AF Occupational Safety sponsors Fall Protection Focus weeks

Senior Airman Phillip Wise, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuels system maintenance technician, watches over as Staff Sgt. Steven Strand, 92nd CES water and fuels system maintenance technician, goes through a confined spaces checklist before being hoisted down a fuel tank May 4, 2016, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Air Force Occupational Safety sponsored Fall Protection Focus weeks during the month of May to draw attention to avoidable mishaps due to falls. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

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AF Occupational Safety sponsors Fall Protection Focus weeks

Senior Airman Phillip Wise, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuels system maintenance technician, waits as Staff Sgt. Steven Strand, 92nd CES water and fuels system maintenance technician, adjusts cables before being hoisted down a fuel tank May 4, 2016, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Air Force Occupational Safety sponsored Fall Protection Focus weeks during the month of May to draw attention to avoidable mishaps due to falls. During calendar years 2011-2015, falls were responsible for 6,724 Air Force injuries that resulted in 42,539 lost work days and a cost of nearly $65 million. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

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AF Occupational Safety sponsors Fall Protection Focus weeks

Senior Airman Jose Moya, 92nd Maintenance Squadron periodic inspection journeyman, lays on the wing of a KC-135 while he assesses for any damages May 4, 2016, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Air Force Occupational Safety sponsored Fall Protection Focus weeks during the month of May to draw attention to avoidable mishaps due to falls. During the 2011-15 time-frame, there were 40 falls at Fairchild. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

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AF Occupational Safety sponsors Fall Protection Focus weeks

Published May 19, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Air Force Occupational Safety sponsored Fall Protection Focus weeks May 3-13, to draw attention to avoidable mishaps due to falls.

During calendar years 2011-2015, falls were responsible for 6,724 Air Force injuries that resulted in 42,539 lost work days and a cost of nearly $65 million.

"During the 2011-15 time-frame there were 40 falls at Fairchild; fall protection not only refers to working at heights, but also walking and working surfaces," said Mark Rupert, 92nd Air Refueling Wing occupational safety manager. "Of the 40 falls, 31 occurred while on duty; that resulted in 229 lost work days for a cost to the Air Force of approximately $80,000. Thirty-three of the mishaps occurred between the months of October and March, indicating how hazardous the winter months can be."

Throughout the Fall Protection Focus period, Air Force occupational safety professionals will remind active duty, Guard, Reserve, civilians and family members of the dangers of preventable falls.

"Prevention of fall-related injuries and fatalities through education and awareness keeps our Airmen mission-ready," said Bill Parsons, Air Force chief of occupational safety. "Fall-related injuries result not only from activities involving heights, but more commonly on wet surfaces or stumbles over walkways. Most falls are preventable if we follow the appropriate safety guidelines and focus on basic safety practices."

The safety office conducts spot inspections year-round, Rupert said. Supervisors should remind Airmen to keep their work areas clean and dry and to be cautious of their surroundings.

For more information about Fall Protection, visit: http://www.afsec.af.mil/occupationalsafetydivision/fallprotection.asp