Quest for Zero: Ground safety begins campaign to reduce, eliminate mishaps

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Air Force recently unveiled Quest for Zero, a new risk management program, to encourage on-and-off duty safety, and to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of accidents.

The 354th Fighter Wing safety office staff is working to ensure a culture of safety is implemented across the base. They are providing training and information to reduce work center mishaps.

"Ground safety will focus on a different career field each month to determine what its safety challenges are by conducting notice and no-notice inspections of the work center," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Blasengame, a 354th FW ground safety technician. "We will also assist in developing better risk management measures and applying them to various scenarios."

The Quest for Zero campaign is intended as a year-round program, essentially replacing the winter safety and critical days of summer programs. 

"The goal is to reduce or eliminate accidents by starting risk management at the lowest level year-round," Blasengame said. "Everyone, from airman basic to chief master sergeant to colonel, whatever rank you are, everyone is responsible for safety."

According to a memo published by the Air Force Chief of Ground Safety, "the intent of Quest for Zero is for Airmen to recognize the hazards they face every day, at work and at home. When Airmen embrace the Quest for Zero motto - my job, my life, my choice - they are, in a real way, fulfilling their commitment to mission success."

Ground safety recommends ensuring work areas are clear of obstructions and hazards, and reminds Airmen to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary.

"By applying good risk management in the work place, those same principles can translate to safety off duty as well," said Blasengame. "We live in a unique environment at Eielson with its own set of hazards. Be mindful of your situation, communicate with your wingmen and follow safety guidelines."