrate and wear sunscreen," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Alexander Mabile, Iwo Jima's independent duty corpsman. "Fatigue is the main factor involved in a majority of incidents."

The medical department onboard Iwo Jima recommends every Sailor and Marine drink 32 ounces of water a day to stay hydrated. For those working in hotter than normal environments, the recommended amount increases to 64-72 ounces per day. Soda is not considered a form of hydration.

"Hydration is one of the most important factors in our everyday work especially in the hot environment we are operating in. Because many of us are not acclimated to the local climate we should be careful to not over-exert ourselves," said Mabile.

One of the ship's missions while deployed is promoting diplomacy abroad. The crew of Iwo Jima is charged with being ambassadors for the United States and setting good examples while on liberty.

"We encourage the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team to follow the Navy's policy for safe and responsible consumption of alcohol and to take care of one another while on liberty," said Neboshynsky.

Neboshynsky expressed that everyone on board should follow established and written procedures because taking shortcuts can lead to injuries or worse.

"Every Sailor and Marine onboard has a role to play in completing the ship's mission. We need for them to carry out that mission safely and bring everyone home," said Neboshynsky.

Iwo Jima and embarked 24th MEU are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

USS Annapolis wins 2011 CNO Afloat Safety Award

From Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- A Commander, Naval Safety Center message announced April 4 that the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) is the recipient of the 2011 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Afloat Safety Award for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

Annapolis was one of 19 afloat units to receive this annual recognition from the CNO. The winning ship in each category receives a special plaque and official CNO citation. They are also authorized to display the green safety "S" flag on their ship until next year's results are announced.

In addition to an outstanding safety record, selected ships also have an aggressive safety program that actively contributes to safety mishap prevention, including comprehensive and professional internal safety reporting.

Cmdr. John Gearhart, Annapolis' commanding officer, praised his crew for their hard work and dedication required to receive this annual safety award.

"We are privileged to be selected as the 2011 CNO Safety Award for Submarine Force Atlantic, fleet attack submarines," said Gearhart. "This achievement is a testament to the committed effort toward high day-to-day standards and deck-plate leadership, combined with the consistent effort of the crew to maintain a safe work environment."

The award cycle, which runs from January 1 through December 31 every calendar year, recognizes outstanding contributions to fleet readiness, increased morale, efficiency and economical use of resources through safety.

Commissioned April 11, 1992, Annapolis is named in honor of the capital city of Maryland and is the fourth warship to bear the city's namesake. The first ship, named Annapolis, was a patrol gunboat (PG 10), commissioned in 1867. A patrol frigate (PF 15), commissioned in 1944, was the second ship named after the "America's Sailing Capital." Prior to SSN 760, the most recent ship to bear the same name was a major communications relay ship (AGMR 1).

Naval Safety Center Raises Motorcycle Safety Awareness

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Crossley, NPASE West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 200 service members attended a motorcycle safety symposium discussing the current training climate of the military safety programs on Naval Air Station North Island, April 4.

Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, Commander, Naval Safety Center, offered insight into the current safety and training climate when dealing with motorcycles.

"We want to make sure we are drawing attention to the significant number of motorcycle fatalities occurring in the Navy and Marine Corps," said Prindle.

Sailor fatalities reached a high of 33 in 2008 due to motorcycle accidents before the implementation of the motorcycle safety representative (MSR) program in 2009. Each command is responsible for providing an MSR that will assist with training courses and logging reports.

"More than 50 percent of fatalities last year involving a motorcycle did not complete the basic motorcycle training course, and that is a shame because it is available to service members," said Prindle. "We need to continue to close the training gap. We need 100 percent of service members trained and ready for the road to be successful."

During the symposium, several service members offered testimony about personal experiences and mishaps as well as the motorcycle safety courses offered.

Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Daniel Miller, a motorcycle rider for 28 years, talked about a recent mishap that occurred resulting in serious injury.

"I am alive because of my gear, my motorcycle specific riding gear," said Miller, assigned to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) San Diego.

According to Miller, he was wearing proper protective gear required by military installations at the time of the mishap.

"The symposium is important because it brings real questions and concerns to the right people. The concerns that riders have can be addressed and brought to the attention of leadership as well as fellow riders in other commands," said Miller.

Motorcycle safety awareness is especially important in cities like San Diego where the riding season is so long, according to Prindle.

"We need to make sure service members are taking advantage of all of the safety programs offered by the military and set them up for success," said Prindle.

Safety is one of the key areas of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Motor Vehicle Safety is a Top Priority for NAVSAFECEN

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) offers resources to help manage driving risks.

Fiscal year 2011 was the safest on record in terms of four-wheel motor vehicle fatalities. Car and truck operators did a great job of managing the risks of driving. However, mid-way through the second quarter of FY 2012, fatalities are in danger of creeping back up.

As of Feb. 1, 2012, four Sailors have lost their lives in four-wheel personal motor vehicle (PMV4) fatalities compared to one at the same time in 2011. Motorcycle fatality rates are static, with three so far this fiscal year - the same as last year at this time.

