Key actions in communicating effectively
Leaders
Ensure that time is allocated so that communications can take place
Managers
- Formulate plans for cascading information. Remember to plan how you will get messages across to contractors, anyone with low levels of literacy, or those whose first language is not English
- Think about what needs to be communicated and to whom. How will your health and safety policy, risk assessment findings and safe systems of work be shared?
- Lay out clear communications procedures for safety-critical tasks
- Where needed, plan your communications with emergency services. Who will co-ordinate this and how will it be done?
- Ensure that communication is included in change management procedures
- Ensure that written instructions are clear and up to date
- Make sure that safety-critical messages have been given attention and are understood
Worker consultation and involvement
- Involve workers or their representatives in planning communications activities. They will be able to help identify and resolve barriers to communication within your organisation
- Are workers able to give feedback and report their concerns?
- Have you considered vulnerable groups within your workforce in your communications plans, eg young or inexperienced workers, workers with a disability or migrant workers?
Competence
Plan training or coaching to ensure that line managers have the skills needed to carry out face-to-face discussions at all levels within the organisation
Find out more
- More advice on human factors
- HSE human factors briefing note on safety-critical communications
- HSE human factored guide on common topics in safety-critical communications