Summer campaign puts the heat on safety Published May 20, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Monica L. Dalberg 514th Air Mobilty Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Summer is nearing and for many Airmen it's a time for more outdoor activities. As temperatures rise, so does the number of Airmen involved in mishaps that can often be fatal. The Air Force's annual Critical Days of Summer campaign kicks off Memorial Day Weekend, May 28, and runs through Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 7, and is a reminder of precautions we must take to avoid injuries. The campaign emphasizes the need for every Airman to be a wingman, mentor and safety leader and to take a proactive approach to saving lives this summer. Air Force officials ordered a half-day stand down May 10 to jump-start the summer campaign and to focus on the increase in Air Force suicides, rejuvenate the wingman concept and examine the loss of Airmen to private motor vehicle accidents. According to United States Air Force Chief of Staff, General Norton A. Schwartz, 18 Airmen and three civilians have taken their own lives so far this year and some 50 members are killed in motor vehicle accidents each year. Automobile and motorcycle accidents are the greatest single killer of Airmen. According to General Norton, Airmen must manage trip risks, reduce their speed and wear seatbelts regardless of seating position in an automobile. Fatigue is a contributing factor to many mishaps, stated Chief of Safety, Lt. Col. Mark Ustaszewski, 514th Air Mobility Wing, here. As we come into summer we are shifting gears, the weather is nice, the days are longer and we try to fit in more activities, he said. We must keep in mind people can become more fatigued than expected and then have to drive home from a unit training assembly, he added. "We take part in activities we haven't done in a while and something as benign as breaking out the lawn mower for the first time in a while requires thought," stated Colonel Ustaszewski. Airmen should consider the five M's of risk management; man, machine, media, mission and management by asking themselves the following questions, said the safety officer. 1. Man - Consider if you're physically in shape to take on the task. 2. Machine - Is your equipment such as a boat or lawn mower in good working condition and tuned up? 3. Media - Keep in mind the environment or terrain you'll be active in, like how rough is the water if you're going boating and if you're going mountain biking, how muddy is it out there? 4. Mission - What is your mission and are you trying to accomplish too much in one day? 5. Management - If you're having a party at your house, are you setting an example of conduct and are you making sure everyone is safe and not drinking and driving? Staying safe essentially takes forethought and action, he said. General Norton stated reaching a goal of zero accidents and fatalities requires each and every Airman to be a wingman, mentor and safety leader. Colonel Ustaszewski added it's important to be willing to step up to the plate and question actions when you see someone doing something unsafe, even if it's embarrassing at the moment. He said common sense is vital for effective risk management. "My summer fun activities will include sun block," said Senior Airman Heidi Schneider, of the 514th Civil Engineering Squadron, here, who will purchase her first home this summer. "I'm new at the whole landscaping thing and I'm looking forward to it," said Airman Schneider. "I have some trees I have to take down, so I'll make sure I have the proper safety equipment like gloves, goggles and make sure everything is out of the way." Airman Schneider added she would keep in mind to use leg strength when lifting heavy objects like tree limbs. The theme of the Critical Days of Summer campaign has not yet been announced. Previous campaigns have focused on safety in the areas of motorcycling, water sports and summer heat. Visit the Air Force Safety Center Website at www.afsc.af.mil/information/campaigns/summer.asp to get the latest on summer safety tips.