be aware of your surroundings safety talk be aware of your surroundings safety talk

I was part of the response team during the active shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012, said Lt. Murphy. 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. The US Department of Homeland Security reminds us to be aware of our surroundings, if you see something, say something.Lawrence Tech is a private, accredited. Engage your workers with modern technology and content that they can easily consume. Being alert and aware of potential hazards and safety issues is the first way to avoid workplace injuries. If there are no uniformed people, look for grandparents, women, and people with children who may be able to help. If you are in danger, try to get yourself to a safer location if possible. What would you do? 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.. Personal safety begins with an individuals awareness to their environment no one can defend against danger they couldnt see coming. Our knowledge, experience and education enables us to understand what is going on around us and helps us to determine if it is safe. Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in common accessible areas. Stay flexible in your schedule, and don't say NO to unexpected adventures. For our purposes well focus on situational awareness for self-defense purposes as it is a very important self-defense skill. Using an effective drain cleaner can help prevent blockages that can lead to plumbing problems down the line. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. If the answer is yes, great! Be aware of escape routes for emergencies and post the police and fire department numbers near telephones. 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. I was going into a store. Vq&e-t\U>?tql/;EhYt+h\geB7YZ U[>8%F](]d[mwil2 !b~J3u8.Y1C_O Check your rear view mirrors every two five seconds so you know the position of vehicles near you. Since this is learned behavior, anyone can improve their situational awareness. You need to practice this level of awareness when you are driving on icy or slushy roads. Everyone should consider it his or her responsibility to report crime. Situational awareness is not some magic pill that will automatically prevent an attack. Smelling smoke, chemicals, or gas might tell you that there is a dangerous situation. Does it matter that the light is red? Avoid hauling weight that exceeds the counterweight of the forklift. So, the question becomes, what can we do to be safer? Use things like doors, walls, file cabinets as protection from being hit by moving objects around you (e.g. 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. 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. Watch for signals from other drivers. Not looking down at your phone the entire time youre in public fits with point number one, but it warrants its own recognition. If you work alone or after business hours, keep the office door locked. 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. Here are some ways you can increase your awareness and have a higher level of security while shopping or dining out. Observation has always been an important part of human survival. Takeaway: Get into the habit of identifying the emergency exits at the stores you visit, hotels you are staying at and public buildings you enter. Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. Practice looking for exits, barriers, suspicious objects and people, and any other unique elements that could be of importance to your personal safety. 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. Whenever possible, travel with a friend. If other children are nearby, make sure you can see them before backing up. By being mentally prepared, you can have the upper hand. Precautions generally fall into defensive precautions and offensive precautions. Avoid all shortcuts and isolated areas. The fourth level of awareness is high alert. Situational awareness is a critical foundation for successful decision making in most situations that you can be put in at work. When people are in an area where there is potential danger (which, in reality, is almost anywhere), they should go through most of the day in a state of relaxed awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. A few quick tips that might signal potential danger include shiftiness, hands in pockets, and avoiding eye contact. In a world where talent is expensive and scarce,. In many cases, it is the information provided by victims and witnesses that leads to the arrest of a criminal. Adjust your work setup so that you face a window or are exposed to plenty of light. 5. Cars, motorcycles, bicyclists, and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them. OFFICE 4114 E BROADWAY AVE | SPOKANE, WA 99202, 1145 BROADWAY PLAZA, STE 1340 | TACOMA, WA 98402. As mentioned earlier, situational awareness is a critical skill. This means that everyone's situational awareness is individual and potentially different. If someone bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, change seats. Allow extra room ahead, do not brake suddenly. Public officials have records of where you live for tax and property ownership purposes. What if the driver of the car in front of you slams on his brakes? Know which lanes are clear so you can use them if necessary. 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. Correct Potential Hazards. 9,905,117. U.S. Pat. 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 Remind your teens about the dangers of texting and how concentrating on driving not only keeps them safer but other people on the road as well. If you are driving a car, then your main focus should be on the road, but the fact of the matter is. Before changing lanes, look into your rear view mirror for nearby vehicles and also over your shoulder to check for blind spots. Exits:Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. In one district, one elementary school passed the exercise while the high school failed. Be alert to pickpocketers on crowded buses; check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you. 