ELEMENTS OF THE UNIT SAFETY PROGRAM

Safety Council The safety council convenes monthly to develop recommendations for policy in safety matters and to analyze the progress of the overall safety program. It is composed of the commanding officer or executive officer (chairperson), the unit safety officer (recorder, when not the executive officer), the department heads, and a medical department representative. The unit’s safety officer prepares an agenda in advance of each meeting of the safety council. The agenda shows the extent of any problem(s), the need to take action, and suggests approaches to problem resolution as submitted by the safety committee or any other unit members. The safety council reviews all statistics compiled by the safety officer and hears reports from the medical department representative on injuries. It also hears from department heads on all other mishaps that occur within their departments. Further, it reviews the recommendations of the enlisted safety committee and, by endorsement of the commanding officer, indicates those actions it is contemplating. Enlisted Safety Committee The enlisted safety committee makes recommendations about unit safety programs to the safety council. It also promotes interdepartmental communication in mishap prevention at the division and work center levels. The enlisted safety committee consists of the unit’s safety officer (senior member), the division safety petty officers, the chief master-at-arms, and a recorder. The enlisted safety committee meets monthly to exchange information, improve communications, review safety conditions, and suggest improvements. It also makes its views and recommendations known to the safety council and commanding officer. ELEMENTS OF THE UNIT SAFETY PROGRAM As a minimum, the unit safety program should provide the following basic elements: Safety standards and regulations Mishap prevention education and training Maintenance Safety enforcement Mishap investigating and reporting Safety Standards and Regulations Safety standards and regulations are based on standard procedures and precautions designed to minimize risks. These standards are based on guidance and directives from higher authority. OPNAVINST 3120.32B, various unit instructions, technical publications, watch instructions, and unit regulations all contain these standards. The adequacy of safety standards and regulations is monitored so that new standards can be recommended to correct hazardous conditions. Mishap prevention Education and Training The general unit training program and each departmental training program contain systematic approaches to the promotion of mishap prevention, both in unit and off-duty activities. Maximum use is made of educational material from outside sources such as Navy training films, safety notes, and various publications issued by the Naval Safety Center. Mishap prevention education is tailored to the many variables involved in the unit’s schedule so as to effect interest at appropriate times. A few examples are as follows: Preparation for shipyard overhaul Getting under way after a long in-port period Seasonal weather changes or unusual weather Unusual missions or operations Mishap Investigation and Reporting OPNAVINSTs 3750.16B and 5102.1C define the terms mishap, near-mishap, and injury. These instructions specify the conditions under which mishaps and injuries must be reported to the Commander, Naval Safety Center. The safety organization evaluates the effectiveness of unit mishap investigations and reporting procedures. That ensures established procedures for identifying mishaps and determining their causes are properly reported and issued to prevent recurrence. Mishap and injury reports required by higher authority must be submitted according to current OPNAV and fleet commander directives. The safety office should retain a copy of all mishap and injury reports. Cognizant department heads and safety officers must retain mishap and injury reports for statistical and 5-8