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How to Write a Safety Speech

Safety is thrust into the spotlight when someone gets hurt.

You know safety is important, but how do you get everyone on board?

Of course, you're committed to safety, but when demands on your time and your people increase, it's harder to keep it a priority. 

In a busy work environment, it's easiest to keep safety top of mind with a safety speech. A motivational safety speech unites people positively around safety excellence. It safeguards your culture.

If you want employees to look out for each other, they need to be motivated.

Safety leaders usually rely on fear-based messages to gain safety compliance. In the short term, they work. Sustaining a safety culture requires motivation. A motivational safety speech builds positive momentum, and long term buys into safety. 

Training is the most critical component of a companies safety management program. Everyone benefits from a safety speech through fewer workplace injuries, reduced stress, and a better team environment.

Safety training allows employees to learn their jobs properly. 

According to OSHA, Thirty-four states have requirements or voluntary guidelines for workplace injury and illness prevention programs. They recommend initial training and refresher training. 

Many organizations have a safety day, a safety program, and regular safety moments that require a safety speech. To plan your safety speech consider the following:

The Audience. 

Many safety speeches evolve around front line workers. Because they are on the front line, they are often most at risk. A crowd like this tends to be hands-on, so keep your speech active and work-related. Continue to involve this audience in your safety speech; ask them for feedback and ideas.

All parts of an organization are part of safety, including administration, leadership, and management. Especially if they are not a front line, you need their buy-in. Safety is a priority for everyone, but it's not top of mind (their most crucial safety alert is a paper cut!) With this audience you need to build a logical argument to show them how safety is a priority, especially for the front line. It's a part of your culture.

The Current Safety Environment.

Progress should be calculated and recognized for it to count. Your safety speech is the ideal time to acknowledge progress, appreciate the effort, and highlight the opportunity to improve. Have these stats available to weave into the safety speech.

Also, report misses, near misses, and any occupational health safety policy change.

A GREAT SAFETY SPEECH GOALS:

• Give people permission to think about and be involved in safety culture proactively.
• It should recognize and ( sometimes) reward safe behavior
• Make it safe to speak up about unsafe conditions
• Sell people on safety
• Build a team culture around safety
• Encourage people to slow down when it comes to safety
• The role of stress on safety

Interweave these ideas into your safety speech messaging. 

Below is a SAMPLE SAFETY SPEECH:

People are safer on the job than at home.

We work hard to create a culture where you can communicate your needs, state your limits, and say "NO" Your safety is our priority.

Nobody on our teams will feel uncomfortable reporting near misses or unsafe work practices. We thank you all for your efforts protecting our safe work culture

We are committed to safety because we are committed to you.

Were committed to your health, your wellness, your future.

Our safety record shows that commitment. ( talk about your safety record)

We can't do it without you. 

It's your diligence that matters. It's your grit and dedication that matters. It's you that matters. 

It takes a team to do great things. Remember to lean on your team and encourage each other to grow. 

Everybody deserves to feel safe at work. 

Never feel uncomfortable about speaking up. Your voice matters.

Every time you speak up about safety, you could be saving lives. 

Our workloads have increased.  With less time and resources, we lose focus on safety. 

When we neglect safety, we neglect each other. 

When it comes to safety, We have your back.

 Slow down, look around, and make safety awareness your priority.

( reinforce safe work behaviors needed to do the job)

We want to reinforce the goals of our safety program.

Review accident loss reports, review safety bulletins, and safety procedures, and weave this into your safety speech.

(End of Sample Safety Speech)

Remember to keep your message firm but uplifting.

Listening to accident statistics or learning about new procedures can be annoying to employees. Keep your message positive and reassuring. Your team needs to feel like they are achieving something, and their efforts are contributing to a safety culture.

Offer examples and suggestions for improvement—layout strategies that work and how we can be more successful. In any safety speech, people will only remember several points, so keep it short and memorable.

As a safety motivational speaker , I focus on getting the audience to buy into a healthy culture where safety has to be a priority.  

Ready to hire a safety speaker? Find out how.

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Humanising Health, Safety and Risk

Eight Steps to Writing the Workplace Safety Speech

November 12, 2013 by Admin Leave a Comment

Writing an engaging Safety Speech can be Tricky.  This New Report reveals the Key Steps behind writing a convincing Workplace Safety Speech. 

Melbourne, Australia (11 April, 2012) – Digicast Productions, a safety and induction training video production house, today released a new white paper “Eight Steps to writing the Workplace Safety Speech”.

Effective communication is vital to get staff and contractors aligned and working towards a positive safety culture.  Yet, trying to engage your workforce about a new safety initiative through a safety speech is not easy.  How we communicate about safety influences whether or not people will accept or reject our safety messages.

The main objective of any safety speech is to motivate staff to take safety seriously and to change behaviour.  But how do you encourage behaviour change in a workplace speech?

Written for CEO’s, senior executives, safety professionals and communication professionals, find out how in this exclusive white paper, which looks at:

• The secret to developing an emotional connection to your audience
• How to communicate to the left brain, right brain and whole brain
• 3 steps to structuring your safety speech

For a complete copy of the whitepaper, that also includes a free Safety Speech checklist, visit http://info.digicast.com.au/safety-speech/

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Safety Storytelling: Using Powerful Moments to Make Change

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Getting employees to buy in to safety efforts can be a challenge for employers, no matter what industry they’re in. Some get too comfortable in their role. Others find training repetitive or boring. Many know the safety rules and guidelines of their workplace. They just aren’t held accountable in following them.   Safety storytelling can make the difference to employees who think they’ve heard it all before. 

On this episode of the WorkSAFE Podcast, we welcome Patrick Nelson , founder of Loyalty Point Leadership . He is a speaker, trainer and Fortune 500 consultant in safety leadership development. Approaching safety differently can result in different outcomes.  Nelson uses his tragic experience of loss while serving in the Army to help humanize safety leadership.  

First, we’ll talk about how Nelson humanizes safety stories through his own experience. Then, we’ll discuss why storytelling is such a powerful tool. Finally, we’ll share how employers can put safety storytelling to use.

Listen to this WorkSAFE Podcast interview, or read the show notes below.

Humanizing the safety experience  

Unlike the average safety professional, Nelson’s experience isn’t built on certifications and regulations. His specialty is working with leaders. In 2018, he witnessed a CEO deliver a passionate speech to his employees. It changed his perspective on connecting employees and leadership to safety efforts.  

Safety storytelling: Creating the Safety Stump Speech ®

At the time, Nelson was working with a Fortune 500 oil and gas company. They were struggling with serious workplace incidents. The prior year had not been a positive one. Together with company leaders, Nelson put together a safety workshop. Rather than stick to the regular safety narrative, the CEO told an emotional, powerful personal story. This led to more than anyone had expected: relevant conversations, practical safety tips and exercises that got employees out of their seats.  

From that experience, Nelson created a new kind of training workshop. Each one is built on two key principles: servant leadership and forward-looking accountability. He also developed the concept of a Safety Stump Speech ® . Leaders share short, powerful stories with employees on why safety matters to them. Nelson leans on psychological elements; what makes everyone human.

Leading by example

Sharing the message of safety effectively as a leader isn’t just about knowledge. Leaders lead by example. Nelson learned this in a way that he’s never been able to forget. During his time in the Army, a soldier under his command was killed when shrapnel hit him in the head during an attack. Nelson suffered minor wounds. But the scars aren’t the most painful part of the memory.

“Right before this happened, I had almost told him to put on his helmet,” he shared. He’d noticed the soldier wasn’t wearing one. “But I realized I didn’t have mine on.” He didn’t want to criticize someone else for not doing something he himself wasn’t doing.  The cost of not speaking up when there’s an obvious hazard can be high. And while the helmet still might not have saved his soldier’s life, it’s not knowing for sure that’s the hardest to deal with. 

“When I think of what makes somebody a good leader, it is exactly what makes somebody a good safety leader as well,” he commented. “You know, they’re accountable. They’re credible. They can communicate well.”  

The power of safety storytelling

Every safety story is important. But not all of them are powerful. In telling long, drawn-out stories, sometimes the core message can be lost. This is especially true when employees have been through hours of training or aren’t very receptive.  

Nelson brings the concept of Safety Stump Speech ® to his clients with this in mind. “Some of the most powerful sum speeches I heard in these organizations were like 45 seconds to a minute and a half long,” he explained. “They’re very brief. But they’re also personal and powerful.” What is it that makes these short safety moments different?  

They humanize us in the eyes of others  

Stories help us to connect with one another. And those connections can make all the difference in risky moments. “The more that you know somebody, the more likely you are to watch out for them, to have their back and to make sure they’re safe,” Nelson shared. “What that tells me is that there is value in taking time in building connections with others at work.” One of the best ways to do that is by sharing these personal experiences.  

Months down the road, employees won’t remember every single word of every story. But they will remember how their teammates made them feel.  

They go against expectations  

Safety training often comes with certain expectations. Hours spend in a break room or conference hall, watching presentations from professionals who may – or may not be – in the same industry. Nelson certainly encountered this. At his Fortune 500 oil and gas company, employees were nicknamed ‘roughnecks’. Safety training was just another requirement to them. They showed up because they had to.

At the beginning of every training, after sharing his own story, Nelson flips expectations. Each employee will share their own Safety Stump Speech ® . Most hesitate. They weren’t expecting to have to share their own experience. But by the end, many employees want to share.  They want to be seen and heard by others. They want to talk about the lessons they’ve learned. “That’s the the kind of stuff that’s gonna move the needle on safety. It’s not gonna be ‘hey, here’s a hot new piece of PPE to wear, here’s a new OSHA regulation.” 

They open the door to new opportunities

Safety Stump Speeches ® peel back the barriers and hesitations that make exist between employees and important workplace safety conversations. However, Nelson highlights that employers need to make the most of the environment they create.

“You can bring somebody in that’s going to tell you a great story,” he explained. “They might make you laugh, make you cry, but it’s kind of like a sunburn that wears off after a few days.” Safety stories open doors to allow in fresh ideas and connection, which can make further investment of time and money even more of a worthy cause for a company.

Using safety storytelling to fuel change

When it comes to safety, no one is perfect. Everyone has made a mistake before. They’ve taken a shortcut, skipped out on wearing safety gloves or glasses, or let their mind wander on the job. But more importantly, they’ve seen other people make these same mistakes – over and over again. Without courage and the personal connection to others, they won’t speak up. As a result, unsafe behaviors go unchecked.

Even a single storytelling session can benefit employees.  But to create lasting impact, employers need to prepare to nurture safety culture over time. “T here’s power and value in prioritizing time together with people, and building those deeper relationships,” Nelson added. This means investing in others by listening to what they have to say and learning from one another.

“You can prevent people from getting hurt. You can save their life,” he reminds employers. “But you have to be able to speak up and you have to take action.”

For free safety posters, sample policies, and safety toolkits, visit our  Resource Library . Then, check out this  WorkSAFE Podcast episode on using empathy and awareness to build a better workplace.

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Speech Tips for EHS Professionals

Whether you’re putting together a safety orientation for new employees or getting employees to comply with safety procedures , there are some moments that demand a rousing safety speech.

The trick? Writing a speech that sticks.

For those figuring out how to ensure employees’ safety, speech structuring is everything. Here are a few essential tips to write a memorable safety speech.

Explain Why Safety Matters

A great safety speech is more than just telling employees how to improve. It’s about motivating them with a unique opportunity to come together for the common good. Or at least, that’s how it worked for Paul O’Neill’s inaugural speech as CEO of Alcoa in October 1987, now regarded as one of the greatest safety speeches of the 20th century .

O’Neill began with a simple sentence, “I want to talk to you about worker safety.” In an instant, he had the entire room’s attention. Then, he began to lay out his message, “Every year, numerous Alcoa workers are injured so badly that they miss a day of work. Our safety record is better than the general workforce, especially considering that our employees work with metals that are 1500 degrees and we have machines that can rip a man’s arm off. But it’s not good enough. I intend to make Alcoa the safest company in America. I intend to go for zero injuries.”

In this speech, O’Neill did more than just cite safety numbers or point to an opportunity for improvement. He created a sense of urgency and made safety his central goal.

Most importantly, he explained why safety mattered. It was not enough that Alcoa had a decent safety record for its industry. O’Neill made it Alcoa’s responsibility to be the safest company in America. And while your speech doesn’t need to be the clarion call to launch an era, it should achieve a similar aim: motivating employees to see why safety matters.

Tell a Story

A good way to do this is by telling a story.

Remember, people relate to each other through stories. It’s how we connect as a species. So if you trot out safety statistics and regulations, your employees just won’t care. They can’t relate to laws or numbers.

However, they can relate to a story about a colleague following safe work procedures to make sure they go home to their kids safely every single day. Take the time to find these stories and share them (with the permission of your employees, of course!)

Figuring Out How to Ensure Employees’ Safety? Speech Isn’t Enough

When the time comes to inspire people to action, a speech is a great way to kick things off. But if you’re figuring out how to ensure employees’ safety, speech won’t cut it for the long-term. You need the tools for employees to act on the message.

That’s where we come in, with safety software that makes it easy for every employee to contribute to safety. Get in touch today to learn how our software can empower your whole team.

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How to write the CEO Safety Speech

Another area is to consider is whether the speech is about a new safety program being introduced into the company or a speech that is talking about the current safety status.  Both of these types of speeches need to be approached differently.

Introducing a New Company Safety Initiative

In Blue Ocean Strategy , authors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, believe that any new company initiative needs to be introduced to all levels of staff (not just senior management) by a three step process.

• Engagement – Allow all workers to have input into the strategic decisions that affect them by asking for their feedback.  This shows respect for staff and their ideas.  It also can contribute to better strategic decisions.  Ideally, you are able to do this step before the new safety initiative speech is undertaken.
• Explanation – Everyone who is involved is given a clear explanation of the thinking underlying the new decision.  This is to build trust in regard to management decisions.
• Expectation clarity – Once the strategy is finalised, managers clearly state the new rules of the game.  Goals and targets are set. Expectations for staff are clearly communicated.

In other words, to introduce a new safety initiative, the speech needs to contain information about:

• the current safety performance and why it needs to be improved  (explanation)
• the benefits to staff, company and community (expectation clarity)
• any negatives (explanation)
• how the new safety initiative will be measured and what is expected from each staff member (expectation clarity).

The Current Safety Status Speech

Once a new safety initiative has been introduced, it is vital that the CEO or other senior company representative gives regular progress speeches to staff.

As Dick Brown was quoted as saying in Execution, written by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan: " The culture of a company is the behaviours of it's leaders.  Leaders get the behaviour they exhibit and tolerate ".

After all, staff won’t believe that the company backs its safety messages, until they see the proof of action.   So it's worthwhile that the CEO gives a regular progress report.

In fact, according to Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in Built to Last , social psychology research indicates that when a leader publicly espouses a particular view, they become much more likely to behave consistently with that point of view even if they did not previously feel that way.

So there are two real benefits obtained from the CEO talking about company safety to staff.  The first one is that staff will be more persuaded to change their safety behaviour after listening to the CEO and the second one is that the CEO will start to behave more in line with the new safety initiative and as staff are more likely to believe action rather than words, staff will start to alter their behaviour as well.

When it comes to writing this speech, the following need to be included:

1. Make it relevant to your audience – In the speech, make reference to their safety record as it can differ by site.  If you do have more than one site, it can be beneficial to compare that site to the best performing site to encourage some healthy competition.

2. Site Visit -  Enable the  leadership team and employees the opportunity to discuss safety issues with the CEO. This is important to showing that the CEO really does care about their safety and is serious about change.

2. Recognise high performing safety leaders or change agents .   As well as congratulating each of these people in person, it is also important to mention these leaders in any safety talk.  This will shows that the CEO will reward those who work safely and it will also encourage others to work more safely.

3. Use stories. Where possible, include any examples of staff/sites who have improved safety.  Stories help provide an emotional connection and help people to remember.  They are particularly useful when you need to get people to remember data.

5. Make it simple. Keep the messages down to 3 -5, as brain studies show that this is the maximum amount of information people will remember.

Remember that staff want to feel safe in their own workplace.  They also look to the senior leader to see evidence that safety is important.  And while they might listen to your words, it really is action that they want to see.  So by undertaking individual site visits and checking on their progress will really show that the CEO means business when it comes to safety.

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32 Short Safety Talks: Topics & Ideas to Boost Engagement

Leaving conversations about safety to quarterly meetings and occasional safety training means safety skills and awareness atrophy over time. Want a way to refresh critical concepts without losing everyone’s attention? We have you covered with safety-in-the-workplace topics.

• What Are Safety Talks?
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32 Safety Talk Topics

No matter what kind of work you do, it’s easy to become complacent, especially if you’ve spent most of your days performing familiar tasks on repeat. It can be tempting to cut corners and forego best practices in the interest of time, productivity, and effort. If you find yourself going down this path, be wary because skipping steps and ignoring rules could result in an avoidable emergency.

One way to prevent these lapses and complacency among your team is to use short safety talks to remind everyone of proper procedures and prepare them for new hazards and variables they’ll encounter during the workday.

Safety Meeting Toolkit

What are safety talks in the workplace.

Workplace safety talks are short, digestible, pre-work meetings about a particular safety topic that informs the work people are doing that day. These talks are most effective when kept short, focused, and memorable so workers can easily apply the advice right away and recall it over the long term.

Sometimes known as “safety toolbox talks,” “safety briefings,” or “safety moments,” safety talks can cover any number of topics as long as they’re related to worker and workplace safety.

How to Make Short Safety Talks Engaging and Effective

Safety leaders tasked with devising short safety talks tend to focus entirely on the talk’s content, ignoring its form. They may even forget that it’s their responsibility to engage people so they’ll absorb the information and be ready to put it to use.

Consider ways to maintain safety engagement and interest in your content. This is partly about what not to do: For example, an uber-professional tone could work against you. Your safety talks won’t do much good if your audience falls asleep two minutes in. It’s also about active strategies to get people involved in the discussion and to get them to buy into the significance of their everyday safety efforts.

Ask questions

One of the main reasons people ignore meetings is that they believe it’s a waste of time because they won’t learn anything new. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy; if they don’t think they’re going to learn anything new, they’re going to check out and miss the important information.

Counter this tendency by asking questions. When people realize they have an opportunity to speak their minds, they’re much more likely to become personally invested in the topic at hand. These questions shouldn’t put people in the hot seat but, rather, allow your frontline workers to give feedback.

Inject some humanity

When talking about safety practices, many speakers tend to become very formal and clinical in their language because they want to convey the seriousness of the topic and avoid distractions. Unfortunately, this can lead to disengagement, making your presentation ineffective.

Bring some color to these talks with visual aids, humor, and analogies, keeping your people awake and receptive to the safety talk topic.

Reward engagement

It might sound diminutive, but who doesn’t like a mini candy bar? Try tossing some rewards out for those who engage in the talks by asking poignant questions, helping others understand, or adding their own thoughts. Gift cards or other incentives work equally well.

