Safety Policy Statement

Commanding Officer
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Safety Policy Statement

The Marine Corps' most precious asset is our people: Marines, Sailors and Civilian Marines.  We must include safety and risk management as part of every task, process, and operation - both on and off-duty.  We simply cannot afford to lose a single person, even a few hours, because of a preventable injury.  In my command, safety is of critical importance.

Safety is a shared responsibility between the leader and those being led.  Creating the command climate free of mishaps rests with my subordinate leadership and me.  To achieve this climate, I expect the following from each of my leaders:

• Exhibit a sincere commitment to mishap prevention and risk management.
• Verbalize a belief in the value of safety.
• Be courageous enough to set and enforce tough and sometimes unpopular standards. Do not accept shortcuts due to operational tempo.
• Allocate safety resources and provide quality training to ensure personnel learn correct safety practices.
• Possess the integrity to hold people accountable for violations of safety standards.
• Demand safety and risk management be integrated prior to executing any training or event.

Private motor vehicle mishaps continue to be the leading cause of death to Marines.  Risk factors include speed, fatigue, irresponsible alcohol use, inattentive driving, and failure to wear seatbelts or motorcycle personal protective equipment.  Wearing a seatbelt and personal protective equipment is mandatory.

Finally, all personnel involved in training or the execution of an event are safety officers.  You must challenge, stop, or raise the issue to your chain of command whenever an unsafe action occurs or is about to occur.

We have an award-winning safety program at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.  I am committed to making our Base the safest place in the Marine Corps to work, live, and visit.

D. J. Lecce
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune