Holloman hosts Safety Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica Salgado
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  To kick off the New Year, Holloman hosted a Safety Day for all members who work on base to stress the importance of safety in all activities and encourage a culture of responsible choices. 

"Although we accept risk for mission accomplishment, I urge you to think about ways to risk manage the mission in a smart and safe manner," said Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing Commander. 

The Desert Sands Enlisted Club hosted organizations that provided helpful services aimed toward personal safety and reminded Airmen they are not alone. 

Both the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and the Drug Demand Reduction Program set up booths to provide information to Airmen about services available to assist them with any concerns they may have. 

To avoid measures which may harm Airmen in on- or off-duty related incidents, risk management focus group discussions were held by Scott Dorton, operational safety and health technician, and Tracey Spencer, sexual assault response coordinator. 

According to Mr. Dorton, thinking in terms of prevention is a tool that helps raise operational risk management awareness in the work place. His discussion of the ORM six-step process included topics such as identifying hazards, assessing the risks, analyzing risk control measures and making controlled decisions. 

One area where Airmen were given the opportunity to understand the results of good decision making was a go-cart track, where "beer" goggles were used to simulate the experience of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

"We wanted to show people how difficult it is to drive under the influence and to try to deter them from doing so," said Staff Sergeant Brian Thompson, 49th FW Safety Office ground safety journeyman. "I felt that it made an impact on the Airmen." 

Holloman's Safety Day was also intended to let all Airmen know that there is always a safer and better way to prevent loss or damage to themselves or others. 

One option for Airmen to use in the event that they've had "one too many" drinks is to call 572-RIDE. The volunteer supported program provided 456 Airmen with safe rides home during 2008. 

"That doesn't come close to the number of lives impacted by bringing each one safely home," said Master Sgt. Anna Futrell, 4th Space Control Squadron. 

Additional safety standards were also implemented at the Holloman all-terrain and dirt bike track. Mr. Dan Salinas, of the 49th FW Safety Office, taught Airmen the proper way to drive a four-wheeler. Mr. Salinas also provided guidance on using protective wear while using an ATV. 

"Utilizing common sense and understanding that for every action, there is a reaction, helps us make better decisions," said Master Sergeant Christopher Brown, 49th Fighter Wing safety office superintendent.