In this toolbox talk, learn about situational awareness and how being aware of your surroundings can be an important safety precaution to preventing accidents on the construction site. In this post, Ill discuss a number of techniques and tips that can help you learn how to increase awareness of your surroundings. Adjust your work setup so that you face a window or are exposed to plenty of light. You can, and should, carry all the tools and weapons you need. Do not depend only on your mirrors or only looking out a side window. However, being aware of your surroundings could save you from ever even having to use the weapon. Don't presume changes in your surroundings are innocent or fine. Even listening to music can be a distraction and a safety hazard. Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. But, the points that I took away from the training session were that you can protect yourself. No. Allow room in front of your vehicle so the driver will have space to move in front of you. There is a tendency to . Keep in mind, carrying a weapon still isnt a magic pill. 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. 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. 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. ASSESS - The effects that the hazards will have upon you, the people you work with, equipment, procedures, pressures and the environment around you. Situational awareness is only as good as your perception. Paying attention to your surroundings might prevent an injury. Be aware of your surroundings. In this toolbox talk, you can cover ways to develop better safety awareness and how to practice observation skills on the job. Also keep a close eye on the trailer. When I was checking out, I noticed he was now standing in front of the store I had entered. Do not be afraid to let your wishes be . If you participate in any type of social media, are your settings the most secure they can be? Guard911 is here to help. You need to practice this level of awareness when you are driving on icy or slushy roads. In many cases, it is the information provided by victims and witnesses that leads to the arrest of a criminal. 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. Think of how many people you see walking around with their head buried in their iPhone? Ignorance or denial of a hazard make a persons chances of quickly recognizing a threatening situation and avoiding it highly unlikely. The best way to be safe is to know your surroundings and pay attention to everything and everyone around you. Practice these 6 behaviors to develop a mindset of being aware. Whether you're at home or at work, following an emergency plan will help you keep the situation in control as much as possible. Don't stop to aid motorists by the side of the road. Additionally, be sure not to get complacent in familiar environments, such as your workplace or a regularly frequented lunch spot. Toyo NanoEnergy A29 Review Is This the Tire for You? 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. Following these quick tips can improve your awareness. Safety is a way of life and should be thought about so often that it becomes second nature. The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. 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. Give yourself this time by keeping a "space cushion" on all sides of your vehicle. STOP - Engage your mind befor eyour hands. . Watching your surrounding can reduce the risk of vehicle collisions, dropping objects, injuries from falling objects and many other accidents. Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle. 73 0 obj <>stream Griffith D, and FL Greitzer. What about someone screaming for help? Peripheral Vision: Attempt to focus on something while also observing whats happening at the edges of your vision. 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. Lt. Murphys experience during these exercises is just one example of why consistent training and drills in schools, offices, and places of worship are so important. Dont presume changes in your surroundings are innocent or fine. Being able to stop a task and make adjustments as needed is necessary. Many hazards are obvious to those who open their eyes and minds to see them. 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. Assess the emergency and where you are. Below are some tips that can improve your situational awareness. Votes: 2 Mike Crapo Situational awareness, in layman's terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by activity such as talking on your cell phone, listening to music or reading Try to travel with others, walk in well-trav- Second, if anything does happen, you'll know where you can run for help. Keep your head on a swivel looking for potential hazards. You can pick up lots of information up just from listening. Take a quick glance in your mirrors. 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. A short poem on safety. Teach your children danger signs. Frequent practice is vital, as no two situations are the same, and every environment provides unique conditions that will challenge your adaptability. Are you still searching for toolbox talks on google and then taking that information and re-packaging it for your safety meeting? This calms the body and declutters the brain so you can react appropriately. Sitting with your back to the wall is a good quick tip. Denial is a save now, pay later scheme. Schools and businesses that continue to be in denial must realize it is not a matter of if they will face an active killer or an attempt of mass violence, but rather when. Lt. Murphy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You cannot be aware of your surroundings on the warehouse floor if you're focused on your phone. iPods). Be prepared for rapid changes in road conditions and traffic flow. How can you improve your situational awareness? First, stop talking so you can be aware of your surroundings rather than verbally reacting. You should learn to look at things with a 360-degree focus, not just from your view. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. Pay close attention during job training sessions. 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 careful when driving near motorcyclists or bicyclists. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence, The newsletter of the ISBAs Standing Committee on Government Lawyers. The primary element in establishing this mindset is first to recognize that a threat or hazard exists. Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. The habit of staying calm in chaotic situations takes practice. Everyone that drives a car knows that feeling of forgetting what youre doing after continuously driving a few hours. Street Precautions Be alert to your surroundings and the people around youespecially if you are alone or it is dark. LOOK - At your work area and find the hazards that are present to you and your workmates. Your email address will not be published. How is it different from what you see? The other driver may not see your vehicle and could change lanes and hit you. %PDF-1.5 % What if the driver of the car in front of you slams on his brakes? The owner of this website, ZCS Ventures, LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking defensiveplanet.com reviews to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. Why is this important to a government attorney? Be prepared. hWmo9+YHF]th%@ PV{0`pp8b(/HZQ`4p%&h^ `N'dHT^9-|Qug>>I)%A86pF~ yJME!7Rin>AxY1 My office recently participated in a safety training class. Be aware of your blind spots. Where needed call in your Corporate Safety Manager. Give yourself this time by keeping a space cushion on all sides of your vehicle. Regardless of the time of year, making a commitment to ones personal safety is always an excellent idea. Let us take the example of you repeatedly hitting the snooze button and look at it as a bad habit you want to break. Is this an attacker or just a bored man waiting outside his apartment? (In other words, be just a little paranoid.) The load should be carefully checked to ensure it's suitable, undamaged and stable for the forklift - avoid lifting anything that isn't safe . Situational awareness is not only important for recognizing an existing or potential hazard, but it also serves to identify unsafe behavior, equipment and tools. Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. I recently had a personal experience here. Taking your safety seriously doesnt just help you, but can benefit others as well. The proper safety gear in your workplace could be reflective gear, fire-retardant clothing, industrial workwear or something as simple as nonslip shoes. For our purposes we'll focus on situational awareness for self-defense purposes as it is a very important self-defense skill. Does everyone have a copy of the response plan readily available if an event were to occur? "As for parents of young children, it is impossible to be with your . How many Martial Arts schools are there in the US. This is one of the easiest ways to increase your awareness. If you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you. 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. It's essential to understand situation awareness in the context of everyday life not just hostile environment awareness training (HEAT), travel safety and first aid training.Thinking proactively and understanding what to look out for can be . Thats the most important question in self defense, in my opinion. TikTok video from tarryncarla (@tarryncarla): "Keep safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times. #safety #southafricatiktok #crimeprevention #bevigilantatalltimes #fyp #femalesafety". Even practicing one of these skills on a regular basis can exponentially increase your situational awareness. {4t6V6mf@Vf%qWEGIMRJ)Px#+m. 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. The best defense against the active shooter crisis in our country is to reduce the notification time and response time of our law enforcement. When traveling at night always book a taxi or get a lift with someone you trust. I asked the clerk for someone to escort me out. This is to be prepared and know how to respond if you are confronted. In an emergency you do not have a lot of time to take in your surroundings. Make safety a revenue generating part of your company through increased productivity and save thousands of dollars avoiding expensive injuries, lawsuits, and claims. Become a Hard Target: Those with malicious intent generally single out individuals that seem meek, vulnerable, or unaware of their surroundings. Situational awareness is a critical foundation for successful decision making in most situations that you can be put in at work. After youve done this you can more easily avoid those threats and avoid a potentially violent situation. 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. %%EOF Information contained on this siteshould not be taken as legal advice. When beginning work on a new project/contract/customer location. No one can predict disaster, and situational awareness can be the determining factor between life and death. In the training, we saw a video of a man who starts whacking a car that is sitting at a stop light with a large metal pipe. It has been said, your gut feeling is not just a guess, your gut feeling is your body reacting based upon knowledge or experience before your mind can fully process the information it is receiving. Remind them to be aware everywhere they are. 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. Required fields are marked *. