Washington, DC -- As the nation moves to adapt and minimize the spread of the Coronavirus 2019, the Department of the Air Force is prioritizing the health and safety of our Airmen and Space professionals, civilian personnel, and families. By encouraging prevention measures and making modifications to ensure all essential missions get off the ground, many now find themselves supporting the Air Force mission to ‘fly, fight, and win’ from a home office.
“Despite the inherent challenges that come with the reality of working from home,” says Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. John T. Rauch Jr., “assuring the Air Force mission calls for sustaining a safe and productive work environment.”
This means that in addition to following strict personal hygiene, social distancing, staying home if sick, and self-quarantining if exposed to those with COVID-19 symptoms (coughing, fever, shortness of breath), ensuring safety throughout ones designated work space is a priority. An effective telework environment goes beyond best practices for staying productive on the job. From securing safe operation and storage of cords and electrical appliances to optimal ergonomic support at the workstation and reducing physical strain, the Air Force is also providing resources to promote and instill better safety habits for the home.
“Our air and space professionals are known for their innovation, determination, and resilience,” says Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety, and Infrastructure Mark Correll. “I trust in their abilities to realize the Air Force mission through these complex times.”
As the Air Force continues to direct maximum telework, the Air Force Safety Center wants to make it easier. Starting Monday, April 27th and ending on Friday, the Safety Center will be sharing home safety knowledge and tips with the aim to inspire Airmen, Space professionals and their families to employ the same safety measures they embrace at the office in their new home workspace.
Visit the Safety Center's Home Safety page for resources and follow the hashtag #BringSafetyHome on Twitter @AFSafety, Facebook @AFSafetyCenter and on the AFSEC YouTube channel.