Be proactive in identifying, closing-out safety hazards Published May 5, 2009 By Col. Wayne Monteith 21st Space Wing vice commander PETERSON AFB, Colo -- Not long ago in a unit far, far away, I was a new squadron commander. On my first day of duty, I noticed the foundation of the building had settled, causing a noticeable upheaval of the concrete below the office carpet. When I inquired about this potential tripping hazard, I was told that it had been an issue for about a year, a work order had to be submitted, the fix was not a priority and that funding would be an issue. I was assured that everyone would be careful and that the hazard was not an immediate threat. Moreover, the hazard had been identified and a fix, while years away, was pending. Time to focus on the mission, right? As a commander, I found this troubling. How many Airmen would be exposed to this daily tripping hazard while waiting for the system to resolve the issue? What type of injuries could result? While compliant with safety protocols, I couldn't help but feel we weren't exercising due diligence in addressing the issue. Our people were in danger, funds were not available and I wanted the problem fixed right away. The answer came one day when I observed a disabled employee walking across the room using a walker; I immediately tasked my safety staff to research the Americans with Disabilities Act to see if there was something more that we could do. Within two months, my staff and I relocated while our office floor was leveled, the carpet was replaced and the furniture reinstalled. Evidently, there were more options available than what was right in front of us and we found another funding source to have the foundation fixed. There are some things we do because safety regulations and standards require compliance, and there are things we do because our safety intuition tells us that "something isn't right." We must always comply with safety standards and protocols as a starting point; simply identifying a hazard or completing the required paperwork does not equate to "doing what is right." Airmen at all levels should remember the Core Value of "Excellence in All We Do," and not wait until a mishap occurs to take action. Don't wait until the safety office conducts its annual inspection before dealing with a known hazard. If you see a hazard, be a leader, ensure the hazard is mitigated to the best of your ability and make a difference! (Editors note - May is scheduled as the Year of Leadership Safety Month. The 101 Days of Summer safety program begins on Memorial Day, May 25)