Key actions in communicating effectively

Leaders

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

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?

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