Naval Safety Command’s seasonal safety campaign underway

Norfolk, VA — Aiming to raise awareness of the risks associated with common fall and winter activities, the Naval Safety Command has launched its annual safety campaign.

In addition to highlighting the dangers of driving during the winter months, winter sports and activities, using ladders to hang holiday lights and clean gutters, and more, the Fall and Winter Safety campaign also addresses hazards specific to fall and winter weather conditions. The campaign runs through Feb. 28.

NAVSAFECOM says that over the past three fall/winter seasons, 70 sailors and Marines were killed in motor vehicle crashes and 11 more were left with a partial or total permanent disability. Another 481 sustained injuries that ranged from concussions to pelvic, spine and leg fractures that required surgery and hospitalization.

During those same periods, 50 sailors and Marines were injured in snowboarding and skiing incidents, some of which involved traumatic brain injuries, broken collarbones and femur fractures.

“This is serious business,” Rear Adm. Daniel P. Martin, commander of NAVSAFECOM, said in a press release. “The loss of one life not only degrades and jeopardizes our naval forces in carrying out our missions, but it affects their families and close shipmates as well.”

Martin encourages mentors, leaders, and family members to discuss good risk assessment and decision-making while both on and off duty.

The campaign’s website features more than 30 free resources, including PowerPoint presentations, safety awareness bulletins, and fall and winter safety graphics and videos that discuss DUI prevention, home heating fire prevention, tips for avoid slipping on ice and snow, and cooking safety tips.