What every worker should know before they need it
By Kev Perry
In today’s workplaces, whether in corporate offices, healthcare settings, retail, education or community services, most people are navigating increasingly complex environments. We tend to think of workplace incidents as sudden or unpredictable, but in reality they are rarely random.
In our work at Persec Services, where we train organisations across Australia in occupational violence and aggression prevention, we consistently see the same pattern. Escalation is usually preceded by subtle signals. The challenge is not a lack of warning. It is a lack of awareness.
Situational awareness is not about being anxious or suspicious. It is about recognising early indicators of risk and responding calmly before a situation intensifies.
What situational awareness really means
Throughout the day we naturally shift between different levels of awareness. When we are busy, distracted or fatigued, our attention narrows. In those moments, small behavioural or environmental changes can go unnoticed.
Effective situational awareness involves noticing shifts in tone, body language or behaviour. It means being conscious of your physical positioning in a space, recognising when someone’s emotional state changes and understanding environmental risk factors such as isolation, lighting or exit access.
In practical terms, it is about identifying when something does not look right, sound right or feel right, and allowing yourself to respond early rather than dismissing the discomfort.
Recognising early signs of escalation
Aggression often develops gradually. It may begin with subtle cues such as a sharper tone, repeated complaints delivered with increasing intensity, dismissive language or visible frustration like pacing or clenched jaws. Personal space may begin to shrink. Boundaries may be tested under the guise of humour.
These behaviours may not appear dramatic, but they can signal a rising emotional load. Many women are particularly attuned to these shifts, yet are often socially conditioned to downplay their instincts. Trusting that awareness is not overreacting. It is informed pattern recognition.
Environmental factors matter
Risk is not solely about individual behaviour. Workplace design and conditions also play a role.
Working late alone, navigating poorly lit car parks, meeting in isolated rooms without clear exit routes or lacking accessible duress systems can increase vulnerability. Simple strategies such as positioning yourself closer to an exit, maintaining appropriate distance or ensuring a colleague is aware of your location can significantly reduce risk.
These are not dramatic actions. They are practical considerations.
The importance of boundaries
One of the most common workplace myths is that being polite is safer than being firm. In reality, professional boundaries are protective.
Clear communication, calm disengagement and creating space when needed are not signs of rudeness. They are appropriate responses to discomfort. You are not responsible for managing someone else’s emotional state, but you are responsible for your own safety and behaviour.
If tension begins to rise, lowering your voice, slowing your speech and acknowledging emotion without escalating it can help stabilise a situation. Increasing physical distance and offering clear options can further reduce the likelihood of escalation.
Why near-misses should not be ignored
Serious incidents are often preceded by smaller events that go unreported. A comment dismissed as “just having a bad day”. A repeated boundary violation brushed aside. Verbal hostility tolerated because it did not become physical.
Documenting and reporting these moments is not about creating conflict. It is about identifying patterns, strengthening workplace health and safety compliance and preventing future harm.
Workplaces with strong safety cultures treat near-misses as valuable information rather than inconvenience.
What supportive workplace culture looks like
A healthy safety culture takes concerns seriously, avoids victim-blaming and conducts timely risk reviews. It provides clear feedback on actions taken and prioritises prevention over reaction.
Psychological safety supports physical safety. When employees feel confident raising concerns early, escalation becomes far less likely.
Five practical considerations
Starting tomorrow, consider the following:
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Does your workplace layout support your personal safety needs?
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Are there repeated personal space violations from staff, clients or customers?
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Do reporting procedures align with actual practice?
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Are there environmental blind spots such as isolated meeting rooms or poorly lit car parks?
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Does your workplace culture encourage speaking up without fear of dismissal?
Situational awareness is not dramatic or confrontational. It is subtle, consistent and preventative. When practised regularly, it reduces risk long before a crisis develops.
In modern workplaces, that quiet vigilance is not excessive. It is essential.
