News

Critical Days of Summer: Say Something

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. – It’s that time of year again; days filled with evening barbeques, trips to the beach and late night fireworks.

 

“From Memorial Day through Labor Day, many of us will face increased exposure to hazards at home and on the job,” said Jim Mattis, the Secretary of Defense. “Warm weather and longer days combine for greater opportunities to travel, play sports, and enjoy recreational activities of every kind.”

 

When enjoying the summer weather and activities, remembering a few helpful tips can be a life saver. This year, the Air Force’s Critical Days of Summer theme is "Say Something."

 

According to Lorie Bellamy, 436th Airlift Wing occupational safety manager, the theme ‘Say Something’ refers to everyone’s responsibility to say something if they see an unsafe action. Step in, say something and stop it before an injury occurs or damaged is caused.

Remaining vigilant to your surroundings can make an impact. So, when something seems off, assess the risk and speak up when a situation seems unsafe. These actions can prevent unnecessary injuries and potential deaths.

 

“While the actions you took last year resulted in fewer losses than the year before, we still lost 59 noble warriors to a variety of fatal mishaps, primarily motor vehicle crashes and water-related activities,” said Mattis. “Therefore, I challenge you to build upon your excellent efforts from last year to continue this downward trend. To safely enjoy an active season this summer, each of us must learn and heed those lessons painfully gleaned from past mishaps.”

 

Mishaps not only affect the individual, they affect the mission as a whole.

 

“Injuries to personnel directly impacts the mission,” Bellamy said. “When someone is injured, they can’t do their job; and if they can’t do their job, they can’t push the mission forward.”

Remaining alert, and not taking unnecessary risks can be applied not only during the summer but throughout the year. If something is unsafe, it is important to say something at any time, it just might save a life.

 

For more information on CDS please contact their unit safety manager or the 436th AW safety office at (302) 677-3369.

 

This is a localized version of an article that originally appeared on the MacDill Air Force Base website and can be found here: www.macdill.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/1187850/critical-days-of-summer-say-something.