Poor Communication: The Overlooked Workplace Safety Hazard

By Tyler Doupe'

Communication is key in so many aspects of life. It’s crucial in interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning, and, of course, workplace safety. Despite the enduring importance of communication, it remains a major challenge in a lot of busy organizations. So much so that the absence of proper communication is recognized by many as a serious workplace safety hazard.

A recent survey conducted by Firstup reveals some troubling statistics on this very subject. Perhaps the most concerning of the findings is this: 71% of 1,000 factory workers surveyed admitted that they have encountered  safety or production problems related to miscommunication from a senior leader or manager. That is a staggering statistic for sure.

Access to essential workplace safety information is crucial for employee wellbeing, and allowing even one person to slip through the cracks is unacceptable. Poor communication in the workplace can lead to:

• increased workers’ compensation claims
• serious injury
•  and even death.

Knowing that poor communication is a serious workplace safety concern, we have a few handy tips that will assist your organization in its quest to streamline communication and create a safer and more productive workplace.

Stick to the Point

When communicating about safety, remember to keep it short and sweet. Convey the essential information as concisely as possible and then check for understanding. Supervisors should be sure to give affected employees the chance to ask questions in the moment. Taking the time to clear up a misunderstanding on the spot might just prevent a future catastrophe.

Take Language Barriers Into Account

It’s very important to ensure that nothing is lost in translation. A crucial aspect of an effective safety culture is ensuring that the message is conveyed in a language that the employee can understand. This may require brining in a qualified translator or distributing written workplace safety communications in the language(s) with which employees are most familiar.

Ensure Shift Changes Are as Seamless as Possible

Shift handovers are a core communication weak spot for many organizations. You can rectify this by standardizing the process. If you do not already utilize one, consider implementing a handover checklist that communicates any pertinent information to the employee taking over, including any new or ongoing safety concerns.

Don’t Forget to Listen

Our last suggestion is to be a good listener. Poll the workforce to ask which communication methods employees find most effective and implement changes to your approach based on that feedback. The best communication often includes a multipronged approach. Many organizations find that a combination of spoken word, written word, images, and videos helps improve comprehension. 

By using the methods outlined above, you can improve communication within your organization and ensure that your workforce stays safer on the job. For more on hazard communication in the workplace, be sure to take a look at OSHAcademy Course 606: Hazard Communication for the Employee.

A practical resource for safety committees

A safety committee can give employees a regular way to raise concerns and help shape improvements. The Ultimate Safety Committee Handbook covers encouraging participation, identifying hazards, developing recommendations, and managing meetings. Explore the handbook if your team is forming a committee or working to make an existing one more effective.