Risk Management Magazine

Fatigue can lead to unsafe practices, such as taking shortcuts or skipping steps in procedures, ignoring safety checks or making poor decisions in high-risk environments. When tired, even the most experienced personnel are more likely to cut corners. These shortcuts may save time in the moment, but they can increase the likelihood of injuries or deaths in training and operational missions.

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) include a wide variety of substances that can be harmful to human health, the environment and property if appropriate considerations are not taken when handling. These materials can range from nuclear to chemical or biological and be found as common household items or in industry.

Military training in the heat impairs physical performance and can lead to the development of heat-related illnesses, which impact over 2,500 uniformed personnel each year. Heat illnesses range in severity from heat exhaustion (least severe) to exertional heat stroke (EHS) (most severe).