1. SPRING OFF-DUTY SAFETY
Today’s training is to make you aware of the hazards associated with common leisure-time activities. It will also familiarize you with basic precautions.
Updated 2/04

2. CAUSES OF SPORTS INJURIES Inadequate ability/skill
Violation of rules
Poor conditioning
Lack of PPE
Sports provide a basic conditioning process through which the Marine Corps and Navy can help build and maintain an effective fighting force. However, every year Marine Corps and Navy men and women are killed and injured while participating in sports activities. The causes of such injuries generally relate to lack of conditioning and skill for the sport played as well as rules violations. Personal protective equipment can reduce the extent of injury.
Inadequate ability/skill
No warm-up/cool down

3. SOFTBALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
» Rubber cleats/tennis shoes
» Break-away/safety bases
» Handgrips on bats
» Titanium bats prohibited
» Warm-up/stretch
MANAGE THE RISKS
Safety or break-away bases are required. These bases absorb the shock from an improper slide vice the leg, ankle or foot.
Recommendations: Use a no-slide rule during command sponsored picnics and pick-up games when players are unfamiliar with proper sliding techniques. Wear rubber cleats or good quality athletic shoes. Do not wear metal cleats. A batting helmet with face guard should be worn. Titanium bats are prohibited by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA).

4. SOFTBALL SAFETY - RECOMMENDATIONS
Avoid late slides or jumping into base
Designate center fielder/ shortstop to prevent collisions
Protect spectators - 8 ft fence/bleachers behind backstop
Most softball/baseball injuries are caused by lack of conditioning, improper sliding technique and collisions. The use of break-away or safety bases allows the base to absorb the shock of an improper slide vice the leg. Enforce a no-sliding rule when safety/breakaway bases are not used. Injuries while running bases can be avoided by practicing good technique throughout the season. To decrease the number of collisions - designate the center fielder to call plays in the outfield and the shortstop for infield plays. Spectators should stay away from sidelines unless fencing material is at least 8 feet high. People have been seriously injured when struck by overthrown balls.

5. BIKING Manage the risks • HELMET • RIDE WITH TRAFFIC
• REFLECTIVE CLOTHING
• NO LISTENING DEVICES
Inattention to obstacles, losing control because of excessive speed, alcohol, maneuvering to avoid other vehicles or pedestrians lead the way to bicycling mishaps. The following apply when riding on Marine Corps installation streets and roadways: the use of bicycle helmets is mandatory. CPSC is the helmet of choice. Older ANSI or Snell approved helmets are still OK if undamaged. The use of portable headphones or other listening devices is prohibited. To enhance visibility, riders should wear light colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.

6. OFF ROAD DRIVING Manage the risks Required training PPE
Familiar with equipment
Stay on designated trails
No alcohol
The use of off road vehicles is a popular off duty recreational activity. Off road vehicles include motorcycles, dirtbikes, all terrain vehicles (ATV’s), go-carts, jeeps, trucks and snowmobiles. The majority of mishaps involve motorcycles; however there are a significant number involving ATVs as well.
All operators must successfully complete a rider or operator course prior to operation on any DOD installation under MCO E. Training is highly recommended for off base use as well.
Key factors involved in mishaps: being unfamiliar with the course. Knowing the condition and route you’re going to take allows you to alter speed as necessary in areas with limited visibility or poor road conditions. In addition, maintain proper speed, wear PPE, use the buddy system, don’t carry passengers and use seat belts if available. Develop your riding skills. Be familiar with your equipment and ensure it is in good condition. Avoid riding during times of reduced visibility.

7. JOGGING SAFETY MANAGE THE RISKS Reflective gear No listening devices
Jog against traffic
Intake fluids at proper level
Stay on sidewalk or open trail
MCO E requires joggers to wear reflective clothing during reduced visibility and recommends they wear light colored clothing during the day. The use of portable listening devices while jogging on Marine Corps installations is prohibited. Allow 10 to 15 minutes minutes for warm-ups before and after your jog. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay on the sidewalk or open trail and out of high grass to avoid holes and ruts. Running outdoors in extreme heat can be hazardous to your health. Schedule your running during the coolest part of the day or exercise indoors.

