As a construction supervisor, you need a mix of tools and skills to keep your crew working safely.<\/p>\n
Tools like relevant weekly safety meetings and OSHA toolbox talk topics<\/a> can build good safety habits and awareness, especially when you pair them with spontaneous safety moment ideas and topics<\/a> that you can share whenever an opportunity arises.<\/p>\n But the way<\/u> you communicate with your team members can be just as important as what<\/u> you communicate.<\/p>\n How Good Communication Skills Make Safety Messaging More Effective<\/strong><\/p>\n Communication skills are critical for getting messages across clearly, especially in a dangerous situation. Communicating effectively and calmly in the moment can mean the difference between an accident avoided and an accident made worse.<\/p>\n Make a habit of using positive, easy-to-understand language when describing job hazards to your team.<\/p>\n Use calm and direct language that doesn\u2019t leave your employees feeling defensive. Avoid yelling, which makes people less receptive to anything you have to say. People who are yelled at can become anxious, stressed, and maybe angry\u2014but less<\/u> able to follow directions or work safely in the moment.<\/p>\n Keep Calm and Positive for Safety Communications That Stick with Your Team<\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking calmly and clearly, especially in the face of an immediate safety threat, helps minimize stress and keeps team members focused on the information they need to stay safe.<\/p>\n When it comes to instilling good safety habits, positive language is more effective than scolding. Instead of saying, \u201cThat temporary scaffold is unacceptable,\u201d try a less critical approach. \u201cI appreciate that you are trying to get this done today, but the right scaffolding will be here soon, and your safety is more important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n How to Put a Positive Spin on Your Safety Message <\/strong><\/p>\n Here are a few more examples of safety communications that get better results when you use positive language:<\/p>\n Negative language<\/strong>: \u201cHey, that\u2019s not safe. Don\u2019t lean over like that when you\u2019re on a ladder!\u201d<\/p>\n Positive language<\/strong>: \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come down for a minute, and I can help you reposition that ladder.”<\/p>\n Negative language<\/strong>: \u201cHow do you think you\u2019re going to get out of that trench if it starts collapsing?\u201d<\/p>\n Positive language<\/strong>: \u201cHere\u2019s a ladder. Come up now, and we will get a trench box in there to protect you before you get started.\u201d<\/p>\n Instead of yelling, \u201cHey, that\u2019s not safe!\u201d try one of these more effective alternatives:<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too risky. Let\u2019s make another plan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat looks a little dicey. I want you to stay safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Or: \u201cWhat\u2019s your plan for managing these hazards and how can I help?\u201d<\/p>\n For best results, speak clearly and try to avoid speaking where loud noises may be a distraction.<\/p>\n If you commit to communicating safety messages clearly and positively all the time, your communication skills will keep improving, and positive language and a calm delivery will become a habit, even in the face of immediate risk.<\/p>\n When safety risks threaten, your team members will trust you to help keep them safe with clear guidance and reliable strategies for accident and injury prevention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a construction supervisor, you need a mix of tools and skills to keep your crew working safely. Tools like relevant weekly safety meetings and OSHA toolbox talk topics can build good safety habits and awareness, especially when you pair them with spontaneous safety moment ideas and topics that you can share whenever an opportunity… Continue Reading Practice Your Safety Communication Skills Daily<\/strong><\/h2>\n