Keep 'Eyes on Hands, Eyes on Path' for a safer center Published Oct. 31, 2011 By Air Force Flight Test Center Safety Office Safety Office EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Eyes on Hands, Eyes on Path idea is a way for people to increase their safety awareness and reduce needless suffering from preventable injuries. By paying attention to their hands and their path people can better assess risks and prevent mishaps while accomplishing their tasks, safety experts say. Here at Edwards, approximately 25 percent of mishaps involve people injuring their hands either working on aircraft or repairing machinery. About 18 percent of all mishaps at Edwards are ankle injuries. These ankle injuries occur during a wide range of activities -- from playing sports, engaging in other recreational activities or by people simply tripping over something in their path. Eyes on Hands When working, people should watch where their hands and fingers are at all times. Most injuries occur when workers look away from their task and end up pinching, slicing or otherwise injuring a finger. If people watch where their fingers are at all times, they should be able to prevent most of these injuries. Eyes on Path When moving large items, people should ensure their path is clear, and they should always watch where they are walking. If people watch their path of travel instead of talking on the cell phone or watching an aircraft in the sky, they are much more likely to make it to their destination without tripping, or worse, falling. Safety experts at Edwards encourage everyone to think about keeping their eyes on their hands and on their path the next time they are trying to accomplish a task or even walking down the street. The safety of everyone is critical to the Team Edwards mission and that of the Air Force Flight Test Center!