NAVSAFECEN's Command Master Chief Dominick Torchia recently released a "Safety Broadcast," a one-page fact sheet outlining timely information about various trending topics. His most recent covers PMV statistics, risk factors, and resources for improvement.

"While we made big strides in reducing the number of four-wheel motor vehicle fatalities last year, this is no time to declare victory," Torchia said. "Be aware of the biggest risk factors - speed, alcohol, fatigue, ejection and distractions - and do everything you can to manage those risks."

Those risk factors - speed, alcohol, fatigue and ejections (lack of seat belts) and distractions (SAFE-D) - account for the vast majority of motor vehicle mishaps in the Navy and nationwide. Motorcycle fatalities are also a continuing concern, with their own set of risk factors. However, the biggest risk factor Sailors face is completely within their control - training.

"The biggest challenge we face is closing the last tactical mile with regard to advanced motorcycle training," Torchia said. "Every sportbike rider is required to take the Military Sportbike Rider Course (MSRC), but right now there are about 2,000 sportbike riders who have not completed it. This training has proven value. Nine out of 12 sportbike riders who died in FY11 had not attended the course."

Torchia said the MSRC is provided at no cost to Sailors and is designed to be completed during the workday. No leave is required to attend the course. It covers both the different physical handling characteristics and the required mental attitudes for safe operation of these high-performance machines.

The MSRC was created after a spike in motorcycle fatalities in 2008, when 33 Sailors lost their lives while riding. After an initial training push, the number fell to 13 in FY2010, but crept up slightly to 16 in FY11. Eliminating all preventable PMV fatalities remains a top priority for NAVSAFECEN.

NETC Excellence in Safety Award Winners Announced

By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced the winners of the Fiscal Year 2011 NETC Excellence in Safety Awards Feb. 6.

The award recognizes outstanding performance in the areas of safety and risk management in a training and education environment.

"Safety is a fundamental enabler of combat readiness," said Rear Adm. Don Quinn, NETC commander. "Instilling good safety and risk management habits during initial training makes our training more effective and prepares Sailors for their introduction to the fleet. The efforts of our winners have set the standard for the domain and have directly contributed to fleet combat readiness."

- The NETC domain activity excellence in safety award recipient is Trident Training facility, Kings Bay, Ga.

- The NETC domain individual excellence in safety award recipient is Steven George, Naval Construction Training Center, Port Hueneme, Calif.

- The individual excellence in safety (collateral duty) award recipient is Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SS) Richard Hicks, Trident Training Facility, Bangor, Wash.

"The contributions that these safety professionals have made, both on the organizational and individual level, have greatly contributed to the present and future success of our most valuable assets, our Sailors," said Donald J. Leavens, NETC special assistant for safety. "Their attention to detail and willingness to adapt to a changing environment have made a direct and tangible improvement in all areas of safety."

The three overall winners will receive a certificate and trophy which will be presented during the NETC breakout session at the Naval Safety Center's Professional Development Conference March 12.

Safety Officers Offer Cold-weather Tips

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 – Despite an unseasonably mild winter for much of the United States, military safety officials offer a reminder that Old Man Winter still has two months to go as they underscore the importance of winter safety for service members and their families.

“The month of February often packs a big winter punch, and it’s not too late to prepare,” advised April Phillips, public affairs director for the U.S. Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Va.

The Naval Safety Center, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala., and U.S. Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., all kicked off winter safety campaigns in the fall, emphasizing that winter conditions require special precautions -- both on and off duty.

They’re increasingly using social media and blogs among other outreach tools to raise awareness and provide tips on everything from how to drive in hazardous blizzard conditions to how to shovel heavy snow.

For example, in addition to advising commanders to build and manage quality winter safety programs for their units, the

Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center also promoted a “Take 5” message that promotes safety awareness to families and Army civilians as well.

It encourages members of the Army community to “Take 5” -- that’s five minutes, five seconds or more or fewer as necessary -- to think situations through to make the right safety decisions, explained Army Brig. Gen. William T. Wolf, the Army center director, in his message to the field.

That brief pause, he said, can make a difference in preventing accidental death and injury.

“Colder months present unique challenges for keeping our soldiers and their family members safe,” Wolf noted. “By working together, we can reduce the risk in all fall and winter activities. Make a plan [and] get the right gear.”

Driving in icy, snowy and dark conditions is among the most dangerous winter activities. Phillips reported, for example, that seven of the nine sailors and Marines killed in off-duty accidents from Dec. 1 to Jan. 19 were involved in motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents.

A Naval Safety Center fact sheet, “Winter, Your Car, and You,” urges service members to ensure their personally owned vehicles are in shape for winter by inspecting the battery, ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts; changing and adjusting the spark plugs, ensuring tires have adequate tread; and checking the antifreeze level.

Navy safety officials also recommended keeping a winter survival kit in the trunk, with essential supplies including a working flashlight and spare batteries, first-aid kit, ice scraper and snow brush, blankets and nonperishable, high-energy foods such as nuts and granola bars.

Few military bases in the United States have winter safety awareness programs as active as the one at Joint Base Elmendorf-Fort Richardson, Alaska -- a state that’s been buried in record snowfalls this winter.