Watch this video to learn the fundamentals of compelling safety talks, discover new topic ideas, and get facilitation tips.

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of safety-in-the-workplace topics. With it, you can not only prepare for upcoming safety talks but also integrate those meeting topics with broader emergency planning and preparedness efforts and involve various stakeholders. You can use the Topics Sheet from the Safety Meeting Toolkit to keep track of the topics you’ve gone through and what to cover next.

The safety messages you incorporate in your safety talks and training sessions should be inspired by your work objectives and conditions. However, if you’re looking for some ideas to get you started, here are our suggestions.

Find more topic suggestions and talking points in the Safety Meeting Toolkit . 

External Hazards

“The world is changing very, very fast…to be as flexible as possible–that’s what we’re doing every day.”

— Helmut Spahn , Director of Safety, FIFA

1. Electrical safety

Improper electrical distribution is a deadly hazard in the workplace. Electrocutions are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities on construction sites , and daisy-chained extension cords and power strips are a disturbingly common fire safety hazard. Promote fire prevention and avert workplace injuries by inspiring everyday accountability for safe electrical setup and operation.

2. Hot work safety

Heat stress prevention is key in many fields, especially those that require outdoor work during the summer months. It’s so important that OSHA is working on official regulations to require heat safety measures from many employers.

3. Cold work safety

Cold weather can be deadly when preparedness efforts fall short. Share cold-weather safety tips with your team before a day of working in the cold, and set them up with a buddy system so all workers have someone who can look after them.

4. Defensive driving

Workers who commute or those who drive for work can be faced with unpredictable dangers on the road. It’s your duty to provide for their safety while they’re on the road. Defensive driving skills are one of the best ways to make sure your team members get to their destinations safely.

5. Anti-phishing awareness

Phishing attacks—where bad actors send fake messages claiming to be someone else to gain access to restricted systems or resources—have increased year over year . These aren’t “hacks” in the traditional sense. They rely on basic social manipulation, not crafty coding or software vulnerabilities. Reminding workers how to spot phishing attacks can save your organization a lot of time, money, and trouble.

6. Active shooter awareness

While active shooter events are rare, they are becoming a greater strain on Americans’ mental health. Hold a safety meeting to go over your active shooter response plan , and reassure employees you’re looking out for their safety.

Individual Safety

“Safety is way more than compliance…it’s a moral imperative that we send people home to their loved ones.”

— Scott Gerard , VP of Environmental Health and Safety at Moss Construction

7. Personal protective equipment (PPE) review

Just as flight attendants remind passengers of the proper use of seatbelts, life jackets, and oxygen masks before every flight, you need to remind workers of the proper use of their PPE and safety gear so they’re more confident relying on it during an emergency. Common PPE—hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, fall protection harnesses, and high-visibility vests—could be the things that prevent serious injuries or death.

8. Particulate matter safety

Depending on the job site, small bits of liquid or solid material can be suspended in the air, which can wreak havoc on human bodies if inhaled. Some of these materials, like asbestos, are particularly dangerous. Use a safety topic of the day to remind everyone about signs of hazardous substance exposure and why PPE is important in these situations.

9. Tool safety

Some power tools and hand tools, from nail guns to chainsaws, have a natural level of risk associated with their use. You can gather your team at the beginning of a workday to remind them of the safety protocols for a particular tool and reduce those risks.

10. Personal health

An employee’s health is usually impacted by their private life more than it is by their work environment. Taking time to encourage healthy sleep and exercise habits, as well as attending annual medical check-ups, can help keep your workforce in peak condition.

11. Office ergonomics

Office workers might assume they don’t face any workplace hazards, but ergonomics should not be underestimated. Poor posture, inconveniently sized equipment, and other ergonomic problems can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and other safety concerns. The work should fit the worker, not the other way around. Remember to include remote workers in these talks as well.

12. Proper lifting techniques

We’ve all been there—we go to pick something up and underestimate its weight. When workers bend at the waist to lift, they risk seriously injuring their backs. Prevent these avoidable injuries by teaching proper lifting techniques as a quick safety topic.

13. Mental health & well-being

Mental health and well-being have increasingly become areas of focus across demographics, and this holds true in the workplace . Worsened by the isolation, loneliness, and despair many felt during the height of the COVID pandemic, people’s mental health is at serious risk. Show your employees you care and are there to offer resources and support.

14. Hearing protection

Exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (roughly the volume of an electric blender) can cause permanent damage to workers’ hearing. And while OSHA requires organizations to provide hearing protection equipment, a safety talk about why they’re necessary and how to use them properly ensures workers are prepared to prevent injuries.

15. Substance abuse

Substance abuse has increased in recent years. If someone is under the influence on the job, the likelihood of an accident skyrockets. Show employees how to recognize signs that a coworker is struggling, and offer treatment and support resources to those dealing with drug and alcohol use disorders.

16. Hydration

No matter what kind of work you do, no matter where you do it, there’s always one thing your people absolutely need: water. Make sure everyone knows where they can find cool water and that they have the right (and the responsibility) to take regular breaks for water.

17. First aid refresher

First aid training is too detailed and intensive to perform during a 5-minute safety talk, but those few minutes are enough to fortify first aid skills among your employees. Potential areas of focus include a reminder of where all first aid equipment is located, the signs of a stroke, or an overview of the proper CPR compression technique.

Safety Administration

“Part of being an effective emergency manager…is helping [workers] understand why it’s important to plan.”

— Jeffrey Trask , Risk Manager at ISO New England

18. Communication review

Even if you have the best emergency notification system , good message templates, and an awesome reporting workflow, your hazard communication efforts will fall flat if employees aren’t reading the messages. Take some time to remind everyone how these notifications work, where they come from, and what to expect. You can also confirm all employees’ contact information as a follow-up action item.

You can use the Follow-Up template from the Safety Meetings Toolkit to communicate after your safety talks.

19. Accident reporting

While you can do a lot to make accidents less common, it’s very difficult to eliminate them entirely. While you work toward that goal, consider a short safety talk to review standards, rigorous accident reporting procedures, and after-action reports. These will help prevent similar accidents or near misses in the future.

20. Importance of work stoppages

Some emergencies are made much worse by the “bystander effect.” When a worker feels that they don’t have the authority to stop an unsafe activity, they likely won’t step in when something goes wrong. They might instead opt to wait for a supervisor to make the call—but during an emergency, seconds matter. Hold a meeting to make sure everyone knows that they are within their right to stop any dangerous work and will not be penalized for doing so.

21. Safety culture

Your organization’s safety culture is the aggregate of attitudes, behaviors, and practices regarding safety. It’s key to developing a safe, productive, and caring workplace, but it can only be accomplished with continuous effort. Morning safety talks can keep up your momentum in prioritizing safety first.

22. Workplace access protocol

Who’s allowed on the work site? Who isn’t? What about clients, vendors, and guests? Take a moment to remind your team about proper access control, such as not holding the door open.

23. Labeling potential hazards

Labels for potential hazards like slippery floors or unexpected steps can go a long way in keeping everyone aware and decreasing slip, trip, and fall accidents. Some workplaces may also have dangerous chemicals or zones that are unsafe to enter when equipment is turned on, and warning labels can promote situational awareness.

General Safety

“If workers aren’t following specific protocols, very drastic things can happen not only to them but to their coworkers.”

— Diana Warden , Director of Safety and Security at the Dallas Zoo

24. Situational awareness

No matter the environment and type of work, situational awareness is perhaps the single most significant habit that can keep employees safe. Hold a short safety talk to gauge how situationally aware your employees are. This evaluation will help you plan for more in-depth training to guide them in increasing awareness of risks they may face.

25. Ladder safety

There’s a reason ladders are associated with bad luck: They’re a deceptively deadly tool we frequently rely on. Proper ladder setup, use, and oversight can avoid painful and costly mistakes.

26. Forklift safety

Working with heavy machinery, including forklifts, can be dangerous without the proper training. Safety talks about safe forklift driving and handling are critical for those working with or even near these tools.

27. Workplace violence

Workplace violence is increasingly common, particularly in service industries and healthcare. Talk with your employees about the types of workplace violence , warning signs, and prevention steps they can take, including how to identify and report potential violence through an open, non-punitive channel.

28. Emergency exits

Every indoor workspace should have clearly marked emergency exits as part of a fire evacuation plan . That plan requires you to regularly review these emergency exit routes with your team, especially if you’re working in a new, unfamiliar location or in case one or more exits become blocked in an emergency.

29. Heavy vehicle safety

Heavy vehicles—such as forklifts, trucks, cranes, and other heavy-duty machines—have the potential to cause damage to people and property. Make sure all workers are aware of the dangers and how to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way.

30. Fire extinguisher use

Portable fire extinguishers are ubiquitous and extremely effective at protecting people and property from fire damage but only if they’re used properly. When holding a short fire safety talk about correct fire extinguisher use, try turning it into a game to see who has the best fire extinguisher aim.

31. Confined space awareness

Some confined spaces have respiratory hazards, engulfment hazards, electrical dangers, or any number of factors that make them more dangerous than your average crawlspace. These are often restricted by posted signage. Make sure your team knows who is and isn’t permitted in these spaces and what the signage looks like. Trenching work, pipework, and other assignments are associated with these risks.

32. Carbon monoxide safety

Dubbed the “silent killer” because it’s undetectable by humans, carbon monoxide is deadly and you must monitor for it, especially in the presence of flammable gasses, exhaust, and heaters. Ensure your employees know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to double-check that CO monitors are working properly.

Every Day Can Be a Safe Day

Carving out small chunks of time to regularly review digestible safety topics goes far beyond just preparing your employees for individual hazards. By making these short safety talks a familiar fixture of everyone’s days, you ingrain the idea that safety is always the number one priority. But it’s not safe for safety’s sake—it’s expressly to protect your business, its operations, and its people so everyone can work confidently, without disruptions.

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SafetyPedia

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12 Effective Safety Conversation Techniques for the Workplace

Introduction:.

Safety in the workplace is paramount for the well-being of employees and the success of any organization. One of the key aspects of maintaining a safe working environment is effective safety communication. Having open and honest safety conversations can prevent accidents, reduce injuries, and foster a safety culture among employees. In this article, we will explore ten highly effective safety conversation techniques that can make a significant difference in your workplace.

The significance of open and effective safety conversation in promoting safety

Open and effective conversation holds immense significance in promoting safety. Open and effective conversation is essential in promoting safety as it enables hazard identification, empowers individuals with knowledge, fosters a safety-conscious culture, and facilitates continuous improvement. It establishes trust, enhances teamwork, and ultimately contributes to creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone involved. Let’s explore the key aspects of its importance:

1. Rapid Hazard Identification and Reporting: When communication channels are open, individuals are more likely to voice their observations about potential hazards or unsafe conditions promptly. This enables quick identification and reporting of safety risks, allowing for timely interventions to prevent accidents and injuries.

2. Prompt Incident and Near-Miss Reporting: An environment that encourages open conversation facilitates the reporting of incidents and near-miss events without fear of reprisal. Timely reporting provides invaluable data for root cause analysis, leading to effective preventive measures.

3. Creating a Safety Culture: Open communication is fundamental to establishing a robust safety culture within an organization or community. It fosters an atmosphere where safety is valued, and individuals feel comfortable discussing safety-related matters.

4. Enhanced Safety Knowledge Sharing: Effective conversations enable the exchange of safety-related information, best practices, and lessons learned. This sharing of knowledge empowers individuals with the information they need to make safe decisions and take appropriate actions.

5. Identifying and Addressing Safety Gaps: Through open conversations, individuals can freely express concerns or challenges related to safety procedures, equipment, or training. This allows organizations to identify and address safety gaps effectively.

6. Supporting Collaboration and Teamwork: Open communication promotes collaboration among team members, allowing them to work together in implementing safety protocols and achieving common safety goals.

7. Transparent Safety Policies and Procedures: When communication is transparent, safety policies and procedures become clear and understandable to all. This clarity ensures consistent adherence to safety guidelines.

8. Boosting Employee Engagement: A culture of open conversation enhances employee engagement in safety initiatives. Employees feel valued when their input is sought, and they are more likely to participate actively in safety programs.

9. Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Open communication channels facilitate feedback loops where safety concerns and suggestions can be freely shared. This feedback supports continuous improvement efforts in safety management .

10. Instilling Trust and Psychological Safety: In an environment of open communication, individuals feel psychologically safe, knowing they can speak up about safety issues without fear of blame or judgment. Trust among team members and between employees and management is also strengthened.

11. Preventing Catastrophic Incidents: Open and effective conversation aids in preventing major accidents or disasters. By openly discussing potential risks and vulnerabilities, proactive measures can be taken to avoid catastrophic events.

12. Compliance and Regulation Adherence: Open communication ensures that safety-related information, updates, and regulations are effectively communicated to all relevant parties, promoting compliance and adherence to safety standards.

What are the Golden Rules of Effective Safety Conversations?

The Golden Rules of Effective Safety Conversations are essential guidelines to ensure that safety discussions are productive, and constructive and result in positive outcomes. Following these rules fosters a culture of safety, encourages open communication, and promotes continuous improvement.

Safety conversations are an essential part of any workplace safety culture. They help to build trust, identify hazards, share best practices, and reinforce positive behaviors. However, not all safety conversations are equally effective. Some may be too superficial, too confrontational, or too passive. To ensure that your safety conversations are meaningful and impactful, you need to follow some golden rules.

Here are the Golden Rules of Effective Safety Conversations:

– Prepare before you speak: Before you initiate a safety conversation, think about your purpose, your audience, and your message. What do you want to achieve? Who are you talking to? What do you want to say? How will you say it? Having a clear plan will help you to communicate more confidently and effectively.

– Listen actively and empathetically: A safety conversation is not a one-way lecture. It is a dialogue that requires listening as much as speaking. Listen to what the other person is saying, how they are saying it, and what they are feeling. Show that you care about their perspective and their emotions. Ask open-ended questions, paraphrase what they say, and give feedback.

– Focus on facts and behaviors, not opinions and personalities: A safety conversation is not an opportunity to criticize, blame, or judge the other person. It is a chance to share facts and observations, and to discuss behaviors and actions. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations about the other person’s motives or intentions. Use specific examples and evidence to support your points.

– Be positive and constructive: A safety conversation is not a punishment or a threat. It is a way to encourage and support the other person to improve their safety performance and attitude. Use positive language and tone, and acknowledge the good things they do as well as the areas they need to work on. Provide constructive feedback and suggestions, and offer help and resources if needed. – Follow up and follow through. A safety conversation is not a one-time event. It is a part of an ongoing process of safety improvement and learning. After the conversation, make sure to follow up with the other person to see how they are doing, and to provide additional feedback or assistance if necessary. Also, follow through on any commitments or actions that you agreed on during the conversation.

– Keep the number of rules to as few as possible : Too many rules can be confusing, overwhelming, or contradictory.

– Allow for some flexibility and the reality of human fallibility: Do not expect perfection or punish honest mistakes, but rather encourage learning and improvement.

– Make them personal, such as “I will not” rather than “Do not”: This can help create a sense of ownership and responsibility for safety.

– Consult, communicate, communicate, communicate, educate, and ensure all understand: Effective safety conversations require active listening, clear speech, mutual respect, and feedback.

– They must be very relevant to the actual workplace : The rules should address the specific hazards, risks, and behaviors that can cause serious harm in your work environment.

– They should cover high risks and situations or behaviors that can cause serious harm. The rules should focus on the most critical and preventable causes of injury or illness.

1. Active Listening: The Foundation of Effective Safety Conversations

Active listening is the cornerstone of any successful safety conversation. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to speak up about potential hazards or safety concerns. During safety discussions, give your full attention to the speaker, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Encourage employees to express their thoughts, ideas, and even fears related to safety. Avoid assigning blame or judgment during safety conversations. Focus on understanding the underlying causes of safety issues or concerns and finding solutions collaboratively. Remember, safety is a collaborative effort, and active listening ensures that everyone’s voice is heard.

2. Safety Training: Empowering Employees with Knowledge

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to safety. Conduct regular safety training sessions to educate employees about potential risks, safe practices, and emergency procedures. Ensure that all employees are well-informed about safety protocols and the proper use of safety equipment. Informed employees are more confident and proactive when discussing safety matters. A well-informed discourse equips individuals with the necessary tools and insights to make informed decisions regarding safety protocols and procedures. Communicate safety information in straightforward, jargon-free language to ensure everyone understands the risks and preventive measures.

3. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Supporting Employees’ Safety Concerns

Demonstrate empathy and understanding when discussing safety concerns with employees. Acknowledge their feelings and experiences, and assure them that their well-being is a top priority. Practitioners with high emotional intelligence can recognize their own emotions and manage them appropriately during discussions, enabling them to remain composed and focused on the safety concerns at hand. This fosters trust and strengthens the safety culture within the organization.

4. Use Real-Life Examples: Making Safety Conversations Relatable

Incorporate real-life examples and case studies into safety conversations. These examples make safety risks and their potential consequences more tangible, driving home the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Share success stories where safety practices have prevented accidents, reinforcing the positive impact of safety measures.

5. Encourage Reporting: Creating a Reporting-Friendly Environment

Employees may hesitate to report safety issues due to fear of repercussions or the belief that their concerns won’t be taken seriously. Establish a confidential reporting system where employees can report safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Create a reporting-friendly environment where employees are encouraged to report even minor safety incidents or near-misses. Assure them that reporting is a crucial step towards improving safety and that their feedback is valued.

6. Leading by Example: Management’s Role in Safety Conversations

As a manager or supervisor, your actions speak louder than words. Leading by example demonstrates your commitment to safety. Engage in safety conversations with your team regularly and share your own experiences and concerns. This will encourage open communication and reinforce the message that safety is a top priority for the entire organization.

7. Solutions-Oriented Approach

Focus on finding practical solutions to safety challenges rather than dwelling on problems. Collaborate with others to develop actionable plans to improve safety.

8. Consistency and Regularity

Make safety conversations a regular part of the work routine. Consistent engagement reinforces the importance of safety and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

9. Using Visual Aids: Enhancing Safety Communication

Visual aids, such as infographics, charts, and posters, are powerful tools for enhancing safety communication. They can simplify complex safety information and reinforce key safety messages. Use visual aids strategically during safety training sessions and workplace communication to make safety information more accessible and memorable. Record key points and actions discussed during safety conversations. Ensure follow-up on agreed-upon solutions and track progress towards safety goals.

10. Addressing Safety Misconceptions: Debunking Myths

Safety misconceptions can undermine efforts to create a safe workplace. Address common safety myths and misconceptions during safety conversations. Provide factual information and evidence to debunk these misconceptions and establish a solid foundation for safety practices.

11. Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledging Safe Behavior

Positive reinforcement goes a long way in promoting safe behavior. Recognize and praise employees who adhere to safety guidelines and actively contribute to safety conversations. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages others to follow suit. Recognize and celebrate safety achievements, both big and small. Positive reinforcement encourages individuals and teams to maintain their commitment to safety. Treat safety conversations as opportunities for learning and growth. Stay open to new ideas, feedback, and industry best practices to enhance safety processes continually.

12. Constructive Feedback: Provide feedback in a constructive manner, emphasizing positive aspects and areas for improvement. Avoid being overly critical or negative, as it may deter individuals from engaging in future safety conversations.

By following these golden rules, you can make your safety conversations more effective and beneficial for yourself and the other person. Remember that safety conversations are not only about preventing accidents and injuries, but also about building relationships and trust, fostering a positive safety culture, and enhancing performance and productivity.

Safety conversations should not be static; they should evolve with changing circumstances and needs. Continuously seek feedback from employees about safety protocols and communication techniques. Use this feedback to improve safety conversations and keep them relevant and effective .

Different Types of Safety Conversations

Deliberate mandatory safety conversation.

1. Deliberate Mandatory Safety Conversation

1.1         Observation Based Conversation

i.             Conducting Thorough Safety Inspections and Audits

ii.            Identifying Potential Hazards and Risks

iii.           Strategies for Effective Risk Control

1.2         Morning Safety Conversation

i.             Promoting Daily Safety Awareness

ii.            Reinforcing Safe Work Practices

iii.           Addressing Potential Hazards for the Day

1.3         Task-Specific Safety Conversations

i.             Integrating Safety into Job Requirements

ii.            Task-Specific Safety Precautions

iii.           Ensuring Competence for the Job

1.4         Hazard Identification and Risk Control Conversation

i.             Proactive Approach to Hazard Recognition

ii.            Evaluating and Prioritizing Risks

iii.           Implementing Effective Controls

1.5         Safety Target Setting Conversation

i.             Defining Clear Safety Objectives

ii.            Monitoring Progress Towards Targets

iii.           Strategies for Achieving Safety Goals

2. Spontaneous Safety Conversation

2.1         Addressing Unsafe Acts in Real-time

i.             Encouraging a Speak-Up Culture

ii.            Providing Constructive Feedback

iii.           Correcting Unsafe Behaviors Immediately

2.2         Opportunity-Based Safety Conversation

i.             Grabbing Appropriate Moments for Safety Discussions

ii.            Sharing Safety Ideas and Suggestions

iii.           Encouraging Continuous Improvements

iv.           Innovative ideas discussion

2.3         Trending Safety News Conversation

i.             Analyzing Recent Safety Incidents and Trends

ii.            Drawing Lessons from Industry Examples

iii.           Applying Best Practices to Enhance Safety

3. Safety Conversation in Meetings

3.1         Management Reviews

i.             Discussing Safety Statistics and Performance in Meetings

ii.            Share Top Safety Issues and Obtain Executives’ Directions

iii.           Compare Safety with Overall Organizational Objectives

3.2         Team Performance Meetings

i.             Empowering Safety Teams to Drive Change

ii.            Collaborative Problem-Solving for Safety Challenges

iii.           Celebrating Safety Milestones and Achievements

4. Accident Investigation Conversation

i.             Discuss Root Cause Analysis

ii.            Learning from Mistakes and Preventing Recurrence

iii.           Promoting a Non-Blame Culture for Transparent Reporting

5. External Safety Conversations

i.             Engaging with Safety Experts and Consultants

ii.            Learning from Industry Peers and Best Practices

iii.           Collaborating with External Stakeholders for Safety Improvement

Safety Conversation Example: A dialogue between a worker and a safety professional

Safety Officer (SO): (Noticing the worker’s non-compliance) I must address the issue of not wearing a safety helmet earlier. It is a breach of safety regulations, and we take these matters seriously.

Worker (W): (Defensively) Come on, nothing happened! Why are you making such a big deal out of it? I’m perfectly fine, and nothing will happen. I have more experience than you, and I know what I’m doing.

SO: I understand that you may feel experienced and confident, but safety protocols are in place for a reason. Accidents can happen at any time, regardless of experience. The risk of not wearing a safety helmet, even for a brief moment, is just too high to ignore.

W: (Resistant) I’ve been doing this job for years without any issues. Why are you singling me out for a fine?

SO: It’s not about singling anyone out. As a safety professional, my duty is to ensure that safety rules are followed consistently by everyone. It’s about fostering a culture of safety for the well-being of all workers, including you.

W: (Frustrated) I have so much work pressure, and now you’re here, stopping me from getting my tasks done. Can’t you see I need to keep working?

SO: (Calmly) I understand that you have work pressure, and I value your dedication. However, safety is our top priority, and “Safety First” is our guiding principle. I’m here not to stop your work but to ensure that it’s done safely and without compromising anyone’s well-being.

W: (Skeptical) But how does wearing a safety helmet or following safety procedures change anything? I’ve been working like this for years, and nothing has happened.

SO: (Assuringly) Safety precautions may seem small, but they can make a significant difference. Accidents can occur unexpectedly, and safety measures are designed to prevent or minimize their impact. Wearing a safety helmet, for instance, protects you from potential head injuries, even during routine tasks.

W: (Resistant) I’ve never had any accidents, and I know what I’m doing. You don’t have to babysit me.

SO: (Respectful) I don’t doubt your competence, and I’m not here to babysit anyone. My role is to ensure that all workers, including you, return home safely to your families every day. Accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of experience. Following safety procedures is about safeguarding lives and preventing injuries.

W: (Defensively) I know it’s mandatory, but it’s just so hot and uncomfortable. I took it off for a while to get some relief.

SO: I understand it can be uncomfortable, especially in the heat. But your safety is of utmost importance to us. Instead of taking it off, you can take short breaks and go to the rest area to cool down. You can always come back to work once you feel better.

W: (Reluctant) It’s just that sometimes these safety measures slow down my work.

SO: (Understanding) I hear your concern, and it’s essential to maintain productivity. However, let’s remember that even a small delay due to safety precautions is a small price to pay compared to the potential consequences of an accident. Moreover, over time, safety practices become second nature and won’t impede your efficiency significantly.

W: (Softening) Alright, I’ll give it a try, but can you help me with the safety helmet? I find it uncomfortable. (Wiping sweat from his forehead) Ah, it’s so hot today! I couldn’t bear wearing that heavy and uncomfortable safety helmet for too long.

SO: (Supportive) Of course! Let’s find a safety helmet that fits comfortably and meets the required safety standards. Your comfort matters, and I’m here to assist you in any way I can.

W: (Still hesitant) It’s not just about the heat; it’s heavy and feels burdensome.

SO: I hear you. The safety helmet might seem heavy sometimes, but I assure you it’s a small price to pay for your safety. Let me share a story with you. Last month, there was a near miss at our worksite. A tool fell from a higher level, and it narrowly missed a worker’s head. Luckily, he was wearing his safety helmet, and that helmet saved his life.

W: (Listening more attentively) Really? A helmet saved someone’s life here?

SO: Yes, it did. That incident reminded us of the importance of wearing safety helmets at all times. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about safeguarding your life and preventing serious injuries.

W: (Reflecting) I never thought about it that way. But it’s still uncomfortable.

SO: I understand, and I appreciate your concerns. Let’s explore some solutions together. We can look into finding a more comfortable and lightweight safety helmet that meets the required safety standards. Your comfort matters to us, but so does your safety.

W: (Reluctant) I just don’t think I deserve a fine for this.

SO: (Empathetic) I understand that fines can be frustrating, but they serve as a reminder to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations. We want to prevent incidents and protect everyone on the worksite.

W: (Thoughtful pause) I suppose I can see your point. Safety is crucial, and I shouldn’t take any risks.

SP: (Encouraging) That’s the right mindset. Your safety and that of your colleagues are our top priorities. It’s about looking out for each other and ensuring we all return home safely every day.

W: (Reflective) I never thought about it that way. I’ll be more mindful from now on.

SO: (Supportive) That’s great to hear. If you have any concerns or need assistance with safety gear, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re all in this together, and I’m here to help.

W: (Softening) Thank you for understanding. I guess I haven’t seen the bigger picture.

SO: It’s completely normal to feel uneasy at times, but by wearing the safety helmet, you are not only protecting yourself but also setting a positive example for your colleagues. Safety is a shared responsibility, and your commitment to wearing the helmet will encourage others to follow suit.

W: (Thoughtfully) You’re right. I don’t want to put myself or anyone else at risk.

SO: That’s the spirit! Your safety matters to all of us here, and we want you to go home safe and sound every day. Let’s work together to find a suitable helmet, and remember, and you can always take short breaks if you need to cool down.

W: (Resolute) I’m ready to give it another try. Thank you for caring and helping me understand why it’s so important.

SO: You’re welcome! I’m here to support you, and I appreciate your willingness to prioritize safety. Together, we can make our worksite a safer place for everyone.

In this part of the conversation, the safety officer addresses the worker’s resistance to the fine and reinforces the importance of adhering to safety regulations. By explaining the purpose of fines and the gravity of potential risks, the safety professional emphasizes the significance of safety measures. Through empathetic and patient communication, the worker begins to understand the rationale behind the fine and expresses a willingness to prioritize safety moving forward. Such thoughtful and compassionate conversations are essential for instilling a safety-conscious mindset and fostering a safer work environment.

In this heartwarming safety conversation, the safety professional employed empathy, compassion, and a powerful real-life story to convince the worker of the significance of wearing a safety helmet. By appealing to the worker’s emotions and highlighting the potential life-saving impact of safety measures, the safety professional successfully encouraged the worker to prioritize safety over discomfort. Such impactful and heartfelt conversations have the potential to shape a safety-conscious culture and protect lives in the workplace.

What are the common barriers to having a good Safety Conversation?

Several factors can hinder having a good safety conversation in various settings. These barriers may impede the effectiveness of safety communication and prevent the desired outcomes. Some common hindrances to a successful safety conversation include:

1. Fear of Reprisal: Employees or individuals may fear retaliation or negative consequences for raising safety concerns or reporting incidents. This fear can deter them from speaking openly about safety issues.

2. Lack of Trust: A lack of trust between employees and management can hinder open and honest safety conversations. If individuals do not trust that their concerns will be taken seriously or that actions will be taken to address them, they may remain silent.

3. Language Barriers: In multicultural environments, language barriers can impede effective safety communication. When individuals do not share a common language, important safety messages may not be adequately conveyed or understood.

4. Hierarchy and Power Dynamics: Hierarchical structures and power imbalances within organizations may discourage lower-ranking employees from expressing safety concerns to higher-level management.

5. Time Constraints: Busy work schedules and time constraints may limit the opportunities for meaningful safety conversations. When individuals feel rushed, they may not have adequate time to discuss safety matters thoroughly.

6. Lack of Safety Knowledge: If employees are not adequately trained or informed about safety protocols and procedures, they may not feel confident enough to engage in safety conversations.

7. Complacency: A long period without any safety incidents can lead to complacency, where individuals become less vigilant about safety and are less likely to engage in safety conversations.

8. Perception of Unimportance: Some individuals may perceive safety conversations as less important than other work-related discussions, leading to a lack of interest or engagement.

9. Defensiveness and Blame Culture: A defensive or blame-oriented culture can discourage open safety conversations. If individuals fear being blamed or accused of causing safety issues, they may avoid discussing them.

10. Inadequate Communication Channels: Limited or ineffective communication channels can hinder safety conversations. The lack of accessible platforms for reporting hazards or discussing safety matters can discourage open dialogue.

11. Resistance to Change: Individuals might resist safety conversations if they perceive proposed safety changes as inconvenient or disruptive to their established routines.

12. External Stressors: Personal or external stressors, such as financial pressures or family issues, can affect an individual’s ability or willingness to engage in safety conversations.

To overcome these hindrances and foster effective safety conversations, organizations must create a culture of trust, encourage open communication, provide safety training, and establish accessible and non-punitive reporting mechanisms. Addressing these barriers is crucial for promoting a proactive safety culture and preventing accidents or incidents in various environments.

What should be your body language while making a safety conversation?

When engaging in a safety conversation, your body language plays a crucial role in conveying sincerity, attentiveness, and empathy. Here are some essential tips for displaying appropriate body language during a safety conversation:

1. Maintain Eye Contact: Establish and maintain appropriate eye contact throughout the conversation. It shows that you are attentive and actively listening to the other person’s concerns or observations about safety.

2. Use Open Posture: Stand or sit with an open posture, avoiding crossed arms or closed-off body language. An open stance signals approachability and willingness to engage in the discussion.

3. Lean Forward: Leaning slightly forward demonstrates interest and engagement in what the other person is saying. It conveys that their safety concerns are important to you.

4. Nod and Use Facial Expressions: Nod occasionally to show that you understand and acknowledge the points being made. Use appropriate facial expressions to convey empathy and concern.

5. Gestures of Reassurance: Employ gestures of reassurance, such as a gentle hand on the shoulder or a supportive pat on the back, if appropriate and culturally acceptable, to show empathy and support.

6. Speak Clearly and Calmly: When speaking, use a clear and calm tone of voice. Avoid raising your voice or becoming confrontational, as it can make the other person defensive or apprehensive.

7. Avoid Fidgeting: Minimize fidgeting or nervous gestures, as they can be distracting and convey a lack of confidence.

8. Be Respectful of Personal Space: Respect the other person’s personal space, as invading it can make them feel uncomfortable or intimidated.

9. Mirror and Match: Subtly mirror the other person’s body language to build rapport and establish a connection. However, be cautious not to mimic excessively, as it may come across as insincere.

10. Show Patience: Allow the person to express their thoughts fully without interrupting. Demonstrate patience and attentiveness to ensure they feel heard and understood.

11. Avoid Distractions: Put away any distracting items, such as phones or papers, to show that the conversation is a priority and that you are fully present.

12. Give Positive Reinforcement: Provide positive reinforcement for the individual’s safety efforts or willingness to raise safety concerns. Encouragement and appreciation can foster a positive safety culture.

How do you stay calm when the other person is spoiling?

Staying calm when dealing with someone upset or behaving poorly can be challenging, but it’s essential to maintain composure and handle the situation constructively. Emotional intelligence is a powerful technique to employ when dealing with someone upset or behaving poorly. Here are some tips on how to stay calm in such circumstances:

1. Self-Awareness: Practice self-awareness by recognizing your own emotional state when faced with a challenging conversation. Be mindful of any signs of frustration or anger, and work on staying composed.

2. Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what the other person is saying, even if their tone or manner is difficult to handle. Active listening demonstrates respect and can help defuse the situation.

3. Empathize: Try to understand the other person’s perspective and emotions. Empathizing with their feelings, even if you disagree with their behavior, can help deescalate tension.

4. Remain Non-Defensive: Avoid becoming defensive or reacting defensively. Stay focused on the issue at hand and avoid taking their behavior personally.

5. Set Boundaries: If the person’s behavior becomes abusive or unacceptable, calmly establish boundaries and let them know that such behavior is unacceptable. Use emotional intelligence to navigate the conversation constructively.

6. Use Calm and Assertive Language: Respond with calm and assertive language. Avoid escalating the situation with aggressive or confrontational speech.

7. Self-Regulation: Use emotional intelligence to regulate your emotions and prevent impulsive reactions. Take deep breaths, count to ten, or mentally step back to regain control over your responses. In my personal opinion Stepping away can allow emotions to settle before resuming the discussion again.

8. Focus on Solutions: Shift the focus from the person’s behavior to finding solutions to the underlying issue. This can redirect the conversation in a more productive direction.

9. Don’t Take It Personally: Remember that the other person’s behavior is a reflection of their emotions or frustrations and may not be a direct attack on you.

10. Stay Mindful of Body Language: Be aware of your own body language and ensure it remains calm and composed. Your nonverbal cues can influence the tone of the conversation.

1 1. Seek Support: If the situation becomes too challenging to handle alone, consider involving a neutral third party or supervisor to help mediate the conversation.

12. Practice Self-Care: After the interaction, take time to practice self-care and release any built-up tension. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

Staying calm in difficult situations is crucial for maintaining effective communication and resolving conflicts constructively. By staying composed, empathetic, and focused on finding solutions, you can navigate through challenging interactions with greater ease and efficacy.

Common Mistakes While Making Safety Conversations

In the context of safety conversations, several common mistakes can hinder communication effectiveness and compromise safety outcomes. These mistakes may arise from various factors, such as miscommunication, lack of awareness, or inadequate training. Recognizing these errors is crucial for safety practitioners to avoid pitfalls and foster more productive and impactful safety discussions. Here are some common mistakes observed in safety conversations:

1. Failure to Listen Actively: A prevalent mistake is a failure to actively listen to the concerns and perspectives of others. Inattentive listening can lead to misunderstandings, overlook critical safety issues, and hinder the establishment of a collaborative safety culture.

2. Relying on Jargon: Overusing technical jargon and complex terminology can alienate participants and impede effective communication. Utilizing language that is easily understood by all stakeholders is essential for clear and concise safety conversations.

3. Neglecting Non-Verbal Cues: Ignoring non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can result in missed opportunities to address emotional concerns and unspoken safety issues.

4. Focusing Solely on Compliance: Overemphasizing compliance and regulatory aspects during safety conversations can overshadow a genuine commitment to safety. A balanced approach that includes engagement, understanding, and continuous improvement is essential for a comprehensive safety dialogue.

5. Lack of Empathy: Disregarding the emotional aspect of safety conversations can lead to a disconnect with participants and inhibit the building of trust and rapport. Demonstrating empathy and acknowledging emotions is vital for fostering open and supportive discussions.

6. Blame and Punishment Approach: Adopting a blame-oriented approach can create a culture of fear, where individuals are hesitant to report safety concerns for fear of retribution. Encouraging a blame-free environment promotes transparency and encourages open reporting.

7. Ignoring Feedback: Neglecting to seek feedback from participants and acting on their suggestions can limit the effectiveness of safety conversations. Feedback provides valuable insights for refining safety procedures and communication strategies.

8. Lack of Preparation- Failure to Understand The Scene: Entering safety conversations without adequate preparation can lead to uncertainty, inaccuracies, and missed opportunities to address critical safety issues.

9. Rushing the Conversation: Hasty safety conversations may fail to delve into the underlying causes of safety concerns or overlook essential details, leading to incomplete resolutions.

10. Underestimating Cultural Differences: Disregarding cultural differences and norms can result in misinterpretations and hinder effective safety communication in diverse environments.

11. Neglecting Follow-Up: Failing to follow up on action items and commitments made during safety conversations can erode trust and diminish the impact of safety initiatives.

12. Overlooking Positive Reinforcement: Overemphasis on identifying problems while neglecting to recognize and celebrate safety successes can undermine morale and motivation for ongoing safety improvements.

Effective safety conversations are the backbone of a strong safety culture in the workplace. By implementing these ten techniques, you can foster open communication, empower employees with knowledge, and create a safer working environment. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and every conversation about safety brings us one step closer to a workplace free from accidents and injuries. Start implementing these techniques today, and make safety a top priority in your organization.

