Air Force Safety Center sponsors Fall Protection Awareness Week Published May 1, 2014 By Natalie Eslinger Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air Force Ground Safety will sponsor Fall Protection Awareness Week June 2-6, as an additional Critical Days of Summer safety activity, to underscore prevention measures for a hazard that has proved costly in recent years. From 2004 to 2013, falls accounted for seven fatalities among Air Force personnel, five permanent partial disabilities, and one permanent total disability. Two of the fatalities involved falls of approximately 12 feet from roofs. The fall mishaps that resulted in disabilities led to 564 lost workdays and more than $3.8 million for injury costs. "We need to focus on fall protection as a reminder for all Airmen that any loss of life or severe injury from preventable falls is inexcusable," said Bill Parsons, Air Force chief of ground safety. "Our training, guidance and regulations, when followed, can prevent these mishaps." Serious injuries from falls can happen anywhere - not just on the job - Parsons noted. The story of an Airman's father whose leg was amputated after a fall from a ladder at home emphasizes how a person's life can be permanently altered without proper prevention measures applied. Partnering with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's campaign, "Stop Falls Stand-Down," Air Force Ground Safety expands the campaign to include falls on and off duty. Visit website, www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown, for more information on NIOSH and OSHA's campaign. Additional materials are available at the Air Force Ground Safety SharePoint site or local safety offices.