F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- We will take time to re-focus on safety and ward off complacency during the 20th Air Force Safety Down Day, January 3, 2017.
We all become complacent about many things, and it’s not necessarily bad. If we worried about every little thing in our lives, then life would not be enjoyable. However, when it comes to your safety and the safety of our mission, complacency is the enemy. All too often, we allow that enemy to creep into our daily routines, both on and off duty.
It is fitting for us to take a day to look at the “safe” part of our mission. In a few short weeks, we will be going through an inspection which will certainly highlight if we have become complacent in our duties.
One of the best ways to combat complacency is by considering the four “Cs”: compliance, commitment, competence and composure.
During the safety day, you will have the opportunity to consider and personally apply these tenets. I encourage you to think beyond mission-related tasks. Expand your discussions to your off-duty life.
For example, are you compliant with off-base speed limits? Does your commitment to safety end at the base gate? Are you competent using that power tool you got for Christmas having never read the instructions? Are you composed enough to look at every activity with a level-headed approach to risk management?
Remember, risk management in your off-duty life does not mean avoiding all risks. It only applies to the dangers which may cause serious harm to you or others.
Finally, as you gather in your units to discuss safety, don’t just check the box. Leverage the opportunity to be honest with yourself and with others. No one is perfect, but as we all strive for excellence and safety in all we do, we will continue to fulfill our mandate to execute the nuclear mission safely, securely and effectively.