Since the dawn of time, human kind has been locked in an epic struggle, fighting to improve the world we are bound to while constantly striving to strike down safety hazards and thwart mishaps that needlessly hamper our progression and even take our lives.
But thanks to an innovative idea from Airmen at the 31st Fighter Wing, the USAFE-AFAFRICA safety office developed a simple but effective tool that will strike at the heart of safety hazards and mishaps by providing a streamlined process for identifying and addressing safety issues using Android and iOS phones. This new weapon is aptly named “USAFE Safety Hazard/Mishap Reporting” and is available for download now.
The timing for the app couldn’t be more perfect because June is National Safety Month, and according to the National Safety Council, the goal for National Safety Month is to raise awareness of what it takes to stay "SafeForLife," and focus on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads and in our homes and communities.
The USAFE-AFAFRICA Safety Hazard/Mishap Reporting app aims at reducing hazards by making it easier for people to report safety hazards and mishaps when and where they encounter them.
Hazard reporting has traditionally been low because many individuals often don’t know about, or take the time to fill out the appropriate paperwork, an Air Force Form 457, USAF Hazard Report. So, safety officials designed this app to streamline and simplify the process.
“This app was designed to create a quick and easy way for Airmen to report hazards and mishaps,” said Lt. Col. Steve Dawson, USAFE-AFAFRICA Safety Office. “After Airmen input the information into the app, to include location and pictures, the app forwards the report to the appropriate safety office workflow inbox, so safety officials can investigate the mishap or hazard and take appropriate actions to improve safety.”
Taking action to limit or eliminate safety hazards both at work and in our personal lives benefits the entire Air Force and is essential for proactive mishap prevention and effective risk management.
“We want to ensure that our Airmen have the tools necessary to mitigate risk. The app will provide a simple but effective means to do so,” said Mark Nunn, USAFE-AFAFRICA Deputy Director of Safety. “Nearly all Airmen carry a smartphone; empowering them with the means to report hazards and mishaps in just a few simple entries. This provides a tremendous opportunity to increase safety awareness as well as save lives.”
The app information tab cautions Airmen to adhere to appropriate security and privacy standards, and to never access the app while driving.
To download the app to your phone, simply search for “USAFE Hazard/Mishap Reporting” in the Android and iOS app stores or use the QR code attached as a graphic to this story. For additional information, contact the USAFE-AFAFRICA safety office or your local base safety office.