Emphasis placed on high risk activities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen are encouraged to keep safety in mind by working with their supervisors to fill out the proper paperwork before participating in off-duty, high-risk activities.

According to Air Force Instruction 91-202, U.S. Air Force Mishap Program, a high-risk activity is any sport or activity in which a mishap could result in serious injury or death.

"If Airmen decide to engage in high-risk activities, they should get with their supervisor and fill out AF Form 4391," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hill, 28th Bomb Wing ground safety technician. "The process ensures Airmen are briefed on safety measures and precautions while participating in the specific activity or sport."

Air Education and Training Command designates bungee jumping, hang gliding, kayaking, motorcycle racing, scuba diving and skydiving as specific examples of high-risk activities.

"Many activities can be high-risk," Hill said. "If Airmen are not sure about how to classify an activity, they should ask their supervisors."

Hill added that many winter sports and activities, which Airmen may choose to participate in around the Black Hills area, are in fact considered high-risk - like snowboarding, skiing, hunting or ice fishing.

After a safety briefing, the commander decides if the member may participate in an activity. The commander may also set preconditions for a particular activity.

According to Air Force Form 4391, the risk assessment is not intended to prohibit personnel from participating in high-risk activities, but to ensure they are familiar with the hazards and injury potential associated with these activities.

"Risk assessment determines the physical and mental readiness of interviewees," Hill said. "It's an additional tool to ensure Airmen are safe and  not putting life or limb at an unacceptable level of risk."

Some Airmen participate in multiple high-risk sports and activities.

"I rock climb and snowboard," said Senior Airman Brody Schneider, 28th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller. "I also mountain bike in the hills."

His activities can be listed on the Air Force Form 4391, and the process is one that not only benefits the person at risk, but the Air Force as well, he said.

"Anything could happen in a high-risk activity, and it's important for all ranks and ages to inform supervisors and commanders of these types of activities," Schneider said. "If anything happens to someone, it [can] affect the unit as a whole."

To find out more, contact ground safety at (605) 385-7233.