Situational Awareness
One of the most common reasons injuries happen in the workplace is the loss of situational awareness. When this occurs, employees lose focus on their surroundings, including any hazards or potential risks. This can easily happen while performing a routine task, working under pressure or against a deadline, talking with others or directing their attention elsewhere.
SLAM
If you can remember SLAM, you are already on your way to increasing your own situational awareness. SLAM stands for “stop, look, assess, manage” and is a helpful tool to be mindful of hazards that may be present at work. What does that mean?
Stop
Stop
and engage your mind before your hands. Focus on the current task, even if it has become routine.
Look
Look
at your workspace for hazards or issues that could become hazards. If any are identified, immediately report the finding(s) to your supervisor.
Assess
Assess
the effects of the hazard for yourself, others, the workplace and equipment. Alongside your crew chief or supervisor, determine if the task can be completed safely.
Manage
Manage
with effective controls and advise others. If you feel there is a safety concern, stop working and inform your coworkers and supervisor of the condition.
SLAM Cards
Hard plastic SLAM cards that can be attached to a lanyard are available for any AO employee who would like one. With the SLAM phrase on one side and a QR code to relevant information on the AO Intranet on the other, this serves as a reminder and resource to keep safety at the forefront while on the job. Contact Mike Silanskis at msilansk@purdue.edu to request a card.
Reach out to Jennifer Kraus, specialist and trainer in Environmental Health and Safety, at jakraus@purdue.edu if you would like to request SLAM training.