Commanders there put out regular guidance to ensure their military members and families are prepared to deal with deep snow, ice, frigid cold and long hours of darkness, said media relations officer Chuck Canterbury.

Among guidance they provide is to wear several layers of clothing for warmth, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, keep vehicles stocked with emergency items and make sure school children’s clothing has glow-in-the-dark markings when they walk in winter darkness to and from the on-base school, he said.

The message appears to be resonating with the military community as people look out for each other, Canterbury said. So far this winter, no off-duty fatalities have been reported.

“Service members use the buddy system,” he said. “By [observing] your buddy, you can keep him safe from frostbite and other cold weather dangers.”

According to officials at the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, being able to recognize these dangers is the key to avoid cold-weather injuries. They offer these descriptions of the most common cold-weather injuries:

-- Frostbite. Frostbite is the freezing of skin tissue that can extend through all layers of the skin and freeze muscle and bone. Frozen skin may turn red and then gray-blue with blisters. In the worst cases, the skin dies and turns blue-black, often requiring amputation. Deep frozen skin feels “wooden” to the touch, with zero mobility of the affected body part. Instantaneous frostbite can occur when skin comes into contact with super-cooled liquids including petroleum, oils and lubricants, antifreeze and alcohol, all of which remain liquid at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

-- Frostnip. Frostnip is the freezing of the top layers of the skin and is considered the first degree of frostbite. Frostnip usually results from short-duration exposure to cold air or contact with a cold object, such as metal. Exposed skin such as the cheeks, ears, fingers and wrists are more likely to develop frostnip.

-- Chilblains. Chilblains is a nonfreezing cold injury that results from repeated, prolonged skin exposure to cold and wet temperatures above freezing. Exposed skin becomes red, tender and hot to the touch and is usually itchy. These symptoms can worsen to an aching, “pins-and-needles” sensation, then numbness. Chilblains can develop in exposed skin in only a few hours. The most commonly affected areas are the ears, nose, fingers and toes.

-- Immersion foot/trench foot. Immersion foot is a nonfreezing injury that results from prolonged exposure to wet conditions between 32 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or inactivity with damp socks and boots. Immersing feet in cold water, infrequent socks changing, poor hygiene and allowing sweat to accumulate in boots or gloves will soften the skin, causing tissue loss and often infection.

-- Hypothermia. Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition that involves cooling of the body’s core temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia occurs when body heat loss exceeds heat production due to prolonged cold exposure. Although hypothermia usually is associated with cold climates, it can occur at temperatures well above freezing, especially when a person is exposed to wet conditions for an extended period of time.

-- Dehydration. Dehydration, most commonly associated with hot weather, is a lack of water in the body. Less understood is that it’s also easy to become dehydrated in cold weather, when many people fail to drink enough liquids and underestimate fluid loss from sweating. Proper hydration is especially important in cold weather because dehydration adversely affects the body’s resistance to the cold, increasing the chance of injury.

Meanwhile, Army safety officials share these American Automobile Association tips for safe winter driving:

-- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly is the best method for maintaining traction and avoiding skids. Also, gradually slow down for stoplights. Remember, it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

-- Drive slowly. Everything, whether it’s accelerating, stopping or turning, takes longer on snow-covered roads than on dry pavement. Increase your following distance to eight to 10 seconds to provide more room to stop.

-- Know your brakes. Whether or not you have antilock brakes, the best way to stop is threshold braking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

-- Don't stop if you can avoid it. It’s a lot harder to overcome the inertia of a stopped vehicle than one that is still slowly rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

-- Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let it carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.

-- Don't stop while going uphill. There are few things more difficult than trying to get moving uphill on an icy road.

-- If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

The Air Force Safety Center also offers guidance during cold-weather recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, ice hockey, snowmobiling and ice skating:

-- Wear sunglasses. Sun reflecting off of snow can sunburn the whites of one's eyes. It's painful and unattractive, in addition to being bad for eye health. Be sure to wear sunglasses, even on partly cloudy days, if you're spending time around snow.

-- Wear sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the snow can cause wicked sunburn.

-- Drink water. Winter sports can be dehydrating, but the lack of heat often causes people to forget to drink enough, which can lead to nausea and faintness. Sufficient water can also help to adjust to higher altitudes.

-- Wear recommended safety gear. Research your activity and follow the recommended guidelines for safety gear. Helmets, pads, eye wear, and more are all worth it.

-- Maintain communication. Groups can be easily separated at ski resorts and in the mountains, so be sure to carry cell phones and walkie-talkies to stay in touch. Remember that cell coverage can be spotty to nonexistent in the places skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers love, so bring a back up form of communication to keep from getting separated from your group.

-- Adjust to the altitude. If you're coming from a lower altitude to a higher one, be careful to listen to your body. Don't overdo it, and be sure to get plenty of water and rest. If you don't have time to gently adjust for a day or two after arriving in high altitude, then take plenty of breaks and listen carefully to your body.

(Donna Miles of American Forces Press Service contributed to this article.)