We stand next to, or ride upon, equipment that weighs more than 150 tons and is moving many miles per hour.

We push, pull and direct cars carrying such dangerous materials that one whiff could kill us, one spark could blow us sky high.

Because of the unforgiving nature of our work, safety at the workplace is paramount.

Now, what if we could predict that an event is about to take place and be one step ahead as the event unfolds? Wouldn't that be nice?

That is why paying attention to our surroundings at work, called "situational awareness," can increase our response time to safely handle unexpected events, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

In other words, we need to know at all times what is going on around us.

Situational awareness starts with focused attention, meaning we are staying focused on the current situation, rather than being distracted by cellular telephones, by co-workers, by unnecessary radio chatter, by the scenery.

This focus should be directed at our surroundings, thereby making us mindful of what does and does not belong, according to the FRA.

We need to take the time to actually look at things and not just glance over them.

Situational awareness gives us a different attitude. This attitude is proactive in nature and is intended to help us identify potential dangers in advance.

According to studies, the factors that reduce situational awareness are:

-- insufficient communication;

-- fatigue and stress;

-- task overload, or too much work;

-- task underload, or too little work;

-- "press on regardless" philosophy, and

-- degraded operating conditions.

The next step is to look for pre-incident indicators. These are the subtle clues that something is awry. In other words you need intuitive recognition, which is nothing more than honoring your instincts, FRA said.

You may need to identify some important survivor signals, such as suspicion. Why is it you are suspicious?

Apprehension is another. Why are you apprehensive and looking over your shoulder? Maybe something is not right, and you instinctively know it.

Adapting your level of alertness to the environment will provide an extra layer of safety/security measures to your job. You have focus, rather than an all-or-nothing attitude.

Picking up on the pre-incident indicators and listening to your intuition may provide you some additional time to avoid unsafe conditions or react to events you want to avoid.

Remember, your personal safety encompasses many daily activities. Be alert.

Remember, when the work ends, everyone should be able to return home safely.