General Safety · 2–5 min toolbox talk
Situational Awareness
A safety talk on recognizing risks and improving awareness in construction, utilities, industrial facilities, and warehouses.
Use this printed script for your tailgate or toolbox talk. Read through the hazards, script, and questions with your crew.
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“Situational Awareness”
Key Hazards
- Unnoticed hazards during routine tasks
- Complacency in familiar environments
- Reduced awareness around moving equipment
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Situational awareness is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries across construction sites, utility work, industrial plants, and warehouses. Many incidents happen not because workers lack skill, but because they overlook hazards they have seen many times before.
Familiar environments can lead to lowered awareness. Workers may assume conditions are the same as the day before, even though equipment, weather, or workflow may have changed. Pausing briefly to evaluate surroundings improves safety.
Different industries face unique awareness challenges. Construction workers must watch for equipment movement and unstable materials. Utility crews work near traffic, water, and energized components. Industrial teams must pay attention to machine cycles, overhead cranes, and forklifts.
Workers should communicate openly about hazards they see. Asking a coworker, 'Did you notice this?' is a simple but effective way to raise awareness. Supporting each other helps the entire team remain alert and safe.
Safety Reminders
- Take a moment to scan the environment before each task.
- Watch for changing conditions throughout the day.
- Stay alert around moving people and equipment.
- Speak up when you notice hazards others may miss.
Ask the Crew
- What has changed in our work area since yesterday?
- Which tasks today require heightened awareness?