FIRE MISSION — U.S. Army Sgt. Mathew H. Lowry verifies the round as Spc. John L. Jackson loads the round into their M109A6 Howitzer during combat operation in Fallujah, Iraq, Nov. 6, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Both Soldiers are assigned to Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 83rd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Johancharles Van Boers
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Geisleman gives hand signals to Spc. Arcelay Martinez while he prepares to pick up a pallet with a forklift. Geisleman is assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachut Infantry Regiment, and Martinez is assigned to the 268th Transportation Company. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cheryl Ransford
Safety on the Construction Site is Job One
With lives literally at stake, engineers working on construction projects all over Afghanistan make sure that safety remains a top priority.
By U.S. Army Spc. Cheryl Ransford
17th Public Affairs Detachment
AFGHANISTAN, Nov. 8, 2004 — With so many simultaneous construction and refurbishing projects being conducted around the country, there is an increased risk to personnel safety when heavy equipment is in use Sgt. 1st Class Stanley Griffin, 528th Engineer Battalion horizontal platoon leader, Louisiana National Guard.
While most of the projects are often managed by junior enlisted service members, leaders are always present to ensure the standards of safety are adhered to, Griffin said.
Every morning there is a safety brief to remind the Soldiers of the standards, and to ensure everyone has them fresh in their minds, said Griffin.
Safety standards and focus are two of the most important factors involved in operating heavy equipment.
As an operator, Spc. Michael Henry, 528th Eng. Bn. heavy equipment operator, knows the dangers of just what could happen if he loses focus for even a minute.
“It’s big equipment, and it’s easy to lose track of your ground guide,” he said. “There are a lot of blind spots. You have to stay focused at all times and be aware of your surroundings.”
Being aware of your surroundings with heavy equipment includes knowing what the safety precautions are for each piece of equipment, said Griffin.
BTTT!!!!!!!