For you to effectively engage in situational awareness, to make logical decisions, and look to the future with a strategic focus, the subconscious must be engaged and assessed. If you are in danger, try to get yourself to a safer location if possible. Always be aware of your surroundings #WorkSafe #SafetyFirst. Do not be afraid to yell for help if they don't stop. Situational awareness, in layman's terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. Your instincts exist to protect you it is always better to be overcautious than to ignore warning signs that turned out to be legitimate. 2007. Keep your head on a swivel looking for potential hazards. Make sure if your employer provides training on situational awareness that you attend because you can always improve yourself. The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to identify the hazards in your workplace and be aware of your surroundings. You need to practice this level of awareness when you are driving on icy or slushy roads. Be aware of your surroundings. In this safety talk, we will go over what situational awareness is and ways you can improve on it in your daily lives including at work. Should you have questions about how this pertains to your job talk to your supervisor or foreman. Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics. A basic breathing practice that can be used throughout the day, especially during times of stress, is the Four Square Breathing Technique. Know which lanes are clear so you can use them if necessary. If you suspect you are being followed, go into an open store or a Public Safety Safe Haven and have the clerk call the Police or Public Safety right-away. A consistent and structured daily toolbox talk will save lives and reduce injuries. Everything you need is already primed and ready for delivery. Reflective Surfaces: One of your biggest advantages in a dangerous situation is being able to see the danger coming with enough time to react appropriately. Many criminals develop favorite areas for committing crime, as well as predictable methods of operation. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. For more information about partnering with Raymond Storage Concepts and how we can satisfy your parts needs, pleasecontact ustoday. For example, when you reach across a table to grab a pencil, you use proprioception to know how much. When you go shopping, to work, to school, or simply take a walk in nature, you cannot be too careful when it comes to your personal safety. Always remember that inmates listen to every conversation that corrections officers and staff have. Following motorcyclists on wet or icy roads, on metal surfaces (e.g., bridge gratings, railroad tracks, etc. Watching your surrounding can reduce the risk of vehicle collisions, dropping objects, injuries from falling objects and many other accidents. An even better offensive precaution is to keep a perpetual mental image of every potential weapon and attack vector as you about your daily life. Trust your gut. Your aggressor will be surprised at your response, take advantage of that. Always be alert and aware of the people around you. At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. A few quick tips that might signal potential danger include shiftiness, hands in pockets, and avoiding eye contact. 73 0 obj <>stream By remaining close to the people you trust and know well, you'll reduce the risk of being targeted by people who are up to no good and could be out to take advantage. In one district, one elementary school passed the exercise while the high school failed. There are hazards and risks every day on the job site and to keep yourself and your coworkers safe you have to be aware of them. 2. Keep It All Clean. Dont be predictable. Can you see what others are seeing? 3. To do so, intentionally and persistently practice the following: Be aware of your surroundings. In an emergency you do not have a lot of time to take in your surroundings. Facebook can wait. ASSESS - The effects that the hazards will have upon you, the people you work with, equipment, procedures, pressures and the environment around you. If youre already thinking about it, then you are more likely to do it in a defensive scenario. Stay flexible in your schedule, and don't say NO to unexpected adventures. What Pocket Knife does MacGyver Use to be Prepared For Everything? This can cause injury to personnel and damage to the equipment and materials. Look inside your vehicle before you get in, especially when it has been parked in a parking terminal or lot. The second level of awareness, relaxed awareness, is like defensive driving. Personal Space: If someone is crowding you, seems suspicious, or is displaying threatening body language, scan them for subtle signs of violent intent or a hidden weapon. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Even if there is not currently a dangerous situation or nobody has been injured, if there are elements that could lead to either of these things, the person in charge should be made aware so that they can take the appropriate action. Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. Not looking down at your phone the entire time youre in public fits with point number one, but it warrants its own recognition. What to Look For when Buying a Stun Gun [2020 Buying Guide], How Martial Arts can improve discipline in Children and Adults. That feeling doesnt only happen while driving. Both Gay and Klinger noted that "stop, drop and roll" is a classic life skill students learn as part of safety lessons in school. Mentally prepare yourself, believe and know that you can protect yourself and your family if you need to. The proper safety gear in your workplace could be reflective gear, fire-retardant clothing, industrial workwear or something as simple as nonslip shoes. 7. Keep a space between your vehicle and parked cars. Ultimate Guide to Construction Management, perception of the elements in the environment. 