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. Welders should always be aware of their surroundings before starting a weld. Go to the store on a different day. Situational awareness is often discussed, but it's acknowledged how so few people know what it truly represents and why it's tremendously important. Accidents don't come with a warning - prioritize safety in the workplace and avoid preventable injuries. 2. 8. This is the level that induces an adrenaline rush, a prayer and a gasp for air all at the same time. These vehicles must stop at railroad crossings; so, slow down early and allow plenty of room. Mentally prepare yourself, believe and know that you can protect yourself and your family if you need to. #1 Be Aware of Your Surroundings Every job site has inherent dangers whether that's heavy machinery, conveyor belts, or even tripping over items in the office. Avoiding complacency can help increase your perception of your surrounding. Keep your eyes moving. 441 Likes, 46 Comments. 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. 10,433,143. As you scan ahead, be alert for vehicles around you. Forklift Pedestrian Safety Tips. Take safety and emergency drills seriously. The most common thing that reduces aware is distraction. Consider these tips: Keep your distance. I told him I didnt have any. 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. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. While situational awareness may not seem like a big deal to you it can help you on a job site. Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places. 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. Thankfully for us, most people already do a very good job reading body language and have a good understanding of potentially dangerous body language. *bgv&bT!zv~[a ? The best way to be safe is to know your surroundings and pay attention to everything and everyone around you. BY looking with your ears, you simply are following the environment and what it wants you to see, rather than everything else that may matter that is going on simultaneously. 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. All of these elements should be part of the risk management strategy on a job site. Our knowledge, experience and education enables us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. Turn and look over your right and left shoulders before you begin backing. One of the most effective ways to do this, short of enrolling in formal classes or self-defense training, is by practicing everyday situational awareness. Training workers to watch their surroundings reduces the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. Situational awareness is a great tool to use to prevent injuries and after all, you are the best resource to prevent injuries from happening. Stay focused at all times. Everyone should consider it his or her responsibility to report crime. Exits: Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. Wonder what if? We use cookies to manage and improve your website experience. Remember the acronym, SLAM: Stop Look Assess Manage Stop the task and ask: Is this a new task? Have an exit plan. Always look to each side of your vehicle at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings. Following motorcyclists on wet or icy roads, on metal surfaces (e.g., bridge gratings, railroad tracks, etc. A man standing a few stores down yelled and asked me for bus money. When you know your surroundings, you can take better notice of the things that are out of the ordinary. Next, breathe deep through your nose. Most people never see it coming., How much are you willing to sacrifice to be ignorant? asked Lt. Murphy. Its also affordable, extremely easy to use, and proven to save lives. Follow a regular housekeeping schedule. Keep jewelry out of sight; don't flash jewelry; turn rings around so the stones don't show. Here are some of my take-aways (expanded with some of my own thoughts and comments) that may be useful to you: 1. 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. In a world where talent is expensive and scarce,. Your email address will not be published. Often people are overwhelmed when you start talking about situational awareness and everything that goes along with it. First, you'll start noticing more. After working with you to understand your specific needs, we evaluate potential solutions to determine which best meets your operational and financial requirements. 3. One of the best ways to become more aware of your surroundings is to practice identifying the objects around you. Body language plays an extremely important role in how you are perceived by others. Make sure if your employer provides training on situational awareness that you attend because you can always improve yourself. Ultimate Guide to Construction Management, perception of the elements in the environment. Many drivers follow too closely (tailgate) and are not able to see as far ahead as they should because the vehicle ahead blocks their view. Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in common accessible areas. This ability is relevant in a wide variety of circumstances. Keep work areas clean and orderly. Watch for things about to happen, like a ball rolling into the street or a vehicle door opening. ), and on gravel. High alert can be scary, but at this level you are still able to function. 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. I went into the store. But, you must be proactive to do so. Facebook can wait. Beware electronic distractions. Proprioception refers to your awareness of your body and limbs in your surrounding space. Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent being hit from behind by the tailgater! Understanding Your Surroundings While Driving, refer to the Basic Speed Law in the Speed Limits section. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass you, or slow down to allow enough cushion between you and the car in front of you. Questioning without judgment is a key factor in successful situational awareness. If you stay calm, you can think, and if you can think, you can make good decisions.. Most active shooters are finished massacring people in five minutes or less. Lt. Murphy. You dont know. Keep your workplace clear from clutter Know which lanes are clear so you can use them if necessary. Emergencies and mass shootings happen all the time. I was part of the response team during the active shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012, said Lt. Murphy. Always be aware of your surroundings, vigi-lant of activity around you and attentive to individuals approaching, walking purposely and with confidence. 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.. This means you shouldn't be looking down at your phone, and you should also avoid wearing headphones. Any person wishing to rely on the information present on this site should consult with competent legal counsel before doing so. So tell the police as much as you can; no fact is too trivial. 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. Disconnecting from the cyber world will be most beneficial if you concentrate on being more present and meditating each . 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. No more shuffling through papers or tracking down a handbook thats often locked away in a filing cabinet. Reduce energy consumption, increase worker productivity and safety with our loading docks and commercial doors. In this guide, well cover some tips and tricks for being aware of your surroundings while driving. During off hours, ride as near to the bus operator as possible. 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. It is this panic induced paralysis that concerns us most in relation to situational awareness. Situational awareness is a critical foundation for successful decision making in most situations that you can be put in at work. Taking fifteen minutes to disconnect can help you to be more connected during the rest of the day with life offline. When working with new or different workmates. 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. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide. Take one more look to the left in case there is a vehicle or a pedestrian you did not see the first time. Does it matter that the light is red? Be aware of your surroundings. Do they talk with you and then everyone can see? Check the blind spots. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any motorcyclists or bicyclists. Drive either ahead of or behind the other vehicle. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, And . Apathy, denial and complacency can be deadly. Understand and manage fleet and asset maintenance data and costs with iTRACK. Careers 3. 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. If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antennae. 4. To avoid last minute moves, scan the road 1015 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can see hazards early. 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. For our purposes well focus on situational awareness for self-defense purposes as it is a very important self-defense skill. If you are doing this to make tasks safer for you and others and to get the task done more efficiently you are showing situational awareness. How SchoolGuard Panic Button Helps Protect 6500 Students, Guard911 & Lt. Col. Grossman on Stopping Killers. The fourth level of awareness is high alert. Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. Keep a space between your vehicle and parked cars. Tell your customer, supervisor, and workmates. Situational awareness is the opposite of being distracted. Scan: Most people automatically scan new situations or environments, but dont always focus on the most useful information. For active shooters and those with intent on harm, its like shooting fish in a barrel. A new year is often a time of taking stock: re-evaluating ones accomplishments, goals, and personal habits both the good, and the bad. Respond to medical emergencies properly. It is easy to get wrapped up in the task at hand and lose track of your surroundings. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Watch for large vehicles because they can gather speed very quickly. Watch for signals from other drivers. Try these personal safety drills at work or in public to form good habits and determine your best response to potential threats. This means avoiding the distractions mentioned earlier. They were just trained on Friday, and I was there running the drill with them on Monday.. Allow extra room ahead, do not brake suddenly. It is a smart way to cultivate safer practices in your everyday life. 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). If you are a new driver or a teen, then enrolling in a drivers education class can be beneficial. It is important that each individual is looking out for his or her own safety as well as looking out for their workmates. 6. Offensive precautions, or those that allow you to more easily defend yourself, include keeping at least one hand free with your keys or self defense tool (not cellphone) in that hand. Vq&e-t\U>?tql/;EhYt+h\geB7YZ U[>8%F](]d[mwil2 !b~J3u8.Y1C_O On the freeway, be ready for changes in traffic conditions. A consistent and structured daily toolbox talk will save lives and reduce injuries. What would you do? These are all useful questions to start the conversation around training drills. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. 49 0 obj <> endobj