Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Denny
okinawa marine staff

MARINE CORPS BASES JAPAN — The 101 critical days of summer campaign is coming to an end, but according to Marine Corps Base leadership, base personnel should remain vigilant when it comes to safety.

The critical days of summer campaign kicked off this year with safety briefs and an awareness campaign designed to educate personnel on ways to remain safe. The purpose of these briefs were to be proactive and help prevent mishaps before they occur, said Forrest Williams, a safety and occupational health specialist with Installation Safety, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

Overall, the past summer months were successful in having no fatalities or severe injuries, according to Dale E. Avery, the occupational safety and health supervisor for Marine Corps Bases Japan.

“We feel like we got a lot of information out to the public this past summer,” he said. “The more safety information that is distributed to the public helps reduce the amount of safety-related incidents. Our goal here at the safety office is to inform as many individuals as possible about the hazards of summer on Okinawa,” added Avery.

Safety within the units is not only a personal task but leaders can re-enforce safety with something as simple as ensuring hydration.

If service members keep safety in the forefront of their minds, and practice safety in the workplace, it could make the difference of saving a life or not, Avery added.

While the campaign comes to a close, safety personnel advise individuals to continue to pay close attention to their surroundings and potentially unsafe situations.

Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, recently released a Labor Day message reminding Marines and sailors that even though summer is over, it is still important to think and act safe all year long.

“It is my intent that throughout the holiday period, we account for every one of our Marines and sailors ensuring their safety and welfare,” said Robling. “NCO leadership, supervision and safety briefs are the cornerstone of safely completing the mission. One Marine or sailor lost is one too many! Let us not forget our brothers and sisters serving overseas in harm’s way during this holiday period. Continue being ambassadors of our great Marine Corps, be safe and protect those around you.”

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is important for people to be safe during the long weekends and ensure if you are drinking, you do it at a moderate level, added Avery.

The biggest cause of safety incidents during this time of year is alcohol abuse, said Avery. Those who drink alcohol should hydrate before, during and after consuming alcohol. For unaccompanied Marines, rather than going out and drinking or sitting in a barracks room, the Single Marine Program offers multiple tours, activities, events and volunteer opportunities to keep Marines occupied and have fun while seeing the island, he added.

The next biggest concern is safety within the workplace. During the holidays Marines have a tendency to get in the holiday attitude, focus on off-duty activities and tend to become relaxed on duty and it affects the mission, said Avery.

For more information about proper safety procedures contact the MCBJ safety office at 645-2087 or visit http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil.