Street Precautions Be alert to your surroundings and the people around youespecially if you are alone or it is dark. Avoiding complacency can help increase your perception of your surrounding. This doesnt mean you should be paranoid or stop enjoying your time out in public or at work, its simply about practicing and mastering situational awareness a skill that could save your life or someone elses. Bad things do happen. Follow these parking lot safety tips whenever you find yourself in a parking lot on foot. 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. Dont use put earbuds or headphones in your ears while youre outside is also a way to quickly increase your awareness from your senses. Always be aware of what's going on all around the vehicle. Lose the tailgater as soon as you can. Keep in mind, carrying a weapon still isnt a magic pill. Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places. Our knowledge, experience and education enables us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. Now, that may sound harsh, but to say that its not going to happen here is giving yourself permission to not be aware of whats around you.. Like if a job is too risky for one person to do it, or if a machine seems faulty. Expect merging vehicles at on-ramps and interchanges. Last but not least do not assume that just because you told someone about a risk or a correct procedure that they heard you or they agreed with you. Keep your head on a swivel looking for potential hazards. Set the headlines of your day, but leave room in your daily schedule for spontaneity without taking hideous risks. 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? 4. Keep your eyes moving. This principle can also be applied to travel routes, and being conscious of obstacles, choke points, alternate routes, and so on. Dont fear, there is still hope. Don't presume changes in your surroundings are innocent or fine. In other words, not falling into a routine. It is still a defensive, not offensive, tool in your arsenal. Don't leave cash or valuables at the office. A short poem on safety. Be alert of your surroundings. Watch for things about to happen, like a ball rolling into the street or a vehicle door opening. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need the space. Dont be predictable. 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. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself and also discourage those who commit crimes. It is this panic induced paralysis that concerns us most in relation to situational awareness. Do not be afraid to speak to someone to ask them to not come closer if approaching you in a parking lot. Know which lanes are clear so you can use them if necessary. No. Login is Emory's authentication tool for logging into multiple web systems and applications. An effective strategy requires that everyone be on board and the best way to achieve this is to be able to communicate with each other. Use things like doors, walls, file cabinets as protection from being hit by moving objects around you (e.g. If a vehicle is showing signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid it. I tell this to law enforcement officers all the time when Im speaking, said Lt. Murphy. Most active shooters are finished massacring people in five minutes or less. Lt. Murphy. It is important that you know how many problems you face and how serious they are. However, being aware of your surroundings could save you from ever even having to use the weapon. This does not just apply to buildings, but can be practiced in cars, public transportation, elevators, and even in outdoor environments. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. 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 . 73 0 obj <>stream Have your car keys in your hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car. So, the question becomes, what can we do to be safer? 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. The best way to avoid complacency is to consciously remind yourself to stay alert. 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. Understanding Your Surroundings While Driving, refer to the Basic Speed Law in the Speed Limits section. Always be alert and aware of the people around you. 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. Does everyone have a copy of the response plan readily available if an event were to occur? Be aware of your surroundings, and be alert to who is near you. Your instincts exist to protect you it is always better to be overcautious than to ignore warning signs that turned out to be legitimate. Practice devising alternate methods of escape if your primary exit becomes compromised. This is to be prepared and know how to respond if you are confronted. Although a purse-snatcher's intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it. Check your rear view mirrors every two five seconds so you know the position of vehicles near you. At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Most people never see it coming., How much are you willing to sacrifice to be ignorant? asked Lt. Murphy. Remind them to be aware everywhere they are. I asked the clerk for someone to escort me out. The level of concentration required for this type of driving makes it extremely tiring and stressful. 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. The comatose level is where you go into shock, your brain ceases to process information and you simply cannot react to the reality of the situation. Backing up is always dangerous because it is hard to see behind your vehicle. 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. No. Make safety a revenue generating part of your company through increased productivity and save thousands of dollars avoiding expensive injuries, lawsuits, and claims. As you scan ahead, be alert for vehicles around you. Continental ExtremeContact DWS Review Does It Meet Expectations? Your brain goes into auto-pilot and you slowly stop consciously processing your surroundings. 