How Close is a Close Call?
by Stevie Scott, MS, ATC
If we constantly push the boundaries of health and safety, it’s only a matter of time before we *strike out.* This can include accidents, mental burnout, physical injury, or getting sick. To make sure we have a successful transition from the dugout to the field, it’s important to assess internal factors and have situational awareness to help avoid risks and injuries.
Start by asking yourself: am I focused and ready to take on the days’ work, or am I feeling distracted and unprepared?
Getting Game Ready
Before leaving for work, we make sure we have our keys, phone, and lunch bag – but do we ever stop to check in with ourselves mentally? Remember that there are many things outside of our control, but we must remain focused so we can properly respond and effectively control what we can. It’s easy to become distracted at work with our personal lives, but distractions often lead to accidents and injuries. It’s important to acknowledge where we are mentally so that we can work to “reset” if necessary.
The Conscious Leadership Group suggests we ask ourselves, “Where Am I?” Are we above or below this line? When we know we’re having a difficult day, it’s crucial to take time to locate our mental state, so that we don’t continue to spiral downward.
Batter Up – Don’t Strike Out!
Additionally, it’s also important to figure out where we are physically. Are we sore from the previous day? How did we feel warming up? If we’re feeling sore, take a second to stretch and assess the soreness. This is why it’s equally important to ensure we’re always performing our warmups, taking microbreaks, and practicing safe ergonomics so close calls don’t become strikeouts. Reach out to your supervisor or get connected directly with Work Right for a preventative appointment.
Reading the Play
Once our mind and body are ready for the day, it’s important to stay game ready by [R] Reviewing Our Hazards. Keep our eyes open for changes and risks as they arise.
A good hitter reads the pitch as it’s coming across the plate and adjusts accordingly. A catcher is helping call the next pitch, but also watching the baserunner 90 feet away. The game slows down because they’ve learned what to look for.
If we aren’t focused and ready, we aren’t going to be able to respond to changeups in our workday. On the job, close calls rarely come out of nowhere. The question isn’t just “what happened?” but “what did we miss leading up to it?” We should always be checking our surroundings, calling out unsafe scenarios, and recognizing when something is “off” so that we can make sure we are always knocking it out of the park!!
Stevie Scott, MS, ATC || Stevie was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, where she graduated from UNLV. She moved to Southern California and began work in the occupational setting before obtaining her Master’s Degree in I/O Psychology. She has been an Injury Prevention Specialist with Work Right since June of 2024 and in the industrial setting for over 8 years. Her hobbies include live music, trying new restaurants, and relaxing at home with her rescue dog, Cali (chocolate Labrador).
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!