be aware of your surroundings safety talk
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. Additionally, be sure not to get complacent in familiar environments, such as your workplace or a regularly frequented lunch spot. 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. Moak says this is a great practice and encourages everyone to be aware of their surroundings when leaving a mall or grocery store. On the highway, 1015 seconds is about a quarter of a mile. Does everyone have a copy of the response plan readily available if an event were to occur? The extra weight makes it harder to stop. I recently had a personal experience here. When working with new or different workmates. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back onto the freeway. Allow room in front of your vehicle so the driver will have space to move in front of you. In this guide, well cover some tips and tricks for being aware of your surroundings while driving. Only use devices in areas or situations where it's safe to do so and remember to look up regularly to scan surroundings. I was part of the response team during the active shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012, said Lt. Murphy. Be aware of who you are in the electronic world. How is it different from what you see? Ask yourself if you have the proper tools, training and PPE to perform the task safely. It requires you to stay alert and draw upon your unique set of experiences and skills to evaluate your environment. Be aware of your blind spots. Situational awareness is a critical foundation for successful decision making in most situations that you can be put in at work. If someone is suspicious take action to notify others and remove yourself from his or her direct path. Look at the task in front of you. Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible. 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. Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc. - Program for Sovereign Indian Nations. Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you. The more space you allow between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, the more time you will have to see a hazard, and stop or avoid that hazard. Keep your head on a swivel looking for potential hazards. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need the space. If you feel vulnerable dont be afraid to ask for assistance. It is a skill that can save lives, maybe even your own. Regardless of the time of year, making a commitment to ones personal safety is always an excellent idea. This means you shouldn't be looking down at your phone, and you should also avoid wearing headphones. 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 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. Someone may step out from between them, a vehicle door may open, or a vehicle may pull out suddenly. Taking proper precautions covers a wide variety of areas. Make sure you communicate until everyone involved understands what is going on. About This calms the body and declutters the brain so you can react appropriately. Be alert to pickpocketers on crowded buses; check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you. Here are some of my take-aways (expanded with some of my own thoughts and comments) that may be useful to you: 1. 5. ), and on gravel. Play the what if game. 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. Does it matter that the light is red? 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. Situational awareness is often discussed, but it's acknowledged how so few people know what it truly represents and why it's tremendously important. 16. Look up occasionally to re-scan your surroundings and make note of any changes. Consider the building occupants when scheduling your work: you may need to schedule work when there are fewer people in the building/area; Put up barriers and signage to alert building occupants to avoid hazards and stay clear of the immediate work area; Report hazards to Facilities and/or Environmental Health and Safety Before changing lanes, look into your rear view mirror for nearby vehicles and also over your shoulder to check for blind spots. While situational awareness may not seem like a big deal to you it can help you on a job site. On the freeway, be ready for changes in traffic conditions. 4. Choose a product which is designed specifically for use on toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers in both . This principle can also be applied to travel routes, and being conscious of obstacles, choke points, alternate routes, and so on. When traveling at night always book a taxi or get a lift with someone you trust. Careers Situational awareness is only as good as your perception. 03 Mar 2023 18:24:16 Where and when should situational awareness techniques be used? Tech Support Understand and manage fleet and asset maintenance data and costs with iTRACK. And again, remind them about instincts: If they don't have a good feeling about a certain person, they should approach . Know where your kids are. For our purposes we'll focus on situational awareness for self-defense purposes as it is a very important self-defense skill. (In other words, be just a little paranoid.) Meditate for 15 Minutes a Day. You cannot be aware of your surroundings on the warehouse floor if you're focused on your phone. The vast majority of communication is done through body language, not spoken language. Pirelli Cinturato Strada All Season Review Is It the Tire for You? At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. In the case of Sikh Temple, Lt. Murphy did arrive at the scene in under two minutes, but if he had been only 15 seconds later, there would have been another 15 people killed based on how the shooter had people cornered, according to Lt. Murphy. 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. A lack of situational awareness affects your personal safety in two broad . Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent being hit from behind by the tailgater! Continually check them for hazards. Our knowledge, experience and education enables us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. These are all useful questions to start the conversation around training drills. {4t6V6mf@Vf%qWEGIMRJ)Px#+m. (In other words, be just a little paranoid.) STOP - Engage your mind befor eyour hands. 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. 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. Do not depend only on your mirrors or only looking out a side window. Leave a little earlier. Do not stay in another drivers blind spot. This website is to be used forinformational purposes only. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. In one district, one elementary school passed the exercise while the high school failed. Keeping all your senses on full alert is a good start to increasing your awareness. 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. 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. This is a state in which you are relaxed but are also watching other cars on the road and looking ahead for potential hazards. Being able to communicate with others your perception of the risks is a vital part of the awareness strategy. When you know your surroundings, you can take better notice of the things that are out of the ordinary. If possible and when safe, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way. For active shooters and those with intent on harm, its like shooting fish in a barrel. Thats the most important question in self defense, in my opinion. Situational awareness is a great tool to use to prevent injuries and after all, you are the best resource to prevent injuries from happening. 14. What would you do? Take a quick glance in your mirrors. 49 0 obj <> endobj new year! First, notice your surroundings. 2023 Garco Construction - General Contractor for Commercial Construction. If you live anywhere in the world, then its probably just about everyone you see. You should always be looking around and aware of your surroundings. However, after enough practice it becomes second nature. Your instincts exist to protect you it is always better to be overcautious than to ignore warning signs that turned out to be legitimate. This does not mean to be provocative and ask for a confrontation. News & Media If you are biased on your views it can lead to risks for you and your coworkers. Watch for signals from other drivers. Ensure all . Not playing on your phone might improve your chances of thwarting an attack. In this video, I go over a simple driving lesson on paying attention to your surroundings. 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. Respond to medical emergencies properly. people pushing trays of items in a cafeteria), be alert when using stairs or ladders, while walking along corridors etc. Be careful what you put out there and how much information you put out there about your family. Check the blind spots. U.S. Pat. Its also affordable, extremely easy to use, and proven to save lives. 4. The trigger of this habit would be . Constantly staring at the road just in front of your vehicle is dangerous. Be careful when driving near motorcyclists or bicyclists. Know Your Exits. Situational awareness is important to everyone - it is important that everyone is aware of their surroundings and the potential hazards they face. The primary element in establishing this mindset is first to recognize that a threat or hazard exists. Let us take the example of you repeatedly hitting the snooze button and look at it as a bad habit you want to break. 6. Many hazards are obvious to those who open their eyes and minds to see them. Questioning without judgment is a key factor in successful situational awareness. Don't allow loud distractions to stop you from keeping your eyes on your surroundings, rather than one direction. Backing up is always dangerous because it is hard to see behind your vehicle. If youre already thinking about it, then you are more likely to do it in a defensive scenario. Public officials have records of where you live for tax and property ownership purposes. 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. Having situational awareness can keep you and your coworkers safe. 2. How Situationally Aware People Create a Resilient Organization document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. No. Emergencies and mass shootings happen all the time. 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. What Pocket Knife does MacGyver Use to be Prepared For Everything? hWmo9+YHF]th%@ PV{0`pp8b(/HZQ`4p%&h^ `N'dHT^9-|Qug>>I)%A86pF~ yJME!7Rin>AxY1 Cars, motorcycles, bicyclists, and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them. Keep your workplace clear from clutter Our knowledge, experience and education enables us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. But, the points that I took away from the training session were that you can protect yourself. Continental ExtremeContact DWS Review Does It Meet Expectations? Keep jewelry out of sight; don't flash jewelry; turn rings around so the stones don't show. Dont make yourself vulnerable. Notice other people their body language, eye contact, posture, stride. Drive far enough behind the car in front of you so you can safely stop; especially in inclement weather, give yourself plenty of reaction time. When walking, keep to commonly traveled routes. You should be able to communicate at each stage of a risk assessment or the potential hazards with everyone that is involved. Take a different route to work. Dr. Michael Pittaro. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police, sheriff or a tow truck service. Check your mirrors often. 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. Teach your children danger signs. *bgv&bT!zv~[a ? But, you must be proactive to do so. You can hit your brakes and keep your car under control. The best way to avoid complacency is to consciously remind yourself to stay alert. This ability is relevant in a wide variety of circumstances. Required fields are marked *. First, you'll start noticing more. By remaining close to the people you trust and know well, you'll reduce the risk of being targeted by people who are up to no good and could be out to take advantage. Truckers should be constantly checking their mirrors to keep an eye on the traffic around them. