180 Critical Days of Summer stresses increased safety awareness

  • Published
  • By Rod Krause
  • 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Team Minot is about to enter the 180 Critical Days of Summer, which runs from March 11 to September 6.

Most people are familiar with the 101 Critical Day of Summer. However, due to increased operations tempo and mishap trends, data shows that accidents pick up in March and do not taper off until October. Because of this, Air Force Global Strike Command and 8th Air Force have expanded the program to the 180 Critical Days.

The "180 Critical Days" campaign is a Team Minot campaign. It is important because it is a reminder of the increased level of activity people experience in one way or another over the summer months. It also helps to reveal the increased level of risk and exposure to mishaps producing situations.

Everyone should know there are challenges, limitations and risks involved in our daily lives and activities. Mishaps can be avoided. It's human nature to believe that mishaps only happen to "the other guy". However, everyone is the "other guy" to their friends, co-workers and family members.

As we prepare for work each day, no matter if one works in security, they are a cook, or they work on the flight line, remember that risk is inherent in everything we do. One of our duties is to minimize risk to ourselves and our co-workers. If you see someone committing or about to commit an un-safe act stop him or her. The bottom line, it's all about responsibility, integrity and duty to do the right thing. As the new 8th AF safety campaign will stress, "Safety -It Starts With You!"

Likewise, as we prepare to engage in recreational activities in our off-duty time, whether it's a family outing or a fishing trip to the local pond, people must think before they act.
 
The best preventative measure one can take is to imagine everything that can possibly go wrong (within reason!) and then take the appropriate actions to ensure they don't. Our families, friends and co-workers need us in their lives.

All of us at Team Safety wish each and every member a safe and enjoyable 180 Critical Days of Summer!