DAF Form 978 Supervisor Mishap Report – Download & Guide – Accidents and injuries happen, even in the structured environment of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. When they do, quick and accurate documentation is essential for safety, accountability, medical care, and preventing future incidents. The DAF Form 978, officially titled the Supervisor’s Mishap Report (previously known as AF Form 978), is the primary tool supervisors use to document personnel mishaps involving injury, illness, or property damage.
This guide explains what DAF Form 978 is, when to use it, how to complete it, and why proper reporting matters for DAF personnel in the United States.
What Is DAF Form 978?
DAF Form 978 is a Department of the Air Force form used to report mishaps. A mishap is defined as an unplanned occurrence or series of occurrences that results in damage or injury. This includes:
- Damage to Department of Defense (DoD) property (excluding normal wear and tear)
- Injury to DoD military personnel (on- or off-duty)
- Occupational illness to DoD military or civilian personnel
- Injury to on-duty DoD civilian personnel
- Certain cases involving non-DoD personnel or property caused by USAF operations
The form helps safety professionals:
- Identify the individuals involved
- Establish the severity of the injury or illness
- Determine causes so supervisors and managers can correct unsafe conditions
- Ensure proper reporting accountability
- Generate required statistical and historical safety reports
Authority: Executive Order 12196, 29 CFR 1960, 10 U.S.C. 8013, DoDI 6055.07, and DAFI 91-204 (Safety Investigations and Reports).
The form collects information protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. It must be safeguarded as For Official Use Only (FOUO). Disclosure is voluntary in some contexts, but failure to provide information may delay corrective actions or proper medical/reporting processes.
Download the official DAF Form 978 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/form/daf978/daf978.pdf
Who Must Complete DAF Form 978?
- Supervisors are primarily responsible for completing the form after a mishap involving their personnel.
- The injured individual often provides details, then the supervisor reviews, signs, and forwards it.
- Unit Safety Representative (USR) and commander typically review and sign as part of the chain.
- It applies to military members (on- or off-duty injuries/vehicle accidents in some cases) and on-duty civilian employees.
Note: DoD civilians may also need additional forms like CA-1 (Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury) for workers’ compensation. Non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees may require different employer injury reports.
When Is DAF Form 978 Required?
Report as soon as possible—typically within 48 hours or two duty days of the mishap, depending on local policy and unit instructions. Prompt reporting supports timely medical care, investigation, and hazard correction.
Examples requiring the form:
- Workplace slips, falls, cuts, sprains, or strains
- Vehicle accidents involving DAF personnel (on- or off-base)
- Occupational illnesses (e.g., exposure-related)
- Minor injuries treated with first aid only
- More serious cases involving medical treatment, quarters, or convalescent leave
Off-duty civilian mishaps generally do not require the DAF Form 978 unless tied to specific occupational circumstances.
Many bases now integrate reporting through the SAFEREP system (the DAF’s digital safety reporting tool), which can support or supplement supervisor mishap reporting alongside the form.
How to Fill Out DAF Form 978? (Step-by-Step Overview)
While the exact layout is in the official PDF, the form generally captures these categories:
- Personal Information of the injured/ill person: Name (Last, First, MI), grade/rank, age, unit/office symbol, job title, duty status (on/off duty), contact details.
- Mishap Data: Date and time of mishap (use 24-hour format), exact location, whether on- or off-duty/base.
- Circumstances: Detailed narrative of what happened, environmental conditions, activities being performed, equipment involved, and witness information.
- Injury/Illness Details: Type of injury (bruise, fracture, cut, sprain, etc.), body part(s) affected, severity, treatment received (first aid, medical facility, quarters, etc.).
- Property Damage: Description and estimated cost if applicable.
- Supervisor and Additional Comments: Root cause analysis notes, corrective actions taken or recommended.
- Signatures: Injured person (if applicable), supervisor, unit safety representative, and commander as required.
Tips for Accuracy:
- Be factual, clear, and detailed—avoid speculation.
- Use specific descriptions (e.g., “right ankle sprain” instead of “hurt foot”).
- Include witness statements when available.
- Submit promptly and retain a copy per local records policy.
Many units provide local brochures or training videos on proper completion. A DVIDS video from the 2nd Bomb Wing demonstrates the process with practical tips.
After completion, the supervisor forwards the form to the Unit Safety Representative (USR), who coordinates with the Wing Safety Office and commander.
Why Proper Mishap Reporting Matters?
Accurate use of DAF Form 978 supports the broader US Air Force Mishap Prevention Program (DAFI 91-202). It feeds into the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS) and helps:
- Identify trends and hazards across units and the enterprise
- Implement corrective actions to reduce recurrence
- Maintain operational readiness by minimizing lost workdays
- Comply with DoD safety mandates
Underreporting or incomplete forms can delay care, hinder investigations, and miss opportunities to improve safety culture.
Additional Resources
- Official form: DAF Form 978 PDF
- DAF Safety website and SAFEREP reporting tool: safety.af.mil
- Local base safety office or Unit Safety Representative
- DAFI 91-204 – Safety Investigations and Reports
- DAFI 91-202 – US Air Force Mishap Prevention Program
If you experience or witness a mishap, notify your supervisor immediately. Quick action protects health, supports the mission, and strengthens the DAF safety program.
Stay safe – report, correct, and prevent.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance. Always consult your unit safety office or current instructions for the most up-to-date requirements, as policies can have local supplements.