U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station hosts safety event for employees

By Lauren Hall, USAG Torii Station Public AffairsNovember 21, 2013

USAG Torii Station hosts safety event
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USAG Torii Station hosts safety event
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OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 21, 2013) -- U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station's Safety Office hosted a safety event Nov. 21 to remind employees to stay safe during the holiday season while on and off duty.

Highlights of the event included exhibits such as goggles that simulate the effects of being intoxicated, a seatbelt convincer simulator to help show the importance of wearing a seatbelt and a quick foot/arm simulator that tests an individual's reaction time that it takes to make an action after recognizing a dangerous situation such as someone driving under the influence or texting.

Members of the U.S. Army Garrison Fire and Emergency Services department demonstrated how to properly use a fire extinguisher and allowed participants to try their hand at fighting a simulated fire.

Takayo Nakashima, Community Relations Office, tested the DUI goggles at the highest level.

"I tried to walk straight, but I couldn't. I was running into things and falling down," said Nakashima.

Edward Guida, an industrial hygienist with U.S. Army MEDDAC-Japan, talked about the importance of workplace safety and said that back injuries are the most common type of injury employees suffer while at work.

Back injuries can be caused by using improper techniques while lifting, or if the item is too heavy or bulky.

Guida also explained the importance of having an ergonomically correct work environment with adjustable features on chairs, keyboards and monitors.

"Adapt the work to the employee, not the other way around," said Guida.

Some of the dangers to be aware of specifically during the holiday season include electrical decorations, Christmas trees, candles and making sure children and pets stay away from electrical cords and outlets.

In closing, Rob Stacy, safety director for USAG Torii Station, discussed fire safety and explained the different classes of fires and the types of extinguisher that should be used on each.