discrepancies beyond shipboard capability are
identified in the Workload Availability
Package.
Establish uniform guidance for small ships to
implement NAVOSH Program management re-
quirements, as appropriate.
Ensure that the group safety officer attends the
Afloat Safety Officer Course, as appropriate,
prior to or within 6 months of assignment.
Squadron Commanders will:
Conduct or assist in the conduct of periodic
NAVOSH inspections of afloat commands.
Afloat units with IHOs assigned should be
inspected by the next higher echelon command
having a professional NAVOSH representative.
Provide or coordinate NAVOSH assistance for
subordinate afloat commands.
Appoint a collateral duty safety officer.
Establish uniform guidance for small ships to
implement NAVOSH Program management re-
quirements, as appropriate.
Ensure that the squadron safety officer attends
the Afloat Safety Officer Course of Submarine
Safety Officer Course, as appropriate, prior to
or within 6 months of assignment.
Primary Program and Specified Support Areas:
The higher the echelon administration and management
of the Occupational Safety and Health Program is
divided into primary program areas and specified
support areas.
The Commander, Naval Safety Center (COM-
NAVSAFECEN): Monitors safety and occupational
health statistics and provides direct support and
assistance to fleet units in safety matters upon request.
MISHAP CAUSES
Although there are many definitions of a mishap,
we chose this one as a starting point: A mishap is any
unplanned or unintentional event, no matter how
serious, that stops or interrupts your work and results in
personnel injury and/or property damage.
There are three basic elements of a mishap:
1. A mishap is an unplanned or unintentional
event.
2. A mishap stops or interrupts work.
3. A mishap involves contact that causes injury or
property damage.
Here is an example that illustrates the three basic
elements of a mishap:
You’re trying to loosen a large nut with a
wrench. The nut is rusted tight. As you apply
extra pressure to the wrench, the wrench slips.
You stagger backward and strike your head on
a stanchion behind you.
In this example, there were three distinct
unexpected happenings: (l) the wrench slipped; (2) you
staggered backward; and (3) you hit your head on a
stanchion behind you. The last happening fits the
definition of a mishap. It was unexpected; it interrupted
your work; and, as you would agree, you made contact
that caused personnel injury or property damage.
Mishaps are a pain! This is especially true when,
after a mishtip has occurred, you look back and say “If
only I” and finish with a “had,” had not,” or “did not.”
With that in mind, it’s important for you to understand
that you are both the number one cause and the number
one cure for mishaps.
We know you want to do the best job you can.
you’d better start right now!
However, do you associate safest with best? If not,
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