U.S. Army Africa, garrison command teams place ‘safety first’
By Mindy Anderson
U.S. Army Public Affairs Office
Did you know that U.S. Army Africa has a Safety and Health Advisory council that meets twice each year? You may wonder why this is important and what in the world could they be discussing during these meetings. According to Michael Olin, USARAF’s Safety Director, they review accident trends, discuss current and future risks, and establish objectives and priorities for the command’s safety program.
In a nutshell, it’s an executive steering committee for all safety and occupational health issues affecting U.S. Army Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, contractors and local nationals in the USARAF areas of responsibility, according to Olin.
These meetings, chaired by USARAF Commander Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, provide the foundation for development of command safety policy and regulations. “Although the primary focus of this council is command operations and command sponsored operations on the African Continent, it is also a forum for discussion of Federal Employee Compensation Act issues that affect USARAF civilian employees in garrison and during support of missions in Africa,” Olin said.
The Vicenza garrison commander and installation safety manager attend the meeting to address community issues.
“The Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Council plays a vital role in indentifying safety issues that affect the entire community,” said Vicenza Installation Safety Manager Frank Marcantonio. “The council provides the command with the necessary information to make plans that can help mitigate or eliminate identified hazards,” he said.
For example, during the Nov. 28 meeting, recent changes to Army regulations concerning motorcycle operation were discussed. Based on those changes, licensing requirements for the Vicenza military community are:
- Military members must have a motorcycle license or endorsement issued by civil authorities of a country or by a U.S. State or territory of the U.S. and a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation training Card.
- Soldiers who attend the MSF Basic Rider Course must complete an Experienced Rider Course or Military Sport Bike Rider Course within 12 months of completing the BRC.
- Upon completion of either the ERC or the MSRC, Soldiers will be issued a motorcycle endorsement valid for three years from the date of course completion.
- Soldiers must complete the ERC or MSRC every three years to operate and register a motorcycle.
- Civilian personnel and military dependents who have a motorcycle license or endorsement issued by civil authorities of a country or a U.S. State or Territory of the U.S. are authorized to be issued a motorcycle endorsement to their U.S. Armed Forces Italy certificate of license or be issued a motorcycle certificate of license without having to complete a MSF Course.
Also precautions need to be made during the winter.
“Snow tires or chains are required during the winter months, however, it must be emphasized that it is up to the individual local governments to determine the level or duration of the requirement,” Olin said.
“(The safety committee’s) recommendation is simple, first always check the weather conditions prior to departing for your chosen destination. Second, ensure your tires are road worthy and are properly serviced. Third, purchase a set of snow chains and keep them in your vehicle throughout the winter months,” Olin said.
Bottom line, whether promoting motorcycle safety, cold weather driving safety, or ensuring the community is up to date on the latest health issues in Italy and Africa, safety is team effort on Caserma Ederle.
For a list of roads where chains or snow tires are mandatory, go to http://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/view/21073/. To contact the USARAF Safety Office, call Michael Olin at DSN (314) 634-5165 or 0444-71-5165. To contact the Vicenza Installation Safety Office, call Frank Marcantonio at DSN (314) 634-8109 or 0444-71-8109.