Risk Management Magazine

It was 0800 when I heard the sirens. An aircraft mechanic fell off a stand while conducting maintenance on the flight line. The ambulance was on its way. As I headed to the scene, I thought, “This might be the one.”

From Fiscal Years (FY) 2020-24, an ineffective safety culture was one of the most cited causes of Army on-duty mishaps. Creating a positive safety culture is essential to ensuring the well-being of Soldiers and civilian employees, as well as the overall success of an organization in supporting the Army’s mission. A strong safety culture not only reduces preventable mishaps that result in personnel loss due to injuries or damage to equipment, but also boosts productivity, morale and organizational efficiency.

As we usher in the New Year, this is the perfect time to reflect on the past and plan for a safer, healthier future in our workplaces. The U.S. Army is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its personnel, and there's no better moment than now to reinforce our safety programs and strategies.