Just because it is safe one day does not mean it will be safe every day. Keep your head on a swivel looking for potential hazards. This gives you space between your vehicle and the other driver, without having to slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane. Increase the distance between yourself and this person the amount of distance depends on the situation, but five or six feet can allow you some reaction time if they become an active threat. Is this an attacker or just a bored man waiting outside his apartment? View each new setting as an opportunity to practice when these tips become second-nature, you greatly increase your ability to keep yourself safe. Keep in mind though that being alert extends beyond reading safety signs. 441 Likes, 46 Comments. It can also mean that you ask for help when you know that you need it. Make eye contact with people when walking. Ask questions about certain job scenarios and even role play if it helps you get a better understanding of what you need to do. It is important to note that situational awareness, being aware of ones surroundings and identifying potential hazards and dangerous situations, is more of a mindset than a skill. This does not just apply to buildings, but can be practiced in cars, public transportation, elevators, and even in outdoor environments. Continually check them for hazards. High alert can be scary, but at this level you are still able to function. We both know they arent going to notice a potentially dangerous situation. You cannot be aware of your surroundings on the warehouse floor if you're focused on your phone. Allow room in front of your vehicle so the driver will have space to move in front of you. Before changing lanes, look into your rear view mirror for nearby vehicles and also over your shoulder to check for blind spots. Your aggressor will be surprised at your response, take advantage of that. Situational awareness is the opposite of being distracted. Pay close attention during job training sessions. Assess the emergency and where you are. Griffith D, and FL Greitzer. 4. A few quick tips that might signal potential danger include shiftiness, hands in pockets, and avoiding eye contact. The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. Constantly staring at the road just in front of your vehicle is dangerous. Technology draws us in and makes it harder to observe the vital things around us. Discuss what actions are needed with your customer or supervisor to make the situation safe. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence, The newsletter of the ISBAs Standing Committee on Government Lawyers. Required fields are marked *. 4. By being mentally prepared, you can have the upper hand. Because of the way forklifts work, overloading can cause the rear wheels to rise off the ground and can make the whole machine fall over. Consider these tips: Keep your distance. Trust your gut. Recognizing hazards is an important part of keeping you and your co-workers safe . Exits:Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. Another driver might crowd your lane or change lanes without looking and crash into you. A short poem on safety. Make safety a revenue generating part of your company through increased productivity and save thousands of dollars avoiding expensive injuries, lawsuits, and claims. You talk with others about safety. Wonder what if? Be aware of your blind spots. Some examples practicing situational awareness are: You must have situational awareness when working in a fast-paced work environment such as the construction industry. Taking fifteen minutes to disconnect can help you to be more connected during the rest of the day with life offline. Take in the whole scene If you only look at the middle of the road, you will miss what is happening on the side of the road and behind you. These vehicles must stop at railroad crossings; so, slow down early and allow plenty of room. Be aware of your surroundings. Your email address will not be published. Taking your safety seriously doesnt just help you, but can benefit others as well. Check out the new logo that I created on LogoMakr.com https://logomakr.com/8SX1NH. The response plan feature, one of the most overlooked of the Guard911, SchoolGuard, and CampusGaurd911 mobile apps, is a dedicated space to upload customized response plans. 10,433,143. I tell this to law enforcement officers all the time when Im speaking, said Lt. Murphy. Environmental Health and Safety provides services and support for efficient, effective, and compliant work practices, while promoting a culture of shared responsibility by students, faculty, staff and visitors for a healthy, safe, and environmentally soun Additionally, be sure not to get complacent in familiar environments, such as your workplace or a regularly frequented lunch spot. Situational awareness is often discussed, but it's acknowledged how so few people know what it truly represents and why it's tremendously important. When your range of vision is limited, get creative about ways to expand it and give yourself an advantage practice utilizing store windows, car windshields, or even other peoples sunglasses to detect threats you wouldnt be able to see otherwise. If youre using headphones, consider using only one, or keeping the volume as low as possible in order to still be able to hear what is going on around you. Keep jewelry out of sight; don't flash jewelry; turn rings around so the stones don't show. 1. The first level, tuned out, is similar to when you are driving and are engrossed in thought and arrived somewhere in your vehicle without even thinking about driving there. Brake slowly before stopping. Surroundings -Safety Talk Pay attention to your surroundings, It might prevent an injury. Quotes about Awareness of Surroundings 19 Picture Quotes 5 Written Quotes We are gifted with freedom, but with that freedom comes the reality of the unknown and the responsibility to be aware of our surroundings and on guard against those who would do us harm. If you work alone or after business hours, keep the office door locked. With that in mind, the full extent of potentially dangerous body language is beyond the scope of this article. If there are no uniformed people, look for grandparents, women, and people with children who may be able to help. Report all unsafe conditions and near-miss incidents to your supervisor. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. 2. I did not write this with the intent of making you afraid of everything and discouraging you from leaving your house. Situational awareness is a great tool to use to prevent injuries and after all, you are the best resource to prevent injuries from happening. Only use devices in areas or situations where it's safe to do so and remember to look up regularly to scan surroundings. Accidents don't come with a warning - prioritize safety in the workplace and avoid preventable injuries. 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. Raymond manufactures innovative electric lift trucks that deliver a lower total cost of ownership. When walking, stay in well-lit areas and walk in numbers, if possible. 15. Most people never see it coming., How much are you willing to sacrifice to be ignorant? asked Lt. Murphy. Be aware of your surroundings and observe all signs, especially those for maximum permitted floor loadings and clearance heights, and check for any overhead objects before lifting or stacking loads. Once your business or organization has a response plan, Guard911 mobile panic button apps offer a convenient place to store it where its immediately available with the touch of an icon on the users phone. If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police or sheriff station. [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[]. "But we're able to talk to kids about 'stop, drop and roll,' and it doesn't cause the chaos, fear and . Scan: Most people automatically scan new situations or environments, but dont always focus on the most useful information. If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. . 6. Even practicing one of these skills on a regular basis can exponentially increase your situational awareness. Here are some of my take-aways (expanded with some of my own thoughts and comments) that may be useful to you: 1. If possible and when safe, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way. Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places. After youve done this you can more easily avoid those threats and avoid a potentially violent situation. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. One of the best ways to become more aware of your surroundings is to practice identifying the objects around you. I told him I didnt have any. Paying attention to your surroundings might prevent an injury. Can you see what others are seeing? Did you leave yourself enough room to maneuver away? Would you go through it anyway? When you think the work environment has changed since your last time there. Situational awareness is not only important for recognizing an existing or potential hazard, but it also serves to identify unsafe behavior, equipment and tools. If someone is suspicious take action to notify others and remove yourself from his or her direct path. This is what happens when that car you are watching at the intersection ahead doesnt stop at the stop sign and pulls out right in front of you. It is a smart way to cultivate safer practices in your everyday life. 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. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. You dont need specialized training like a CIA agent or to be a born natural to have good awareness. UCLA Crime Prevention UnitEmail: info@ucpd.ucla.eduPhone: (310) 825-6111Fax: (310) 206-2550Mail Code: 136408, Address601 Westwood PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90095-1364. Business HoursMonday Friday 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. Station Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 601 Westwood Plaza 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.