If you stay calm, you can think, and if you can think, you can make good decisions.. While wearing headphones, can you hear foot steps behind you? Make the balance, take it easy, and don't schedule every minute of every day. Know Your Exits. The habit of staying calm in chaotic situations takes practice. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of 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. 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. Always be aware of your surroundings #WorkSafe #SafetyFirst. You probably already do this, it is called defensive driving. 2. Preparing properly for them and taking safety seriously are essential actions to save lives and mitigate damage. And again, remind them about instincts: If they don't have a good feeling about a certain person, they should approach . 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? Be careful when driving near motorcyclists or bicyclists. Dont presume changes in your surroundings are innocent or fine. So put the phone down. How to increase awareness of your surroundings. 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. Be aware of your surroundings. Taking proper precautions covers a wide variety of areas. Your email address will not be published. Never Carry Extra People. Your brain goes into auto-pilot and you slowly stop consciously processing your surroundings. Watch for hazardsLook beyond the vehicle ahead of you. You need to keep two hands on the wheel at all times and have your attention totally focused on the road and the other drivers around you. 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. 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. That might be difficult hearing all that while wearing headphones. Follow a regular housekeeping schedule. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself and also discourage those who commit crimes. The recent news of the murder of the Texas District Attorney and his wife in their home makes everyones heart skip a beat and wonder. Paying attention to your surroundings might prevent an injury. 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. TikTok video from tarryncarla (@tarryncarla): "Keep safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times. #safety #southafricatiktok #crimeprevention #bevigilantatalltimes #fyp #femalesafety". Getting situational awareness right early on is important when you are working on a construction job site. Keep a space between your vehicle and parked cars. I recently had a personal experience here. Proprioception refers to your awareness of your body and limbs in your surrounding space. Smelling smoke, chemicals, or gas might tell you that there is a dangerous situation. The police need the eyes and ears of all citizens. Exits:Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. Should you have questions about how this pertains to your job talk to your supervisor or foreman. Visualize: Play out scenarios in your head beforehand. So even if you are distracted while driving, your mind knows which roads to take and can get you there. 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. Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. 49 0 obj <> endobj Accidents don't come with a warning - prioritize safety in the workplace and avoid preventable injuries. 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. (In other words, be just a little paranoid.) Assess the emergency and where you are. If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to stop. Practice looking for exits, barriers, suspicious objects and people, and any other unique elements that could be of importance to your personal safety. Report all suspicious persons and activities to the proper authorities (office manager, building security, law enforcement). Wonder could this happen here to me to my family? If you work at a school, on any type of campus, or if your workplace needs an active shooter plan, Guard911 apps are a one-of-a-kind active shooter mobile safety alert technology that facilitates adoption of these safety tips. 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. Also, do not be afraid to speak loudly to someone so that you can get the attention of others nearby. Toyo NanoEnergy A29 Review Is This the Tire for You? LOOK - At your work area and find the hazards that are present to you and your workmates. You talk with others about safety. Take safety and emergency drills seriously. 3. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. However, being aware of your surroundings could save you from ever even having to use the weapon. Dont be predictable. Second, if anything does happen, you'll know where you can run for help. The following topics are some simple ways to increase your situational awareness. If a vehicle is showing signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid it. Thats the most important question in self defense, in my opinion. 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. Be vigilant. original sound - tarryncarla. My office recently participated in a safety training class. Watch Your Back. No one can predict disaster, and situational awareness can be the determining factor between life and death. Keep in mind, carrying a weapon still isnt a magic pill. 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. Would you go through it anyway? Safety is the key to happy living, A little care can prevent much grieving. Allow room in front of your vehicle so the driver will have space to move in front of you. If you get the sense that something is wrong or doesnt add up, do not ignore it. In an emergency you do not have a lot of time to take in your surroundings. 4. 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. Exits: Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. If your team sees you doing it then they are likely to follow. You need to practice this level of awareness when you are driving on icy or slushy roads. Check the blind spots. But, if you are taken by surprise your ability to respond appropriately and adequately is limited. 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. 