DAF Form 457 Hazard Report – Download PDF (USAF) – The DAF Form 457, officially titled Hazard Report, serves as a critical tool in the Department of the Air Force (DAF) safety program. It allows military members, civilian employees, contractors, and anyone assigned, attached, or under contract to the DAF to report hazardous conditions, unsafe practices, near misses, or potential risks that could affect flight, occupational, weapons, systems, or space safety.
Reporting hazards proactively helps prevent mishaps, injuries, and property damage while supporting a strong safety culture across Air Force and Space Force installations.
What Is DAF Form 457 Used For?
DAF Form 457 (previously known as AF Form 457) documents hazards, errors, unsafe procedures, or conditions that pose risks to personnel or property. It is not intended for hazards already being addressed through other channels, such as civil engineering work requests or ongoing mishap investigations.
Common examples of reportable hazards include:
- Slippery walkways, poor lighting, or trip hazards in work areas
- Faulty equipment or inadequate guarding on machinery
- Unsafe storage of hazardous materials or fuels
- Ergonomic issues or repetitive strain risks
- Near-miss incidents that could have led to injury or damage
- Conditions affecting flight line, ground operations, or weapons safety
The form complies with federal requirements (including 29 CFR Part 1960 for employee hazard reporting) and is outlined in DAFI 91-202, The DAF Mishap Prevention Program.
Download the official DAF Form 457 PDF here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/form/daf457/daf457.pdf
Always use the most current version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site to ensure compliance.
Who Can Submit a DAF Form 457?
- Active duty, Guard, and Reserve Airmen and Guardians
- DAF civilian employees
- Contractors and personnel assigned or attached to DAF units
You can submit reports anonymously if desired, directly to the local safety office, or through your chain of command. Commanders must ensure the form (or equivalent) remains readily available, such as in break rooms, training areas, or safety bulletin boards.
Personnel enjoy protection from coercion, discrimination, or reprisal when reporting in good faith.
How to Report a Hazard? DAF Form 457 vs. Electronic Options
While the paper DAF Form 457 remains widely available and useful (especially when computer access is limited), the DAF encourages electronic reporting when possible:
- SAFEREP (https://saferep.safety.af.mil) — The primary electronic system for hazard and near-miss reporting. It also supports aviation-specific reports, unusual occurrences, and data trending.
- In-person, telephone, or email submissions to the installation safety office.
For transient personnel, submit the form at the next DAF base or your home station safety office. The receiving office forwards it to the appropriate location.
Tip: For imminent dangers (e.g., critical safety violations), notify supervision or the safety office immediately by phone or in person, then follow up with the formal report.
How to Fill Out DAF Form 457?
Although the form itself includes fields and basic instructions, follow these general steps for a complete and effective submission:
- Reporter Information (optional for anonymity) — Name, rank/grade, organization, contact info, and date.
- Hazard Location — Be specific: building number, room, flight line area, shop, etc.
- Description of Hazard — Provide a clear, detailed narrative. Include what the unsafe condition is, when/where you observed it, how it could cause harm, and any witnesses or photos (if safe to attach).
- Recommended Corrective Action — Suggest practical fixes if you have ideas (e.g., “Install additional lighting” or “Replace worn guard rail”).
- Other relevant details — Such as whether the hazard has been reported before or interim controls in place.
Submit the completed form to your supervisor, unit safety representative, or directly to the installation safety office. Safety staff will assign it to the appropriate discipline (occupational safety, flight safety, etc.) for investigation.
Investigation Timelines (Occupational Safety Hazards):
- Critical/imminent danger: Within 1 duty day
- Potentially serious: Within 3 workdays
- Lesser conditions: Within 10 workdays
Investigators validate the hazard, determine interim controls, and recommend corrective actions. All reports are documented and tracked per records disposition rules.
Why Reporting Hazards with DAF Form 457 Matters?
Proactive hazard reporting is a cornerstone of the DAF mishap prevention program. It enables early detection and abatement of risks, reduces the likelihood of costly mishaps, and contributes to data analytics through systems like the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS).
A strong reporting culture reflects a “Just Culture” where personnel feel empowered to speak up without fear, ultimately saving lives and resources.
Many bases also maintain physical copies of the DAF Form 457 alongside other safety forms like the AF Form 978 (Supervisor Mishap Report) and AF Form 55 (Employee Safety & Health Record).
Additional Resources
- DAFI 91-202 — The DAF Mishap Prevention Program (available on e-Publishing)
- Local installation Safety Office or Unit Safety Representative (USR)
- SAFEREP portal for electronic submissions
- Occupational Safety and Health Program guidance (DAFVA 91-209 and related publications)
If you observe a hazard that could lead to injury, damage, or mission degradation, do not wait—report it. Completing the DAF Form 457 is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to contribute to a safer workplace for everyone in the Department of the Air Force.
Download DAF Form 457 now:
Official PDF
For the latest guidance, always check the official Air Force e-Publishing website or contact your local safety office. Reporting today helps prevent tomorrow’s incidents.