REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Army leaders have long stated that its number one asset is its people - the Soldiers and civilian employees who work to defend the United States against enemy threats. But how does the Army defend its number one asset to ensure employees can complete their missions every work day?
The Army emphasizes employee safety and security through its Ready and Resilient Campaign, and by recognizing several observances related to emergency prevention and preparedness.
"Safety and security awareness should be applied to every facet of our lives," said Josette Paschal, the Aviation and Missile Command's Protection/Antiterrorism Security program manager.
"Those two considerations can lead to saving someone's life and to preventing harm to employees who are important to the success of our mission every day. For those of us involved in ensuring the safety and security of the Redstone workforce, we always put employee welfare first to prevent any injuries or danger."
At Redstone Arsenal, the importance of employee safety and security is communicated through Team Redstone Protection Day, an event that includes hands-on demonstrations to educate employees and their families on the best ways to remain safe and secure from both natural and manmade threats.
This year's event is set for April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the MWR Activity Field near Gate 10. It is hosted by AMCOM and Redstone Garrison.
"Team Redstone Protection Day will educate workers and their families about services available to them in the event of emergencies at work and at home," said Bob Mulkey, AMCOM Safety engineer. "It will also provide tools to help workers prepare for such emergencies. They will also be more educated to identify safety hazards, and know how to abate them or get help from those who can."
Like AMCOM and Garrison, all tenant organizations on Redstone have employees assigned to antiterrorism, protection, emergency management, continuity of operations and safety missions.
"Here, at work, we all are focused on maintaining safe and secure working conditions," Paschal said. "But, when employees are not here, they need to take on their own safety and security mission to ensure they and their families and friends are as safe and secure as possible during their personal activities."
Situational awareness at work, home or in the community can prevent accidents, keep dangerous situations from becoming catastrophic, ensure preparedness when bad weather threatens and protect against becoming a victim of crime, said Mike Moore, director of the Safety and Risk Management Office at Redstone Garrison.
"Being safe and secure in all situations starts with trusting your instincts," he said.
"If something does not look or feel right, it probably isn't. Don't self-talk yourself into a dangerous situation. Don't ignore your instincts and think 'Oh it's okay, to walk down this unlit alleyway to my car.' Instead pay attention. Use well-lit walkways and walk with someone you feel safe with."
Employees should especially have a heightened degree of awareness during times of transition, such as moving between the workplace, home and other locations; in areas where water, electricity and heat sources are prevalent - including kitchens and bathrooms; during severe weather conditions; and during situations involving heights (ladders), speed (both in movement or in a vehicle) and distractions, Mulkey said.
"The most dangerous room in the home is the bathroom, primarily being the location of falls," he said. "Kitchens pose unique risks because of the danger of fires. Families should have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, and a place to meet outside the home if there is a fire."
Stairs, both inside and out, can lead to accidental falls. So, too, can slippery surfaces and ladders, Mulkey said.
"Lots of injuries occur doing home maintenance and yard work," he said. "Ladders, electric saws and lawn mower accidents are common. Keep them in good repair and know how to use them. Use the appropriate safety equipment such as goggles and steel tipped shoes when appropriate."
Being aware and practicing safety precautions, however, are only the first steps in ensuring safety and security, Paschal said. At work, it also involves reporting unsafe conditions.
"If you see anything out of place or someone doing something incorrectly, tell your supervisor or management," she said. "It is important that hazardous situations are reported immediately so that no one gets hurt. Also tell your supervisor if you get sick or injured on the job. Your safety and health should be your number one priority."
The most safe and secure workplaces are those where employees work together to ensure precautions are taken," Paschal said.
"Safety should be a team effort," she said. "Employees should participate in workplace safety training, and they should work together to develop emergency plans and procedures. Open communication with co-workers and supervisors help to promote and maintain a safe environment."
There are two safety concerns Mulkey urges all employees to protect against, at work, at home and in the community.
"The natural threat comes most often from tornadoes. We are reminded quite frequently in North Alabama, that it's important to have a safety plan and supplies in case of tornadoes. Not only should you have a plan, you should make sure all the family is aware of it and knows how to implement it," he said.
"The number one manmade threat is driving. Keep the maintenance up on your vehicles, get enough rest before driving, obey traffic laws and do not use your cell phone while driving, especially do not text. Finally, be very much aware of fellow drivers. Drive defensively."
While Redstone security officials conduct random antiterrorism measures at the gates and patrols throughout the Arsenal, they say employees can also ensure safety and security by participating in Team Redstone Protection Day, following guidelines provided by their organization's security officials, being mindful of the proper use and protection of government badges, and always being situationally aware.
"Use your eyes. Try to notice unsafe situations and then correct them as soon as possible. If you can't do them right away, then write it down and make them a priority as soon as you can do them," Mulkey said.
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Tips help keep employees safe, secure in all situations
The following are safety and security tips from the Team Redstone Protection Day Committee that can help protect employees and their families when going about daily routines:
* Your colleagues and family should be aware of your daily plans and know how to reach you. Always tell someone where you are going.
* Have alternate forms of communication should the cell network be unavailable.
* Do not meet strangers alone and stay away from dark, lonely areas where other people cannot be seen.
* When driving, vary your times and routes to and from work and alternate days and times for shopping, errands and personal needs. Be aware of diversions and certain roadblocks, always leave yourself an exit, and be alert to what is going on around you. Always keep the gas tank at least half full.
* When parking in a public place, always lock the car and trunk, and do not leave keys in the car or hide a spare key. Do not leave purses, backpacks and other personal belongings unattended or lying on the seat of your vehicle. Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle.
* Keep a list of valuable property and mark your valuable property with your driver's license number. Have a description, photos or recordings property that cannot be engraved. Keep a list of serial numbers for your television, cameras, stereos and other property in a secure place. Avoid unnecessary display of your property by keeping your garage door closed or valuables away from open windows.
* Tell your family to leave the house undisturbed and call the police if they discover a burglary has been committed. Make sure your family knows what to do if they discover a burglar breaking in or already in the house. Have a security closet with a solid core door, pinned hinges, and deadbolt lock. Keep doors locked at all times, even when you are in the house. Have emergency numbers listed on your phone.
* Safety and security also extends to computers, cell phones and social media, with employees urged to be careful about disclosing private information on social media, allowing strangers to use your computer or cell phones, disclosing passwords or pin numbers, and opening strange attachments or applications.
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