If someone bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, change seats. Where and when should situational awareness techniques be used? What to Look For when Buying a Stun Gun [2020 Buying Guide], How Martial Arts can improve discipline in Children and Adults. Invest in workplace safety and you can expect cost savings such as reduced workers' compensation costs, medical expenses, avoiding citations, and reducing unplanned work stoppages caused by occupational injuries. Be aware of your surroundings. What if the driver of the car in front of you slams on his brakes? If possible and when safe, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way. Often there is so much 'going on' in your work environment, or you become so absorbed in your own thoughts, that you fail to spot those things that could pose a serious threat to your health and safety. Your brain goes into auto-pilot and you slowly stop consciously processing your surroundings. Another driver might crowd your lane or change lanes without looking and crash into you. 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? We both know they arent going to notice a potentially dangerous situation. Welders should always be aware of their surroundings before starting a weld. Walk close to the curb. You probably already do this, it is called defensive driving. Panicking adds to the chaos and breeds knee-jerk reactions, causing people to abandon all protocol and enter a fight-or-flight mentality. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. The second level of awareness, relaxed awareness, is like defensive driving. Leave a little later. This website is to be used forinformational purposes only. 5 Tips to Stay Safe While Welding. The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to identify the hazards in your workplace and be aware of your surroundings. Speak Up: Report all the following situations immediately to your supervisor (while at work) or to the person in charge (when out in public): accidents, injuries, close calls, near misses, safety hazards or concerns, and any suspicious persons, activity, or behavior. Situational awareness refers to being aware of what is happening around you, where you are in relation to other people and things, and what potential threats there may be. You can hit your brakes and keep your car under control. Understand and manage fleet and asset maintenance data and costs with iTRACK. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back onto the freeway. When walking, stay in well-lit areas and walk in numbers, if possible. Exits: Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. That perpetual image could include thinking to push your shopping cart into an attacker or using your stiletto heel to fend off an attack. STOP - Engage your mind befor eyour hands. Then, if they spot something out of the ordinary that could be a threat or hazard, they can dial up to a state of focused awareness and take a careful look at that potential hazard or threat. Do not be afraid to speak to someone to ask them to not come closer if approaching you in a parking lot. U.S. Pat. Peripheral Vision: Attempt to focus on something while also observing whats happening at the edges of your vision. To ensure drivers are aware of their surroundings, they should be free from distractions, follow the speed limit, and keep their eyes on the road at all times. Trust your gut. Next, breathe deep through your nose. What about your friends? First, stop talking so you can be aware of your surroundings rather than verbally reacting. 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. Watch for things about to happen, like a ball rolling into the street or a vehicle door opening. Keep doing this until you start doing it without meaning to. This article will delve into some of the key health and safety considerations when it comes to plumbing work. Again, I know it can be boring walking around without music, but keeping your ears wide open can help your situational awareness. You need to be aware of your surroundings, and you need to have an idea of how you will respond if you are faced with a threatening situation. Whether you're at home or at work, following an emergency plan will help you keep the situation in control as much as possible. 73 0 obj <>stream When you know your surroundings, you can take better notice of the things that are out of the ordinary. 2023 Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc. CA License #0699809, How you can prevent business fraud at your company, Steps to prevent winter property damage to roofs, Employers, help workers prevent worksite fatigue [infographic]. Watch yourself when you would be most vulnerable down the hall to the bathroom which is tucked way back in the corner or in the parking lot when no one else is around. Cooper CS4 Touring Review Is It Worth Buying? I tell this to law enforcement officers all the time when Im speaking, said Lt. Murphy. Know which lanes are clear so you can use them if necessary. Studies have shown that a company's safety performance directly impacts productivity and financial results. Whenever possible, travel with a friend. Schools and businesses MUST be prepared for an act of terrorism and they MUST act quickly when faced with it. Lacking or not having adequate situation awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents related to errors or mistakes. Dont be predictable. Be alert to pickpocketers on crowded buses; check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you. Our knowledge, experience and education enables us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. Only use devices in areas or situations where it's safe to do so and remember to look up regularly to scan surroundings. Stay safe this spring break by following safety tips from the Institutional Access and Compliance Office. First, notice your surroundings. If you feel vulnerable dont be afraid to ask for assistance. Staying safe goes hand-in-hand with being observant. 8. Also be aware: "Familiarity breeds contempt" 1. Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent being hit from behind by the tailgater! This does not just apply to buildings, but can be practiced in cars, public transportation, elevators, and even in outdoor environments. Cars, motorcycles, bicyclists, and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them. Always be aware of your surroundings, vigi-lant of activity around you and attentive to individuals approaching, walking purposely and with confidence. 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. Public officials have records of where you live for tax and property ownership purposes. When working with new or different workmates. You should aim to avoid falling into this auto-pilot mode while going about your daily life. 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. Avoid situations that could force you to suddenly use your brakes. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. Being able to communicate with others your perception of the risks is a vital part of the awareness strategy. If you are driving a car, then your main focus should be on the road, but the fact of the matter is. The police need the eyes and ears of all citizens. What would you do? The proper safety gear in your workplace could be reflective gear, fire-retardant clothing, industrial workwear or something as simple as nonslip shoes. I was part of the response team during the active shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012, said Lt. Murphy. You should be able to communicate at each stage of a risk assessment or the potential hazards with everyone that is involved. Situational awareness is a critical foundation for successful decision making in most situations that you can be put in at work. If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to stop. Do not develop a fixed stare. Keep scanning. In other words, not falling into a routine. That is why getting familiar with the layout of buildings you are making smart safety sense. So, go out there, do your job as a government attorney and keep safe. Be alert to your surroundings and the people around youespecially if you are alone or it is dark. Neo-Symbiosis: The Next Stage in the Evolution of Human Information Interaction. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence 1(1):39-52. In one district, one elementary school passed the exercise while the high school failed. If you don't report a crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without interference. Because of the size and power of the forklift, operators should stop and wait for pedestrians to clear the area before proceeding along their route with caution. The trigger of this habit would be . Take a quick glance in your mirrors. {4t6V6mf@Vf%qWEGIMRJ)Px#+m. Taking your safety seriously doesnt just help you, but can benefit others as well. Intuition: Trust your gut. When people are in an area where there is potential danger (which, in reality, is almost anywhere), they should go through most of the day in a state of relaxed awareness. Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. Wonder what if? No. Following these quick tips can improve your awareness. In these active shooter situations, theres no room for complacency. Think of how many people you see walking around with their head buried in their iPhone? Drive strategically. Take one more look to the left in case there is a vehicle or a pedestrian you did not see the first time. To provide you with the Top 5 Tips for Staying Safe, Guard911 consulted safety expert, Lt. Brian Murphy, a 23-year former Oak Creek, Wisconsin police officer who trains law enforcement officers on situational awareness techniques and strategies, as well as educating citizens on what it means to be aware of your surroundings.. Try these personal safety drills at work or in public to form good habits and determine your best response to potential threats. When walking, keep to commonly traveled routes. Votes: 2 Mike Crapo Situational awareness, in layman's terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. "If you think about it, the thought of burning to death sounds really terrifying," Klinger said. This technique is done as followed: Inhale the breath. Brake slowly before stopping. Don't open your purse or wallet while boarding the bushave your pass or money already in your hand. It has to be a conscious effort for everyone to have a 360-degree view of situations and show others the importance of doing so. Protect your Back: Utilize walls and other barriers to protect your back and sides and maximize your field of vision, taking care not to back yourself into a corner. %%EOF Situational awareness is often discussed, but it's acknowledged how so few people know what it truly represents and why it's tremendously important. Being alert and aware of potential hazards and safety issues is the first way to avoid workplace injuries. Don't stop to aid motorists by the side of the road. The reaction of the person following you will help you determine if they are indeed a threat: If they stop or reroute to mirror your actions, then you can confirm that they are following you intentionally. This situational awareness process also demonstrates the importance of all of us being familiar with our environment and the hazards that exist there. I asked the clerk for someone to escort me out. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. In this toolbox talk, you can cover ways to develop better safety awareness and how to practice observation skills on the job. Practice this in public places, such as seating in restaurants, waiting rooms, or shopping centers. Look inside your vehicle before you get in, especially when it has been parked in a parking terminal or lot. 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. How we read a situation can be influenced by many things such as the type of information we have been given, our own experience and distractions in the workplace. Yes, that is difficult at first. Look at the task in front of you. The most common thing that reduces aware is distraction. But, you must be proactive to do so. Your email address will not be published. Can you see what others are seeing? Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. iPods). No. Of course the most important factor in reading body language is just noticing the persons body. To maintain a space cushion on each side of your vehicle: It is very important to check behind you before you: Check traffic behind you often to know if you are being tailgated (another driver is following too closely). Stop and Pretend: If you feel like you are being followed, either on foot or in a vehicle, stop and turn around, pretending as if you went the wrong way. How can you improve your situational awareness? Watch for hazardsLook beyond the vehicle ahead of you. The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. 57 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<94B21628CD0A253A4D83801808161FB6>]/Index[49 25]/Info 48 0 R/Length 60/Prev 70674/Root 50 0 R/Size 74/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Although a lot of us dont deal with the bad criminals who we presume are the threat, being aware of our surroundings is still important for both ourselves and our families. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need the space. Know where your kids are. Tech Support Keep It All Clean. 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. Every time we do a task, our mind creates a script. But, the points that I took away from the training session were that you can protect yourself. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. The reason? They were just trained on Friday, and I was there running the drill with them on Monday.. So tell the police as much as you can; no fact is too trivial. 2. 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. Tragedy can strike anywhere at any time, but being observant and thoughtfully watching your surroundings can make all the difference in a potentially dangerous situation. This means that everyone's situational awareness is individual and potentially different. Situational awareness is not some magic pill that will automatically prevent an attack. 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. Bad things do happen. Dr. Michael Pittaro. We'd love to show you how in a demo, and get you started on a free trial. No one can predict disaster, and situational awareness can be the determining factor between life and death. Are there other factors that can impact the situation? Let us take the example of you repeatedly hitting the snooze button and look at it as a bad habit you want to break. For example, your mind has created a script for driving to the grocery store. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. Our situational awareness can be further reduced in times of high workload or when under pressure to get a job done on time. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass. . Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places. Body language plays an extremely important role in how you are perceived by others. For example, when you reach across a table to grab a pencil, you use proprioception to know how much. 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. We can give you your valuable time back with 365 prepared toolbox talks just like this one about watching your surroundings, all delivered from our iOS and Android apps to your workers' phones, so your workers are focused, productive, and accident-free. Disconnecting from the cyber world will be most beneficial if you concentrate on being more present and meditating each . No more shuffling through papers or tracking down a handbook thats often locked away in a filing cabinet. Instead of looking over your shoulder, place your back against a surface if possible to remove the possibility of someone getting behind you or in your blind spot. You see a bus, school bus, or a placarded vehicle at railroad crossings. Also, do not be afraid to speak loudly to someone so that you can get the attention of others nearby. If you participate in any type of social media, are your settings the most secure they can be? Toolbox Talk: 4 Keys to Effective Safety Communication, Toolbox Talk: Staying Safe While Performing Non-Routine Tasks, Toolbox Talk: Refocusing After a Vacation or the Holidays, University District Gateway Bridge Celebration, Garco Earns AISC Steel Erectors Certification. Frequent practice is vital, as no two situations are the same, and every environment provides unique conditions that will challenge your adaptability. Blind spots can hide a motorcyclist, a vehicle or a bicyclist. During off hours, ride as near to the bus operator as possible. Keeping all your senses on full alert is a good start to increasing your awareness. What about someone screaming for help? Ignorance or denial of a hazard make a persons chances of quickly recognizing a threatening situation and avoiding it highly unlikely. Taking fifteen minutes to disconnect can help you to be more connected during the rest of the day with life offline. Keep your head on a swivel looking for potential hazards. 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. Make sure you understand all the policies and procedures before you start a new job. Of course they wont. However, being aware of your surroundings could save you from ever even having to use the weapon. Being safe is a prerequisite for many to return to, or remain in, their job, and they regard this as their employer's non-negotiable obligation. Any person wishing to rely on the information present on this site should consult with competent legal counsel before doing so. Situational awareness is the opposite of being distracted. Operators should yield the right of way to pedestrians: This is an OSHA recommendation that all forklift drivers should be aware of. Whether youre a citizen or law enforcement officer, adopting these five safety tips daily which really boil down to situational awareness and proactive diligence empowers you and forms habits that may help save your life or someone elses in the case of an emergency. Toolbox Talk Topic: Situational Awareness Situational awareness is being aware of your surroundings: where you are, where you are supposed to be and nearby threat to your health and safety. As you scan ahead, be alert for vehicles around you. This ability is relevant in a wide variety of circumstances. These people walk into telephone poles. In today's market, having a poor safety record can mean all the difference between winning or losing a deal. Proceed With Caution A warehouse is a busy place, with many different things going on at once. High alert can be scary, but at this level you are still able to function. There is nothing to worry about. 3. After youve done this you can more easily avoid those threats and avoid a potentially violent situation. Reduce your speed. ]dXa78Gr5Ye}J(tvW8(:wT7. Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. It can make you more aware of your surroundings, it can give you a different perspective on things, and can also make you see risks. Always be aware of your surroundings #WorkSafe #SafetyFirst. We hope these tips can be of value to you as 2019 begins, and we wish you a happy (and safe!) Keep a space between your vehicle and parked cars. This is to be prepared and know how to respond if you are confronted. A lot of information is out there about you. This means you shouldn't be looking down at your phone, and you should also avoid wearing headphones. Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. Be aware of your surroundings. Here are some of my take-aways (expanded with some of my own thoughts and comments) that may be useful to you: 1. I was going into a store. This does not mean to be provocative and ask for a confrontation. Teach your children danger signs. 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. Truckers should be constantly checking their mirrors to keep an eye on the traffic around them. Taking proper precautions covers a wide variety of areas. Keep jewelry out of sight; don't flash jewelry; turn rings around so the stones don't show. So put the phone down. Should you have questions about how this pertains to your job talk to your supervisor or foreman. Allow enough space between you and the vehicle ahead to give yourself an out. Mistakes cause collisions. Wonder could this happen here to me to my family? 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. How SchoolGuard Panic Button Helps Protect 6500 Students, Guard911 & Lt. Col. Grossman on Stopping Killers. Report hazards immediately to your customer or manager/spervisor. Even keeping your sense of smell fully available can help in a dangerous, but not necessarily defensive, situation. TikTok video from tarryncarla (@tarryncarla): "Keep safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times. #safety #southafricatiktok #crimeprevention #bevigilantatalltimes #fyp #femalesafety". This principle can also be applied to travel routes, and being conscious of obstacles, choke points, alternate routes, and so on. If you are biased on your views it can lead to risks for you and your coworkers. In other terms, this could mean simply instructing workers on the safest way to do things or telling your supervisor about health and safety hazards you see on a job site. Pirelli Cinturato Strada All Season Review Is It the Tire for You? Why is this important to a government attorney? If you are out shopping and you notice someone frequently and they appear to be overly observant of or interested in, or acting out of normal (remember, point 4), trust your gut. Situational awareness: Preparing your team for the unexpected. Carrying a self defense weapon turns you from a passive observer to an observer that has the tools to fight back. Situational awareness is important to everyone - it is important that everyone is aware of their surroundings and the potential hazards they face. new year! This is how your strengths and opportunities for improvement can be identified. Inmates have 24/7 to watch your behaviors and body language, so always assume a threat is imminent. Only use your devices after youve determined you are in an area or situation where it is safe to do so. Be alert of your surroundings. Scan: Most people automatically scan new situations or environments, but dont always focus on the most useful information. Make sure they are away from your vehicle and in full view before moving your vehicle. Pay close attention during job training sessions. What about members of the response team, including law enforcement were they able to carry out the proper procedures successfully? Ignoring warning signs or not being aware of what could lead to accidents can cause massive issues, as was the case when a crane collapsed in Texas, leaving four dead. Carefree yet cautious. This is a state in which you are relaxed but are also watching other cars on the road and looking ahead for potential hazards. 1. During the drill, we knocked on doors and people answered them! Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. The extra weight makes it harder to stop. 10,433,143. Avoid all shortcuts and isolated areas. If you are in danger, try to get yourself to a safer location if possible. One of the best ways to become more aware of your surroundings is to practice identifying the objects around you. You should allow a four-second or more cushion when: If you follow too closely and another driver cuts in front of you, just take your foot off the gas. Any time you come to a place where people may cross or enter your path or one line of traffic meets another, you should look to the left and right sides of your vehicle to make sure no one is coming. 5. Adjust your work setup so that you face a window or are exposed to plenty of light. This means avoiding the distractions mentioned earlier. 6. A lack of situational awareness affects your personal safety in two broad . The level of concentration required for this type of driving makes it extremely tiring and stressful. These are all useful questions to start the conversation around training drills. In these situations, it is essential to maintain a high level of situational awareness to stop accidents and near misses. As you are taking your different route to work, ask yourself, what if that car pulls right out in front of you where will you go? Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. Drive either ahead of or behind the other vehicle. Remind your teens about the dangers of texting and how concentrating on driving not only keeps them safer but other people on the road as well. The load should be carefully checked to ensure it's suitable, undamaged and stable for the forklift - avoid lifting anything that isn't safe . Many of these situations can involve your health, your safety, and your job performance. Keep in mind, carrying a weapon still isnt a magic pill. If you work alone or after business hours, keep the office door locked. This doesn't mean you should be paranoid or stop enjoying your time out in public or at work, it's simply about practicing and mastering situational awareness - a skill that could save your life or someone else's. Always stay within a group when possible. 2. Be aware of your blind spots. Situational awareness is not only important for recognizing an existing or potential hazard, but it also serves to identify unsafe behavior, equipment and tools. Understanding Your Surroundings While Driving, refer to the Basic Speed Law in the Speed Limits section. Assuming you have good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement: Adjust your driving speed to the weather and road conditions (refer to the Basic Speed Law in the Speed Limits section). If you stay calm, you can think, and if you can think, you can make good decisions.. A few quick tips that might signal potential danger include shiftiness, hands in pockets, and avoiding eye contact. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 2023 Garco Construction - General Contractor for Commercial Construction. When beginning work on a new project/contract/customer location. Reclaim your calendar, quit searching for your next safety meeting.