Camp Lemonnier holds Safety Symposium

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Drae Parker | 160122-N-MH374-077 DJIBOUTI - Facilities Engineer Acquisition Division officer, Navy Lt. Gregory Kibler of Cleveland, Ohio, discusses the importance of construction safety to Camp Lemonnier personnel during a command safety symposium held Jan. 22. Camp Lemonnier provides, operates and sustains superior service in support of combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel for regional and combatant command requirements. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Drae Parker/RELEASED)  

DJIBOUTI

01.26.2016

Story by Lt. Desiree Woodman 

Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

DJIBOUTI, Africa - Safety is a top priority for the service members and civilian personnel forward deployed to Camp Lemonnier. The command safety department conducted a successful basewide Safety Symposium to emphasize the importance of safety, Jan. 22.

Installation Program Director and Safety Officer Navy Cmdr. Tom Frieder, of Carlsbad, California, said the event provided reinforcement of safety procedures and remedial training to prevent injury.

"We have a joint coalition environment, so we work together as a team and strive to raise awareness and maintain low mishaps," Frieder said.

Frieder said the event would not have been possible without the team effort of Horn of Africa, the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, KBR Inc., and Navy Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) safety departments.

The event provided an overall awareness of safety programs available on site and allowed personnel to engage with subject-matter experts (SME) of each department. Department-led SME training was conducted by Safety, Public Works, Environmental, Hazardous Material, Public Safety, KBR Safety, and KBR Fire and Emergency Services.

Weapons Gunner's Mate 1st Class (EXW) Mary K. Peck, of Rising Sun, Maryland, said training is continuous and service members are receptive to updated regulations and procedures.

"There have been changes to the explosive safety program, so we have to get the word out to our tenant commands," Peck said. "We want to continue to work with everyone and keep them compliant."

Pamphlets and handouts were distributed to enhance understanding and answer questions on safety practices.

Topics of discussion included spill cleanup procedures, hazardous material labeling, range safety, USPS mailing procedures, camp amnesty locations, and vehicle, electrical, and construction safety.

Navy Lt. Gregory Kibler, of Cleveland, Ohio, leads the Facilities Engineer Acquisition Division (FEAD). Kibler said being mindful of your surroundings can prevent mishaps on base.

"There are occasional pop up construction sites and heavy moving machinery throughout the day, Kibler said. "Service members must be aware of their surroundings and if they see something that appears out of the ordinary, they should call Public Works or Safety."

Three designated areas were established for safety informational briefs and static displays. Roughly 200 service members and employees attended the event.

Personnel rotated in groups of 30 at a time, with 10-minute intervals between groups. The next safety training will be conducted this summer.

"There will be a local hazards brief given this summer and will primarily stress heat awareness," Frieder said.

Safety awareness training is conducted throughout the Navy and fulfills DoDI 6055.01 and OPNAVINST 5100.23G Safety and Occupational Health Awareness requirements.

For more news from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/CAMPL/

• Date Taken: 01.26.2016
• Date Posted: 01.26.2016 18:30
• Story ID: 187094
• Location: DJ