National Safety Month

What is it?

National Safety Month, sponsored by the nonprofit National Safety Council and observed each June, offers Army leaders a prime opportunity to energize their accident prevention efforts and engage with their Soldiers on safety. The annual event is endorsed and recognized as an official Army observance by senior Army leadership.

What has the Army done?

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center is launching an Army-wide campaign June 1 to mark National Safety Month. Media products including feature articles, posters and informational videos - with appearances by Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Army chief of staff and Raymond F. Chandler III, sergeant major of the Army - will be available on the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center.

Materials will focus on different aspects of safety in the Army, including civilian injury prevention, ground operations, aviation operations and driving. All products will be available for electronic download by individual users, who may then reproduce or broadcast the information as required to meet their unit’s needs.

What efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army will continue its annual observance of National Safety Month, with the USACR/Safety Center providing supporting products and tools for users in the field. While yearly campaigns may differ in topic areas or focus, materials will always be developed according to the Army’s latest accident trends and risk mitigation initiatives.

Why is this important to the Army?

The spring and summer months are historically the most dangerous time of year for Soldiers off duty, especially regarding accidents involving privately owned vehicles, privately owned motorcycles and personal watercraft. Every day is critical when it comes to risk, and leaders, Soldiers, family members and Army civilians must work together to prevent needless losses within their formations. By using National Safety Month as a starting point for dialogue, leaders can establish or enhance safety programs that pay dividends throughout the year, regardless of season.

Resources

• Tri-signed letter: Senior Leaders message on National Safety Month 2013
• Secretary of Defense’s message
• Videos with leader’s messages:
• Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno talks about National Safety Month
• Sergeant Major of the Army talks about National Safety Month
• CSM Stidley’s Summer Safety PSA
• Campaigns:
• National Safety Month 2013
• Summer Safety
• U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center
• Related articles:
• Army promotes National Safety Month
• Army launches ‘Know the Signs’ summer safety campaign