BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, May 7, 2015--Fire safety, vector control, and workplace violence were some of the subjects highlighted during Fluor's Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Week.
Fluor, a contractor, is sponsoring HSE week as part of its annual "Bring Safety Home" campaign. This year's theme is "Think Global and Act Local." Events for the week, from May 4 to 8, were held not only at BAF but also at Resolute Support Headquarters, and forward operating base (FOB) Gamberi.
Fluor has 7,800 employees spread across 10 FOBs in northern Afghanistan to include BAF. It provides services such as dining facility operations, electrical facilities maintenance, plumbing, construction, waste management, water treatment, and HVAC. Its logistical support includes aerial port operations, ammunition supply, and air and ground movement control operations.
On May 6, information booths filled up the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building along with a booth contest, and a recycling presentation by Joshua Similien, service specialist.
At his booth, Matthew Gannon, Fluor IT technician, told visitors it's important to know how to sit at your computer.
"You can sit in an uncomfortable posture and get back pain," he said. "You can cause long-term damage to your back. So don't stay at a computer all day. Lock your computer and walk away from your desk for a bit."
On May 7, Community Safety Day, BAF's Post Exchange quad area was abuzz with music by the 3rd Infantry Division Band, "55 Heroes," plus booth raffles and giveaways. AMK9 Dogs gave a working dog demonstration, and the Fire Department rounded up volunteers for a life-saving presentation. Booths included "Driving the Speed Limit," "U.S. Army Reserves," "TF Medical," and "Housekeeping in Living Areas."
Brad Jones, AMK9 Dogs trainer, said that all of its dogs, German shepherds from Holland, work until they're 7 years old. Also, when it's over 100 degrees outside, the dogs work for 20 minutes then take an hourlong break. One dog in his demonstration, Kantor, discovered the largest heroin find in country.
Jarrold Reeves, Fluor's deputy project manager for Material Management, said that each Fluor office throughout the world appoints a safety champion that leads in the planning, coordination, and execution of HSE Week. Reeves, the champion in Afghanistan, said his team has been planning HSE Week since early February.
"Thanks to the support from the Garrison commander and command sergeant major," Reeves said. "And to the military and all communities that are participating. And thanks to my staff, especially Travis Loustaunau and Steven Mccollough, for their work in planning and coordinating Fluor's HSE Week and Community Safety Day."
Larry Kilgore, deputy to the Garrison Commander, said Safety Week is a positive way to emphasize safety. He said whether it's from the proper wearing of ear phones in the right environment to the walking around in periods of limited visibility, we all must be cognizant of our surroundings and take care of each other.
"We have a lot ongoing within the confines of the base," he said. "With the many facets of our day-to-day workloads, it is very easy to become complacent when it comes to safety. All of our dedicated service members and civilian workforce want to get the commander's mission accomplished in the most expedient way possible. Many think they are invincible and many times safety gets neglected. When, in fact, we are not. We must not only look out for ourselves in our daily routine but look out for our battle buddies whether in our unit or another unit's organization."
Jaime Tissiere, lead fire prevention specialist, handed out information about fire evacuation, and smoke detector and extension cord fire safety tips.
"Be aware, be proud of your organization and its mission, and, above all else, be safe," Kilgore said. "We all want to return home to our families and companions."
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