Langill, George, et al. “Working to Promote and Maintain a Safe and Secure Environment in a Hospital Setting.” Healthcare Management Forum, 2000,  https://doi.org/10.1016/s0840-4704(10)60781-8.

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Head of OSHA Gives Speech on Workplace Safety Challenges and Trends

(This blog post has historically been one of our site’s best performers and I finally figured out that most visitors are actually trying to learn more about safety speeches.  As a result I decided to create this video which explores the topic by telling you everything you need to know about safety speeches and if you should give one at your company.  Check this out before you do….)

The blog post below which is summary of a speech given by Dr. David Michaels, head of OSHA at that time, summarizing the importance of workplace safety.

The post is the 6th most viewed page on our website, so we wanted to briefly update it and offer more perspective on the subject.

First of all, Michaels who was appointed by former President OBAMA is no longer the head of OSHA, however the Biden administration has sent clear signals that OSHA intends to return to a similar enforcement heavy policies put into place by Michaels.

Secondly, we believe that the post is so popular because of the subject which can be summarized by the words “safety speech.”  In other words, we believe that people find the post because they’re trying to learn how to give effective speeches to their employees, in hopes of somehow establishing the importance of “safety” at the company.

If true, this is worth further discussion, because it’s a mistake to believe that simple speech is somehow going to have a lasting and meaningful impact on safety at any given company.  In other words, implementing and managing an effective workplace safety program is a complex undertaking which requires a significant “long term” commitment from upper management and significant planning and work.

This includes developing comprehensive OSHA compliance programs , conducting hazard assessments, conducting consistent inspections to identify and correct safety hazards, consistent delivery of appropriate safety training to employees by qualified trainers , injury and illness tracking and reporting, and the list goes on and on.

In other words, there’s no simple substitute to implementing and managing an effective OSHA compliance program, such as delivering a one time “safety speech” to a group of employees. If it were only that easy!

For those who want to learn more about the importance of managing workplace safety, checkout the blog post below….

From OSHA’s website.

Dr. David Michaels, current head of OSHA, made the following speech where he addressed many subjects such as who really pays when workers are injured (the worker, their family and tax payers), the increased trend towards outsourcing labor and poor safety compliance that results, the fact that OSHA compliance is the “minimum standard,” oil and gas hazards, new reporting requirements, and so forth.

The speech gives a good overview of Dr. Michael’s opinion and methods, and what drives OSHA’s agenda.

Remarks As prepared for delivery by Dr. David Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health NACOSH Meeting Thursday, June 18, 2015

I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone — those here with us in the room and those who are participating by phone and Webex.

You play a very important role in representing the interest of the public, employers, employees and the states and advising OSHA and the Department of Labor.

Thank you for your work and your service. Together, we have made great progress in protecting workers. But there’s more work to do.

Every year, employers record more than three million serious injuries on their OSHA log. And we know that is an underestimate.

Several studies have shown that many, and perhaps even most work-related injuries are not recorded by employers, so the actual number of workers injured each year is likely to be far higher. And another 4,500 workers are killed every year on the job.

Why do we accept that there are millions of worker injuries each and every year?

This is a huge toll on the nation — and I believe because it is workers, somehow it is acceptable.

When is the last time a corporate executive was fired after a worker was was killed on the job? It just doesn’t happen.

A worker dies and the police investigate and say — it was an accident. By that, they mean it wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t murder. But it also suggests that it was something random and unpreventable.

But these deaths, these injuries are predictable and preventable.

Work injuries and illnesses can have a devastating effect. According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries and fatalities cost our economy $198.2 billion each year.

But these injuries and illnesses are not only detrimental to business — they can also force working families out of the middle class and into poverty, and crush a family’s hope of entering the middle class.

For many workers and their families, a workplace injury creates a trap which leaves them less able to save for the future or to make investments in skills and education that provide the opportunity for advancement.

This directly hampers the ability of many working families to realize the American Dream.

OSHA has detailed this problem in our report “Adding Inequality to Injury”.

Most of us think that when a worker gets hurt on the job, they are made whole by the workers’ compensation system. The reality, however, is that the costs of workplace injury and illness are actually borne primarily by injured workers, their families, and taxpayer-supported safety-net programs.

And now in many states we see a race to the bottom. State legislatures have made it increasingly difficult for injured workers to receive the payments for the lost wages and medical expenses that they deserve.

In fact, there are so many barriers to getting adequate benefits through state workers’ compensation programs that a sizable portion of eligible workers never even apply.

In all, workers’ compensation payments cover only about 21 percent — a small fraction — of lost wages and medical costs of work injuries and illnesses.

Workers and their families now end up paying for nearly 63 percent of these costs out of pocket and taxpayers shoulder the remaining 16 percent.

Tragically, many injured workers end up on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare, which means taxpayers subsidize the dangerous employers who refuse to take the necessary steps to prevent their workers from being seriously injured.

The number of SSDI beneficiaries and the amount of benefits paid by that program has grown dramatically in recent years. And, at least part of the growth in SSDI benefit payments can be attributed to work injuries and illnesses.

The state-based workers’ compensation system is inadequate for the average worker and it performs even more poorly for low-wage workers, and especially the most vulnerable in the workforce.

Many of these workers never apply for workers’ compensation benefits; afraid they will lose their job, don’t know their rights, or have a limited command of English.

And the challenges are even greater for those with work related illnesses. Few workers with occupational illnesses receive any benefits from the workers’ compensation system. One study estimates that as many as 97 percent of these workers are uncompensated.

This is partially because many cases of work-related chronic disease are never diagnosed as work-related. Often when a linkage is made, the diagnosis generally comes long after employment ends.

Even when a proper diagnosis is made, a worker who is eligible for benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans’ Benefits or private insurers is more likely to take that route. They do this because it is easier than obtaining benefits through state workers’ compensation programs.

Fissured Workplace

Important changes in the very structure of the employment relationships are also fueling this problem. In many workplaces, work is increasingly being performed by contractors, subcontractors, employees of staffing agencies, or often a combination of all of these.

Unless properly managed, these changes greatly increase risk of injuries and illnesses among all the workers in these workplaces, and further contribute to the issue of income inequality.

Too often employers do not provide these workers with the same protections or training as permanent employees. And too often employers of different workers at the same worksite fail to communicate about the presence of hazards, therefore endangering some or all the workers at the site.

New tools are needed to address these changes in employment relationships – that’s why your work on this issue is so important.

There is no doubt in my mind that all of these deaths, injuries and illnesses are preventable. And we know that addressing the se

rious problem of growing income inequality in this country means doing more than just raising the minimum wage.

As important as that is; we also have to make our workplaces safer.

Compliance Not Always Enough

Compliance with OSHA standards are the minimum requirement, but oftentimes employers must go beyond what is legally required in order to effectively protect their employees.

We don’t have specific standards for every workplace hazards. Perhaps the most well-known example of this is killer whales. Working with killer whales can be very hazardous, but there is no killer whale OSHA standard. But it’s no secret that killer whales can be dangerous — the name alone gives it away. (And using our General Duty Clause, we issued citations to SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc. in Orlando, Florida, in 2010, after a trainer was killed by a killer whale.) Moreover, many of our standards, especially our chemical exposure standards, are outdated and inadequately protective.

When employers focus primarily on complying with regulations, they develop a static, rigid safety culture, rather than one that is dynamic and constantly learning and improving, able to respond to changing conditions and hazards.

It’s OSHA’s job to help employers with dysfunctional safety cultures become compliant, and to help employers with compliant cultures become exemplary.

Changing the Way We Do Business / Reporting

This January, OSHA changed the way we do business.

Before 2015, employers only had to report to OSHA work related fatalities or incidents where three or more workers were hospitalized.

But we have seen that when we inspected after these tragic events, that these worksites — the worksites reporting a fatality — often had previous serious injuries and amputations that we had never known about.

These were red flags that there were serious hazards in this workplace that needed to be prevented.

As you know, on January 1st, OSHA changed the requirements for all employers we cover.

Employers must now report — in addition to all work related fatalities — every work related hospitalization, amputation and loss of an eye.

In the first 5 1/2 months, we have already received more than 5,400 reports. We are triaging every call and initiating inspections in about 34% — but we are engaging with every employer.

We are working with employers in new and different ways. For those employers that we are not inspecting, we expect them to conduct an investigation and let us know what changes they will make to prevent further injuries.

Employers blame too many injuries on “careless workers” when we know the real cause of most incidents in which a worker is hurt is the presence of an unabated hazard.

Too often we see employers blaming workers for being injured when that very employer has failed to provide protective equipment or guards or failed to train their workers in safe work practices.

We have to make sure employers know that injuries are not the worker’s fault — and that the employers are responsible for preventing injuries. That’s what the law says.

Investigating a worksite incident — a fatality, injury, illness, or close call — provides employers and workers the opportunity to identify hazards in their operations and shortcomings in their safety and health programs.

Most importantly, it enables employers and workers to identify and implement the corrective actions necessary to prevent future incidents.

Incident investigations that focus on identifying and correcting root causes, not on finding fault or blame, also improve workplace morale and increase productivity by demonstrating an employer’s commitment to a safe and healthful workplace.

Incident investigations are often conducted by a supervisor, but to be most effective, these investigations should include managers and employees working together, since each bring different knowledge, understanding and perspectives to the investigation.

In conducting an incident investigation, the team must look beyond the immediate causes of an incident. It is far too easy, and often misleading to conclude that carelessness or failure to follow a procedure alone was the cause of an incident.

To do so fails to discover the underlying or root causes of the incident and, therefore, fails to identify the systemic changes and measures needed to prevent future incidents.

When a shortcoming is identified, it is important to ask why it existed and why it was not previously addressed.

For example:

• If a procedure or safety rule was not followed, why was the procedure or rule not followed?
• Did production pressures play a role, and, if so, why were production pressures permitted to jeopardize safety?
• Was the procedure out-of-date or safety training inadequate? If so, why had the problem not been previously identified, or, if it had been identified, why had it not been addressed?

These examples illustrate that it is essential to discover and correct all the factors contributing to an incident, which nearly always involve equipment, procedural, training, and other safety and health program deficiencies.

Addressing underlying or root causes is necessary to truly understand why an incident occurred, to develop truly effective corrective actions, and to minimize or eliminate serious consequences from similar future incidents.

Working with the National Safety Council, we have developed tools for the employers to use to get to the root causes of the incident.

Thank you to Jim Johnson and NSC for being a great partner in helping employers investigate these incidents and rid their workplaces of potential hazards.

When employers say an injury was a worker’s fault, an inspection will likely take place. Employers need to realize, in the words of James Reason “human error is a consequence, not a cause. Errors are shaped by upstream workplace and organizational factors… only by understanding the context of the error can we hope to limit its reoccurrence.” (Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents, 1997)

Now, these new reporting requirements enable us to work with many employers we previously had no contact with. In many cases, we didn’t even know they existed.

By establishing a relationship with all employers who report these severe injuries, and by encouraging them to investigate the incidents in which the worker was hurt, I believe we will make a huge difference

We are hearing about issues and getting to workplaces we never heard about or got to before.

Value of Injury Reports

Our field staff are already using data from the Severe Injury Reporting Program to focus their life-saving activities.

For example, the Pittsburgh area office received a telephone referral from an employer reporting an employee’s amputation of the left index fingers while he was operating a large circular saw at a sawmill in Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

The Area Office conducted an on-site inspection and found that the 52 inch blade of the saw was not guarded. We also found incidents of inadequate guarding of other machinery and evidence of poor housekeeping practices and possible build-up of wood dust around electrical equipment.

The company accepted the citations.

As part of the enhanced abatement in the settlement agreement the company will retain a qualified Safety Consultant to assist in the writing of a safety and health program that addresses the hazards at the work place and to train company managers concerning the applicable OSHA standards.

Given the remote location of this company, it is likely that absent the new reporting requirement, OSHA would never have known of the hazards at this workplace.

In Texas, our Houston North area office became aware of a trio of incidents including the electrocution death of one worker and serious injuries to two others after a storm went through East Texas in April.

Under the old rules, employers didn’t have to call OSHA unless there was a fatality. With the new rules in place, OSHA can spot trends more quickly and intervene with resources and suggestions.

As a result, this office was able to begin warning local businesses about electrical and other dangers of storm repair. This quick response may have very well saved another worker’s life or prevented more workers from getting injured.

These are just two of the many success stories we’ve seen so far as a result of the new reporting rules. But the successes haven’t been limited to our field work. We’ve also reacted quickly to new information here in the National Office as well.

We developed a new fact sheet on hazards from food slicers and meat grinders used in grocery stores, restaurants and delis based on information we saw in initial reports from the new requirements.

These machines can cause serious cuts and amputations when workers are using, maintaining or cleaning them. In 2013, at least 4,000 incidents involving meat slicers occurred that resulted in lost workdays.

This is an issue we likely would not have seen without the new reporting requirements and now, because we did see it, there is a resource to help employers protect workers from these hazards.

Going forward, we are looking at how to code these reports in a way that will help us continue to identify trends and help employers protect their workers.

Injury and Illness Prevention Programs

And the work that you are doing on this committee to help us improve our guidance to employers on protecting temporary and contract workers is invaluable.

Comprehensive injury and illness prevention programs, characterized by high level management commitment and active participation by workers, are necessary to successfully prevent work injuries and illnesses.

These programs are not new; 34 states and many nations already have requirements or voluntary guidelines for workplace injury and illness prevention programs.

Most successful injury and illness prevention programs are based on a common set of key elements.

The basic idea behind these programs is to change the workplace culture. It involves developing a process to figure out where the hazards are and fix them.

This OSHA initiative involves outreach and education on the benefits of these programs. We have a website with resources to help employers establish these programs in their workplaces.

OSHA is updating its 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines, building on lessons learned about successful approaches and best practices under OSHA programs such as the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

Your work on developing recommended practices for protecting temporary workers and contract workers within an injury and illness prevention program will also help guide this effort. I thank you for your work on this important issue and look forward to receiving your recommendations.

The primary audience for the guidelines is small business and workers who need a straightforward, proactive way to find and fix workplace hazards.

We expect the updated Guidelines and tools to be published on our website in the Fall of 2015.

Injury and illness prevention programs work in enterprises of all sizes and in every industry. The keys to success are management commitment to safety, and workers who are empowered to participate.

Injury and illness prevention programs are critical to driving injury, illness, and fatality rates down and ensuring that workers are able to go home safe at the end of every shift.

These programs also help businesses save money. When employees feel protected, morale goes up, and both performance and profitability increase.

Together, we can share the message of how investing in safety and health is good for workers and businesses.

Oil and Gas

As our nation moves toward energy independence and develops our important natural resources, OSHA is collaborating with the oil and gas industry to protect the safety and health of workers in that sector.

In 2003, the National Service, Transmission, Exploration and Production Safety Network was founded in South Texas by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and industry to share best practices in oil and gas safety and health.

Since then, the organization has expanded to 22 independent networks serving 15 oil and gas producing states.

At the Oil and Gas Safety and Health Conference in Houston, December 2014, OSHA entered an Alliance with the National STEPS Network.

The purpose of the Alliance is to work collaboratively to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities among workers in the upstream oil and gas industry.

Through the alliance, the participants will develop fact sheets and videos on the leading causes of fatalities in oil and gas exploration and production, provide OSHA materials and training resources for employers and workers, and support oil and gas safety stand-downs

The first product of the OSHA – National STEPS Network Alliance was the publication of an infographic, Tank Hazard Alert: Gauging, Thieving, Fluid Handling, in April, 2015.

The purpose of the alert is to provide educational information to workers involved in these activities so that they may learn how to recognize and avoid hazards associated with these activities.

The May 29 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report provided an analysis of occupational fatalities during the oil and gas boom in the United States.

During 2003 – 2013, the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry experienced unprecedented growth, doubling the size of its workforce and increasing the number of drilling rigs by 71%.

During this same period, the number of work-related fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry increased 27.6%; however, the fatality rate significantly decreased 36.3%.

Collaboration between industry, government, and academia might have contributed to improved safety for workers and likely should continue to drive the fatality rate further down.

In February 2015, OSHA issued an RA memorandum to authorize the addition of upstream oil and gas hazards to the list of High-Emphasis Hazards in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

This policy is targeted to upstream oil and gas drilling and well servicing employers based on their industry’s significant worker fatality rate over time.

Over the last twenty years, upstream operations have experienced a fatality rate that has ranged from five to eight times greater than the national average for all U.S. industries.

We are using all the tools in our bag to help address the high fatality rate in the upstream industry. We’ve employed significant compliance assistance resources, but we also continue to utilize our enforcement tools and SVEP is one of those tools.

By focusing SVEP on upstream employers, we believe that more employers will be deterred from unsafe conditions at their worksites, which in turn will help address the industry fatality rate in a positive manner.

Chemical Safety EO

Following the deadly explosion in West, Texas in April 2013, President Obama issued an Executive Order on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.

The Department of Labor was tasked, along with the Department of Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency, to serve as tri-chairs of the working group to improve the safety and security of chemical facilities across the country

Last June, the working group released a status report to the president, which summarized the Working Group’s progress to that point.

Last year’s status report was a milestone, not an end-point.

Last week, we released another update to highlight actions that have been taken since the release of the report last year.

Several actions related to Process Safety Management were highlighted in the update, including:

• Initiating a SBREFA panel to get feedback from small businesses on improvements we are considering for the PSM standard.
• Revising current interpretation of chemical concentrations covered by the PSM standard
• Clarifying what is covered and aligning with better established practices.
• Revising the current interpretation of “retail facilities” to more accurately reflect original intent of exemption.

Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill due to working in the heat. About one-third of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry, but outdoor workers in every field — including agriculture, landscaping, transportation, and oil and gas operations — are susceptible to the dangers of heat.

In 2011, we launched a partnership with NOAA and the National Weather Service to educate employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. As a result, important worker safety information is now included in all National Weather Service extreme heat alerts and on NOAA’s Heat Watch Page.

We also worked with the National Weather Service to develop a smartphone heat safety app that allows users to calculate risk levels at a worksite and learn the protective measures needed to prevent heat illness.

This spring we released a new version of the app for Apple devices, with full screen color alerts, improved navigation and accessibility options. This improved version let you know instantly if you are in a high risk zone due to heat and humidity — and precautions that need to be taken to prevent heat-related illness.

More than 200,000 people have downloaded the app so far.

The apps are available through our website, at http://www.osha.gov/heat , where you can also find fact sheets, training manuals, community posters, and more in English and Spanish.

Our safety message to workers comes down to three simple, but important, words: Water. Rest. Shade.

Employers are responsible for providing workplaces that are safe from excessive heat. This means providing regular breaks for workers so they can cool down, and ensuring regular access to water so workers can stay hydrated.

If these precautions are taken, it can mean the difference between life and death.