6. Carrying a self defense weapon turns you from a passive observer to an observer that has the tools to fight back. Whatever you do, do not downplay the importance of the drill or neglect to pay attention to how procedures are carried out as you may be the one who needs saving or could potentially save another life. Check the blind spots. You probably think you already do this, but being intentional about locating exits and doors, paying attention to the people around you, and practicing simple habits like looking over your shoulder in a parking lot before you get into your car should be part of your daily routine. Inmates have 24/7 to watch your behaviors and body language, so always assume a threat is imminent. Ask questions about certain job scenarios and even role play if it helps you get a better understanding of what you need to do. Constantly staring at the road just in front of your vehicle is dangerous. Exuding an aura of confidence, awareness, and capability, regardless of how you actually feel, can help broadcast to any threats that you are an undesirable target, and increase your personal safety. Tell your customer, supervisor, and workmates. Make safety a revenue generating part of your company through increased productivity and save thousands of dollars avoiding expensive injuries, lawsuits, and claims. Reduce energy consumption, increase worker productivity and safety with our loading docks and commercial doors. 5. This means you must be proactive about being aware of your surroundings. Ensure warning signage is posted where . This website is to be used forinformational purposes only. That is why getting familiar with the layout of buildings you are making smart safety sense. If you spot a situation in your immediate vicinity that could pose a threat, such as a blind corner on a sidewalk, ask yourself, If there was a threat behind that corner, how would I react? How can you improve your situational awareness? I told him I didnt have any. Neo-Symbiosis: The Next Stage in the Evolution of Human Information Interaction. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence 1(1):39-52. If you are being tailgated, be careful! Staying safe goes hand-in-hand with being observant. Also check your mirrors when you are preparing to turn into a side road or driveway and when you are stopping to pull into a parking space. The reason? Also keep a close eye on the trailer. Lacking or not having adequate situation awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents related to errors or mistakes. Peripheral Vision: Attempt to focus on something while also observing whats happening at the edges of your vision. Electronic Distractions: Whether its staring down at your phone or listening to music, using electronic devices can seriously impair your ability to be aware of what is going on around you. Reading body language is a huge factor in training your perception of your surroundings. Follow a regular housekeeping schedule. Beware electronic distractions. Situational awareness is a critical foundation for successful decision making in most situations that you can be put in at work. Keep your belongings in front of you and hold close to your body with both hands. Examples that we see every day include: Talking or texting on a smart phone; Walking around listening to music on ear phones; Daydreaming; Maintaining good awareness of your surroundings helps you stay safe. Training workers to watch their surroundings reduces the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. Prioritizing the critical nature of active shooter training and drills is part of that preparation. Emergencies and mass shootings happen all the time. When you report all the facts about a crime, it helps the police assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or where they are most likely to occur, and your report may help prevent a crime from reoccurring. Turn and look over your right and left shoulders before you begin backing. Drive strategically. Make the balance, take it easy, and don't schedule every minute of every day. The temporary loss or lack of situational awareness is a casual factor in many accidents. After youve done this you can more easily avoid those threats and avoid a potentially violent situation. Blind spots can hide a motorcyclist, a vehicle or a bicyclist. As a safety measure, also look over your right and left shoulders again while backing. We use cookies to manage and improve your website experience. The vast majority of communication is done through body language, not spoken language. Do they talk with you and then everyone can see? 49 0 obj <> endobj If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to stop. If you have any questions, problems, or comments about Login, please contact the University Service Desk at (404) 727-7777 or the Emory Healthcare Call Center at (404) 778-HELP. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence, The newsletter of the ISBAs Standing Committee on Government Lawyers. . If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Simply put, in order to have situational awareness you have to be open to a variety of perspectives and insights. Before complacency has set in-it can be a silent killer! Situational awareness, in laymans terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. Practice devising alternate methods of escape if your primary exit becomes compromised. But, you must be proactive to do so. While situational awareness may not seem like a big deal to you it can help you on a job site. Whether you're at home or at work, following an emergency plan will help you keep the situation in control as much as possible. 