ALCOAST 078/23 - FEB 2023 SECOND ANNUAL SUPPORT EQUIPMENT SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

R 241041Z FEB 23   MID600052810898U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 078/23
SSIC 11260
SUBJ: SECOND ANNUAL SUPPORT EQUIPMENT SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
A. Risk Management (RM), COMDTINST 3500.3A
B. U.S. Coast Guard Support Equipment - Weight and Material
Handling Program Policy, COMDTINST 11260.1
1. The second annual Support Equipment (SE) Safety Awareness
Campaign launches on March 1 and continues throughout the month,
concluding on March 31. Field units rely on support equipment (SE)
to safely complete most Coast Guard missions. SE includes cranes,
fuel trucks, forklifts, gantries, generators, hoists, telehandlers,
and utility vehicles. While support equipment is Mission Essential
for the entire Coast Guard, stepping back to focus on basic safety
fundamentals benefits all communities.
2. The "Back to the Basics" slogan for this year emphasizes the
importance of basic operating and safety principles and best
practices while working around risky, but vitally important
equipment. It also reminds all Coast Guard communities to use the
General Assessment of Risk tool (GAR 2.0), as required in REF (A).
The safety awareness campaign slogan also aligns with the
Commandant's charge to be "Brilliant at the Basics."
3. The Support Equipment Program has developed a learning module, a
series of videos highlighting best safety practices, and a
pre-operational checklist after March 1. They can be accessed at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/alc/SEPL/Pages/Home.aspx

Units are encouraged to schedule a "timeout" period during the
month of March to review procedures, qualifications, and use of
support equipment. That pause allows units to review and discuss
campaign materials.
4. The safety awareness campaign offers an opportunity to strengthen
comprehension of policy and procedures and strengthen the safety
culture at each unit. Annually, the Coast Guard experiences
avoidable and unacceptable mishaps including near-misses and
injuries. Analysis shows most mishaps are human factors that could
be mitigated by conducting thorough risk assessments, using
checklists, and tapping into best practices and available training
to optimize situational awareness.
5. While not part of the campaign, units are reminded to report
support equipment discrepancies and request assistance with support
equipment using the Technical or Equipment Authorization Request
(TEAR) form posted on the front of the Support Equipment Program
Portal page per REF (B). Units are required to submit a TEAR for
approval from the Support Equipment program prior to the purchase or
replacement of support equipment. Log on to:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/TEAR

6. POC: Support Equipment Program Manager (CG-441), Ms. Jen Ozley
at: Jennifer.D.Ozley@uscg.mil.
7. RDML C. J. List Assistant Commandant for Engineering and
Logistics (CG-4), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.