Monday June 1, 2009
What is it?
The National Safety Council has declared June as National Safety Month. Summer brings an entirely new set of hazards that are just lurking around the corner in an attempt to trap the unwary and unprepared. For example, it's very easy just to hop on your motorcycle without the proper safety attire, and without it - a spill will kill. Summer also means time at the beach for Army personnel as well as families with many hazards associated with rip currents or as well as while operating watercraft. National Safety Month is designed to increase a person's knowledge of safety hazards and how to prevent them.
What has the Army done?
While safety is paramount 24/7/365, personnel need to be reminded to practice good safety habits. During June the Army Combat Readiness Center and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Army Environmental Safety and Occupational Health plan an all out campaign to ensure that Army personnel and their families are aware of the hazards associated with summer and how to ensure they are doing all they can to stay safe. A recent example was Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month with events held at many installations, including the Pentagon, on safety riding techniques and safety gear.
What continued efforts does the Army have for the future?
In addition to continuing safety campaigns throughout the year, the Army is hosting a Pentagon Tri-Service Safety and Health Fair on June 19 from 0900 to 1400 in the Pentagon courtyard. The event, held as a kick-off for National Safety Month and the summer season, emphasizes the importance of safety awareness in daily activities as well as personal health and healthy living. The fair features safety discussions and materials, exhibit/display presentations, emergency preparedness, emergency response, and wellness activities including blood pressure checks, bone density screening, occupational health, nutrition, exercise, and health promotion initiatives.
Why is this important to the Army?
Safety and health is essential in all aspects of daily living. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and their families are our most important assets. The Army wants to ensure all personnel and their families have a safe and enjoyable summer.
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
A CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT
WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS
ABOUT THE ARMY
"The challenge in Afghanistan is so complex, and so untraditional, that it can only be met by all of us working in concert. All must contribute what they can to a cause that demands the full attention of the international community."
- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, at the "Shangri-La Dialogue" Asia security summit, Singapore, calling on U.S. allies in Asia to render more aid to bolster the fight in Afghanistan
"You've got two choices. You can either lay down and quit, or you can stand up and fight through your problems and overcome them."
- Sgt. John Hoxie, 24, awarded the Bronze Star, lost his left arm and leg to an I.E.D. while serving with the 82nd in Iraq in 2007
STAND-TO! is an information paper-based web platform that supports the U.S. Army’s strategic communication objectives.
The information papers -- written, approved and submitted by the Army agencies -- provide a broad, objective view of the Army’s current operations, doctrine and programs. The "Today’s Focus" topics highlight Army Staff initiatives and support Army wide strategic-level issues.
All published editions are sent to subscribers via email and archived daily in the STAND-TO! Archives.
STAND-TO! falls under the management of the Online and Social Media Division (OSMD) in the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs (OCPA).
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.