7 Communication Strategies to Improve Workplace Safety

Summary

Workplace safety remains a critical aspect of manufacturing operations. One way to help ensure the safety of employees and visitors to think about your communication strategies. Doing so will require planning, but the benefits will make the effort worth it. Try these communication strategies to improve your business.

1. Use hands-free communication systems

While your employees work, they may need to have their hands free for other tasks. After all, if someone is offering IT assistance, they need to type and talk with customers at the same time.
 
On top of that, some people want to use hands-free communication systems to remain safe while talking. For example, if your employees need to speak while carrying something, they may trip but be unable to catch themselves.
 
If you have employees who offer tours, secure a wireless guide system. Doing so will make it easy for your employees to speak with people while still promoting workplace safety through having access to their arms.

2. Create a chain of command

A clear chain of command is essential to avoid safety issues and facilitate clear, easy-to-understand communication between employees. It is one of the core organizational structures necessary to improve workplace safety.

To build a strong chain of command, it is essential that every employee has a defined role and feels able to express themselves freely. Employers must lead by example, providing consistent leadership and implementing mechanisms that promote hierarchical transparency.
 
With that in mind, send emails or create a chart to make it easier for everyone to keep track of who is responsible for what. Likewise, actively establish channels of communication and encourage openness.
 
A 2-way headset system is an excellent way to organize communication between different departments. Some offer up to 16 channels that can be dedicated to groups, preventing cross-talk and keeping information confined to its intended audience.
 
Effective communication and an established chain of command will ensure, for instance, that new safety protocols can be passed down through each employee level.

3. Prepare a team for risk strategies

Risk communication is a complex yet beneficial tool for delivering workplace safety. Having a team on hand to formulate risk strategies and adapt to emerging situations can allow you to protect your employees and the business by:

• Identifying potential risks your business must overcome.
• Finding ways to address those concerns and take care of them.
• Helping employees learn about the situation and keep them informed.

This team can anticipate potential problems before they develop, ensuring your business can be agile and proactive in protecting employees from dangerous situations, illness, or injury.
 
If you want your team to perform well, you must identify the best workers for the position. So make sure you think about the necessary credentials and hire people accordingly.

4. Teach all safety protocols

Once you establish safety protocols for your business through a risk communications team, you can begin the process of orienting your employees. Doing so means discussing what your employees must follow regarding multiple aspects of your business, including:

• Learning how to operate vehicles and machines.
• Understanding potentially harmful situations and how to tackle them.
• Avoiding confrontation and dangerous situations, such as with thieves or aggressive customers.

Safety protocols are only a stepping stone. You will need to have a coherent training program in place to ensure that employees understand what they are and how to adhere to them. Training materials can allow staff to study a range of hypothetical situations. What’s more, you could even have employees practice scenarios so they don’t get caught off guard.
 
Remember, safety and training are constantly evolving, so be sure to encourage employees to speak up if they have suggestions or questions.

5. Build trust with your employees

If you want communication to work, you must establish trust with your employees. Establishing trust helps your business in multiple ways as they help employees:

• Listen when you establish new rules.
• Understand you want to help them and keep them safe.
• Become less likely to ignore rules.

To establish trust, you need to be open about rules and the importance of workplace safety. Remind them that you have their interests in mind, and that a safe employee is at the heart of your company’s values.
 
As ever, you must lead by example, so be sure to follow the rules you expect everyone to adhere to. Once you establish trust, you must maintain it since you’ll find it challenging to regain it.

6. Place instructions on all devices

Sometimes, your employees will work with machinery or other kinds of technology. Unfortunately, this risks potential injury, especially if that machinery is complex and dangerous when mishandled.
 
So, make sure you have a rigorous orientation program that has employees go through each instruction step. As an added precaution, it’s prudent to include clear, easy-to-follow instructions on the equipment.
 
Even then, this is another instance where open communication is vital for workplace safety. Every employee must feel able to ask others for assistance without worrying about consequences or ridicule. After all, all the instructions in the world cannot if a person needs extra guidance or clarification.

7. Listen to people

Communication doesn’t only involve talking and sharing information: you also need to listen to people. That is essential for building trust and helping employees appreciate the importance of workplace safety.
 
Employees may recognize that something is dangerous, but they themselves may have their own perspective on protocols and processes. Listen to their perspectives, acknowledge their views, and make them valued. From there, you can adjust your protocols based on what your employees point out.
 
Some employers forget to listen to their employees. However, by making your employees feel heard, you can help you shape your company and build a culture that has workplace safety at its heart.

Final comments

Establishing communication strategies and adopting technology like a wireless guide system will help your business remain safe while protecting the employees. You protect your employees and save yourself financially since you won’t face as many lawsuits or workers' compensation. Doing so will help everyone avoid harmful situations and stay safe.