Gearing up for
Safety
Safety
The winter holiday period can be a time for increased safety hazards. The environmental impacts on operations are
readily apparent. The daytime highs manage to break the freezing point but the shorter days limit the amount of available
sunlight. When the sun sets, the freezing temperatures soon follow. The colder weather has a bone-chilling impact on the
soldiers and civilians that manage the Entry Control Points and guard towers, the conduct of dismounted reconnaissance
patrols, and anyone else whose duties keep them outdoors.
In addition to the freezing temperatures, the cold weather patterns often bring snow, sleet, ice and freezing fog. Any
one of these weather events will significantly increase the risk of driving. Whether you’re driving a combat vehicle or a
non-tactical vehicle, a snow-covered or icy road can be just as dangerous. While experience is often regarded as a risk
mitigation technique, having the right equipment can reduce your level of risk when traveling on the roads as well. Here
are a few tips that will ensure that you’re ready for the winter weather:
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Inspect your vehicle daily for safety deficiencies.
Make sure you check your wiper blades and window washing fluid.
Inspect your tires for serviceable tread depth and proper inflation.
Practice putting on your tire chains before you head out.
Make sure your headlights and signal lights are working and aren’t covered with dirt or mud.
If your window defrosters aren’t working properly, immediately notify the maintenance team.
Check emergency equipment for serviceability (warning triangles, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tire jack,
spare tire, etc.).
Be aware of the weather conditions and know that they can change throughout the day. The weather has
a direct impact on the road conditions and these will vary throughout the area as well.
Realize that speed affects your reaction time to an incident. Speed will always increase the severity of
an accident.
Always have a contingency plan for the worst case scenario. Have cold weather gear, food and water in
your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Conduct cold weather training for your unit.
Know your own experience level. Driving outside your comfort zone will always increase your level of
risk.
You should treat every vehicle movement as an operation. Any military operation requires a deliberate planning process
to assess, mitigate, and reduce any associated risk. Incorporating the Composite Risk Management process is not only a
requirement, but it will help to ensure the safety of personnel as well as protect your equipment from damage. The winter
weather comes as no surprise to us and its effects shouldn’t catch anyone off-guard either. Always plan accordingly, know
and understand the hazards, and reduce your risk to the lowest level possible. Never forget that a failure to plan is a plan
for failure.
MNBG-E Safety Manger
Edson de Leon
PG 17