SLAM Technique: Many people believe safety is only the responsibility of the safety department.
This thinking is one of the main reasons accidents still happen.
Safety does not belong to a title or department.
Safety belongs to the person doing the job.
SLAM Technique: Safety Works in Every Job
Safety is not only for safety officers.
It applies to workers, supervisors, managers, and contractors.
Machines, electricity, vehicles, heights, and chemicals do not care about job roles.
If you are exposed to risk, safety applies to you.
Every task has risk.
Every person must manage their own safety.

What Is the SLAM Technique?
SLAM is a simple pause before starting any activity.
It helps you think before you act.
SLAM means:
- Stop
- Look
- Assess
- Manage
It takes less than one minute.
But it can prevent serious injury, loss, or death.
Why SLAM Technique Is Important Before Starting Work
Most accidents happen during routine work.
People rush or assume everything is normal.
SLAM breaks this routine.
It forces you to notice changes and hidden dangers.
A small pause can prevent a big incident.
Thinking first is always safer than reacting later.
SLAM Technique: The Wrong Thinking About Safety
Many people think:
- Safety is the safety department’s job
- Experience means no risk
- There is no time for safety
These thoughts create accidents.
They turn small mistakes into major losses.
SLAM changes this thinking.
It puts responsibility back where it belongs.
STOP – Pause Before You Start
Do not start work immediately.
Pause your hands and mind.
Rushing increases mistakes.
Even skilled workers need to stop first.
Stopping is not a delay.
It is protection.
LOOK – Observe Your Surroundings
Look at tools and equipment.
Check the work area and environment.
Notice people working nearby.
Look for anything different from normal.
Most hazards are visible.
We just fail to look properly.
ASSESS – Think About the Risk
Ask simple questions:
- What can go wrong?
- What could hurt me or others?
Think about the worst outcome.
Risk thinking takes seconds, not hours.
Assessing risk is not paperwork.
It is common sense.
MANAGE – Control the Risk
Take action before starting work.
Use PPE and follow procedures.
Fix unsafe conditions if possible.
If not, stop the job and report.
Stopping unsafe work shows maturity.
It protects everyone.
A Simple Example
Before electrical work, pause.
Check cables, tools, and surroundings.
Think about shock or fire risk.
Isolate power and use proper PPE.
One minute of SLAM can prevent a lifetime injury.
That one minute matters.
SLAM Is for Everyone
SLAM is not only for high-risk jobs.
It applies to simple and complex tasks.
New workers and senior managers need SLAM.
Experience does not remove risk.
If you start the job, SLAM first.
Every time.