Public sector employees face dynamic, unpredictable environments rich in serious hazards. Workplace threats vary greatly and include aggressive residents, speeding vehicles, heavy equipment, severe weather and high voltage electricity. Woe to those who fail to recognize these hazards – an occupational injury or illness is likely in their future. One of the most effective tools to prevent harm is not a tool or protective equipment; instead, it is something we each carry with us all the time – situational awareness and focus.
What is Situational Awareness? 
Situational awareness refers to being fully engaged with your surroundings, anticipating potential hazards and adjusting behaviors before problems occur. It is not just about looking around; rather, it is about actively recognizing what could go wrong and taking steps to protect yourself.
For example:
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- An administration employee observes and walks around icy patches in a parking lot.
- A highway worker notices overhead power lines before raising the bed of their dump truck.
- A police officer picks up on a suspect’s subtle behavior cues signaling an escalating threat of violence.
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Why Focus Matters
Distractions are a leading contributor to workplace injuries. Cell phones, rushing to finish a task, or simply letting your mind wander can result in missing critical warning signs. Focusing on the job at hand ensures you recognize hazards before they cause incidents.
Common Risks When Awareness Slips
When employees lose focus or fail to stay engaged with their surroundings, risks increase:
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- Slips, trips, and falls from not noticing slick or uneven surfaces.
- Vehicle and equipment collisions when backing, loading, or operating in congested areas.
- Strains and sprains from not assessing the weight or distribution of a load before attempting to lift.
- Exposure to harmful substances when warning labels or hazardous environmental conditions are ignored.
Strategies for Improving Situational Awareness and Focus
Thankfully, there are simple actions we can take to improve engagement with our work environment:
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- Arrive fit for duty and practice selfcare – Begin your work shift rested, fed and hydrated. If you arrive agitated or dispirited, clear the mental distraction by taking some cleansing breaths or employing “box breathing”. Additionally, take periodic breaks in a safe location where you can let down your guard. Doing so can help sustain the energy required to maintain focus.
- Pause before starting a task – Take a moment to scan your environment taking care to notice potential hazards and escape routes. Use this information to formulate an optimal work plan.
- Eliminate distractions – Put mobile phones away and avoid other distractions that consume limited mental bandwidth. Recognize that humans are hard-wired to respond to distractions (a survival mechanism). It takes effort to maintain focus and eliminating environmental distractions can enhance our performance.
- Adopt an inquisitive, “what if” mindset – Ask yourself, “What could go wrong here?” Use the answers to develop appropriate risk controls and contingency plans.
- Communicate with your team – Share observations and point out hazards to coworkers who may be “focus-challenged”.
The Bottom Line
Public sector employees serve their communities every day, often in challenging conditions. By staying focused and keeping your “head on a swivel,” you increase the chances of protecting yourself, your team and the community you serve.