I also want to let you know about how the Labor Department is taking the lead to implement President Obama’s executive order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces . The Executive Order, issued last summer, requires prospective federal contractors to disclose labor law violations-including OSHA violations.

Taxpayer dollars should not reward corporations that break the law. With this executive order the President is helping ensure that all hardworking Americans get the fair pay and safe workplaces they deserve.

One of the goals of this order is to give companies who have violated the law a chance to let the government know how they abated hazards or mitigated the violations. Companies with labor law violations will be offered the opportunity to receive early guidance on whether those violations are potentially problematic so that they can remedy any problems.

Again — we don’t want to bar companies from federal contracts — we want to make sure every company with a federal contract treats their workers fairly.

We are working closely with the Wage and Hour Division and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to implement this executive order.

On May 27, the Department issued proposed guidance to assist contracting agencies and the contracting community in applying the order’s requirements.

The comment period on this proposed guidance is open for 60 days, until July 27, 2015. We are eager to know what you think, so please submit your comments .

Poultry Poster

In our continued efforts with the USDA to protect the health and safety of poultry processing workers, we developed a new poster (in English and Spanish) detailing these workers’ rights to report injuries and illnesses sustained on the job.

USDA is sending these posters to poultry processing plants across the country.

Worker Voice / It’s the Law

And on April 28th, Workers’ Memorial Day, OSHA unveiled a new version of the “ OSHA: It’s the Law ” poster that employers must prominently display in their workplace.

This poster will reach workers and employers every day and it reinforces our message about prevention: employees have the right to request an OSHA inspection of their workplaces, receive information and training on job hazards, report a work-related injury or illness, and raise safety and health concerns with their employer or OSHA without being retaliated against.

It also informs employers of their legal obligation to provide a safe workplace — and that means eliminating the hazards that injure, sicken, or sometimes even kill their workers.

The poster was updated to include the new reporting obligations for employers. And it emphasizes a very important principal when it comes to prevention — that every worker has a voice.

Workers must be allowed to speak up about health and safety hazards and to advocate for the safety of themselves and their co-workers.

Thank you again for your service in advising OSHA and the Department of Labor. The work of this committee is very important in helping us meet the challenges we face in protecting the safety and health of workers all across the country.

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About the author: russell carr, related posts, how to pass a manufacturing osha inspection, the 5 steps to building a manufacturing safety committee, berg compliance solutions launches new company to help small texas steel fabricators manage osha, tceq & epa compliance & risk, berg compliance solutions launches new company to help small texas general contractors manage osha health & safety compliance & risk, how to build a manufacturing safety program.

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Better Safety Conversations

Every day, safety conversations take place between executives and managers, between safety professionals and workers, and—most importantly—between front-line supervisors and the workers who report to them. These conversations have great potential for improving workplace safety and health.

The core elements of an effective safety and health program —management leadership, worker participation, and a proactive approach to finding and fixing hazards—depend on good communication skills, real listening, clear speech, and well-run meetings.

This is where effective safety conversations come in— and where your role as a supervisor is key. The example you set, and the way you talk to workers about safety, has a huge impact on the company’s safety and health program, safety culture, and ability to reduce injury and illness.

Safety Conversations: The Basics

Many books and training programs are available to help people improve vital conversation skills. Following are just a few:

• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most
• Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
• Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time
• Silent Danger: The Five Crucial Conversations that Drive Workplace Safety

A“crucial conversation,” from the book of the same name, is defined as a conversation where opinions vary, the stakes are high, and emotions run strong. These qualities describe many safety conversations:

• The stakes are high. People could be injured, have their lives altered, or even die.
• People have strong views about whether or not a hazard exists, and whether it needs to be addressed. Even if they agree to address the issue, they may disagree about what needs to be done. Something as basic as the selection of safety glasses can become contentious.
• Emotions can run high. People care deeply about their well-being, and their emotions naturally come into play. You want people to care about safety and you do not want their emotions to become so strong that it slows progress.

To make these conversations successful, you need to make sure workers feel safe expressing their views and know that you care about their welfare. If workers feel threatened, they are unlikely to fully participate in the discussion, learning will be stifled, and change is less likely. Remind workers they will not get in trouble for talking to you, and that your policy allows them to raise safety and health concerns without fear of reprisal; where applicable, suggest they can have a labor representative present. When conversations heat up, try to be calm, rational, and open-minded.

Avoid insults, personal attacks, direct criticism, and threatening gestures. State your intentions clearly: that you are trying to help them avoid injury and illness, and the devastating consequences of an injury to them, their co-workers, their future, and their family. Repeat as often as needed.

Ways to Begin a Safety Conversation

“I’d like to talk to you about something important. Let’s review the safest way to do this task, so you and your team are not at risk of getting hurt.” “I respect your experience and want to make sure nobody is injured, so I’d like to work with you to address this issue.“ “Can we talk about what I’m seeing and figure out a better way to do it?”

Expect to have several informal types of safety conversations as you work to engage the workforce and implement your safety and health program. These include the walk-around conversation, the “elevator speech,” and the feedback safety conversation. Formal conversations will also occur in scheduled meetings on the topic, but be prepared to discuss safety topics during the following informal conversations.

Type 1: The Walk-Around Conversation

This conversation occurs when an executive, mid-level manager, or safety professional is walking through the facility or jobsite with workers. It could be a regular safety inspection, an executive walk-around to display safety management leadership, or a non-safety walk- around where safety issues arise. The key to successful conversations in this setting is establishing two-way dialogue, and, above all, good listening. Ask the workers an open-ended question, and then really listen to what they tell you.

Your questions could be:

“What is your biggest safety concern with this task?”

“What can we do to make this task safer?”

“If you could address one safety concern—say, by buying equipment, changing a work process, or changing a work rule—what would it be?”

Then ask clarifying questions and engage the worker.

“Do you have any ideas that would help us do it better?”

“Have you seen an incident caused by the issue?”

“Has anybody been hurt, or narrowly avoided getting hurt?”

“Would you be willing to help by being on a task force to look at the issue?”

Active Listening

Use active listening techniques to help you understand the person’s message and build empathy:

• Mirror or repeat what the person is telling you
•  Paraphrase the message
•  Summarize content
•  Ask for clarification
•  Acknowledge feelings
•  Avoid reacting with criticism

Address workers’ actions that are unsafe without criticizing the workers, but also praise what they are doing right and ask questions about what they might do differently to ensure safety. Make sure you capture these items with notes. Look for actionable items and follow up, either yourself or by assigning the issue to a safety committee or responsible manager. If you decide that further action is not needed, tell the employee why you have made that decision. If you have these conversations, listen well, and follow up with real action, you can make it clear to workers that you are serious about safety.

Focus on Positive

Try to emphasize the positive aspects of your program. Effective safety and health programs can improve:

• Product, process, and service quality.
• Workplace morale.
• Employee recruiting and retention.
• Mage and reputation among customers, suppliers, and the community.

Type 2: The “Why I Care about Safety” Elevator Speech

This conversation usually happens when somebody asks you why you care about safety, and you should offer your perspective whenever the opportunity arises. It is important that you have an immediate, concise answer. Just as an elevator ride will last only a minute or two, this speech should be short and to the point. Explain why you care about safety, share your experience, give some statistics, or tell a personal story. Here is a sample speech.

There are three reasons why I care about safety in our workplace:

“Last year we had five injuries. Those didn’t have to happen. When I see the injury reports, my heart goes out to the workers and their families, and I want to do what I can to see it doesn’t happen to somebody else.” “I looked up the injury statistics and found that thousands of workers are injured in our industry. I think our industry should be a leader in protecting its workers, and I want us to do our part.” “The importance of safety really hit home for me when one of my uncles was seriously injured on the job. I saw for myself the suffering he went through and the impact it had on our family. I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to our workers and their families.”

Type 3: The Safety Feedback Conversation

Giving feedback is one of the most common safety conversations. Constructive feedback is needed to improve safety. Feedback that comes in the form of criticism can make people defensive. Managers often avoid giving feedback in order to avoid confrontations.

In Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well , Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen suggest giving just one of three different types of feedback at a time: appreciation, coaching, or constructive feedback. You will likely be more successful if you give only one type of feedback in a single session; giving different types can confuse the person you are giving feedback to and dilute your message.

Appreciation , or positive feedback, is an important feedback tool. Research indicates that negative feedback is two to four times more powerful than positive feedback (but in a negative way). If you want to promote a positive environment, limit negative feedback and give twice as much positive feedback. Praise with enthusiasm, criticize lightly. When giving appreciation, thank the person for doing something positive for safety. For example:

“I really appreciate the way you brought up the safety issue without getting people upset.” “Thanks for pointing out that safety issue. Your actions could keep somebody from getting hurt.” “Thanks for repairing the equipment quickly. It shows all of us that safety is important.”

Coaching is another helpful form of feedback, especially when the person is motivated, cares about safety, and is willing to work on your safety and health program. It is a positive form of feedback that can take two forms: performance coaching and leadership coaching.

• Performance coaching is much like coaching sports skills. You model the activity; observe the person you are coaching; and give feedback on what was right, what was wrong, and what could be improved. Then repeat until the person gets it right.
• Leadership coaching asks open-ended questions and lets workers find their own solutions to problems. Some questions you might ask include:

“How do you think we should address this safety issue?” “What kind of hazard controls would help us avoid this problem in the future?” “Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to protect you from specific hazards. What else is important to you when selecting PPE?”

When coaching, you may also want to help the person brainstorm alternatives and stay on topic. The more difficult the question, the easier it is to veer off into other subjects. Use questions to ensure safety issues are addressed:

“How can we improve this task?” “Will you work with me to create an action plan to make sure this doesn’t fall through the cracks?” “Will you make a commitment to work with me on this issue?”

Constructive feedback should be used when performance is not meeting expectations, and you have specific feedback to correct the situation. The goal is to improve and make a given situation better. To achieve this goal, the feedback session and the feedback giver need to approach it in a positive way that will motivate the feedback receiver. Avoid judgmental statements and personal criticisms. Focus on the behavior, not on the person or his or her values or personality. Remember that the feedback receiver has the option to accept or reject your feedback.

Several methods for providing feedback can help you improve these conversations. One method uses the “COIN” method, described in The Feedback Imperative . Another method that combines some elements of constructive feedback and coaching is the “Ask-Tell-Ask” method.

No matter what feedback type or method you use, you will need to follow up and see if the strategies are working and behaviors have changed. Frequently update workers on the status of their safety suggestions and/or reports of hazards they have submitted. Inform them as soon as their concerns have been addressed, or explain if their suggestions cannot be implemented. A common reason workers do not report safety hazards is because they never get a response.

The Power of Stories

Storytelling can be a useful skill in any conversation or speaking opportunity. Telling a short, compelling story describing a real event is a persuasive way to reinforce your safety program. The story should be short, just a few sentences delivered in 15 to 20 seconds.

“I knew a worker who was injured doing that on the job. After a few surgeries and three months of recovery, he managed to come back to work. Unfortunately, he was never the same. The trauma of the event impacted his confidence and he just couldn’t do things he did before.” “Last year we had three workers who injured their backs—one of them so badly that they are permanently disabled and will never be able to work again.” “The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 20 people died in trench collapses last year. I don’t want to see that happen to our workers.”

Collect stories, and know about incidents that have occurred in your workplace, your company, and your industry. Do your research about injuries, illnesses, and fatalities that have occurred to workers in your industry or do the same work that you do. Follow the news so you can use a current event in your area. Stories that are fresh and close to you have more power. Use the webpages for OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect statistics and stories about workplace incidents. Talk to your insurance carrier, which might have good stories you can use.

Set a Good Example

Leadership by example is the strongest way to encourage workers to engage in your safety and health program, to work safely, and use PPE.

Walk the talk by using the right PPE, following safe work procedures, and promoting the safety and health program; this helps set an example and further your safety goals.

The way you communicate also sets an example. Raising sensitive safety issues with skill, respect, and a caring attitude shows other workers how to do the same. Make sure that you accept constructive feedback well, ask for feedback often, and handle negative feedback with grace.

You can improve your safety and health program by improving your safety conversations. Experiment with different approaches, build a library of safety phrases and stories, and have these conversations without fear. By doing so, you can contribute to preventing injuries and saving lives

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100+ Safety Messages of the Day

Caroline Duncan : Nov 30, 2023 3:45:00 PM

Building a safety culture in your organization, where employees understand what procedures they must take to be safe and how to report any hazards should be one of your top priorities. Not only will a safe workplace help to keep your employees motivated with high levels of morale, there are many benefits to the organization as a whole to do this.

A Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index report found that every $1 that companies invest into safety in their workplaces, they achieve a $4 return on investment.

This is achieved through lowered workers’ compensation claims, less time lost, greater efficiencies, savings on legal costs, etc. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is to communicate well and to communicate regularly with your employees about safety expectations in the workplace. Simply put, this means you need to send work safety messages to employees.

Table of contents

How to write a safety message?

How to motivate employees to work safely.

Examples of the types of safety messages to employees you can create

Safety messages to employees from the CEO

How to deliver your safety messages.

When creating safety messages for work, the following points should help guide you:

• Keep your messages short. Long items of communication may not get read all the way through.
• Keep your information simple. If you over-complicate your messaging or use jargon, people won’t understand what you need them to.
• Keep your information relevant. If your employees work in an office and don’t operate heavy machinery, there’s no point in giving advice on operating heavy machinery! Promote situational awareness and get your employees to be on the lookout for specific and relevant risks.
• Make your messages memorable. You might want to get creative and play with words and expressions in a way that employees will remember. This might include metaphors, or puns, or other interesting writing methods.
• Write using positive language. Focus on the types of behavior you want to see in the workplace when it comes to safety, don’t dwell on the negative.
• Get visual where you can. If you can accompany your safety message for work  with visual imagery it can make your words more impactful.

Companies often find it difficult to keep employees motivated when it comes to workplace safety. There are a few key ways to engage your employees on this topic and make them want to take action:

• Create slogans. Catchy and short safety messages that help define your objectives are likely to resonate and stick with employees.
• Create visual displays. People react better to information when it is presented visually and are more likely to retain it.
• Offer encouragement to do the right thing. Employees are more likely to react more favorably to positive reinforcement such as praise, rewards and recognition. Work practices such as discipline don’t motivate people and can severely impact morale.
• Involve your employees in the process. When you include employees in the process of improving workplace safety, it enables them to feel connected to the project and its outcomes. Let them be involved in purchasing protective equipment, participate in committees, contribute suggestions and ideas.
• Change it up. Keep safety front of mind by sending regular safety messaging, for example, daily safety messages that appear on computer login screens – e.g “a safety message for today”.

SAFETY MESSAGE OF THE DAY EXAMPLES FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

A generic safety message to employees such as “be safe” or “mind your step” or “be aware of your surroundings” on paper might seem like a good thing to communicate with employees, but the reality is they are so bland that they are often unnoticed.  By taking a more creative approach – either by using clever words, humor or inspirational quotes about safety – your messaging will be more engaging and is more likely to get the cut-through that you seek.

HERE ARE SOME “SAFETY TIP OF THE DAY” IDEAS TO TRY IN YOUR COMPANY

• “There are no dumb questions, but lots of dumb mistakes. If you’re not sure, ask!”
• “Safety brings first aid to the uninjured.” – F.S Hughes
• “Safety is not an accident.”
• “Safety is the seam that joins life’s fabric. Don’t let loose threads bring it undone.”
• “Carefulness doesn’t cost anything. Carelessness could cost your life.”
• “Your first mistake might also be your last.”
• “Wearing a mask is better than wearing a ventilator.” (COVID-19)
• “Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.” – Jeff Cooper
• “Shortcuts could cut your life short.”
• “Luck runs out, but safety is good for life.” – unknown author
• “Spills and slips might lead to hospital trips.”
• “Cover your face and give people space.” ( COVID safety message )
• In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tsu
• “When you’re not safety conscious you might end up unconscious.”
• “Safety: what you forget can lead to regret.”
• “Safety starts with awareness – stay vigilant!"
• "Report hazards promptly to ensure a safe environment."
• "Protect your hands, they're your most valuable tools!"
• "Safety is a team effort – look out for each other."
• "Proper lifting prevents back injuries – use your brain AND your legs!"
• "Safety glasses on, accidents gone – prioritize your eye protection."
• "Emergency exits are not just for drills – know your way out."
• "Stay hydrated – a healthy worker is a safe worker."
• "Don’t be a fool - inspect your tools before use for optimum safety."
• "Electrical safety first – faulty equipment can be shocking."
• "Safety is a full-time job – not just when it's convenient."
• "Hearing protection: your ears will thank you later."
• "Mind the step – watch where you're walking."
• "Safety rules are your best tools – follow them."
• ""Stay alert, stay alive – focus on the task at hand."
• "Take regular breaks to maintain focus and prevent fatigue."
• "Always wear your seatbelt – on the road and at work."
• "Emergency drills save lives – know what to do!"
• "Don't rush – speed puts safety at risk."
• "Safety is an investment, not an expense – prioritize it."
• "Stay calm in emergencies – panic hinders quick thinking."
• "Follow our caution signs and know the potential dangers."
• "Safety gear is your shield – wear it with pride."
• "Maintain good housekeeping for a safer workplace."
• "Stay well-rested – fatigue impairs judgment."
• "Inspect fire extinguishers regularly – be prepared."
• "Lockout/tagout procedures save lives – follow them."
• "Safety is a culture, not a task – embrace it."
• "Stay in designated areas – unauthorized zones may be hazardous."
• "Keep aisles clear for smooth evacuation if needed."
• "Report near misses – one day they could be the real thing."
• "Wear appropriate footwear for your job."
• "Breathe easy! Proper ventilation is key – don't ignore air quality."
• ""Use caution when handling hot surfaces or materials."
• "Emergency numbers should be visible and known to all."
• "Communication is crucial – keep channels open about safety concerns."
• "Inspect scaffolding before use – safety at heights matters."
• "Stay mindful of ergonomics to prevent strain injuries."
• "Safety is not negotiable – shortcuts can lead to accidents."
• "Be aware of your surroundings – situational awareness saves lives."
• "Never remove safety guards from machinery."
• "Don’t get caught out. Check expiry dates on safety equipment regularly."
• "Properly store and label chemicals for easy identification."
• "Safety meetings are essential – participate actively."
• "Adapt to changing weather conditions – dress accordingly."
• "Always use the right tool for the job."
• "Use caution when operating machinery – follow procedures."
• "Protective clothing is a must – wear it consistently."
• "Emergency lighting ensures a clear path in case of power failure."
• "Stay organized – clutter can lead to accidents."
• "CPR training can make you a workplace hero – get certified."
• "Mind your posture – ergonomic setups reduce injuries."
• "Inspect fire alarms monthly like your life relies on it."
• “Don’t be a fool with power tools – follow safety guidelines."
• "Watch out for electrical cords – avoid tripping hazards."
• "Stretch before physical tasks to prevent strains."
• "Avoid distractions when operating heavy machinery."
• "Personal protective equipment is non-negotiable – wear it!"
• "Secure ladders properly before climbing."
• "Mind your step on wet or slippery surfaces."
• "Emergency response plans should be visible and understood."
• "Make sure you can be seen! Wear high-visibility clothing in appropriate areas."
• "Sprinklers matter. Regularly inspect fire sprinkler systems."
• "Report malfunctioning safety equipment immediately."
• "Stay updated on first aid procedures - your colleagues may thank you."
• "Be mindful of noise levels – use hearing protection as needed."
• "Avoid overloading electrical outlets – prevent fires."
• "Keep chemicals away from food preparation areas."
• "Ensure emergency exits are well-lit at all times."
• "Be cautious when handling sharp objects."
• "Replace worn-out safety equipment promptly."
• "Stay informed about the location of fire extinguishers."
• "Mind the gap – use caution around openings in floors."
• "Know the location of emergency eyewash stations."
• "Keep flammable materials in designated storage areas."
• "Avoid horseplay in the workplace – it can lead to accidents."
• "Be cautious when handling glass or sharp objects."
• "Stay alert during night shifts – visibility is crucial."
• "Store tools properly to prevent tripping hazards."
• "When it’s hot, take care. Use caution when working in extreme temperatures."
• "Keep emergency exits unlocked during working hours."
• "Shut it down the right way. Follow equipment shutdown protocols."
• "Dispose of hazardous waste properly – protect people and the planet."
• "Keeping up to date with safety training is everyone’s responsibility."
• "Safety is a year-round commitment – not just a slogan."

