Recreational Off Duty Safety (RODS) - Safety
Recreation Off Duty Safety (RODS)
Recreation and off-duty mishaps are the number one cause of injury and the number two killer of Navy personnel. The information in this section is designed to make you aware of the hazards associated with common leisure-time activities of the season and familiarize you with basic precautions.
- RODS NPS / NSAM Site Specific Checklist
- RODS Safety Quarterly Training Powerpoint
- RODS Holiday Training
Background
Each year approximately 1,152 Navy military personnel engaged in recreation, athletics and home activities are accidentally injured or killed. These mishaps cost has Navy approximately 23,441 workdays. For every on-duty lost-time mishap, there is another off-the-job injury. Additional losses in productivity occur when Navy personnel are required to be away from the job to care for family members hurt in mishaps. Such losses severely impact operational readiness. Recreational mishaps, after motor vehicle mishaps, are the leading cause of death for off-duty Navy personnel. Approximately 15 drowning occur each year during recreational activities. Falls are the second leading cause of death. Team sports produce more injuries than any other recreational activity. Many recreational mishaps report alcohol as a contributing factor; nearly all involve human error.
- Team Activities. Basketball has the highest percentage of disabling injuries among team sports. Softball and football are the next largest producers of long-time injuries. Sports injuries are due to four basic factors: poor conditioning, inadequate ability and skill, lack of protective clothing and equipment, and violation of recognized rules. The most commonly reported injuries are to the knee, lower leg and ankle. Fractures occur most often in football and softball while sprains and strains occur more frequently in basketball. Pick-up games result in more injuries than organized, officiated games. Not all such mishaps are preventable. However, their reduction must remain a firm, basic goal.
- Individual Activities. Swimming, boating and gun handling have the highest potential for fatal injury. Weak swimmers getting in "over their heads" boaters and fisherman not wearing personal flotation devices and hunters cleaning "unloaded" guns are common scenarios which lead to death. Injuries have increased over the past few years due to the increased popularity of leisure pursuits. Jogging, bicycling, and physical fitness oriented activities product the greatest number of reportable lost-time injuries. The type of injuries cited most often are fractures, sprains, and strains.
General Information:
Wind Safety
Winds are common in the Monterey Bay during winter and they have the potential to bring down trees (especially eucalyptus), power lines and signs, and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. Listed below are some tips to keep in mind during high wind warnings.
If you are caught outside during high winds:
- Take cover next to a building or under a secure shelter
- Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle
- Use handrails where available, and avoid elevated areas such as roofs
- Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may come loose during strong winds
If you see a tree on campus that has broken or breaking limbs, please report it to Public Works at 831-656-2526 or you can report the hazard to the NPS Safety Office.
Pet Safety
- Pets can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Trees provide a great temptation for cats to climb and dogs to chew on, so holiday trees should be secured to prevent accidents.
- Turkey and chicken bones can be a tempting for dogs but can splinter and penetrate their digestive tracts.
- Don’t give chocolate to dogs. It contains theobromine, which can over-stimulate a dog’s heart, especially small dogs, and can be fatal.
- Poinsettias are not poisonous, but their sap is an irritant and can make an animal hyper-salivate, paw at the head and mouth, and vomit if ingested.
- Some pets like to chew on electrical cords and play with ornaments. Hang them out of pets’ reach. Ingestion of ornaments, glass, ribbons and bows can lead to serious medical emergencies.
Holiday Traveling
- Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going
- Make sure your vehicle is in good repair
- If you drink… don’t drive
- Always use safety belts and child safety seats
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
- Get a good night’s sleep before traveling
- Avoid eating heavy meals, as this can lead to sleepiness
Crime Prevention
- According to the National Crime Prevention Council, 1 out of 10 homes will be burglarized this year.
- Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know and don’t advertise departures.
- Holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and/or doors of your home.
- Make sure porches, entrances, and yards are well-lit.
- Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
- Don’t advertise new electronics or other valuables by putting the boxes out on the curb for the garbage collectors. Break them down and fold them to where the words are on the inside.
- Lock doors and windows when you leave your home, even for a few minutes. Keep them locked while you are home.