Each year, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Safety and Health Days demonstrates how this topic is not only a top priority both centerwide and agencywide, but that it’s ingrained in the spaceport’s DNA. This year’s Safety and Health Days took place March 25 – 29. Events and presentations held during the week emphasized the importance Kennedy places on the wellbeing of its employees, both at home and at work.
A few of the classes and presentations open to employees included: “Stop the Bleed,” a hands-on course that teaches basic life-saving interventions to equip individuals with the knowledge and power to act quickly and save lives; “Moments Matter,” where a flight crash survivor revealed how resiliency, leadership and managing your mind can help you overcome obstacles to grow and thrive; and a briefing on the “Space Launch System Low Oxygen Tank Mishap,” in which a team of investigators delved into the cause of the incident and discussed recommendations and corrective actions that have helped to prevent future incidents at Kennedy.
Also available for employees were presentations on how to determine if they are getting a good night’s sleep, the seriousness of skin cancer and what to look for, the Crimeline, safety awareness, crime prevention and education program, presented by Brevard County’s well-known Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and the importance of safe behaviors at home and at work. In addition to presentations, Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station employees had the opportunity to attend the KSC Walk Run on Tuesday, March 26. Employees and up to four of their registered guests were able to participate in a two-mile walk or run, a 5K run, or a 10K run.
The Tour de KSC, a bike tour on Kennedy grounds open to employees and up to five guests per employee, is another event employees were encouraged to attend. Originating in 2009, the Tour de KSC is another way the spaceport promotes an active lifestyle and a healthy work-life balance. This year’s tour took place Saturday, March 30, with attendees riding alongside Center Director Bob Cabana, an avid bicyclist.
In addition to the presentations and events that took place during the week, Kennedy offers year-round fitness center and balance zone classes every week, giving employees the opportunity to improve and maintain their health throughout the year. The activities and information readily available to all employees reinforce the notion that health and safety continues to be a hallmark of Kennedy’s values — not only during this week, but throughout the entire year.