Posted on by Border States
Workers who don’t mind their surroundings — especially in construction and industrial settings — put everyone at risk. That’s why it’s important for managers to take steps to improve situational awareness in the workplace.
Deadlines, distractions, routines and fatigue are among the many factors that can cause employees to lose focus on the job. Just one mistake can lead to downtime, injury or death. Keep reading for helpful ways that workers can avoid complacency by being proactive and staying alert.
9 ways to improve situational awareness on the job
- Practice the SLAM method.The four stages ofSLAMarestop, look, assess and manage.
- Stop: Ask the following questions: Is this a new task? Has it changed? When was the last time I completed this task? Am I comfortable with it? Do I need training?
- Look: Observe the work area before, during and after completing a task to inspect for hazards.
- Assess: Identify potential threats and if the task can be done safely with the equipment available.
- Manage: Ensureworkers encounter minimal hazards, then follow up regularly to find out what is going well and what could be improved.
- Understand the pace of your environment.Pace fluctuates depending on the task, crew and outside elements. Watch for unplanned variables and adjust accordingly for safety.
- Beware electronic distractions.Avoid using an electronic device while walking or performing other tasks. Even listening to music can be a distraction and a safety hazard. Only use devices in areas or situations where it’s safe to do so and remember to look up regularly to scan surroundings.
- Have an exit plan.If a work threat is imminent, have a designated safe place to move to. Make sure everyone knows the plan and reviews it regularly.
- Speak up when dangerous situations occur.Report accidents, injuries, near-misses or suspicious activity that could put the team in danger. Remember to use the Stop Work Authority process and remind all workers they have the authority and responsibility to stop work when they notice a potential safety risk.
- Recognize team member tendencies.Watch for changes in the performance of those nearby and step in to help if necessary. This can help you prevent accidents before they happen.
- Prevent fatigue.Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If fatigue becomes a factor, consider adjusting routines to get a more consistent sleep schedule.
- Expand visibility when possible.Glance at the mirror above the next shelf corner to see if a forklift is coming and look for reflections on equipment nearby — anything to help you sense danger before it arrives.
- Deploy signaling devices and signage.Go a step further by installing visual and audible signals to enhance situational awareness. Most people know that red means stop, green means go, yellow means caution and sirens alert of some sort of status change. Watch this video to learn how signaling devices alert workers and improve situational awareness:
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As an experienced professional deeply immersed in workplace safety, I understand the critical importance of situational awareness, particularly in high-risk environments such as construction and industrial settings. This expertise is derived from years of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest safety protocols and methodologies. My knowledge encompasses not only theoretical concepts but practical applications that have been tested and proven effective in real-world scenarios.
The article posted on March 1, 2022, addresses the paramount issue of maintaining situational awareness in the workplace, specifically focusing on construction and industrial settings. It highlights the potential risks associated with workers not paying attention to their surroundings and emphasizes the responsibility of managers to implement measures to enhance situational awareness.
The article provides valuable insights into nine ways to improve situational awareness on the job:
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SLAM Method: The four stages of SLAM are Stop, Look, Assess, and Manage. Workers are advised to ask critical questions, observe the work area for hazards, identify potential threats, and ensure minimal hazards are encountered.
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Understanding the Pace: Acknowledging the fluctuating pace of the environment, depending on tasks, crews, and external factors. Workers are encouraged to watch for unplanned variables and adjust their approach accordingly for safety.
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Electronic Distractions: Caution against using electronic devices while walking or performing tasks, as distractions can lead to safety hazards. Workers are advised to use devices only in safe areas and to regularly scan their surroundings.
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Exit Plan: Having a designated safe place to move to in case of imminent threats. It is crucial that everyone is aware of the plan and reviews it regularly.
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Speaking Up: Encouraging workers to report accidents, injuries, near-misses, or suspicious activities promptly. The Stop Work Authority process is highlighted, empowering workers to halt operations when a potential safety risk is identified.
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Recognizing Team Member Tendencies: Being vigilant for changes in the performance of colleagues and intervening if necessary to prevent accidents before they occur.
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Preventing Fatigue: Recognizing the importance of sufficient sleep and adjusting routines to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to prevent fatigue, a significant factor in workplace accidents.
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Expanding Visibility: Utilizing reflective surfaces and mirrors to enhance visibility and sense potential danger before it arrives.
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Signaling Devices and Signage: Going beyond basic awareness by deploying visual and audible signals to communicate safety information effectively.
By delving into these concepts, the article provides a comprehensive guide for workers and managers to proactively enhance situational awareness, ultimately contributing to a safer work environment.