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any motorcyclists or bicyclists. When you are backing out of a parking space: Check in front and behind the vehicle before you get in. We teach participants a saying, locks, lights, out of sight as a way for people to remember to lock the doors, turn off the lights, and hide if an active shooter were in their school, said Lt. Murphy. The second level of awareness, relaxed awareness, is like defensive driving. The first part of the process is the cue or trigger, the second is the routine or behavior itself, and the third is the reward. Be aware of your surroundings pay attention. 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. -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. %PDF-1.5 % Panicking adds to the chaos and breeds knee-jerk reactions, causing people to abandon all protocol and enter a fight-or-flight mentality. Failure to observe your surroundings before welding can drastically increase the risk of fire . In the city, 1015 seconds is about one block. Do not be afraid to yell for help if they don't stop. Proceed With Caution A warehouse is a busy place, with many different things going on at once. Go to a different store. The driver behind you wants to pass. 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.. Situational awareness, in layman's terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. 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. There is a tendency to 5. These vehicles must stop at railroad crossings; so, slow down early and allow plenty of room. However, we do know this man is acting like a mugger. Don't presume changes in your surroundings are innocent or fine. The temporary loss or lack of situational awareness is a casual factor in many accidents. Paying attention to your surroundings might prevent an injury. At 35 mph, it takes about 210 feet to react and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Follow these parking lot safety tips whenever you find yourself in a parking lot on foot. How SchoolGuard Panic Button Helps Protect 6500 Students, Guard911 & Lt. Col. Grossman on Stopping Killers. 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. Most people never see it coming., How much are you willing to sacrifice to be ignorant? asked Lt. Murphy. So even if you are distracted while driving, your mind knows which roads to take and can get you there. 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? In these active shooter situations, theres no room for complacency. The other driver may not see your vehicle and could change lanes and hit you. Can you see what others are seeing? 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 Go to the store on a different day. 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 . Once your business or organization has a response plan, Guard911 mobile panic button apps offer a convenient place to store it where its immediately available with the touch of an icon on the users phone. Keep in mind, carrying a weapon still isnt a magic pill. Take one more look to the left in case there is a vehicle or a pedestrian you did not see the first time. Do you know how to learn or improve this skill? 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). Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle. This is the level that induces an adrenaline rush, a prayer and a gasp for air all at the same time. 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. endstream endobj 50 0 obj <> endobj 51 0 obj <> endobj 52 0 obj <>stream Dont fear, there is still hope. Information contained on this siteshould not be taken as legal advice. Pay close attention during job training sessions. All of these elements should be part of the risk management strategy on a job site. 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. Be aware of your surroundings, and be alert to who is near you. As living conditions get better for everyone around the world, however, we tend to become less aware of our surroundings. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself and also discourage those who commit crimes. Don't stop to aid motorists by the side of the road. Become a Hard Target: Those with malicious intent generally single out individuals that seem meek, vulnerable, or unaware of their surroundings. The following topics are some simple ways to increase your situational awareness. We use our situational awareness to make decisions at home and at work. Situational awareness at work is a crucial part of your health and safety. 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. Be aware of your surroundings on the job and use them to your advantage. Dont be predictable. Body language plays an extremely important role in how you are perceived by others. Everyone should consider it his or her responsibility to report crime. Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. I went into the store. Raymond manufactures innovative electric lift trucks that deliver a lower total cost of ownership. Be aware of pedestrians in your surroundings. Situational awareness: Preparing your team for the unexpected. Allow enough space between you and the vehicle ahead to give yourself an out. Mistakes cause collisions. The level of concentration required for this type of driving makes it extremely tiring and stressful. Be aware of your surroundings. Your friends can wait. If you participate in any type of social media, are your settings the most secure they can be? Taking your safety seriously doesnt just help you, but can benefit others as well. Disconnecting from the cyber world will be most beneficial if you concentrate on being more present and meditating each . 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. Use proper fall protection equipment and 100% tie-off when working in elevated positions. Surroundings -Safety Talk Pay attention to your surroundings, It might prevent an injury. 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- The most common thing that reduces aware is distraction. 