SAFETY SAVES SOLDIERS
|
|
SAFETY SAVES SOLDIERS |
|
Safety and Leader Support
Michael L. Davis
Army missions are demanding and become complex as the Army is forced to extend operations. Missions are also inherently dangerous, not only for personnel but also for equipment. Leaders of all ranks must remember to integrate the Army Safety Program into all military decisions.
|
While leaders are responsible for the overall goals of the Army Safety Program, all personnel are responsible for following all standards and using their training to help reduce accidents and injuries. |
Remember that budgetary requirements need amendments to meet all safety measures, including safety training or equipment replacement if damaged or destroyed. Lack of resources cannot be used as an excuse for not complying with safety standards.
|
Safety, supervision and controls do not work when the unit’s safety program is not supported and resources are not provided. |
A proactive safety program provides for successful accomplishment by training personnel on hazards and how to avoid them. Leaders must influence personnel to accomplish the mission with direction, support, resources, manpower, training and motivation. Only total support of safety programs - not just verbal support - training and practice can make individual Soldiers and the unit proficient in safely performing the tasks that make up a mission. Leaders need to identify specific actions that will support their safety programs.
The following are some benefits of supporting an effective safety program:
Helps a leader to identify realistic controls that are clear, practical and specific.
Allows accountability by leaders.
Useful as reinforcement training.
Assists in identifying areas in the unit that may require supervision or additional training
Identifies feasible and effective control measures where published standards do not exist
Allows a leader to identify the major hazards that personnel and equipment will face during a training event or during a real operation
Enhances situational awareness as a unit safety program
Helps leaders to maintain Army standards and discipline
Helps identify weak points in the unit capabilities and how to improve the unit abilities
Acts as a very good tool to assess the ever-changing hazards that may affect an operation
Helps leaders in making decisions that balance risk with mission benefits.
Allows leaders to conserve lives and equipment
Helps reduce the degradation of the mission and increases unit effectiveness
Failure to enforce safety requirements makes operations costly as measured by loss of personnel and equipment, and damage to the environment. Support of safety is not just leader’s business - everyone makes safety happen! However, accidents can be reduced only when the tools of the Army Safety Program are integrated, used and applied to the unit’s mission.