Correct and report workplace hazards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHRARDSON, Alaska --  Making sure workcenters are free of hazards and deficiencies is just as necessary for mission readiness as a trip to the doctor.

To ensure the safety of base personnel and continue mission readiness, the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson occupational safety office is encouraging people to correct or report hazards in workcenters.

"The importance of timely identification and reporting of hazards is that it contributes greatly to effective mishap prevention," said Curtis Wolford, 673d Air Base Wing Safety Office specialist. "Mishap prevention is the minimization of loss of Air Force resources and protecting Air Force personnel from death, injuries or occupational illnesses by managing risks on- and off-duty. Mishap prevention depends on personnel identifying, reporting and correcting hazards promptly and efficiently."

As with any action, there are appropriate procedures for reporting workplace hazards.

"The first step is for individuals to utilize their chain of command," Wolford said. "It's important I mention both managers and supervisors will not allow coercion, discrimination or reprisal against an Airman who exercises their right to report hazards."

"If, however, the individual feels that their chain of command has not adequately addressed their concern, they can submit an Air Force Form 457 to their local safety office," he said. "That process is defined in [Air Force Instruction] 91-202."

At this point in 2016, icy exterior walkways are one of the most common reported unsafe work conditions, Wolford said.

Slips on the ice are much more common as the seasons change from winter to spring because people assume they don't need traction devices, said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Murphy, 673d ABW Safety Office occupational safety technician.

But slips are not exclusive to outdoor walkways.

"In an office environment, we are going to have different materials on the ground," he said.

"Preventing these issues involves self-policing. By keeping [unnecessary things] off the floor, and keeping pathways clear, we can eliminate a lot of our tripping hazards."

The potential hazards found in workcenters are more than just slips trips and falls.

"Someone might want their office configured a certain way, but when there aren't enough outlets, they are forced to daisy-chain power strips [causing a fire hazard]," Murphy said. "By reorganizing their workspace, they can eliminate a lot of their safety hazards."

In general, anything that could potentially be a hazard should be corrected or reported.

"It's important that personnel not view hazard reporting as only a workplace item," Wolford said. "If someone is at the base gym, [Exchange] or anywhere else on base and feels that there may be a hazard, they should contact the area supervisor or [NCO in charge] if possible. If not, they should contact 673d ABW Safety."