• Plan
• Do
• Check
• Act

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