What must you do before entering the diamond of safety?

Before entering the diamond of safety, stopping is crucial primarily for ensuring personal safety and the safety of others in the area. This action allows you to assess your surroundings, identify any potential hazards, and prepare for the upcoming tasks. Stopping also serves as a mental cue to shift focus to safety protocols that are necessary in the work environment, particularly in areas where heavy machinery or equipment are present.

This practice aligns with safety guidelines that emphasize the importance of situational awareness before taking further action. By halting, you create an opportunity to gather important information, such as checking for potential obstacles or assessing the behavior of colleagues operating nearby equipment. This deliberate pause can prevent accidents and promote a safer work atmosphere.

In contrast, choices like proceeding with caution or notifying a supervisor may be appropriate actions in certain situations, but they do not encompass the critical need to first stop and assess. Similarly, checking equipment, while important, is a subsequent step that follows the initial assessment that occurs when you take a moment to stop and evaluate the environment.