What is the first step in the operational risk management process?

Situational awareness is recognized as the first step in the operational risk management process because it involves understanding the immediate environment and the potential risks present before any specific actions are taken. This step requires personnel to gather information about the current conditions, including the context in which they are operating, the people involved, and any potential hazards that may arise.

By establishing situational awareness, firefighters and officers can make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of their surroundings and the dynamics at play. This foundational knowledge is crucial, as it guides subsequent steps, such as hazard assessment, evaluating those hazards, and determining appropriate responses or decision points based on the risks identified.

This emphasis on situational awareness ensures that officers are proactive rather than reactive, allowing them to mitigate risks effectively before they escalate into more significant issues.