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. This can cause injury to personnel and damage to the equipment and materials. Toyo NanoEnergy A29 Review Is This the Tire for 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. Login. While wearing headphones, can you hear foot steps behind you? Many criminals develop favorite areas for committing crime, as well as predictable methods of operation. 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. 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. Do they talk with you and then everyone can see? 5 Tips to Stay Safe While Welding. Can you see what others are seeing? Becoming carefree on the job can be disastrous due in no small part to becoming complacent, as stated earlier. If a vehicle is showing signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid it. Do not develop a fixed stare. Keep scanning. Do not be afraid to speak to someone to ask them to not come closer if approaching you in a parking lot. Most rear end collisions are caused by tailgating. Finally, if a crime does occurREPORT IT! Information contained on this siteshould not be taken as legal advice. Dont be predictable. "As for parents of young children, it is impossible to be with your . During off hours, ride as near to the bus operator as possible. Where and when should situational awareness techniques be used? The best way to be safe is to know your surroundings and pay attention to everything and everyone around you. You should learn to look at things with a 360-degree focus, not just from your view. Wonder what if? Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent being hit from behind by the tailgater! Panicking adds to the chaos and breeds knee-jerk reactions, causing people to abandon all protocol and enter a fight-or-flight mentality. 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. Keep in mind though that being alert extends beyond reading safety signs. Someone may step out from between them, a vehicle door may open, or a vehicle may pull out suddenly. Have an exit plan. Any person wishing to rely on the information present on this site should consult with competent legal counsel before doing so. 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. Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. Most people never see it coming., How much are you willing to sacrifice to be ignorant? asked Lt. Murphy. My office recently participated in a safety training class. In this guide, well cover some tips and tricks for being aware of your surroundings while driving. Watch Your Back. 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? Training workers to watch their surroundings reduces the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. Understanding Your Surroundings While Driving, refer to the Basic Speed Law in the Speed Limits section. You should aim to avoid falling into this auto-pilot mode while going about your daily life. Expect merging vehicles at on-ramps and interchanges. Peripheral Vision: Attempt to focus on something while also observing whats happening at the edges of your vision. Neo-Symbiosis: The Next Stage in the Evolution of Human Information Interaction. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence 1(1):39-52. 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. STOP - Engage your mind befor eyour hands. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, And . These people walk into telephone poles. What if that truck doesnt stop at its red light, do you have time to stop, someplace to go? Change lanes. Frequent practice is vital, as no two situations are the same, and every environment provides unique conditions that will challenge your adaptability. 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. Many of these situations can involve your health, your safety, and your job performance. Know Your Exits. How can you improve your situational awareness? Basic Safety Tips for Women: Speak Up. It is this panic induced paralysis that concerns us most in relation to situational awareness. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Safety Talk October 2012 There have been a string of injuries, over the past two months, in Facilities Services associated with employees working in unfamiliar locations. A consistent and structured daily toolbox talk will save lives and reduce injuries. This means you must be proactive about being aware of your surroundings. Everyone that drives a car knows that feeling of forgetting what youre doing after continuously driving a few hours. Regardless of the time of year, making a commitment to ones personal safety is always an excellent idea. Situational awareness may protect us. You probably already take precautions in your daily life. 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. Don't allow loud distractions to stop you from keeping your eyes on your surroundings, rather than one direction. 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. An enhanced sense of your surroundings allows for better preparation should a crisis event unfold. This situational awareness process also demonstrates the importance of all of us being familiar with our environment and the hazards that exist there. There are hazards and risks every day on the job site and to keep yourself and your coworkers safe you have to be aware of them. Be aware of your surroundings. So put the phone down. 6. You can hit your brakes and keep your car under control. This ability is relevant in a wide variety of circumstances. Notice other people their body language, eye contact, posture, stride. When walking, stay in well-lit areas and walk in numbers, if possible. The third level of awareness, focused awareness, is like driving in hazardous road conditions. First, notice your surroundings. What about members of the response team, including law enforcement were they able to carry out the proper procedures successfully? 