SLAM – Situational Awareness

Recognize hazards. Prevent injuries

SLAM: A Mindset and Tool for Safety

The SLAM method helps employees pause and evaluate a task before and during work to identify and address potential hazards.

Stop – Take a moment to plan the task before starting and periodically throughout the work. Check in with yourself and your coworkers to identify any changes or concerns.

Look – Review the task, your surroundings and the people around you to identify possible hazards that could affect safety.

Assess – Consider whether any hazards pose a risk to you, your coworkers or others nearby. Make sure you have the proper tools, procedures, training and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to perform the task safely.

Manage – Take the appropriate steps to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk before continuing work.

Determining How to Mitigate Hazards

Use the Hierarchy of Controls, which prioritizes removing hazards whenever possible before relying on administrative controls or PPE.

When evaluating a hazard, ask:

• Can the hazard be eliminated or substituted?
• Can the task be completed without PPE?
• If not, what PPE is required?

For assistance, consult:

• Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Purdue’s PPE Policy

Key Points

• Continue reinforcing the SLAM method through training, coaching and safety activities.
• Improve communication within departments about hazards and safety improvements.
• Reach out to EHS Facility and Occupational Safety for SLAM training, activities or additional

Contact

Environmental Health and Safety
facoccsafety@groups.purdue.edu
765-494-6371