The Importance of Situational Awareness

Written by Phil Sliwa, ATC Occupational Health Trainer

Often, when we get stuck in the same routine day in and day out, we start to get comfortable in the scenarios that play out. What we forget is this routine can change in an instant. Not being prepared for this change can have serious consequences.

Complacency is our biggest threat in this scenario. It is having a sense of self-satisfaction and security—or “been there, done that” syndrome. Complacency leads to us being unaware of danger and having decreased focus on the Smith System Keys.

For us to avoid these dangers, it is crucial to have proper situational awareness. This means being aware of our surroundings and identifying potential threats and dangerous situations. 

This is more of a mindset than a skill. Ignorance of potential danger makes it unlikely that you will see the threat. You must recognize that dangerous situations exist, even in the most routine places.

We must process the information we gather so we can make a smart and safe decision. 

What are the five main stages of situational awareness?

Tips for Situational Awareness:

1. Stay in the “focused awareness” state when working; this will allow you to process dangerous situations faster and quickly make decisions. 
2. Scan areas as you approach them and look for potential hazards (such as pallets, cases, ice, slick surfaces, etc.). 
3. Get proper rest and take breaks. Being tired will only add to complacency.
4. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE), as this will help you stay in your proper mindset. 
5. When you get complacent, get creative and think of threats and how you would react to them in your situation.