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. Be alert for pickpocketers on crowded elevators. 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. If you don't report a crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without interference. Consider, whether you need to tell someone or react. It can also mean that you ask for help when you know that you need it. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back onto the freeway. If the answer is no, offer to help create one or start a campaign to get a safety response plan in place with the help of your local law enforcement as soon as possible. 4. Teach your children danger signs. Let us take the example of you repeatedly hitting the snooze button and look at it as a bad habit you want to break. Become a Hard Target: Those with malicious intent generally single out individuals that seem meek, vulnerable, or unaware of their surroundings. Be alert to your surroundings and the people around youespecially if you are alone or it is dark. Be aware of pedestrians in your surroundings. You should always be looking around and aware of your surroundings. Some examples practicing situational awareness are: You must have situational awareness when working in a fast-paced work environment such as the construction industry. And again, remind them about instincts: If they don't have a good feeling about a certain person, they should approach . Safety beings with awareness. Practice devising alternate methods of escape if your primary exit becomes compromised. 1. Dr. Michael Pittaro. 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. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car . If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. The best way to be safe is to know your surroundings and pay attention to everything and everyone around you. When you think the work environment has changed since your last time there. Keep your workplace clear from clutter 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. 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. Recognizing hazards is an important part of keeping you and your co-workers safe . 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. Accidents don't come with a warning - prioritize safety in the workplace and avoid preventable injuries. Emergencies and mass shootings happen all the time. Pay close attention during job training sessions. If your team sees you doing it then they are likely to follow. Use proper fall protection equipment and 100% tie-off when working in elevated positions. 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.. 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. When beginning work on a new project/contract/customer location. Do not stay in another drivers blind spot. Welders should always be aware of their surroundings before starting a weld. Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. Disconnecting from the cyber world will be most beneficial if you concentrate on being more present and meditating each . You see a bus, school bus, or a placarded vehicle at railroad crossings. 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. In these active shooter situations, theres no room for complacency. That is why getting familiar with the layout of buildings you are making smart safety sense. 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. Attend a demo, get a free Raken Carhartt beanie. 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. Make sure you communicate until everyone involved understands what is going on. Lose the tailgater as soon as you can. 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. What Pocket Knife does MacGyver Use to be Prepared For Everything? This means you shouldn't be looking down at your phone, and you should also avoid wearing headphones. Lt. Murphy has been onsite at several schools during active shooter drills. For you to effectively engage in situational awareness, to make logical decisions, and look to the future with a strategic focus, the subconscious must be engaged and assessed. Technology draws us in and makes it harder to observe the vital things around us. 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. Back up. I told him I didnt have any. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The habit of staying calm in chaotic situations takes practice. Relaxed awareness is not tiring, and it allows you to enjoy life while rewarding you with an effective level of personal safety. Keep work areas clean and orderly. You dont know. Look over your shoulder to make sure you are not getting in the way of vehicles in the lane you want to enter. In the 21st century your biggest distraction is your smartphone. Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you. I know this sounds extremely difficult, but I can assure you that it is not as hard as you think. If you stay calm, you can think, and if you can think, you can make good decisions.. 