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. Do not use or wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. Thankfully for us, most people already do a very good job reading body language and have a good understanding of potentially dangerous body language. First, stop talking so you can be aware of your surroundings rather than verbally reacting. Be prepared for rapid changes in road conditions and traffic flow. 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.. Schools and businesses MUST be prepared for an act of terrorism and they MUST act quickly when faced with it. To avoid tailgating, use the three-second rule: when the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point such as a sign, count one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three. Counting these numbers takes approximately three seconds. 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. It is important if you have a management role or even the role of a team leader that you practice situational awareness. Learn how your comment data is processed. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for small mistakes. Practice devising alternate methods of escape if your primary exit becomes compromised. In an elevator, be mindful that there is a distress alarm on the control panel. The fourth level of awareness is high alert. situational awareness for self-defense purposes. Do not be a tailgater! What would you do? We'd love to show you how in a demo, and get you started on a free trial. Do not take out a wallet on the street, if asked for money. Safety is the key to happy living, A little care can prevent much grieving. Follow your emergency plan. Motorcyclists can fall more easily on these surfaces. Situational awareness, in laymans terms, is your ability to process your surroundings and notice any changes in those surroundings. Set the headlines of your day, but leave room in your daily schedule for spontaneity without taking hideous risks. Remember that we all want to go home safely the way we came to work safely. If there are no uniformed people, look for grandparents, women, and people with children who may be able to help. Lacking or not having adequate situation awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents related to errors or mistakes. The extra space allows you to see around the vehicle. Always be alert and aware of the people around you. 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. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide. However, combining great awareness with a weapon might increase your odds of fending of an attack. If you are driving a car, then your main focus should be on the road, but the fact of the matter is. You probably already take precautions in your daily life. 9,905,117. Most rear end collisions are caused by tailgating. You dont dare take your eyes off the road or let your attention wander. Think of how many people you see walking around with their head buried in their iPhone? This is to be prepared and know how to respond if you are confronted. An enhanced sense of your surroundings allows for better preparation should a crisis event unfold. Smelling smoke, chemicals, or gas might tell you that there is a dangerous situation. Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. Below are some tips that can improve your situational awareness. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1364, Phone: (310) 825-1491 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. Also keep a close eye on the trailer. Lakshita @Nature beauty Mar 03, 2023, 20:11 IST. I dont literally mean keeping your eyes wide open, but always keeping a good field of view. Keep all electronic devices in an inside jacket pocket. Have an exit plan. Be aware of your surroundings. Everyone that drives a car knows that feeling of forgetting what youre doing after continuously driving a few hours. This is one of the easiest ways to increase your awareness. 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. What if that truck doesnt stop at its red light, do you have time to stop, someplace to go? But, if you are taken by surprise your ability to respond appropriately and adequately is limited. The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to identify the hazards in your workplace and be aware of your surroundings. 3. I told him I didnt have any. Ask someone. I was going into a store. Lose the tailgater as soon as you can. This situational awareness process also demonstrates the importance of all of us being familiar with our environment and the hazards that exist there. 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. Getting situational awareness right early on is important when you are working on a construction job site. 15. It is a smart way to cultivate safer practices in your everyday life. To learn more about the family of Guard911 apps with the only Hero911 officer network of 65,000+ nationwide law enforcement officers, contact our helpful team today for your no-obligation conversation. Studies have shown that a company's safety performance directly impacts productivity and financial results. That feeling doesnt only happen while driving. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. Dont presume changes in your surroundings are innocent or fine. Prioritizing the critical nature of active shooter training and drills is part of that preparation. 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. 10,433,143. "As for parents of young children, it is impossible to be with your . Make sure you understand all the policies and procedures before you start a new job. 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. There is a tendency to overlook hazards in familiar work settings. If the answer is yes, great! This is how your strengths and opportunities for improvement can be identified. Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. When you think the work environment has changed since your last time there. 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? 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?