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'Safety First' is Real for NAS Jacksonville

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030307-18
Release Date: 3/7/2003 1:45:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Eric Clay, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- From the first day service members arrive at boot camp, they hear the words "safety first." During the recent Navy Inspector General's Safety Inspection, Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville has shown those words can cause an impact at the job site.

"The highest score I am aware of on this type of inspection has been an 85. We scored an 83. This is truly an outstanding score," remarked Dave Colburn, NAS Jacksonville deputy safety manager.

The inspections are scheduled every three-to-five years and conducted by the Navy Inspector General Oversight Inspection Team. Since the last inspection at NAS Jacksonville, the inspection process has been completed re-vamped.

At one time, inspections were conducted to check if the base complied with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Now, inspections are held to see if the base is in compliance with industrial standards in accordance with Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel Instruction 5100.

The inspectors conduct detailed one-on-one interviews with the commanding officer, executive officer and department heads. Group discussions were held with team members to ensure they are proactive with safety mishaps and to guarantee everyone knows their responsibilities within the safety program.

"The entire emphasis on the safety program has changed for the better. Today everyone is involved in the program, from the lowest ranking servicemember all the way up the chain of command," said Colburn.

Before the interview process began, the base safety department sent a list of NAS Jax members to the inspector general's office for review. After reviewing the list, the office approved a list of interviewees. "We did this to show that all NAS Jacksonville personnel are on top of their safety responsibilities," Colburn stated.

Another area of the inspection was to check the handling of safety mishap reports to ensure accuracy.

"We receive all reports filed at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. Each one is read to check that all work-related reports are filed with our office," Colburn added.

While looking at the reports, the inspection team checks to see if mishap trends are occurring. "NAS Jax doesn't have trends. We learn from our mistakes, and we fix the problems immediately," Colburn explained. "The inspection team also looks for trends dealing with work supervisors, making sure they aren't having the same reoccurring safety mishaps under their guidance."

A regulatory inspection was also held in the field, where inspectors visited each building here looking for safety violations and flaws. "Only 18 small violations were found throughout NAS Jax. Those violations were immediately fixed while the inspectors were still in the area," Colburn said.

With the Navy's focus on safety, servicemembers should be aware of their surroundings and the potential hazards associated with safety mishaps. While at work, remember, safety is not only the safety department's responsibility, it's everyone's responsibility.