38 views, 1 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from DynamiQ Safety&Health Ltd: Accidents don't come with a warning . Not playing on your phone might improve your chances of thwarting an attack. Make sure you communicate until everyone involved understands what is going on. Situational awareness is being aware of what is happening around you in terms of where you are, where you are supposed to be, and whether anyone or anything around you is a threat to your health and safety. As living conditions get better for everyone around the world, however, we tend to become less aware of our surroundings. Most active shooters are finished massacring people in five minutes or less. Lt. Murphy. In the 21st century your biggest distraction is your smartphone. Reclaim your calendar, quit searching for your next safety meeting. The third level of awareness, focused awareness, is like driving in hazardous road conditions. There is nothing to worry about. Following large vehicles that block your view ahead. hWmo9+YHF]th%@ PV{0`pp8b(/HZQ`4p%&h^ `N'dHT^9-|Qug>>I)%A86pF~ yJME!7Rin>AxY1 If a vehicle is showing signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid it. Falken Ziex ZE-329 Review Should You Get this Tire? Most people never see it coming., How much are you willing to sacrifice to be ignorant? asked Lt. Murphy. Many of these situations can involve your health, your safety, and your job performance. Watch for things about to happen, like a ball rolling into the street or a vehicle door opening. Yes, that is difficult at first. Using an effective drain cleaner can help prevent blockages that can lead to plumbing problems down the line. Be aware of your surroundings. Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. If you are biased on your views it can lead to risks for you and your coworkers. Check your rear view mirrors every two five seconds so you know the position of vehicles near you. Be aware of your surroundings, and be alert to who is near you. Remember the acronym, SLAM: Stop Look Assess Manage Stop the task and ask: Is this a new task? 10,433,143. You see a bus, school bus, or a placarded vehicle at railroad crossings. I did not write this with the intent of making you afraid of everything and discouraging you from leaving your house. However, after enough practice it becomes second nature. Report all unsafe conditions and near-miss incidents to your supervisor. This is how your strengths and opportunities for improvement can be identified. Situational awareness is a great tool to use to prevent injuries and after all, you are the best resource to prevent injuries from happening. Also, do not be afraid to speak loudly to someone so that you can get the attention of others nearby. These are all useful questions to start the conversation around training drills. How is it different from what you see? Take safety and emergency drills seriously. For example, your mind has created a script for driving to the grocery store. Getting situational awareness right early on is important when you are working on a construction job site. [emailprotected] (618) 973-9174, The number of workplace shootings is increasing at an alarming[], Missouri School District Heightens School Emergency Response & Communication Are[], In regard to stopping killers in these uncertain times, before[]. Avoid situations that could force you to suddenly use your brakes. Lakshita @Nature beauty Mar 03, 2023, 20:11 IST. Even keeping your sense of smell fully available can help in a dangerous, but not necessarily defensive, situation. Here are some ways you can increase your awareness and have a higher level of security while shopping or dining out. Failure to observe your surroundings before welding can drastically increase the risk of fire . {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Frequent practice is vital, as no two situations are the same, and every environment provides unique conditions that will challenge your adaptability. Regularly inspect your normal work area. Our situational awareness is only as accurate as our own perception or reading of the situation, so what we think is happening may not accurately reflect reality. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police, sheriff or a tow truck service. People typically operate on five distinct levels of awareness: The basic level of situational awareness that should be practiced most of the time is relaxed awareness, a state of mind that can be maintained indefinitely without all the stress and fatigue associated with focused awareness or high alert. Motorcyclists can fall more easily on these surfaces. The other driver may not see your vehicle and could change lanes and hit you. Everywhere you go, people have their heads down while looking at their phones, which means they cant be looking up to notice whats going on around them. When walking, keep to commonly traveled routes. Be aware of your blind spots. How SchoolGuard Panic Button Helps Protect 6500 Students, Guard911 & Lt. Col. Grossman on Stopping Killers. Avoid the temptation to check your phone by turning it off or leaving it in your locker. Where and when should situational awareness techniques be used? No. So, the question becomes, what can we do to be safer? It is important if you have a management role or even the role of a team leader that you practice situational awareness. 16. A second important element of the proper mindset is understanding the need to take responsibility for ones own safety. In today's market, having a poor safety record can mean all the difference between winning or losing a deal. With that in mind, the full extent of potentially dangerous body language is beyond the scope of this article. As an example, imagine walking down the street and you observe a shifty man with his hands in his pockets hiding in a dark alleyway as he watches you walk toward him. The last level of awareness, comatose, is what happens when you literally freeze at the wheel and cannot respond to stimuli, either because you have fallen asleep or, at the other end of the spectrum, because you are petrified. This situational awareness process also demonstrates the importance of all of us being familiar with our environment and the hazards that exist there. Watch for signals from other drivers. These people walk into telephone poles. Are you still searching for toolbox talks on google and then taking that information and re-packaging it for your safety meeting? When you know your surroundings, you can take better notice of the things that are out of the ordinary. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need the space.