8. PARACHUTING SAFETY Manage the risks Training Certified riggers
Automatic activation devices
Round/square reserves
Avoid radical landings
Complacency is a major cause of accidents. Prior to a jump ensure the altimeter is zeroed and the automatic activation device is on. Check your equipment 3 times: once before you put it on, once after and once before you exit the aircraft. All recreational parachutists should attend an approved United States Parachuting Association (USPA) course of instruction given by a certified USPA instructor. Learn to fly defensively - anticipate the actions of others. Watch out for slower traffic below and faster traffic above. Create a safer situation by landing in a different place than everyone else and/or at a different time and avoid radical landings. Above all, know your emergency procedures.

9. RACQUET SPORTS EYE PROTECTION
MANAGE THE RISKS
Racquet sports require excellent eye and hand coordination. Most racquet injuries occur from players using lensless eye protectors or no protection at all. A racquetball can travel in excess of 80 mph when hit and compresses into a sphere. If it hits a lensless goggle, it can penetrate the opening and strike the eye. The hard rubber of a handball can easily injure an eye. Eye protection must comply with the United States Racquetball Association (USRA), United States Squash Rackets Association (USSRA) or United States Handball Association (USHA).
Wear eye protectors with
lenses made of polycarbonate
Ensure they comply with the
Racquet sports approval list
of acceptable eye wear

10. IN-LINE SKATING Manage the risks » Helmet » Safety equipment
» Learn how to stop
» Smooth surface
» No night skating
» Not during peak traffic
» No portable listening devices
Risk analysis of in-line skating hazards reveals the risk of injury or death. The hazards associated with falling to the pavement or being struck by a vehicle while skating are severe due to speeds achieved. Life threatening injury can be greatly reduced by wearing a helmet. MCO E requires the use of ANSI approved helmets for skating and skateboarding on Marine Corps installations. All skaters should wear light colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night. Recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) includes: elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards.

11. Injuries associated with non-powered scooters have increased dramatically. The most common injury are fractures most often to the arm or hand. Hazards associated with falling to the pavement or being struck by a vehicle are severe.
The following are recommendations for use on and off installations:
Approved helmet
Knee pads and elbow pads - wrist guards may
make it difficult to grip the handle and steer.
Light colored clothing in the day time and
reflective gear for night-time and decreased
visibility
Ride with the flow of traffic and not during peak
traffic hours
Prohibit the use of portable listening devices

12. VOLLEYBALL SAFETY CHECK FOR HAZARDS IN AND AROUND COURT WEAR PPE
SUNSCREEN
NO UNSPORTSMANLIKE
CONDUCT
NO ALCOHOL
Serious injury can be avoided by following safety precautions. Ensure there is a minimum of 10 feet of clear space around the court. Make sure the playing area is flat and not slippery. Avoid alcoholic drinks before and during play. Remove jewelry. Play by the rules. No unsportsmanlike conduct. Avoid over crowding - only 6 players per team. Recommend the use of elbow and knee pads. They reduce the severity of an injury from falls.

13. POISON PREVENTION USE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS
KEEP ITEMS OUT OF CHILDREN’S REACH
KEEP EMERGENCY NUMBERS BY PHONE
READ WARNING LABELS
USE CHILD RESISTANT CAPS
BUY NON-TOXIC PLANTS
Most of us feel safe at home and don’t think much about hazardous materials. However, plenty of chemicals and prescribed medications can be dangerous to you and your family, especially if you have children. Keep cleaning compounds and medications where children can’t reach them. Always read the labels on household chemicals and cleaning substances. These labels tell you how to store, use and dispose of the product.

