"We are losing people because of preventable incidents, when we want to be able to return them home healthy," said Shawn Curtis, Marine Corps Base Installation Safety Office deputy director.

To reduce the number of work place mishaps, the Workforce Safety Plan gives military supervisors and civilian managers an improved means to ensure the safe return of employees to their families, Curtis said.

The plan, in Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 5100.4, provides a comprehensive checklist and guide that will make new and current personnel aware of potential hazards within the work area.

In 1999, preventable mishaps and accidents cost the Marine Corps $300 million, according to Curtis.

While lowering expenses related to mishaps is a priority, the health and well being of service members and employees is always first, said Curtis.

"We need safety in the work place to make sure we're healthy, and we're able to perform our duties," said 1st Sgt. Michael Montoya, first sergeant of Company B, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Workforce Safety Plan outlines supervisory and employee responsibilities to increase awareness of potential hazards in the workplace.

The plan also contains a checklist in English and Japanese to introduce employees to the potential hazards in a new workplace.

"There are going to be hazards and you can't eliminate them all," Curtis said.

The goal is to reduce the number of preventable mishaps, he said.

"It's just the right thing to do," said Curtis.