4. Sitting with your back to the wall is a good quick tip. Whether you're at home or at work, following an emergency plan will help you keep the situation in control as much as possible. Failure to observe your surroundings before welding can drastically increase the risk of fire . If you are biased on your views it can lead to risks for you and your coworkers. . Motorcyclists can fall more easily on these surfaces. Make sure they are away from your vehicle and in full view before moving your vehicle. In this post, Ill discuss a number of techniques and tips that can help you learn how to increase awareness of your surroundings. You dont need specialized training like a CIA agent or to be a born natural to have good awareness. "But we're able to talk to kids about 'stop, drop and roll,' and it doesn't cause the chaos, fear and . Be aware of your surroundings. That perpetual image could include thinking to push your shopping cart into an attacker or using your stiletto heel to fend off an attack. Additionally, be sure not to get complacent in familiar environments, such as your workplace or a regularly frequented lunch spot. For active shooters and those with intent on harm, its like shooting fish in a barrel. 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. Intuition: Trust your gut. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your surroundings, minimize the amount of time you talk on your cell phone in public places. Apathy, denial and complacency can be deadly. Even listening to music can be a distraction and a safety hazard. After youve done this you can more easily avoid those threats and avoid a potentially violent situation. Anonymous Reporting Line: (310) 794-5824, 2023 Regents of the University of California, Domestic Violence: Obtaining a Restraining Order, Reporting a Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence, Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications. How to increase awareness of your surroundings. Lacking or not having adequate situation awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents related to errors or mistakes. I recently had a personal experience here. 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. This gives you space between your vehicle and the other driver, without having to slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane. There is a tendency to overlook hazards in familiar work settings. Body language plays an extremely important role in how you are perceived by others. Consider these tips: Keep your distance. What about your friends? Thats the most important question in self defense, in my opinion. Set the headlines of your day, but leave room in your daily schedule for spontaneity without taking hideous risks. Advocates The level of concentration required for this type of driving makes it extremely tiring and stressful. Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics. This article will delve into some of the key health and safety considerations when it comes to plumbing work. Defensive precautions includes avoiding walking alone at night, not letting people follow you, and avoiding any form of intoxication from drugs or alcohol while in public. Getting situational awareness right early on is important when you are working on a construction job site. Drive strategically. Leave a little earlier. International Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence, The newsletter of the ISBAs Standing Committee on Government Lawyers. Exits: Always be aware of your exits, and have an exit strategy. The best course of action would be to err on the side of caution and avoid directly passing in front of the man. Look at the task in front of you. Following motorcyclists on wet or icy roads, on metal surfaces (e.g., bridge gratings, railroad tracks, etc. A lack of situational awareness affects your personal safety in two broad . Reduce your speed. These vehicles must stop at railroad crossings; so, slow down early and allow plenty of room. Carefree yet cautious. That might be difficult hearing all that while wearing headphones. There are a lot of blind spots, corners, turns, and on the equipment itself. For example, when you reach across a table to grab a pencil, you use proprioception to know how much. It is still a defensive, not offensive, tool in your arsenal. Forklift Pedestrian Safety Tips. I tell this to law enforcement officers all the time when Im speaking, said Lt. Murphy. Login is Emory's authentication tool for logging into multiple web systems and applications. Before complacency has set in-it can be a silent killer! The primary element in establishing this mindset is first to recognize that a threat or hazard exists. Ask someone. 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. This widens your monitoring range for detecting anything out of the ordinary. Street Precautions Be alert to your surroundings and the people around youespecially if you are alone or it is dark. Prioritizing the critical nature of active shooter training and drills is part of that preparation. Dont fear, there is still hope. 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. With that in mind, the full extent of potentially dangerous body language is beyond the scope of this article. Again, I know it can be boring walking around without music, but keeping your ears wide open can help your situational awareness. When working with new or different workmates. This means avoiding the distractions mentioned earlier. Your aggressor will be surprised at your response, take advantage of that. Avoiding complacency can help increase your perception of your surrounding. This does not just apply to buildings, but can be practiced in cars, public transportation, elevators, and even in outdoor environments. 2. 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. However, after enough practice it becomes second nature. Be aware of locations and situations which would make you appear vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. 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. 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. Continually check them for hazards. Careers Manage - If you feel that the operation is unsafe, stop working. They were just trained on Friday, and I was there running the drill with them on Monday.. Continental ExtremeContact DWS Review Does It Meet Expectations? 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?