Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Sgt. Jose Lopez, from Fort Worth, Texas, moves a shipment of medical...... read more read more
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar — U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Howard, Area Support Group Qatar senior enlisted leader, toured installation facilities to congratulate service members for officially completing 400 days without significant military personnel injury or government property loss at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 3.
For well over a year, the military workforce at the installation has prevented missed work days and slowed production tempos by executing a safety program that resulted in no recordable incidents. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recognizes recordable accidents as: Class A, an incident resulting in property loss over $1 million, death or permanent disability; Class B, property damage over $200,000, nonfatal accidents leading to permanent partial disability or hospitalization of three or more individuals; and Class C, property damage of over $20,000, nonfatal injury or illness resulting at least one day away from work or training.
"It's very rare that a brigade-level command achieves such an extensive term without any significant incidents," said Joel Pattillo, installation safety manager. Pattillo has spent over 16 years involved in Army safety programs. "This accomplishment is an indicator of a proactive approach toward safety by all service members at Camp As Sayliyah. They are effectively identifying and mitigating risks in their workplaces."
After announcing 300 days in March, safety officials discovered the installation was performing better than previously thought. An extensive audit of records rushed the intense crawl pass the coveted 365-day mark.
"Looking back, the last recordable incident was documented on April 27, 2008," said Pattillo. "It was an R&R participant who got injured at a water sports venue." ASG-QA is well known for executing the only authorized U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program in Southwest Asia. Since its 2004 inception, over 180,000 war fighters have traveled to Camp As Sayliyah for a brief respite from regional military operations.
"Service members who come here for a rest are a great concern," he said. "It's easy to become distracted while attempting to obtain a mental and physical recharge."
Aside from the R&R program, Camp As Sayliyah functions as a hefty hub for onward movements supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Installation residents battle safety risks associated with repetitive logistical operations.
"We are constantly exposed to risks associated with receiving, refurbishing and shipping light, medium and heavy tactical vehicles," said Sgt 1st Class Lee Bolding, from Gulfport, Miss. Bolding is the 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade maintenance non-commissioned officer in charge of maintenance operations supporting vehicle requirements for combat operations in Afghanistan.
"We try to minimize workplace complacency by conducting two safety briefs every day," said Bolding. "One in the morning prior to work and the other in the afternoon — to tackle 'post-lunch syndrome,' a time when people are full of food and tired. The afternoon is an important to time to remind everyone about Army and installation safety regulations."
"Downloading equipment is the most dangerous thing we do," said Sgt. 1st Class Marlon Wade from Orlando, Fla. Wade is a 1-401 AFSB logistics material control non-commissioned officer. He manages the prepositioning of vehicle repair parts for onward movement throughout Southwest Asia. "We try to move most of our parts in the daylight to mitigate risks. Safety training is constantly provided by contracted supply specialists."
"Forklifts are our biggest risk," said Sgt. Jose Lopez, from Fort Worth, Texas. "Operators must be aware of their surroundings at all times." Lopez is the 354th Medical Logistics assistant non-commissioned officer in charge of the medical material receiving section at the Qatar base. The reserve unit from Seagoville, Texas, facilitates the shipping of life-saving medical supplies to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"We do remedial safety training before each shipment arrives," said Lopez. "During the training, we discuss ways to execute proper risk management to keep everyone safe."
"We're getting ready to turn on a diesel-powered generator," said Pfc. John Harms, from Fairfield, Calif., while accompanied by several other Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. "It generates enough power to support large work centers. Since we run the risk of shock, it's important to remove loose clothing, jewelry, dog tags — anything that could get snagged. We officially perform safety training monthly, but we also spend time discussing risk management with each other every day."
"This 400-day milestone is a joint effort from everyone on camp," said Howard. "This great achievement is made even more impressive when considering the enormous amount of people who consistently work in a pushed atmosphere — one that is always striving to meet deadlines and save money."
"Our NCO corps is the backbone of the commendable safety program at Camp As Sayliyah," he said. "They're out there giving risk management classes, as well as conducting personnel and equipment inspections. They are committed to enforcing standards - to best support their battle buddies downrange."
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.03.2009 14:13 |
| Story ID: | 34494 |
| Location: | CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA |
| Web Views: | 552 |
| Downloads: | 442 |
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