Ellsworth kicks off summer safety campaign

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth leaders conducted a series of safety briefings for Airmen throughout the day May 24, at the base theater to kick off the Air Force's Critical Days of Summer campaign.

"The objective of the 2012 campaign is to call attention to the potential safety threats Airmen can face during the summer," said Tech. Sgt. Shane Christian, 28th Bomb Wing NCO in charge of ground safety. "Our goal is to have zero off-duty, preventable mishaps through education and motivation from supervision at all levels."

This year, the Air Force's theme for the Critical Days of Summer campaign is "Safety - It's Personal." Christian said the Air Force typically experiences 30 percent of its annual mishaps during the summer.

Among the many topics covered in the briefings, motor vehicle accidents and recreational injuries were the main focus areas.

"During previous summers, private motor vehicle accidents were the primary cause of death, but there has also been a slight increase in sport and recreational related mishaps," Christian said.

Throughout the next 15 weeks, 10 modules will be disseminated by the 28th BW safety office to Airmen and their families covering a variety of topics, including sports, driving, and proper hydration safety.

"We want all Airmen on base to have fun this summer, but still take safety into consideration," Christian said. "The decisions Airmen make will not only affect themselves, but their families and colleagues as well."