Aviation Safety Officer The aviation safety officer (ASO) acts as principal advisor  to  the  commanding  officer  on  all  aviation  safety matters.  He  or  she  advises  and  aids  the  commanding officer in setting up and managing a command aviation safety  program.  The  ASO  is  responsible  for  providing safety  education  throughout  the  command.  He  or  she also ensures the incorporation of safety standards and procedures   into   all   activity   functions.   The   ASO coordinates  safety  matters  among  the  organization  staff. He or she maintains appropriate aviation safety records and mishap statistics. The ASO must be a primary billet assignment. The  aviation  safety  officer  works  with  Quality Assurance/Analysis   (QA/A)   division   personnel   to develop   a   local   maintenance   instruction   (MI)   or command  type  of  instruction.  The  ASO  and  QA/A division  personnel  investigate  most  mishaps/incidents and hazards in their activity. A  description  of  the  command  safety  organization and tasks or functions of each member of the command safety organization must be issued. The flight surgeon or   wing   flight   surgeon   serving   the   command   is responsible  for  the  aeromedical  aspects  of  the  command safety program. Aviation Safety Council If the command is a squadron, an air station, or larger,  the  command  must  form  an  aviation  safety council. The council sets goals, manages assets, and reviews  safety-related  recommendations.  The  council keeps records of the meetings held. Members of the council review command plans, policies, procedures, conditions,  and  instructions  to  make  sure  they  are current  and  correct.  The  council  also  responds  to corrective  recommendations.  Standing  members  of  the council  include  ground,  aviation,  and  aeromedical (flight  surgeon)  safety  officers. Enlisted Aviation Safety Committee Representatives  from  each  work  center  and  other designated activities, such as the Medical Department and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD), form the Enlisted Aviation Safety Committee. The committee meets once a month to discuss safety deficiencies   and   to   provide   recommendations   for improved  safety  practices  and  promotion  of  safety awareness. The committee keeps a record of attendance and   of   subjects   discussed   at   the   meetings.   The commanding  officer  makes  a  timely  response  in  writing to all recommendations of the committee. SAFETY TRAINING Training is a vital part of every effective safety program. The goal is to promote hazard awareness and to integrate safety into all unit training. An important task  supervisors  have  is  educating  personnel  within  a division.  Proper  safety  training  will  help  all  hands become  effective  safety  monitors.  Remember,  one person  cannot  ensure  safe  working  habits  and conditions. You need an all-hands effort to achieve mishap-free  working  conditions. The  command’s  training  program,  and  each departmental  training  program,  should  include  a systematic approach to promote mishap prevention, both in unit and off-duty activities. Make effective use of educational materials from outside sources. These materials include Navy training films, safety notes, and various publications issued by the Naval Safety Center. Use these resources as aids in training. Display as many of  these  resources  as  applicable  in  division  workspaces. That will increase personnel interest in safety. Training in some OSH topics is mandatory, either as  an  indoctrination  or  periodically.  OPNAVINST 5100.23C outlines the NAVOSH training requirements for  shore  activities.  OPNAVINST  5100.19B  defines indoctrination   and   annual   NAVOSH   training requirements for a ship’s force. The NAVOSH Training Guide for Forces Afloat,  NAVEDTRA  10074,  provides onboard  training  materials  as  well  as  lists  of  training  aids and  formal  safety  courses  for  most  required  training. The  safety  officer  or  safety  manager  ensures  safety training is conducted. Frequently, the safety supervisor, work center supervisor, or safety petty officer conducts on-the-job or general military training (GMT). If these safety professionals do not actually conduct the safety training, they should at least monitor it for effectiveness. All military and civilian workers must be introduced to   the   NAVOSH   Program   during   indoctrination. Workers are made aware of the specific hazards in their work areas and general safety precautions. Additional training may be required for special evolutions such as the  following: 1. Preparation for shipyard overhaul 2. Getting under way after a long in-port period 3. Seasonal weather changes or unusual weather 4.  Unusual  missions  or  operations 1-15