Annual Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation now available

By U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety CenterApril 30, 2013

Annual Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation now available
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 17, 2013) - With spring here and summer rapidly approaching, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently released an update to the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation, a tool designed to help Soldiers recognize hazards during these high-risk seasons.

Data from previous years show accidental fatalities generally rise between April and September, with a majority of those deaths occurring off duty.

"During the last five fiscal years, the Army has lost an average of 133 Soldiers to off-duty accidents annually," said USACR/Safety Center Command Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Stidley. "As an institution, we can and must change this trend."

The 2013 version of ODSAP, themed "What Have You Done to Save a Life Today?", contains materials and statistics that highlight the role of safety in off-duty activities, address risky behaviors and emphasize the often deadly consequences of fatigue and alcohol. Developed for use at battalion level and below, the package features embedded videos from actual Soldiers telling their safety stories, as well as speaker notes to prompt briefers during their presentation. While the complete briefing kit may be used as-is, leaders can tailor the information to reflect trends specific to their formations.

"Soldiers can be part of the solution in preventing the next accident and senseless loss of life," said Lt. Col. James Smith, director, USACR/Safety Center Ground Directorate. "This presentation provides great conversation starters for young leaders by sharing real-world stories Soldiers can relate to and talk about."

"Our goal is to help Soldiers recognize the off-duty hazards they face," Stidley said. "We need to ensure they apply the principles of training, discipline and standards, which they embrace on duty, to their off duty activities as well."

The 2013 presentation is available at https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP (AKO login is required).

Related Links:

U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center homepage

USACRC Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation

U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center on facebook