Safe and secure: observing safety throughout the summer Published June 2, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The National Safety Council has designated June as "National Safety Month." This national annual campaign continues all month long with this year's overall theme "Celebrating Safe Communities." "Each year the National Safety Council helps raise awareness about safety at work and at home," said Kevin Greene, 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office Chief of Ground Safety. "The Air Force, just like in the general populace, is experiencing a rise in preventable off-duty injuries and deaths making recreation and home safety more important than ever. "The Department of Defense 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Campaign has also begun along with National Safety Month, leading us into the Air Force Safety Year of the Air Force Family," said Mr. Greene. According to the National Safety Council, non-work accidental injury rate has increased dramatically. Nine out of 10 accidental fatalities and two-thirds of disabling injuries to workers occur while off the job. While these statistics are nation wide, recent reports from the 436th AW Safety Office show they have observed risky driving behavior from members at Dover Air Force Base. "Team Dover members have been caught participating in illegal high-risk activities while operating a motor vehicle such as driving without proper personal protective equipment or a seatbelt, and texting while driving," said Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Engram, 436th AW Safety Office Ground Safety NCO In-Charge. "Supervisors must stay involved in the safety of their subordinates both on- and off-duty because these types of trends will eventually lead to serious injury or even death," said Sergeant Engram. "It is important for everyone to understand the rules of the road. Safety is a lifestyle, not a one time event." The 436th AW Safety Office suggests Team Dover to remember to perform "simple acts of safety" while on and off the job. "It is important to help reduce needless accidents and to protect our fellow Airman, friends and family," said Tim Hahn, 436th AW Safety Office Occupational Safety and Health Specialist. "A seemingly small act like reminding your coworkers to buckle-up can go a long way and make a huge difference." The National Safety Council has designated each week with a different safety focus and specific tips as listed: Week I - WORKPLACE · Personal Protective Equipment · Ergonomics · Lifting · Working Safely at Heights Week II - DRIVING · Driving Behaviors · Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving Week III - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS · Emergency Preparedness Workplace · Emergency Preparedness Home Week IV - HOME and COMMUNITY · Indoor Air Quality · Falls in the Home · Poisoning Prevention · Fire Prevention For more information, visit www.nsc.org.