ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center’s Employee Safety Committee hosted its annual Safety Day on Aug. 13, bringing together employees, Soldiers, and visitors for a day dedicated to promoting workplace safety and well-being.
Held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the C5ISR Courtyard, the event featured interactive exhibits, hands-on training and expert-led demonstrations. Abel Salgado, deputy executive director of ILSC and a recognized safety advocate, delivered the keynote address at Myer Auditorium. Salgado emphasized the importance of fostering a strong safety culture across all levels of the workforce.
“Safety is not just a checklist — it’s a mindset,” Salgado said.
Attendees explored a wide range of safety topics, including fire extinguisher simulations, emergency medical services, hearing conservation, tick awareness, lead hazard education, and thermal imaging technology. Additional sessions covered fall protection, suicide prevention, ladder and electrical safety, and the safe operation of equipment such as scissor lifts, mowers, and blowers.
The event also featured bicycle and boating safety demonstrations, distracted driving simulations, and child car seat inspections. Local food trucks were available for refreshments throughout the day.
Child Car Seat Safety
Nurse Kelly Petee, from Community Outreach and Health Improvement at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, spoke about the importance of proper car seat use. She noted that 73% of child restraints are not installed or used correctly.
“I’ve been doing this for almost four years, and I think I’ve had two — three at best — who had it correct,” Petee said.
She reminded attendees that children under 13 should not ride in the front seat due to the risk posed by airbag deployment. Under Maryland law, children under two must ride rear-facing unless they exceed the seat’s height or weight limits. Children under eight must use a car seat or booster unless they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
Petee encouraged parents and caregivers to take advantage of free monthly car seat safety checks at the Abingdon Fire Company. To register, call 1-800-515-0044. “It could save a life,” she said.
Thermal Imaging Technology
Thomas Lee, a safety specialist with the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center, demonstrated thermal imaging technology used in search and rescue operations.
The technology, commonly employed by fire departments, detects heat signatures to identify fire locations and pinpoint the hottest areas of a blaze. Lee emphasized its critical role following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when thermal imaging helped locate victims trapped beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center.
Bicycle Safety and Advocacy
Gabriel Rothman, a physical scientist with the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity and avid cyclist, shared tips on bike safety, local trails, and mobile apps for route planning and fitness tracking. Drawing on his background as a hazard analyst, Rothman emphasized the importance of evaluating risks and staying alert.
“We take safety for granted,” Carmen Kifer said, a retired CMA civilian and volunteer with Bike Harford. Alongside volunteers Aaron Friedman and Bruce Kinsinger, Kifer helped promote safe cycling practices and infrastructure advocacy.
Bike safety tips included:
- Wearing a helmet
- Using hand signals
- Maintaining your bike
- Wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing
- Using flashing bike lights
- Staying alert and aware
- Stopping and checking traffic before entering roadways
- Avoiding distractions while biking
The event was organized by the ILSC Employee Safety Committee and supported by volunteers. For more information, contact Jurgen Williams at jurgen.h.williams.civ@army.mil.
Rachel Ponder also contributed to this story.
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