<b>Army Supports National Safety Month</b>

<b>What is it' </b>

The National Safety Council has designated June as National Safety Month and with this in mind, Soldiers, leaders and family members should think about how they can "Play It Safe" this summer. Historically, off-duty fatality rates increase from April to September, consequently there is a greater emphasis on warm weather activities such as grilling, water-related activities, ATV riding, dirt biking and more. Seasonal dangers include heat injuries, drowning, food preparation and storage dangers, sunburn and fireworks injuries.

National Safety Month is designed to increase everyone's knowledge about safety hazards and how to prevent them, and the Army's primary decision-making process, Composite Risk Management, can help identify hazards, reduce risk and prevent losses. More information about CRM and other tools and programs can be found at <a href="https://safety.army.mil/" target="_blank"> U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center </a>.

<b>What has the Army done' </b>

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Army Environmental Safety and Occupational Health have joined together to ensure that every member of the Army team has the information and resources they need to keep themselves safe, particularly through the high-risk summer season. On April 1, the USACR/Safety Center launched the 2010 Safe Summer campaign, which stresses the importance of proactive, prevention focused risk mitigation - especially when behind the wheel of an automobile or operating a motorcycle.

Safety is a yearlong exercise for everyone and while members of the Army family are encouraged to have fun during the summer months, they are reminded to keep a watchful eye on the risks associated with each activity.

Leaders, Soldiers and families must remain vigilant to protect against risk and drive down unnecessary losses in order to sustain our "Band of Brothers and Sisters."

<b>What continued efforts does the Army have for the future' </b>

The Army is hosting a Pentagon Tri-Service Safety and Health Fair on June 18 in the Pentagon courtyard. The event, held is support of National Safety Month and the Safe Summer program, emphasizes the importance of safety awareness in daily activities as well as personal health and healthy living.

<b>Why is this important to the Army' </b>

Soldiers are the centerpiece of our Army and are our most valuable combat resource. Off-duty accidents are preventable and through engaged leadership, we can and will drive down unnecessary accidental losses.

<b>Resources: </b>

<a href="https://safety.army.mil/" target="_blank"> U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center</a>

<a href="http://www.nsc.org/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">National Safety Council</a>

<i>Related article:</i> <a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/06/01/40058-army-implements-strategic-plan-to-improve-safety/" target="_blank"> Army implements strategic plan to improve safety</a>