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. Do they talk with you and then everyone can see? Leave a little later. So tell the police as much as you can; no fact is too trivial. You are relaxed and enjoying your drive, but are still watching for road hazards, maintaining a safe following distance and keeping an eye on the behavior of the drivers around you. 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. Be aware of your surroundings. This is to be prepared and know how to respond if you are confronted. 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. Meditate for 15 Minutes a Day. Why is this important to a government attorney? Remember that we all want to go home safely the way we came to work safely. Votes: 2 Mike Crapo %PDF-1.5 % Although a purse-snatcher's intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it. Regardless of the time of year, making a commitment to ones personal safety is always an excellent idea. Report all unsafe conditions and near-miss incidents to your supervisor. 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. This means you must be proactive about being aware of your surroundings. 8. A script is a memory that helps us get things done. Avoid using an electronic device while walking or performing other tasks. It is important that each individual is looking out for his or her own safety as well as looking out for their workmates. Expect merging vehicles at on-ramps and interchanges. In this toolbox talk, you can cover ways to develop better safety awareness and how to practice observation skills on the job. You should aim to avoid falling into this auto-pilot mode while going about your daily life. Lose the tailgater as soon as you can. Body language plays an extremely important role in how you are perceived by others. 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. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any motorcyclists or bicyclists. Are there other factors that can impact the situation? All of these elements should be part of the risk management strategy on a job site. 3. Its also affordable, extremely easy to use, and proven to save lives. I tell this to law enforcement officers all the time when Im speaking, said Lt. Murphy. Check your rear view mirrors every two five seconds so you know the position of vehicles near you. Check out the new logo that I created on LogoMakr.com https://logomakr.com/8SX1NH. If you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you. How many Martial Arts schools are there in the US. Choose a product which is designed specifically for use on toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers in both . Go to a different store. Keep your eyes moving. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car . Understand and manage fleet and asset maintenance data and costs with iTRACK. What if this was happening to the person in the car next to you? You may also submit an IT support request at http://help.emory.edu/ . Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible. Pirelli Cinturato Strada All Season Review Is It the Tire for You? Moak says this is a great practice and encourages everyone to be aware of their surroundings when leaving a mall or grocery store. The driver behind you wants to pass. Make sure you communicate until everyone involved understands what is going on. So, the question becomes, what can we do to be safer? 5. 2. It is easy to get wrapped up in the task at hand and lose track of your surroundings. As living conditions get better for everyone around the world, however, we tend to become less aware of our surroundings. Follow your emergency plan. The temporary loss or lack of situational awareness is a casual factor in many accidents. [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[]. Make sure if your employer provides training on situational awareness that you attend because you can always improve yourself. Situational awareness: Understanding the current environment and being able to accurately anticipate future problems to enable effective actions.1 Why is this important? This means avoiding the distractions mentioned earlier. Take one more look to the left in case there is a vehicle or a pedestrian you did not see the first time. Taking your safety seriously doesnt just help you, but can benefit others as well. Be careful what you put out there and how much information you put out there about your family. This is one of the easiest ways to increase your awareness. Know which lanes are clear so you can use them if necessary. If other children are nearby, make sure you can see them before backing up. Do not be afraid to speak to someone to ask them to not come closer if approaching you in a parking lot. Attend a demo, get a free Raken Carhartt beanie. Make safety a revenue generating part of your company through increased productivity and save thousands of dollars avoiding expensive injuries, lawsuits, and claims. It requires you to stay alert and draw upon your unique set of experiences and skills to evaluate your environment. This does not just apply to buildings, but can be practiced in cars, public transportation, elevators, and even in outdoor environments. Basic Safety Tips for Women: Speak Up. 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. Look up occasionally to re-scan your surroundings and make note of any changes. This gives you space between your vehicle and the other driver, without having to slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane. 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). Sitting with your back to the wall is a good quick tip. If youre already thinking about it, then you are more likely to do it in a defensive scenario. Assessment of your working environment should occur continually, but especially in the following situations: Why is situational awareness important to us? 2. Be aware of your surroundings. If you are biased on your views it can lead to risks for you and your coworkers. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need the space. Below are some tips that can improve your situational awareness. That feeling doesnt only happen while driving. Using an effective drain cleaner can help prevent blockages that can lead to plumbing problems down the line. Every single day for the past 30 years, at least three workers don't make it home and thousands more experience a serious injury. Panicking adds to the chaos and breeds knee-jerk reactions, causing people to abandon all protocol and enter a fight-or-flight mentality. Next, breathe deep through your nose. If the answer is yes, great! 