With any important cultural values that you want to embed in your organization, it’s essential to have buy-in from leadership and also have them model appropriate behaviors. Workplace health and safety is no exception to this rule. Your leadership team should walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

Sometimes the safety tip of the day should come directly from the CEO of your company. This lends them some gravitas and shows that your company takes safety seriously and that the CEO is personally invested in ensuring that workers are safe.

Safety messages to employees from the CEO should be relevant to your organization: for example if you are a construction company, safety topics for the work place might involve communicating about risks when working at heights, or for freight and logistics companies you may have concerns you would like to highlight about driver fatigue.

Your employees want to feel safe in the workplace, and look to management, including the CEO, to see if there is evidence of importance being placed on safety within your company. But while words are important to this process, actions are as well. As well as sending safety messages, your CEO should also be visible and go to where the workers are, such as by participating when site visits and safety inspections are taking place. This will help make it clear to your staff that the CEO is really interested in and committed to safety.

You can send workplace safety messages from the CEO in just about any format imaginable, from emails and intranet content to videos and messages on corporate social media. You don’t have to send them daily if that doesn’t suit your comms schedule: you could also introduce a “safety message of the week” concept.

Best practice internal communications dictate that you should take a multi-channel approach to distributing information in order to ensure the best possible reach for your messages.

This means that you should use send your safety messages to your employees using a different range of creative mediums that will get their attention.

This can include:

• Visual campaigns using formats such as posters, enterprise screensavers , digital signage and corporate desktop wallpapers .
• Flyers and handouts.
• Intranet content.
• Videos and podcasts.
• Sending pop-up aler­ts or scrolling desktop ticker notifications .
• Sending reminder notifications to employees via apps .
• Quiz your employees to test their safety knowledge.
• Include regular safety tips in your internal newsletters.
• Have safety tips as a standing item on team meetings.
• Discussion of safety in online chat rooms or forums.

Workplace safety is important to every employee in your company, from the CEO down. Promoting awareness about specific hazards and threats that could compromise safety is important, and should be done in an easy-to-understand, accessible way. Continuously reaching out to employees - such as sending daily safety message ideas - can motivate them about safety can help reduce injury and death, and make your workplace a thriving one.

How to talk about safety in the workplace?

Talking effectively about safety in the workplace should involve having open conversations where you listen to any concerns employees may have about safety, as well as any suggestions they have about making improvements. The conversations should be informative and positive so that important safety information is received.

Why is it important to communicate correctly about safety?

It’s important to communicate well about safety so that you can be sure that the important safety information you need to impart flows through your organization unimpeded, you build trust with employees and also build a culture of safety within the company.

What are the 7 safety tips?

Seven tips for effective safety communication are:

• Always tailor the information you send so that it appeals to your audience.
• Take time to listen to feedback.
• When someone makes a mistake, avoid attacking them – be proactive in your communication.
• Keep the information simple – when it is too complex it is hard to understand and act on.
• Be transparent.
• Have leadership buy in.

What are some good safety messages?

Good safety messages should be memorable, such as a slogan. These are statements, sentences, mottos or phrases that organizations can use in various ways such as on posters and internal marketing material to encourage and remind employees about the importance of safety and reinforce safety messages that are relevant to your workplace.

What is an example of a safety message to employees?

An example of a powerful safety message to employees is as follows:

“Prioritize your safety - and everyone else’s! Wear your PPE properly, report hazards and follow the appropriate procedures. Let’s create a secure and safe workplace together!”

What are some inspirational safety messages?

Inspirational safety message examples include:

• “Embrace a safety culture: every step you take helps make an accident-free future.”
• “Let’s build a workplace together where everyone stays safe!”
• “Use your head: always remember to wear a hard hat for safety!”

How do you encourage employees to be safe?

Foster a safety culture in your workplace by promoting open communication and the importance of recognizing safe work practices. You should also provide regular training on safety matters and ensure everyone knows the role they have to play in keeping themselves and others safe.

How do you thank employees for safety?

Express gratitude to your team for prioritizing safety in the workplace. Thank them for their commitment to making sure the workplace is safe and for all their efforts in ensuring wellbeing is a top priority.This is the ultimate safety message to employees - when you’re able to praise them for their vigilance.

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National Safety Day Speech

National Safety Day is an annual event observed in India on March 4. It is an initiative by the National Safety Council of India (NSCI) to raise awareness about safety measures and promote a safety culture across various sectors. The day aims to educate people about the importance of safety in their daily lives, including at home, workplace, and while travelling.

10 Lines Speech on National Safety Day

Short speech on national safety day, long speech on national safety day.

National Safety Day is celebrated every year in India on March 4.

It is an initiative by the National Safety Council of India to promote safety awareness.

The theme of National Safety Day changes every year to highlight different aspects of safety.

The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of safety measures in various sectors.

It emphasises the need for individuals to take responsibility for their safety and that of others.

National Safety Day promotes the adoption of a safety culture in all aspects of life.

The day includes various activities such as safety training, seminars, and awareness campaigns.

The National Safety Council of India recognises organisations for their commitment to safety on this day.

National Safety Day serves as a reminder to review safety policies and make necessary changes.

The ultimate goal of National Safety Day is to prevent accidents and promote a safe and secure environment.

Today we gather here to celebrate National Safety Day. Safety is an important aspect of our lives, and it is crucial that we take it seriously. Safety measures are not just a matter of following rules and regulations but also about adopting a safety culture as a way of life.

We often take safety for granted, but it is important to remember that safety is everyone's responsibility. We all have a role to play in ensuring our safety and that of those around us. This means following safety guidelines, wearing safety gear, and reporting safety hazards. We should not overlook safety in our day-to-day activities, whether it is at home, work, or while travelling.

It is also important to remember that safety is not just about following rules but also about creating a safety culture. We must create a culture of safety where safety is not just a matter of compliance but a way of life. This means promoting safety awareness, conducting safety audits, and training employees on safety measures.

On this National Safety Day, let us pledge to make safety a priority in our lives. Let us take responsibility for our safety and that of those around us. By doing so, we can ensure that we live in a safe and secure world.

National Safety Day is observed in India on March 4 every year. It is a day to raise awareness about the importance of safety at workplaces and in our daily lives. The day focuses on promoting safety measures and preventing accidents. Every year, a theme is chosen for National Safety Day to highlight a particular area of safety concern.

Importance of National Safety Day

National Safety Day is an important day because it reminds us that safety is a priority. It is a day to raise awareness about the need to prevent accidents and promote safety at workplaces and in our daily lives. The day highlights the importance of following safety rules and regulations and taking necessary precautions to avoid accidents. By promoting safety measures, we can create a safer environment for ourselves and those around us.

How to Promote Safety as a Priority

Promoting safety as a priority begins with awareness. We must be aware of the potential hazards in our daily lives and work environment. This means identifying potential risks and taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents from happening.

In the workplace, employers can promote safety by providing regular training to employees. This training should cover safety measures and procedures, emergency response plans, and the proper use of equipment and machinery. Employers should also conduct regular safety audits to identify potential hazards and ensure that safety measures are being followed.

As individuals, we can promote safety by following safety rules and regulations. This includes wearing personal protective equipment when necessary, following traffic rules and regulations, and taking necessary precautions when working at heights or in hazardous environments.

Celebration In Schools

Schools celebrate National Safety Day by organising various activities and events to promote safety awareness among students. Here are some ways schools can celebrate National Safety Day:

Conduct safety drills: Schools can conduct safety drills such as fire drills, earthquake drills, and evacuation drills to educate students on safety measures.

Organise safety awareness programs: Schools can organise safety awareness programs such as seminars, workshops, and talks by safety experts to educate students about safety measures.

Display safety posters: Schools can display safety posters in classrooms and corridors to remind students of safety measures and precautions.

Conduct safety inspections: Schools can conduct safety inspections to identify safety hazards and take corrective actions to ensure a safe learning environment.

Conduct safety quizzes and competitions: Schools can conduct safety quizzes and competitions to engage students in safety awareness and promote healthy competition.

Promote safety through curriculum: Schools can include safety topics in their curriculum to educate students about safety measures and precautions.

Distribute safety pamphlets: Schools can distribute safety pamphlets to students and parents to create awareness about safety measures at home and school.

Schools can use National Safety Day as an opportunity to promote safety awareness and create a culture of safety among students. The ultimate goal of National Safety Day is to prevent accidents and promote a safe and secure environment. It aims to instil a sense of responsibility towards safety in individuals and organisations and promote a culture of safety across the country.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

• Construction
• Entertainment
• Manufacturing
• Information Technology

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Geotechnical engineer

The role of geotechnical engineer starts with reviewing the projects needed to define the required material properties. The work responsibilities are followed by a site investigation of rock, soil, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest. The investigation is aimed to improve the ground engineering design and determine their engineering properties that include how they will interact with, on or in a proposed construction. 

The role of geotechnical engineer in mining includes designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineering jobs are involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions. 

Cartographer

How fascinating it is to represent the whole world on just a piece of paper or a sphere. With the help of maps, we are able to represent the real world on a much smaller scale. Individuals who opt for a career as a cartographer are those who make maps. But, cartography is not just limited to maps, it is about a mixture of art , science , and technology. As a cartographer, not only you will create maps but use various geodetic surveys and remote sensing systems to measure, analyse, and create different maps for political, cultural or educational purposes.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Operations manager.

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Bank Probationary Officer (PO)

Investment director.

An investment director is a person who helps corporations and individuals manage their finances. They can help them develop a strategy to achieve their goals, including paying off debts and investing in the future. In addition, he or she can help individuals make informed decisions.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing. Individuals in the plumber career path are self-employed or work for a small business employing less than ten people, though some might find working for larger entities or the government more desirable.

Construction Manager

Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.

Urban Planner

Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities. 

Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Naval Architect

A Naval Architect is a professional who designs, produces and repairs safe and sea-worthy surfaces or underwater structures. A Naval Architect stays involved in creating and designing ships, ferries, submarines and yachts with implementation of various principles such as gravity, ideal hull form, buoyancy and stability. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Veterinary Doctor

Pathologist.

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Speech Therapist

Gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

Hospital Administrator

The hospital Administrator is in charge of organising and supervising the daily operations of medical services and facilities. This organising includes managing of organisation’s staff and its members in service, budgets, service reports, departmental reporting and taking reminders of patient care and services.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Videographer

Multimedia specialist.

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

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100+ Short Workplace Safety Topics from [A-Z] – Free Download

The human attention span has been dwindling since the mass-adoption of the Internet. No wonder it’s becoming more and more difficult to engage your workforce in safety training. 

But that’s where short workplace safety topics come into play. With the right resources, they can be conducted several times throughout the week and last about 10-15 minutes. That’s enough to keep safety knowledge fresh on everyone’s mind and build the foundation of a strong health and safety culture. A culture in which your entire workforce is engaged and invested. 

All great except… There is one challenge here. Quick safety talks can actually be more work because of the limited time. As Mark Twain famously said,

“I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” Mark Twain

So, how do you make a short safety talk count? 

The Short Safety Talks Secret: How to Effectively Communicate Workplace Safety Practices In Minutes 

Good news! With the abundance of short safety topics that the Internet has to offer, you have just about enough resources to make even a 2-minute safety talk effective.

But before we get to the downloadable toolbox talk templates, here are a few tips on communicating safety best practices:

• Tell a story . According to cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner, we are 22 times more likely to remember facts when they are presented through a story. Another study suggests that “telling stories when communicating can make the speaker appear more warm and trustworthy, as opposed to speaking some other way, such as providing only statistics and figures”.
• Stay focused on your topic . Yes, there are probably dozens of related things that you want to say. And they all seem important. But, if you want your safety talk to stick, you have to remain laser-focused on one specific topic.
• 5-10 slides max . You’ll probably want to keep a slide for about a minute. Keeping slide count smaller enables you to keep your toolbox talk short, too. 

100+ Short Safety Talks For Work [A-Z index]

Ready to transform your workplace’s attitude towards health and safety? It’s easy to stay consistent with your safety talks when you have a reliable backlog of quick safety topics for you to choose from. 

We’ve done the homework for you. Here are 100+ short safety talks, ready for when your next safety moment takes place. Hopefully, these will help keep your idea bank full for the foreseeable. 

• 5 Examples of Unsafe Bad Habits
• Achieving your Team’s Health and Safety Goals
• Alcohol Awareness
• Allergies and Hayfever
• Attitudes to Workplace
• Health and Safety
• Back Stretches  
• Being a Positive Influence for your Colleagues
• Being Proactive
• Bullying in the Workplace
• Burns and Knowing the Different Levels of Severity  
• Carbon Monoxide
• Carcinogens
• Cell Phones as Dangerous Distractions   
• Close Calls
• Communication  
• Concrete  
• Construction Sites
• Construction Surveying
• COVID-19 (we’ll cover this topic in more detail later)
• Cutting Down Complacency  
• Deadline Pressures  
• Defibrillators
• Dropping Heavy Objects  
• Dust and its Hazards
• Electrical Safety
• Energy Drinks and Excessive Caffeine Consumption  
• Establishing a Safe Working Environment
• Excavation  
• Eye Damage and Eye
• Fall Protection
• Fall Prevention 
• Feeling Immune – ‘It
• Wouldn’t Happen To Me’  
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Safety
• First Aid Kit
• First Day Back 
• Gasoline 
• General Day-To-Day Safety
• Hand and Arm Protection
•  Hand Tools
• Handling Chemicals
• Hazardous Substances
• Health and Safety Mentoring
•  Heart Attacks  
• Heat Stress
• Heavy Lifting  
• Improving our Health and
• Safety Communication
• Keeping Everyone
• Accountable for Workplace Health and Safety
•  Keeping Hydrated
• Ladder Safety
• Lead-Based Paint
• Learning From an Accident 
• Lyme Disease
• Machine Guarding
•  Meeting your Safety Goals
• Mental Health
• Mosquitoes  
• Neck Stretches
• New Employees
• Noise and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
• Office Safety
• Personal Hygiene
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Planning a New Task
• Potential Hazards
• Protective Clothing
• Radio Communication  
• Reporting an Incident
• Reporting Injuries
• Responding to an Emergency
• Safety Paperwork
• Safety Signs
• Sleep and Fatigue
• Slips and Trips
• Snow and Frost
• Workplace Stress
• Teamwork and Our Health and Safety Culture
• The Common Cold
• Truck Driving
• Using New Equipment
• Water Safety
• Winter Safety 
• Working Alone Safely
• Workplace Violence

For more inspiration, check out OSHA’s library of free safety training materials which include: 

• Brochures/booklets;
• Fact Sheets; 
• Guidance documents that provide detailed examinations of specific safety and health issues; 
• Online Safety and Health Topics pages; 
• Posters; 
• Small, laminated QuickCards™ that provide brief safety and health information; and
• QuickTakes , OSHA’s free, twice-monthly online newsletter with the latest news about OSHA initiatives and products to assist employers and workers in finding and preventing workplace hazards.

Flu and Covid Toolbox Talks and Safety Moments 

Given the current situation, it’s important to cover this particular safety topic in a bit more detail. Besides, speaking to your workforce about the risks presented by COVID-19, and how you can mitigate them, is a great topic for a quick, 5-minute safety topic. 

Here are some of the points you can cover within this particular topic:

• Social distancing
• The importance of wearing a mask
• The main COVID-19 and flu symptoms
• What to do if you show any COVID-19 symptoms
• How often you should use hand sanitizer
• The best way to wash your hands
• Understanding the risks (including any key risks for your particular type of work)
• The current situation in the USA (legislation, statistics and changes)
• Examples of small changes that you can make to ensure your work practice is as safe as possible

You can pick and choose from any of these topics and adapt your safety discussions accordingly to best suit your workforce. As you can see, short safety talks are ideal for covering a health and safety concern of this kind in a way that is efficient, informative and as useful as possible for your workforce. 

How Should You Document Safety Toolbox Topics?

Different document types have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, it’s worth considering what would be the right format to deliver your chosen topic. 

In the table below, we’ve listed the document types that you can typically use, alongside their plus points and drawbacks.

How Often Should You Conduct Safety Talks? 

In an ideal world, safety talks should take place daily. But this may be an unrealistic goal due to a Safety manager’s ever-increasing responsibilities. So, a good aim would be 3-5 short workplace safety topics a week. If your team is going through a busy period, you can also decide cut down the time that these talks last for. You can always find the time for a super quick 1-minute safety topic.

Where Should Safety Talks Be Conducted?

You should base these safety minutes in a place where everyone feels at-ease, while still firmly focused on what you’re saying. With this in mind, you could choose to have your next safety talk take place in a comfortable meeting room, a break room, or even the work area itself. 

You don’t need to have a fixed location for these talks, either. The aim is to make them feel more informal and personal than a typical meeting. You can pick the location with the topic in mind. For example, if you’re talking about food allergies, the break room would make the message of your talk directly applicable to the day-to-day activities of your workers. 

What Else Can You Do to Have a Better Safety Meeting?

Getting workers to listen for the entire duration of the talk is a challenge in itself. Not to mention getting them to actively relate to and understand the topic and then being able to apply the message to their own workplace behaviors.

To make your talk more engaging, try to interact with your audience directly. Encourage their participation, questions and feedback. Show them that this is not a lecture; it is a dynamic conversation that is taking place between the team as a whole. This way, you are helping to create a team that places the highest importance on keeping their operations as safe as possible.

Who Should Present a Safety Talk?

