The White Falcon - 29.10.1993, Blaðsíða 1

TW
FROM YOUR SAFETY OFFICE
Winter safety precautions are a matter of common sense, planning and anticipating “if’ situations. All the
possible situations that can occur cannot be reasonably addressed. Of the winter hazards that exist, darkness is
considered to be the single most important factor that has contributed to accidents. Darkness demands constant
extra attention on our part to avoid accidents. There are many instances of frostbite, bone fractures, etc. that have
occurred at NASKEF in previous winters that are not listed here. Being alert to the many potential dangers which
can lurk in the darkness can prevent you from being
in helping to reduce the winter season accident rate.
an accident statistic. All personnel are requested to take part
Safety is everyone’s concern. All things considered, the
winter season can be safe and enjoyable for all if we take the extra moment to think about our actions.
T!
Capt. C. T. Butler

rf4£%.
Hold on to your hats! There are
signs that the dark winter season of cold,
snow, and high winds in Iceland will soon
commence. Accordingly, there are some
precautions that we should take to pre-
clude accidents. These precautions are
especially addressed to those who are
about to experience their first winter in
Iceland. When combined with cold winds
and blowing snow, darkness for much of
the day significantly increases the poten-
tial for hazards. Experience indicates
conclusively that the accident rate during
the winter months is considerably higher
than in the April through September
period. Hopefully we will not experience
the difficulties that were encountered
during the last winter, where we had
inordinately high winds and more than the
usual number of blizzards. However,
I anticipating a bad winter is to our
Advantage. Fatal accidents and serious
injuries have occurred in past winters and
some are mentioned so that we may
become fully aware of the circumstances
that contributed to the accidents.

General Health Winter brings with it
a marked increase in the number of colds
and ear infections, to say nothing of the
increased incidents of injuries
sustained as NATO Base residents slip
and slide about their daily routines. You
may see some of our base residents on
crutches due mainly to slips and falls.
The proverbial ounce of protection-warm
clothes, adequate diet, and rest-is worth a
pound of cure.
Residents
Should also be
acutely aware
that a condition called hypothermia can
result in death, so appropriate clothing
cannot be over-emphasized. If you are
sick, seek medical help immediately. A
delay in treatment of a minor condition
may result in severe illness and prolonged
hospitalization.
Outside There are dangers facing us
as soon as we take the first step from our
quarters:
Footwear and Walking Shoes or
boots with corrugated
soles will help. Antici-
pate icy steps and slip-
pery road conditions.
Short, choppy steps
will provide better bal-
ance, especially during
higher wind conditions. Plan on putting
sand on the steps of your quarters and
working spaces. Sand is available free
from Public Works Transportation, Build-
ing #510. Keeping steps and sidewalks
swept or shoveled, and heavily coated
with sand will prevent dangerous and
painful falls. Where provided, use hand
rails. Also it's a good idea to remove
icicles from roof edges, "knock them
down before they knock you out. As a
normal precaution in walking, at least one
aim should be free. Carrying things in
both arms should be avoided. Know your
next step.
The shortest distance Many of us
took shortcuts across open fields during
the summer months of daylight. How-
ever, these same darkened or snow-