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). In the 21st century your biggest distraction is your smartphone. These vehicles must stop at railroad crossings; so, slow down early and allow plenty of room. Dont fear, there is still hope. While situational awareness may not seem like a big deal to you it can help you on a job site. Allow other coworkers to give you ideas of what could and could not work in situations. 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. hbbd``b`Z$C`]$ ba`bd8 RH9q' `= Since this is learned behavior, anyone can improve their situational awareness. 73 0 obj <>stream Question everything! Yes, that is difficult at first. 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. Everything you need is already primed and ready for delivery. 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. Your instincts exist to protect you it is always better to be overcautious than to ignore warning signs that turned out to be legitimate. Even listening to music can be a distraction and a safety hazard. Ultimate Guide to Construction Management, perception of the elements in the environment. 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 Turn on your lights during the day, if it is hard to see or you cannot see at least 1,000 feet ahead of you. A lot of information is out there about you. Stopping work to make adjustments- Sometimes things do not go as you planned and thought they would. Do you know if your school, university, workplace, or place of worship has a response plan and training program for active intruder incidents or other emergencies? Often people are overwhelmed when you start talking about situational awareness and everything that goes along with it. Vigilance is not paranoia, its just understanding and being able to process whats going on around you its a skill and a habit that takes practice something that shouldnt be ignored. Lt. Murphy. Jamey Noel. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. To avoid last minute moves, scan the road 1015 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can see hazards early. Remind them to be aware everywhere they are. This principle can also be applied to travel routes, and being conscious of obstacles, choke points, alternate routes, and so on. As a safety measure, also look over your right and left shoulders again while backing. When beginning work on a new project/contract/customer location. News & Media I went into the store. This is how your strengths and opportunities for improvement can be identified. 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. Being alert and aware of potential hazards and safety issues is the first way to avoid workplace injuries. Be alert of your surroundings at all time - Teens can be especially guilty of being oblivious to their surroundings. 10,433,143. Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics. I know this sounds extremely difficult, but I can assure you that it is not as hard as you think. The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. By being mentally prepared, you can have the upper hand. Don't leave cash or valuables at the office. Not looking down at your phone the entire time youre in public fits with point number one, but it warrants its own recognition. Keep your belongings in front of you and hold close to your body with both hands. A new year is often a time of taking stock: re-evaluating ones accomplishments, goals, and personal habits both the good, and the bad. Keep an eye out for a flat tire, smoke emerging from underneath the trailer. Situational awareness may protect us. 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. Engage your workers with modern technology and content that they can easily consume. If you don't report a crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without interference. If you live anywhere in the world, then its probably just about everyone you see. Following these quick tips can improve your awareness. In the same vein as minimizing distractions, you want to identify threats before they become threats. Check your mirrors often. Studies have shown that a company's safety performance directly impacts productivity and financial results. In one district, one elementary school passed the exercise while the high school failed. This is the level that induces an adrenaline rush, a prayer and a gasp for air all at the same time. Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places. Go to the store on a different day. You probably already take precautions in your daily life. Everyone should consider it his or her responsibility to report crime. Also be aware: "Familiarity breeds contempt" 1. In a world where talent is expensive and scarce,. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Some drivers do not obey traffic signals so before you enter an intersection, look left, right, and ahead for approaching traffic. I dont literally mean keeping your eyes wide open, but always keeping a good field of view. 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. Report hazards immediately to your customer or manager/spervisor. At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 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. Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. Use your mirrors. The reason? 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. Neo-Symbiosis: The Next Stage in the Evolution of Human Information Interaction. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence 1(1):39-52. 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. Senses: Practice engaging all your senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste) to their fullest extent to increase your personal safety. Emergencies and mass shootings happen all the time. The load should be carefully checked to ensure it's suitable, undamaged and stable for the forklift - avoid lifting anything that isn't safe .