Normally, this would be the job of the team’s EHS manager. The presenter should be the individual who reports any incidents to OSHA. This way, it is the team member who is most well-versed in these topics who is delivering the content. 

Does OSHA Require Toolbox Talks?

No. These talks are not a legal requirement of OSHA. The agency does not have a fixed standard in which safety training information needs to be communicated to a workforce. However, toolbox talks are a highly recommended way to advance your workplace’s health and safety beyond the bare minimum. Plus, the flexibility of these talks allows you to branch out beyond the topics that OSHA requires you to cover. 

By incorporating regular safety talks into your workplace routines, you are putting your workforce in the best position to minimize preventable workplace accidents. Dedicating just a couple of minutes each day to a short safety moment will ensure maximum engagement in the topics being covered. 

Also, these short safety topics for work help your team’s attitude towards health and safety and help improve your safety culture overall. This is far more intuitive and considerate than what could be achieved by a long meeting spent reading from a binder. 

Additional Safety Moment Resources

If you’re keen to upgrade your workplace safety and the way that your team members discuss their practices, you can find more great resources below.

• Safety tips from eSafety : 8 Workplace Safety Tips Every Employee Should Know    
• OSHA, Safe + Sound : Better Safety Conversations
• OSHA’s Safety Training page
• NSC : 2 Minute Safety Videos
• OSHA’s Training Requirements

Related Posts

8 important march 2023 safety topics to cover + spring safety tips, 7 interesting february safety topics to cover in 2023, 8 december safety topics for a safer holiday season at work.

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Free Safety Talks to Print for Your Next Safety Meeting

Looking for safety talk topics to use at work? Scroll down to browse the list of 250+ completely free safety talks below! Print them off to use for your next safety meeting or safety moment with your employees. Use the links below to segment the talks by the most relevant topic category to easily find what you are looking for.

Members have access to over 320+ additional toolbox talks that are not found on this free site. There are also PowerPoint presentations with quizzes, 80 Spanish safety talks, and hand-picked weekly topic ideas. Additional members-only content is added every month!

Click the image of the safety talk to the left to download 1 of the over 550+ ad-free talks that are available for Members!

Save time and money from having to create your own resources. Instead, use that time to continue furthering your safety program.

Separate Talks by Category:     BEHAVIORAL    |     CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY    |     GENERAL INDUSTRY    |    OFFICE     |    MOTOR VEHICLE      |      SPANISH

Free Safety Toolbox Talk Topics Complete List

• * Advice for Using These Toolbox Talks *
• Achieving Safety Goals
• Alcohol Use
• Amputations
• Annual Checkup
• Asbestos Dangers
• Attitude and Safety: Fostering Positive Attitude at Work
• Auto Accident Procedures
• Automated External Defibrillators
• Back Injuries and Prevention
• Backing Up Hazards
• Battery Handling
• Battling Complacency
• Bees and Wasps
• Before a Work Task Begins
• Being Client-focused (Construction Industry)
• Being Observant
• Being Respectful to Coworkers
• Benzene Dangers in the Workplace
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Burn Hazards and Injury Prevention
• Burn Severity
• Carbon Monoxide Safety
• Carcinogens in the Workplace
• Chainsaw General Safety
• Choices at Home and Safety on the Job
• Clothing and Safety
• Cold Stress Hazards
• Common Cold
• Common Issues with Fire Extinguishers
• Communicating Issues
• Communication and Safety
• Communication Tools and Safety
• Concrete Burns
• Concrete Work
• Continually Learning
• Conveyor Belt General Safety
• Costs of Drugs on the Job
• Dangers of Excessive Sitting
• Dealing with Hazards
• Dealing with Stress from Home
• Defensive Driving
• Diesel Exhaust Dangers and Safeguards
• Distracted Driving (Cellphone Use)
• Distracted While Walking
• Distractions Created by Smartphones When Not in Use
• Dog Attacks
• Doing Work Tasks Wrong the First Time
• Driving Safely Where Deer Are Present
• Dropped Objects on the Job
• Drowsy Driving
• Drunk Driving
• Dump Truck Operation
• Dump Truck Overturns
• Dust Hazards in Construction
• Easy Way Instead of the Right Way
• Eating Habits
• Electrical Injuries
• Electrical Safety
• Elimination of Hazards
• Embracing Change in the Workplace
• Emergency Exits
• Energy Drink Dangers
• Everyone is Responsible for the Culture
• Excavation Safety
• Excavator Quick Coupler Device Safety
• Eye Damage Due to Sunlight
• Eye Injuries and Prevention
• Fall Protection
• Falls in the Construction Industry
• Falls on the Same Level
• Fatal Four Hazards (Construction)
• Fatigue on the Job
• Fatigue on the Roadways
• Filter Pot Sock Filter Changeout
• Fire Extinguishers Use and Inspection
• Fire Safety at Home
• Fire Watch General Safety
• Firework Safety and Injury Prevention
• First Aid Preparedness
• First Day Back to Work
• Five Common Contributing Factors
• Fixed Objects (Motor Vehicle Safety)
• Fixed Open Blade Knives
• Food Allergies
• Forklift Fatalities and Injuries
• Four Focus Items for Work Area Inspections
• Front End Loader Safety
• Gasoline Safety
• Glycol Reclamation
• Good Enough Mindset
• Ground Personnel and Mobile Equipment
• Habits and Safety
• Hand Safety and Injury Prevention Safety Talk
• Hand Tool Inspections
• Hazardous Chemicals- Four Routes of Entry
• HDPE Pipe Welding
• Health is Everything
• Heart Attacks
• Heat Stress
• Heat Stroke
• Heavy Equipment (Four Other Hazards)
• Heavy Equipment (Two Significant Hazards)
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Helping Out
• Hierarchy of Controls
• High Wind Dangers (Construction)
• Horseplay on the Job
• Hose Parting Pneumatic Testing
• Housekeeping in the Construction Industry
• How Observant Are You?
• How We React to Our World
• How What We Do at Home Affects Work
• Human Performance
• Hydration: The Importance of Water
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Importance of Mentoring
• Importance of Organized Laydown Yards
• Incident Report Writing: A Comprehensive Guide
• Insect Sting Allergies
• Instant Gratification and Safety
• Involve the Right Person
• It Was a Matter of Time
• It Won’t Happen to Me
• Know Your Limits at Work
• Knowing What to do in an Emergency
• Lack of Time
• Ladder Safety
• Lawn Mower Safety
• Lead Paint Dangers and Safety
• Learning From Past Incidents
• Learning the Hard Way
• Leave Yourself an Out
• Lifting and Rigging
• Lightning Safety at Work and Home
• Line of Fire Hazards
• Lube Oil Flushing
• Lyme Disease
• Machine Guarding
• Manual Handling Injury Prevention
• Material Recovery Facilities General Safety
• Mechanical Issue-Related Crashes
• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Motor Vehicle Safety (Loose Cargo)
• Muddy Work Areas
• New Employees on the Job
• New Equipment
• Nine Basic Construction Safety Rules
• Noise at Work and Home
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
• Not a Big Deal Until it is
• Not My Problem
• Occupational-related Cancer
• Office Safety
• One Billion Dollars Spent on Injuries a Week
• One Decision
• One Safeguard Doesn’t Make it Safe
• Opioid Abuse
• Organization of Work Areas
• Orthostatic Intolerance
• Pinch Points and Hand Injuries
• Playing the Lottery and Workplace Injuries
• Pressure to Get Work Done
• Pressure Washing
• Preventing Equipment Damage Incidents in Construction
• Proactive Versus Reactive Safety Approach
• Questions to Ask Before a Work Task
• Rabies in the US
• Radio Communication on the Job
• Rationalizing Unsafe Choices
• Ready For Work
• Recognized Versus Unrecognized Hazards
• Recordable Injuries – Why Employees Should Care
• Relying on Memory
• Report All Injuries
• Respirator Donning, Doffing, and Seal Checks
• Road Rage (Motor Vehicle Safety)
• S.O.R.T Tool
• Safety Awareness: Being Present in the Moment
• Safety Can Be Redundant
• Safety Glasses
• Safety Related Paperwork
• Seatbelt Use and Safety
• Securing a Construction Site
• Selective Attention at Work
• Seven Basic General Industry Safety Rules
• Severity and Frequency
• Shift Work Dangers
• Shortcuts are a Choice
• Shoveling Snow
• Silica Dust Dangers and Safety Measures
• Skid Steer Safety
• Skin Cancer Due to Sun Exposure
• Sling Inspections
• Slip Hazards and Safety
• Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Smoking and Your Health
• Snakes in the Workplace
• Spill Prevention
• Spotter Safety at Work
• Stopping Work
• Stretching Pros and Cons
• Strokes- Signs and Emergency Response
• Struck-by Incidents (Construction)
• Success Through Reaching Potential
• Surveying (Construction)
• Table Saw General Safety
• Take Safety Home
• Taking Action to Work Safe
• Taking Ownership of Safety
• Taking Safety For Granted
• Taking Shortcuts
• Task Planning
• The “WHY” for “WHAT” Needs Done
• The Little Things
• The Negative Side of Quick Reactions
• The Ripple Effect of Safety
• Theft from a Construction Site
• Think of the Next Person
• Three Self-Centered Reasons to Work Safely
• Three Types of Poor Housekeeping Hazards
• Three Way Communication
• Top Five Reasons to Work Safely Today
• Tornado Safety
• Train Safety
• Trip Injuries and Prevention
• Truck Driving – Hazards On and Off the Road
• Two Types of Workplace Stress
• Types of Fire Extinguishers
• Underground Utility Strikes
• Unloading Trailers (Construction)
• Unsafe Acts
• Unsafe Conditions in the Workplace
• Utility Vehicle Safety at Home and Work
• Vehicle Inspections
• Verbal Communication and Workplace Safety
• Verifying Safeguards
• Weakest Link on Your Team
• Weed Wacker Safety
• West Nile Virus
• What Can Hurt Me Today?
• What is Your “Why”
• What Kind of Influence are You?
• Which Safeguard Makes the Difference?
• Why We All Should Care
• Wildlife in the Workplace
• Wind Chill Index
• Winter Weather
• Winter Weather Driving
• Work Area Best Practices
• Working Alongside Subcontractors
• Working From Home
• Workplace Inspections
• Workplace Shootings
• Workplace Suicides
• Workplace Violence
• Young Drivers and Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Zero Injuries in the Workplace

What Are Workplace Safety Talks?

Safety talks are short safety messages for the members of a work crew prior to work beginning. These talks can be as short as a few minutes or longer than 20 minutes. On average, they are in the range of 5 or 10 minutes long in duration at most companies when conducted often. The talks can cover a range of topics or just a single focal point.

Below are answers to some other common questions individuals may have about conducting these types of talks for their work crews.

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What are other names for these meetings.

There are many names for safety talks. Some of the more common names are safety toolbox talks, toolbox talks, safety moments, safety briefings, safety pep talks, and tailgate meetings. For the most part, many of these names represent the same thing. However, there can be slight differences between companies or industries.

These meetings, no matter what they are called, are the safety message of the day for a work crew prior to the start of the day.

Providing a Safety Moment of the Day

When done correctly, these talks can have a profound effect on the overall safety program at a workplace. Companies that spend time holding these meetings are less likely to have injuries compared to a company that does not hold them on a regular basis.

Conducting meetings often is an effective way to deliver relevant and timely safety messages to an entire work crew. The time spent conducting these talks also goes a long way toward reinforcing prior training efforts.

Even just holding a 5-minute meeting every day equates to a massive amount of knowledge for your workforce over a year’s time. To be exact- it results in over 20 hours of education per employee a year! (5 minutes X 5 workdays per week X 50 work weeks= 1250 minutes… 1250 minutes/60 minutes per hour= 20.8 hours of education) Imagine the difference that education can make if you make the most out of every talk!

What Topics Should You Cover for These Safety Talks?

The topic or topics you should cover for the next safety toolbox talk will vary greatly from what topic(s) another company should be discussing. Some general questions you can ask yourself to narrow in on some topics:

• What training needs to be reinforced?
• What problems have we been having lately?
• What are common injuries in this line of work?
• What have our near misses been a result of?
• What trends are occurring in the workplace or in our industry?

There are many other questions or guidelines you can use to determine what topics or topics you should cover. Keep topics useful, relevant, and timely.

Where Can I Find Free Safety Topics Online in 2023? 

This site has one of the largest libraries of free topics found online today. That being said, there are also a number of great resources online to find topics for your next safety meeting. One of our favorite resources for topics is on OSHA’s website. They have a page called Safety and Health Topics that has a large list of high-quality topics.

Some other high-quality and reputable sources for toolbox talks or materials to support talks:

• Mine Health and Safety Administration
• Center for Disease Control
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Bureau of Labor Statistics

Who Should Deliver a Safety Talk?

The person who is directing the work should be the one responsible for conducting or leading the safety talk. The responsibility at many companies, however, falls onto the safety officer or EHS manager instead. The reason for having the individual who is directing the work lead the talk is to show support for the message and efforts to work safely.

If it is constantly the EHS department’s responsibility to present, then employees can be led to believe that the frontline supervisors or managers do not truly support safety. If the workers’ supervisors or managers are not participating in the safety efforts, why should they?

The EHS department should instead serve more of an advisory role to the supervisor conducting the talk. They can provide the supervisor with topics, materials, or information for the talk, as well as chime in as needed to add value.

Do not be afraid to offer employees the chance to present at a meeting. While most employees would never choose to present a topic, you may be surprised to find that many would if given the chance.

How Often Should You Conduct Safety Talks?

There is no short and dry answer to how often your company should be conducting these talks. Some companies do multiple talks daily, and other companies may only do them monthly. A monthly schedule is probably way too sparingly for most companies, and two talks a day may be too often for others.

Companies often settle on conducting daily or weekly talks. At many companies, daily safety meetings prior to work beginning is an appropriate practice. Holding meetings that often may not make sense for all operations, however.

As mentioned earlier, these talks do not have to be extremely long. A lot of value can be added in a short amount of time if the talks are completed often. Employees are more likely to take more away from these talks if they are shorter in duration but are more frequent compared to longer meetings that occur infrequently.

Where Should Safety Talks Be Conducted?

These talks should be held in a place where employees are comfortable and can focus. Meeting rooms or break rooms are common areas where companies choose to hold their safety meetings. Another setting that can be even more effective is the work area(s) themselves.

This should only be done if the work area is comfortable, safe, and convenient for all involved in the talk. Conducting the talk in the work area itself can help employees visualize the information being conveyed, as well as allow the presenter to point out specific examples of what they are discussing.

If holding it in the work area is not an option, pictures or maps of the worksite can be great tools so that employees can visualize what is being said.

What Else Can You Do to Have a Better Safety Meeting or Safety Moment?

There are many things you can do to hold a better meeting. Below are a few quick tips that have not already been mentioned in this post:

• Prepare ahead of time.
• Keep topics relevant and timely to the audience.
• Only take the time necessary to cover the topic; do not drag it out.
• Do not read the talk word for word from the paper.
• Get the audience involved by asking for stories or examples relating to the topic.
• Use visual aids as needed to help get your message across.
• Have fun- don’t take yourself so seriously!

For more tips, check out this post on this site that outlines 10 tips for a better toolbox talk .

Does OSHA Require Safety Toolbox Talks?

While OSHA does not specifically require a company to hold safety talks or toolbox talks in any of their standards, doing so can play a part in helping to ensure compliance with some standards. For example, OSHA requires that employers make employees aware of the hazards of the work that they do and how to eliminate them.

One specific example of this is found in the construction standard under 1926.21(b)(2), where OSHA states: “The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.”

While training will be a large part of ensuring compliance with this specific regulation, safety toolbox talks are also a way to help to ensure compliance. These talks need to have the correct documentation to do so.

How Should You Document Safety Toolbox Talks?

Without documenting these efforts, there is no actual proof they were done. Meaning there is nothing to show OSHA or someone in your company in response to whether or not you were educating your employees on the hazards involved in their work. A lack of documentation can be problematic.

Every time a talk is conducted, a sign-in sheet should be completed by the presenter and signed by everyone present for the meeting. Some guidelines for documentation:

• Include the date and time.
• Include the presenter(s) name(s).
• Have everyone sign the sheet.
• Be detailed about what topics were discussed.
• Attach any materials used for the talk to the sign-in sheet.
• File documentation in chronological order so they can be easily found to be reviewed if needed.

The answers to the who, what, when, why, and how of safety talks can be as long of a list as the possible topics you could cover in your next meeting. The bottom line is your company should be conducting these talks on a regular basis as well as giving thought on how to continually improve on giving them. Use some of the insight here and tailor it to your company’s needs.

Consider checking out the Members Area of the site. There are plenty of other safety topics covered in there (with additional content added each month) if you find yourself not finding what you need in all of the free content offered on this site!

Leadership transparency alone doesn’t guarantee employees will speak up in the workplace

Assistant Professor, HR Management & Organizational Behaviour, Toronto Metropolitan University

Professor of Leadership Development, Rotterdam School of Management

Associate Professor of Management and Organisation Studies, Simon Fraser University

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Toronto Metropolitan University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation CA.

Simon Fraser University provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA.

Simon Fraser University and Toronto Metropolitan University provide funding as members of The Conversation CA-FR.

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Leaders are often encouraged to be open, authentic and vulnerable at work. Employees are similarly told their voices matter in the workplace and to speak up when they need to. But, being open and honest at work is not always as straightforward as these messages suggest.

What these invitations for honesty don’t fully acknowledge is that speaking up is an act of confidence, bolstered by a steady reserve of self-worth. For many people, speaking one’s truth or revealing one’s honest thoughts and feelings can be a nerve-wracking experience because it leaves them exposed to judgment, ridicule and rejection.

At work, disclosing dissenting opinions, reporting errors or disclosing information about one’s state of mental health can even lead to repercussions. Unsurprisingly, studies consistently show that 50 per cent of employees prefer to keep quiet at work . With this in mind, we set out to examine when and for whom transparent leadership can be beneficial.

Investigating leadership

In our recent research paper , we investigated whether leaders can encourage their employees to express their opinions by demonstrating open and direct communication themselves.

In two studies involving 484 leaders and almost 3,000 of their employees from organizations in Belgium, we examined whether leaders who communicated more transparently created an environment where employees felt comfortable voicing their opinions.

Surveys were sent to leaders and employees over two time periods. The first time, employees completed measures on their leader’s transparency, their own levels of self-esteem based on others’ approval and psychological safety. A month later, they completed a second survey on voice behaviour.

Our studies yielded two key insights. The first is that leaders can set an example. Leaders with a transparent communication style were able to create a climate of psychological safety in their teams. Because followers felt safe to be vulnerable, they were more likely to voice their opinion.

The second is that follower’s self-esteem matters. Transparent leaders were only able to make followers feel safe if the follower had secure self-esteem. Self-esteem can be based on external factors , like the approval of others, or on internal factors , like the extent to which an individual loves and accepts themselves.

