MISHAP CAUSES

discrepancies beyond shipboard capability are identified in the Workload Availability Package. Establish uniform guidance for small ships to implement NAVOSH Program management re- quirements, as appropriate. Ensure that the group safety officer attends the Afloat Safety Officer Course, as appropriate, prior to or within 6 months of assignment. Squadron Commanders will: Conduct or assist in the conduct of periodic NAVOSH inspections of afloat commands. Afloat units with IHOs assigned should be inspected by the next higher echelon command having a professional NAVOSH representative. Provide or coordinate NAVOSH assistance for subordinate afloat commands. Appoint a collateral duty safety officer. Establish uniform guidance for small ships to implement NAVOSH Program management re- quirements, as appropriate. Ensure that the squadron safety officer attends the Afloat Safety Officer Course of Submarine Safety Officer Course, as appropriate, prior to or within 6 months of assignment. Primary Program and Specified Support Areas: The higher the echelon administration and management of the Occupational Safety and Health Program is divided into primary program areas and specified support areas. The Commander, Naval Safety Center (COM- NAVSAFECEN): Monitors safety and occupational health statistics and provides direct support and assistance to fleet units in safety matters upon request. MISHAP CAUSES Although there are many definitions of a mishap, we chose this one as a starting point: A mishap is any unplanned or unintentional event, no matter how serious, that stops or interrupts your work and results in personnel injury and/or property damage. There are three basic elements of a mishap: 1. A mishap is an unplanned or unintentional event. 2. A mishap stops or interrupts work. 3. A mishap involves contact that causes injury or property damage. Here is an example that illustrates the three basic elements of a mishap: You’re trying to loosen a large nut with a wrench. The nut is rusted tight. As you apply extra pressure to the wrench, the wrench slips. You stagger backward and strike your head on a stanchion behind you. In this example, there were three distinct unexpected happenings: (l) the wrench slipped; (2) you staggered backward; and (3) you hit your head on a stanchion behind you. The last happening fits the definition of a mishap. It was unexpected; it interrupted your work; and, as you would agree, you made contact that caused personnel injury or property damage. Mishaps are a pain! This is especially true when, after a mishtip has occurred, you look back and say “If only I” and finish with a “had,” had not,” or “did not.” With that in mind, it’s important for you to understand that you are both the number one cause and the number one cure for mishaps. We know you want to do the best job you can. you’d better start right now! However, do you associate safest with best? If not, 1-3