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. Where could I escape? Premeditating such responses can help them to become second-nature in the event of an actual emergency, making your response more effective. However, combining great awareness with a weapon might increase your odds of fending of an attack. While situational awareness may not seem like a big deal to you it can help you on a job site. That feeling doesnt only happen while driving. Recognizing hazards is an important part of keeping you and your co-workers safe . I was part of the response team during the active shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012, said Lt. Murphy. Even practicing one of these skills on a regular basis can exponentially increase your situational awareness. There are a lot of blind spots, corners, turns, and on the equipment itself. The best defense against the active shooter crisis in our country is to reduce the notification time and response time of our law enforcement. Not playing on your phone might improve your chances of thwarting an attack. Check your mirrors often. If people inside the temple would have had access to Guard911 technology, which includes the Hero911 officer network, they couldve alerted each other faster and we would have had more officers on the scene sooner., Immediate notification time is a must mere seconds make a world of difference when it comes to saving lives. Toyo NanoEnergy A29 Review Is This the Tire for You? If you are biased on your views it can lead to risks for you and your coworkers. 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. Situational awareness, in laymans terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. Watch for large vehicles because they can gather speed very quickly. 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. If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to stop. Why is this important to a government attorney? Situational awareness: Understanding the current environment and being able to accurately anticipate future problems to enable effective actions.1 Why is this important? Make a phone call requesting help for them. Be careful when driving near motorcyclists or bicyclists. 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. But, you must be proactive to do so. Additionally, be sure not to get complacent in familiar environments, such as your workplace or a regularly frequented lunch spot. 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. Raken's toolbox talk app makes it easy to choose from a pre-loaded library (or upload your own), then schedule and assign topics for any project. Being able to communicate with others your perception of the risks is a vital part of the awareness strategy. 1. Check out the new logo that I created on LogoMakr.com https://logomakr.com/8SX1NH. 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. Be aware of your surroundings. Situational awareness at work is a crucial part of your health and safety. Wonder could this happen here to me to my family? Consider these tips: Keep your distance. 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 . #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. Finally, if a crime does occurREPORT IT! You probably already take precautions in your daily life. This is one of the easiest ways to increase your awareness. If someone is suspicious take action to notify others and remove yourself from his or her direct path. The trigger of this habit would be . Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. Turn and look over your right and left shoulders before you begin backing. This means you shouldn't be looking down at your phone, and you should also avoid wearing headphones. It is important if you have a management role or even the role of a team leader that you practice situational awareness. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. Accidents don't come with a warning - prioritize safety in the workplace and avoid preventable injuries. 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. How can you improve your situational awareness? Always remember that inmates listen to every conversation that corrections officers and staff have. Drive either ahead of or behind the other vehicle. Everything you need is already primed and ready for delivery. While many choose to reaffirm their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, many overlook the flip side of the same coin: personal safety. Do not be afraid to yell for help if they don't stop. Ask someone. Always stay within a group when possible. So, go out there, do your job as a government attorney and keep safe. Carry your wallet inside your coat, or in a front pocket. You need to practice this level of awareness when you are driving on icy or slushy roads. Always be aware of your surroundings #WorkSafe #SafetyFirst. If someone bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, change seats. Guard911 is here to help. Being able to stop a task and make adjustments as needed is necessary. Your aggressor will be surprised at your response, take advantage of that. Give yourself this time by keeping a space cushion on all sides of your vehicle. Respond to medical emergencies properly. "But we're able to talk to kids about 'stop, drop and roll,' and it doesn't cause the chaos, fear and . 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. Be aware of escape routes for emergencies and post the police and fire department numbers near telephones. Your email address will not be published. Do they talk with you and then everyone can see? Below are some tips that can improve your situational awareness. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Before complacency has set in-it can be a silent killer! The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. 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. Personal safety begins with an individuals awareness to their environment no one can defend against danger they couldnt see coming. The primary element in establishing this mindset is first to recognize that a threat or hazard exists. Do not be afraid to let your wishes be . 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. -Be aware of your surroundings -Keep your cell-phone charged and with you at all times -Use good judgment on social media before publicly sharing information or a location. Following large vehicles that block your view ahead. Change lanes. Take one more look to the left in case there is a vehicle or a pedestrian you did not see the first time. A second important element of the proper mindset is understanding the need to take responsibility for ones own safety. Stay flexible in your schedule, and don't say NO to unexpected adventures. However, after enough practice it becomes second nature. Apathy, denial and complacency can be deadly. Mentally prepare yourself, believe and know that you can protect yourself and your family if you need to. 03 Mar 2023 18:24:16 2. Allow enough space between you and the vehicle ahead to give yourself an out. Mistakes cause collisions. This article will delve into some of the key health and safety considerations when it comes to plumbing work. Go to a different store. Surroundings -Safety Talk Pay attention to your surroundings, It might prevent an injury. Also, do not be afraid to speak loudly to someone so that you can get the attention of others nearby. Use your mirrors. (In other words, be just a little paranoid.) Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. 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 In this toolbox talk, you can cover ways to develop better safety awareness and how to practice observation skills on the job. LOOK - At your work area and find the hazards that are present to you and your workmates. STOP - Engage your mind befor eyour hands. Do not stay in another drivers blind spot. Ignorance or denial of a hazard make a persons chances of quickly recognizing a threatening situation and avoiding it highly unlikely. 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. An enhanced sense of your surroundings allows for better preparation should a crisis event unfold. And again, remind them about instincts: If they don't have a good feeling about a certain person, they should approach . Assess the emergency and where you are. Situational awareness is only as good as your perception. Proprioception refers to your awareness of your body and limbs in your surrounding space. Also keep a close eye on the trailer. Preparing properly for them and taking safety seriously are essential actions to save lives and mitigate damage. This website is to be used forinformational purposes only. 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. 441 Likes, 46 Comments. 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. 4. It is a skill that can save lives, maybe even your own. Attend a demo, get a free Raken Carhartt beanie. Are there other factors that can impact the situation? Situational awareness is important to everyone - it is important that everyone is aware of their surroundings and the potential hazards they face. Make sure you communicate until everyone involved understands what is going on. Following motorcyclists on wet or icy roads, on metal surfaces (e.g., bridge gratings, railroad tracks, etc. Training 3. 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. However, we do know this man is acting like a mugger. You cannot be aware of your surroundings on the warehouse floor if you're focused on your phone. You can hit your brakes and keep your car under control. Where needed call in your Corporate Safety Manager. The reason? Someone may step out from between them, a vehicle door may open, or a vehicle may pull out suddenly. endstream endobj startxref If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Keeping all your senses on full alert is a good start to increasing your awareness. Public officials have records of where you live for tax and property ownership purposes. Would you go through it anyway? We hope these tips can be of value to you as 2019 begins, and we wish you a happy (and safe!) 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. Some drivers do not obey traffic signals so before you enter an intersection, look left, right, and ahead for approaching traffic. Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics. 5 Tips to Stay Safe While Welding. It's being aware of what is going on around you in terms of where you are, where you should be, and what in your surroundings could potentially be a threat to your health or safety. All these activities might help prevent an attack. If you are in danger, try to get yourself to a safer location if possible. Assessment of your working environment should occur continually, but especially in the following situations: Why is situational awareness important to us? 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. Check the interior of your vehicle for intruders before entering your car. Do not develop a fixed stare. Keep scanning. Be sure to always wear a breathing mask if your space has debris or dust, or if you have to deal with toxic or dangerous chemicals or fumes. Since this is learned behavior, anyone can improve their situational awareness. . Only use devices in areas or situations where it's safe to do so and remember to look up regularly to scan surroundings. 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. Do not be a tailgater! Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any motorcyclists or bicyclists. 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. 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. ), and on gravel. The extra weight makes it harder to stop. Keep It All Clean. The habit of staying calm in chaotic situations takes practice. Most rear end collisions are caused by tailgating. My office recently participated in a safety training class. Be aware of your surroundings. Maybe he isnt so innocent. On the freeway, be ready for changes in traffic conditions. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. By being mentally prepared, you can have the upper hand. Should you have questions about how this pertains to your job talk to your supervisor or foreman. Such awareness permits some hazards to be avoided and others to be safe-guarded against. What to Look For when Buying a Stun Gun [2020 Buying Guide], How Martial Arts can improve discipline in Children and Adults. At freeway exits, do not drive alongside other cars. This means you must be proactive about being aware of your surroundings. Avoid hauling weight that exceeds the counterweight of the forklift. The third level of awareness, focused awareness, is like driving in hazardous road conditions. Get taxis or arrange a lift. 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. 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. 2. First, notice your surroundings. 49 0 obj <> endobj A script is a memory that helps us get things done. Inmates have 24/7 to watch your behaviors and body language, so always assume a threat is imminent. One of the best ways to become more aware of your surroundings is to practice identifying the objects around you. Simply put, in order to have situational awareness you have to be open to a variety of perspectives and insights. This does not mean to be provocative and ask for a confrontation. In a world where talent is expensive and scarce,. Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. 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). Ultimate Guide to Construction Management, perception of the elements in the environment. When working with new or different workmates. Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. How SchoolGuard Panic Button Helps Protect 6500 Students, Guard911 & Lt. Col. Grossman on Stopping Killers.