Annual training event equips leaders with tools, information to reduce loss, save lives

By Julie KelemenJuly 13, 2022

The Safety Stand Down training event marked the completion of a lifetime of dedication and commitment to identifying risk and correcting  conditions that lead to serious injury or death. Reese, a former warrant officer, will be retiring as a...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Safety Stand Down training event marked the completion of a lifetime of dedication and commitment to identifying risk and correcting conditions that lead to serious injury or death. Reese, a former warrant officer, will be retiring as a Department of the Army civilian after more than 20 years of service to the federal government in July 2022. During his time at the 597th Transportation Brigade, Reese greatly contributed to improving the Army's safety culture as an expert on Maritime Engineering subjects. His specialties included electrical theory, power generation, and distribution. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
The 597th Transportation Brigade took an operational pause to talk directly to Soldiers and civilian employees about safety during a command-wide virtual Safety Stand-Down at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Aa. June 28.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 597th Transportation Brigade took an operational pause to talk directly to Soldiers and civilian employees about safety during a command-wide virtual Safety Stand-Down at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Aa. June 28. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 597th Transportation Brigade took an operational pause to talk directly to Soldiers and civilian employees about safety during a command-wide Safety Stand-Down here June 28.

"The goal of the presentation is to make all personnel aware of the off duty hazards they may face in the upcoming months so they can become part of the effort to prevent mishaps and protect mission readiness," said Darren Reese, safety officer, 597th Transportation Brigade.

Historically, April through September includes some of the most deadly months for the Army, with notable increases in off-duty mishaps that often result in critical and fatal injuries to Soldiers.

The Off Duty Safety Awareness Presentation is one of the Army’s most impactful tools to bring leaders and Soldiers together to discuss off duty risk and loss prevention.

The topics included the consequences of alcohol consumption, water-related activities, boating safety, rip currents, privately owned weapons, unintended discharges, sports-related activities, private motor vehicles and “hidden” home hazards, like falls, fires/burns, drowning, choking and suffocation, and poisoning.

Criteria for an effective safety culture :

• Senior NCOs and Officers continually asses risk.

• Junior leaders enforce basic standards

• Substandard conditions are reported and corrected

• Soldiers hold each other accountable.

Reese, a former warrant officer, will be retiring as a Department of the Army civilian after more than 20 years of service to the federal government in July 2022. During his time at the 597th Transportation Brigade, Reese greatly contributed to improving the Army's safety culture as an expert on Maritime Engineering subjects. His specialties included electrical theory, power generation, and distribution.

At the end of the presentation, the Rapid Supporters said goodbyes and wished Reese a happy retirement.

Learn more: https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP