Danger ahead; safety in mind: 69th Reconnaissance Group

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The mission of the 69th Reconnaissance Group is to train, maintain, deploy and employ Airmen and assets to deliver globally integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) in support of national objectives.

Tech. Sgt. Amanda Dupré, as the 69th RG unit safety representative, is responsible for assisting the commander and unit personnel in carrying out safety requirements and maintaining health standards within the unit.

This is done by educating more than 400 Airmen on safety precautions, verifying monthly spot inspections, assisting with hazard reduction processes and mishap investigations, and supporting the installation safety program. 

There are eight flight safety representatives that help perform safety checks in each work center.

Most mishaps that occur are minor incidents that happen off duty such as injuries at the fitness center or traffic accidents off base due to weather conditions.

"Accidents cause injury and property damage," said Dupré. "This reduces our resources and creates a bigger challenge to overcome."

The dangers vary in each office, from high voltage electrical systems to physical hazards such as heavy lifting as well as seasonal hazards; working outdoors, reduced visibility and nighttime operations.

In addition to mandated inspections, supervisors are always on the look out to keep work environments safe and Airmen are trained to notify supervision if they see a condition that is potentially unsafe.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher McDonald, NCO in-charge of non-destructive inspections, details the process all Airmen have to complete for Job Safety Training when they first get to the workplace and other specialized training if the work center environment demands it.

"In our shop, safety training covers aircraft safety to flightline safety," said McDonald. "Block training is a refresher course which takes three days and covers equipment to corrosive chemical safety."

Whenever a new hazard is recognized in a workplace, the Job Safety Training for that work center is updated and the work center is re-trained on the updated information.

"With manning and budget constrains already in place, we can't afford not to be safe," said Dupré. "Everyone's goal should be to make it home safe at the end of the day and the safety office helps to make sure that happens."

(Editor's note: This is the third of three articles telling how different units on Grand Forks AFB approach the subject of safety.)