14. FIRE EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME DON’T LET THE RISKS MANAGE YOU
CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS
DEVELOP AN ESCAPE PLAN
PRACTICE YOUR PLAN
TWO WAYS OUT
OUTSIDE MEETING PLACE
DON’T GO BACK
When fire strikes, everything happens too fast. Make your fire emergency plan now-before you need it. Go through a practice drill every 6 months. Remember few people are burned to death in fires. Most people die from smoke and poisonous gases. If you don’t already have smoke detectors in your home, install them. Check your smoke detectors in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance. If you cook or heat with gas have carbon monoxide detectors installed.

15. LAWNMOWER SAFETY FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS WEAR PPE
(SAFETY GOGGLES & SHOES)
REMOVE OBJECTS BEFORE CUTTING
PUSH; DO NOT PULL THE MOWER
MOW LATERALLY ACROSS A SLOPE, NOT UP AND DOWN
ON A RIDING MOWER, THE RULE IS JUST THE OPPOSITE
ENSURE LAWNMOWER IS COOL BEFORE REFUELING
While homeowners generally rely on walk behind power mowers some residents use riding mowers. Beware! Both types of mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects that are hit by the blade. Slopes are a major factor related to tip over and loss of control mishaps. The direction you cut on a slope depends on the type of mower you use. Mow in daylight and when the lawn is dry. Clear the area of children and pets. Failure to observe safety precautions could result in serious injuries.

16. Home Maintenance/Repair
Follow the manufacturer’s
safety recommendations
Inspect power cords for
cuts, frays and broken plugs
Secure tools when not in use
Follow manufacturer's instructions, don’t take it for granted that all power tools are the same.
Inspect power cords/extension cords for crimps, cuts and frays. Ensure power tools casing is double insulated and/or all cords have ground prong. Never remove ground prong from plug.
Wear/use protective equipment (Eye, hearing, hand and foot protection) as appropriate. Don’t bypass “deadman” switches or other safety devices.
Never leave tools unattended and energized. Power tools should be secured to prevent injuries.
Never use a tool for other than it’s intended purpose.
Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment

17. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and the most preventable.
Basal cell cancer is the most common – 75% of all cancers
The fairer your skin, the higher your risk of getting skin cancer. If you freckle or burn in the sun, you are at high risk. Still, people of all skin colors can develop skin cancer over time.
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen daily, even if it’s cloudy; Apply liberally; Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15; Choose a sunscreen that protects from UV-A and UV-B rays; Re-apply per manufacturer’s instruction even if it’s waterproof; Don’t substitute indoor tanning salons for roasting on the beach. Tanning beds produce the same UV-A radiation as the sun. Tans achieved artificially by air brushing or misting do not offer protection from the damaging rays of the sun – WEAR SUNSCREEN.

18. Brown Recluse Spider Midwest and Southern States
1/4 to 3/4 inches in length (dime to quarter size)
Tan to dark brown in color
“Violin/Fiddle” marking
Lives indoors or outdoors
Severity of bite may vary
Seek medical attention
The brown recluse spider is found primarily in Midwestern and Southern states of the U.S. It lives indoors or outdoors and roams at night seeking its prey.
Size ranges from ¼ to ¾ inches long; dime to quarter size.
Color ranges from tan to dark brown.
The feature that distinguishes the brown recluse from other spiders is a violin-shaped marking.
People are often bitten while putting on a shoe or piece of clothing a spider has selected for a hiding place.
If bitten seek medical attention. The severity of the bite may vary with symptoms ranging from no harm to severe. If possible, kill and take the spider for identification.
To control spider populations: routinely clean your home; reduce clutter in closets, basements, garages and attics; remove debris away from the foundation of your home; Install tight fitting window screens; apply insecticides around the base of the foundation as a “barrier treatment”.

19. RISK MANAGEMENT
1. Identify
Hazards
2. Hazard
Assessment
3. Make
Risk
Decisions
4. Implement
Controls
5. Supervise
Risk Management, which you use regularly on the job, has just as much utility off the job. Use it in everything you do on and off duty. Here are the steps:
1. Identify hazards
2. Assess hazards
3. Make risk decisions
4. Implement controls
5. Supervise/monitor