Alertness On the Job

Knowledge and Response

Workplace safety often depends on disciplined preparation. No amount of agility can compensate for a hard hat or eye protection once a projectile starts in your direction.

Similarly, we must understand the processes and relationships around us and know when we need to take specific action. This preparation puts us in a position to alertly respond to situations as they develop. Otherwise, we will have to make reactive decisions without adequately considering the processes involved or the possible consequences.

1. Anticipate Obstacles

• Develop a clear mental picture of the project's costs and benefits so that you recognize the need to adjust when variables change.

• Learn to anticipate possible objections and prepare to overcome them with gracious persuasion. Explain the benefits of a particular goal or idea in ways that others understand.
• Avoid doing something contrary to that which you have already determined is right.

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  • When beginning a project, determine what you will watch for to monitor the successes and failures of your endeavor.
  • Be aware of developments in other departments, organizations, and fields so that you can anticipate and adapt to changes.
  • Recognize cause and effect relationships. Do not, however, assume things are connected solely because they coincide.
  • Always be aware of the people and things in and around your work area. Take time to consider how situations you encounter will affect others.
  • Ask permission before starting a task that will affect another person's work space, schedule, or responsibilities.
  • When your activities may pose a danger to others, post warning signs for those moving in and out of your work area.
  • Even when you cannot immediately resolve an issue, take immediate steps to begin dealing with it and do not forget to revisit it.
  • Develop a system for dealing with issues in an orderly manner.
  • When you hear or read an interesting or applicable thought, take time to develop the idea. Make notes of your thoughts.
  • Take ten or fifteen minutes after meetings to digest observations.

2. Connect Signals With Meaning

 

 

 

3. Tell Those Affected

 

 

4. Act Immediately

5. Take Time to Analyze

When workers wear protective gear, post warning signs, or follow safety procedures, they prepare themselves for foreseeable dangers. This preparation allows them to fulfill their responsibilities by establishing a certain pattern of response and reducing the possibility of injury.