Followers who based their self-worth on the approval of others did not feel safe when their leader used direct and open communication and hence, did not open up.

Encouraging vulnerability at work

To help employees to speak up at work, our research suggests that organizations consider several factors. First, organizations should prioritize increasing psychological safety.

Psychological safety refers to the extent to which employees feel like they can voice their concerns or deliver negative feedback at work. When leaders communicate transparently with their employees, their behaviour demonstrates that honesty is valued and that it’s safe for employees to be open in return.

Second, it’s important for organizations to consider their audience when communicating. Direct communication does not make everyone open up. When people base their self-worth on the approval of others, speaking up can be terrifying and keeping quiet or saying the “right” thing, instead of one’s honest opinions, may be the preferred route as it helps protect their self-worth.

Encouraging employees to be aware of the source of their self-esteem and offering mindfulness or self-compassion training could help shift their sense of self-worth. Improving self-compassion , for example, can help people be more accepting and kind to themselves.

Lastly, establishing group norms that promote speaking up is essential. As social beings, humans constantly look to the outside world for cues on how to behave, what is appropriate and what behaviours are safe and acceptable. The more socially acceptable speaking up becomes, the more likely the quality of the conversation will deepen to include richer topics that might otherwise not get broached.

Identifying key team members that are respected and influential and encouraging them to express themselves may help turn the tide so that all team members follow suit.

Fostering trust in the workplace

Our research results suggest that leaders who communicate transparently can encourage their followers to voice their opinions. But the relationship between leadership transparency and follower responsiveness is more nuanced than that.

While transparency can promote open communication, it’s crucial for leaders to recognize that individual reactions vary. Our findings demonstrate that not all followers will find comfort in the presence of managerial candour. Employees who base their self-worth on the approval of others do not feel safe when their leader communicates in a direct manner.

This insight is particularly relevant, given young adults are developing their self-esteem in a backdrop of social networking sites where external validation is the main currency. This is so much so that the next wave of employees has been called “ generation validation .”

We recommend leaders keep their audience in mind when delivering honest messages and suggest they make an effort to gauge whether the recipient is likely to feel confident enough to express their opinion openly. If their goal is to receive direct communication in return, leaders can empower employees to voice their opinions not only by fostering an environment of trust and safety, but also by encouraging their followers to love and accept themselves.

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• Business leadership
• Psychological safety
• Business leaders
• Workplace teams

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Europe’s world-first AI rules get final approval from lawmakers. Here’s what happens next

FILE - A man walks in front of an image of a flower created with artificial intelligence by artist Refik Anadol ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 14, 2024. European Union lawmakers are set to give final approval to the 27-nation bloc’s artificial intelligence law Wednesday, putting the world-leading set of rules for the fast-developing technology on track to take effect later this year. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

European Union lawmakers vote on an Artificial Intelligence Act at the European Parliament, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Strasbourg, eastern France. European Union lawmakers are set to give final approval to the 27-nation bloc’s artificial intelligence law, putting the world-leading rules on track to take effect later this year. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

FILE - The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cell phone with an image on a computer screen generated by ChatGPT’s Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. European Union lawmakers are set to give final approval to the 27-nation bloc’s artificial intelligence law Wednesday, putting the world-leading set of rules for the fast-developing technology on track to take effect later this year.(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

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LONDON (AP) — European Union lawmakers gave final approval to the 27-nation bloc’s artificial intelligence law Wednesday, putting the world-leading rules on track to take effect later this year.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Artificial Intelligence Act, five years after regulations were first proposed. The AI Act is expected to act as a global signpost for other governments grappling with how to regulate the fast-developing technology.

“The AI Act has nudged the future of AI in a human-centric direction, in a direction where humans are in control of the technology and where it — the technology — helps us leverage new discoveries, economic growth, societal progress and unlock human potential,” Dragos Tudorache, a Romanian lawmaker who was a co-leader of the Parliament negotiations on the draft law, said before the vote.

Big tech companies generally have supported the need to regulate AI while lobbying to ensure any rules work in their favor. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman caused a minor stir last year when he suggested the ChatGPT maker could pull out of Europe if it can’t comply with the AI Act — before backtracking to say there were no plans to leave.

Here’s a look at the world’s first comprehensive set of AI rules:

HOW DOES THE AI ACT WORK?

Like many EU regulations, the AI Act was initially intended to act as consumer safety legislation, taking a “risk-based approach” to products or services that use artificial intelligence.

The riskier an AI application , the more scrutiny it faces. The vast majority of AI systems are expected to be low risk, such as content recommendation systems or spam filters. Companies can choose to follow voluntary requirements and codes of conduct.

High-risk uses of AI, such as in medical devices or critical infrastructure like water or electrical networks, face tougher requirements like using high-quality data and providing clear information to users.

Some AI uses are banned because they’re deemed to pose an unacceptable risk, like social scoring systems that govern how people behave, some types of predictive policing and emotion recognition systems in school and workplaces.

Other banned uses include police scanning faces in public using AI-powered remote “biometric identification” systems, except for serious crimes like kidnapping or terrorism.

WHAT ABOUT GENERATIVE AI?

The law’s early drafts focused on AI systems carrying out narrowly limited tasks, like scanning resumes and job applications. The astonishing rise of general purpose AI models , exemplified by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, sent EU policymakers scrambling to keep up.

They added provisions for so-called generative AI models, the technology underpinning AI chatbot systems that can produce unique and seemingly lifelike responses, images and more.

Developers of general purpose AI models — from European startups to OpenAI and Google — will have to provide a detailed summary of the text, pictures, video and other data on the internet that is used to train the systems as well as follow EU copyright law.

AI-generated deepfake pictures , video or audio of existing people, places or events must be labeled as artificially manipulated.

There’s extra scrutiny for the biggest and most powerful AI models that pose “systemic risks,” which include OpenAI’s GPT4 — its most advanced system — and Google’s Gemini.

The EU says it’s worried that these powerful AI systems could “cause serious accidents or be misused for far-reaching cyberattacks.” They also fear generative AI could spread “harmful biases” across many applications, affecting many people.

Companies that provide these systems will have to assess and mitigate the risks; report any serious incidents, such as malfunctions that cause someone’s death or serious harm to health or property; put cybersecurity measures in place; and disclose how much energy their models use .

DO EUROPE’S RULES INFLUENCE THE REST OF THE WORLD?

Brussels first suggested AI regulations in 2019, taking a familiar global role in ratcheting up scrutiny of emerging industries, while other governments scramble to keep up.

In the U.S., President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order on AI in October that’s expected to be backed up by legislation and global agreements. In the meantime, lawmakers in at least seven U.S. states are working on their own AI legislation .

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed his Global AI Governance Initiative for fair and safe use of AI, and authorities have issued “ interim measures ” for managing generative AI, which applies to text, pictures, audio, video and other content generated for people inside China.

Other countries, from Brazil to Japan, as well as global groupings like the United Nations and Group of Seven industrialized nations, are moving to draw up AI guardrails.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The AI Act is expected to officially become law by May or June, after a few final formalities, including a blessing from EU member countries. Provisions will start taking effect in stages, with countries required to ban prohibited AI systems six months after the rules enter the lawbooks.

Rules for general purpose AI systems like chatbots will start applying a year after the law takes effect. By mid-2026, the complete set of regulations, including requirements for high-risk systems, will be in force.

When it comes to enforcement, each EU country will set up their own AI watchdog, where citizens can file a complaint if they think they’ve been the victim of a violation of the rules. Meanwhile, Brussels will create an AI Office tasked with enforcing and supervising the law for general purpose AI systems.

Violations of the AI Act could draw fines of up to 35 million euros ($38 million), or 7% of a company’s global revenue.

This isn’t Brussels’ last word on AI rules, said Italian lawmaker Brando Benifei, co-leader of Parliament’s work on the law. More AI-related legislation could be ahead after summer elections, including in areas like AI in the workplace that the new law partly covers, he said.

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The Five Minutes That Brought Down the Francis Scott Key Bridge

When a massive cargo ship lost power in Baltimore, crews scrambled to control the ship and to evacuate the bridge lying ahead. But it was too late.

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By Annie Correal ,  Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs ,  Campbell Robertson ,  Michael Forsythe and Mike Baker

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Campbell Robertson reported from Baltimore, Annie Correal and Michael Forsythe from New York, and Mike Baker from Seattle.

Follow our live coverage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore .

“Hold all traffic on the Key Bridge.”

The terse command from an officer in Baltimore’s busy commercial shipping port was one of the first warnings of a disaster that experts now predict will transform shipping on the Eastern Seaboard and change how ships and bridges function around the world. But after the cargo ship Dali lost power early Tuesday, there were precious few minutes to act.

In those minutes, many people — from the ship’s crew, who sent out a mayday signal, to the transportation authority police officers, who stopped traffic heading onto the Francis Scott Key Bridge — did what they could to avert catastrophe, most likely saving many lives.

And yet — no matter what anyone did — several factors made catastrophe all but inevitable. When a ship of this size loses engine power, there is little to be done to correct its course, even dropping an anchor down. And the Key Bridge was particularly vulnerable. As long ago as 1980, engineers had warned that the bridge, because of its design, would never be able to survive a direct hit from a container ship.

The collision and subsequent collapse of the bridge swallowed up seven road workers and an inspector who could not be alerted and pulled off the bridge in time; two were pulled alive out of the water, but four others are still missing and presumed dead. Two bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, authorities said.

Also caught up in the disaster were the ship’s 21 crew members, all from India, who had prepared for a long journey to Sri Lanka on the Dali. While none of them were hurt, they would be held on board for more than a day as the ship sat in the harbor, the ruins of the bridge tangled around it, as authorities began their investigation.

The accident, the deadliest bridge collapse in the United States in more than a decade, will have a lasting impact on the Port of Baltimore, with its 8,000 workers, and industries that rely on the port, which is the leading American hub for auto and other wheeled equipment, said Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary, on Wednesday.

“It’s difficult to overstate the impact of this collision,” Mr. Buttigieg said.

He compared the Dali, roughly as long a city block, to the size of an American aircraft carrier.

“A hundred thousand tons, all going into this pier all at once,” he said of the impact on the bridge support structure.

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation into the accident, boarded the Dali on Tuesday night to gather documentation. They obtained data from the voyage data recorder, the equivalent of an aircraft’s black box, hoping that it could help investigators determine what led to the accident.

Mr. Buttigieg said that any private party found liable in the accident “will be held responsible.”

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Ship called for

tugboats to return

Francis Scott

Alarms sounded on ship

Traffic onto bridge was halted

The ship hit

at 1:28 a.m.

Alarms sounded

Traffic onto bridge

Sources: MarineTraffic, Google Earth

By Agnes Chang, Weiyi Cai, and Leanne Abraham

It was about half an hour past midnight on Tuesday when the Dali, loaded with cargo containers, departed its dock, guided by two tugboats, as is customary. On board was a local harbor pilot with more than 10 years of experience and deep familiarity with Baltimore’s port, as well as an apprentice pilot in training.

The sky above the Patapsco River was clear and still, lit by a full moon.

At 1:25 a.m., after the two tugboats detached and turned back, the Dali had accelerated to about 10 miles per hour as it approached the Key Bridge. But just then, according to a timeline released by the National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday, “numerous audible alarms” started sounding on the ship.

For reasons still being investigated, the ship’s powerful propulsion system stopped. The lights flickered out.

The ship had a “complete blackout,” according to Clay Diamond, head of the American Pilots’ Association, who was briefed on the account of the pilot of the Dali. (The chair of the N.T.S.B., Jennifer Homendy, said officials were still trying to determine whether the power failure was complete.)

The harbor pilot noticed the ship starting to swing right, in the direction of one of the piers holding up the Key Bridge. At 1:26, he called for the tugs to return; he urged the captain to try to get the engine back up and directed the crew to steer hard left. As a last ditch measure, at 1:27, he ordered the crew to throw down the port anchor.

One of the tugboats, the Eric McAllister, turned around and raced back toward the ship.

But the failures onboard were cascading. The emergency generator had kicked on, sending a puff of thick smoke belching from the ship’s exhaust stack and briefly restoring the lights, radar and steering. It did not help. With no effective propulsion, the 95,000-ton ship had become an unstoppable object, drifting toward one of the most heavily traveled bridges in Baltimore.

On land, officers with the Maryland Transportation Authority moved swiftly into action. “I need one of you guys on the South side, one of you guys on the North side, hold all traffic on the Key Bridge,” someone is heard saying on the audio recording of emergency radio traffic that night. “There’s a ship approaching that just lost their steering. So until they get that under control, we’ve got to stop all traffic.”

Vehicles were held on either side of the bridge as the ship continued its inexorable drift toward the 1.6-mile-long span.

A minute later, the officers turned their attention to several workers, some of them immigrants from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico, who were still laboring on the bridge in the chilly darkness, taking advantage of the light traffic at night to fix potholes.

“There’s a crew up there,” one officer is heard saying on the audio recording of the radio exchange between officers. “You might want to notify whoever the foreman is, see if we could get them off the bridge temporarily.”

But even then, the ship was striking the bridge. Almost at once, the pier buckled and collapsed, twisting over the ship, with its cargo containers stacked high on the deck. Then the rest of the bridge went, breaking into sections as it plummeted and splashed into the dark river waters below.

“The size and weight of these ships make them really difficult, even with propulsion, to stop them,” said Stash Pelkowski, a professor at State University of New York Maritime College and a retired Coast Guard rear admiral. With no power, he said, “There was very little the pilot or the crew on the Dali could do.”

The collapse had happened in seconds. Except for the stumps of the piers, the central span of the bridge had plunged into the frigid river — where divers would spend the whole day searching amid twisted metal for survivors — by 1:29 a.m.

“Dispatch, the whole bridge just fell down!” an officer called out. “Whoever, everybody, the whole bridge just collapsed.”

Stray ships had long been seen as a risk to the Key Bridge. Just a few years after the Baltimore structure was constructed in 1977, a vessel crash knocked down the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay, Fla., killing 35 people.

Officials acknowledged that the Key Bridge would not be able to withstand that kind of direct hit from a heavy cargo vessel. “I would have to say if that ship hit the Bay Bridge or the Key Bridge — I’m talking about the main supports, a direct hit — it would knock it down,” John Snyder, the director of engineering for the state Toll Facilities Administration told the Baltimore Sun at the time.

But building a bridge that could withstand such an impact was simply not economically feasible, he said. When the bridge was built, cargo ships were not the size they are today. A much smaller freighter did hit the bridge in 1980 , but the bridge stood strong.

Minutes after the bridge collapsed on Tuesday, both tugboats that had accompanied the Dali arrived on scene, followed soon by the Coast Guard and the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Two of the workers who had been on the bridge were rescued from the water. The others could not be found.

Jack Murphy, who owns Brawner Builders, the company whose workers had been on the bridge, got a phone call about the collapse and raced to the area, about a 30-minute drive away. He stayed by the bridge all night, and eventually began making calls to the men’s families.

Two workers’ bodies were discovered in a red pickup truck found near the bridge debris, police said Wednesday. They were identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, an immigrant from Mexico, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, a native of Guatemala.

About two miles from the bridge, Andrew Middleton had been lying awake when he heard the crash. He first thought it was thunder, maybe a low-flying jet.

It was only when he awoke a few hours later that he saw the news of the collapsed bridge. “I thought to myself, I was just with those guys yesterday,” he said.

Mr. Middleton, who runs Apostleship of the Sea, a program that ministers to sailors coming through the port, had driven the ship’s captain and a few crew members to Walmart on Monday to stock up on goods for the 28-day voyage ahead — toothpaste, snacks, clothes, Bluetooth speakers.

He recalled the captain telling him their next port was Sri Lanka, but that they were taking a longer route, down around South Africa, in order to avoid recent Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

Mr. Middleton immediately messaged the crew on WhatsApp after hearing the news on Tuesday, he said, and “they responded within a few minutes saying that everyone was OK,” he said.

Around the site of the bridge collapse, firefighters and rescuers in diving gear were swarming around the shore, followed by news crews. John McAvoy, who owns a nearby restaurant, had driven over with hot meals — chicken, crab balls and pretzel bites — to hand out to the crews.

But by nightfall on Tuesday, officials had called off the rescue efforts and said they would switch to searching for bodies. “The water’s deep, visibility’s low, it’s cold as I-don’t-know-what,” said Kevin Cartwright, a spokesman for the Fire Department.

The signs of all that had changed were only starting to become clear on Wednesday. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it was mobilizing more than 1,100 specialists to clear the wreckage of the bridge and unblock the Port of Baltimore’s shipping lane. In the meantime, Mr. Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, said the East Coast would have to rely more heavily on ports outside Baltimore.

Mr. McAvoy said the tragedy would ripple over the port for years.

Fishing crews always have found their way home following the Key Bridge, he said. “It’s going to change a lot of things for a lot of people.”

Reporting was contributed by Daniel Victor , Jacey Fortin , Zach Montague , Eduardo Medina , Miriam Jordan and Judson Jones . Susan C. Beachy contributed research.

Annie Correal reports from the U.S. and Latin America for The Times. More about Annie Correal

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs reports on national stories across the United States with a focus on criminal justice. He is from upstate New York. More about Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs

Campbell Robertson reports on Delaware, the District Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, for The Times. More about Campbell Robertson

Michael Forsythe a reporter on the investigations team at The Times, based in New York. He has written extensively about, and from, China. More about Michael Forsythe

Mike Baker is a national reporter for The Times, based in Seattle. More about Mike Baker

Middle East latest: Israeli PM Netanyahu should be removed now, predecessor says - as he condemns 'disgusting' airstrike that killed three Britons

Benjamin Netanyahu has "failed" the country and his handling of the war has been "outrageous", a former Israeli prime minister has said. It comes after seven aid workers, including three Britons, were killed in an IDF strike on their convoy.

Tuesday 2 April 2024 21:25, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Three British aid workers among seven killed in Israeli attack, charity says
• Netanyahu: Israel 'deeply regrets tragic incident'
• Ex-Israeli PM says Netanyahu should be 'removed immediately'
• Ships carrying 240 tonnes of undelivered aid to turn back from Gaza
• Alistair Bunkall: Israel's admission will not stop foreign leaders demanding answers
• Podcast: Will volunteers leave Gaza after aid deaths?
• Watch: Evidence suggests three separate strikes
• Live reporting by Guy Birchall

Geolocated images show three vehicles appearing in three different locations across a distance of around 2.4km (1.5 miles) in Deir al Balah. 

The World Central Kitchen says its team was travelling in a three-car convoy and its movements had been coordinated with the Israeli army.

The incident "wiped out the operations team" of a major aid organisation, which is helping to feed half a million people in Gaza, according to a boss of the World Food Programme.

Sky News' Data and Forensics Unit looks at what we know so far about what happened.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters have gathered in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem for the third day in a row.

They are calling for the immediate release of hostages, the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu and a general election.

Images showed people marching in the streets holding up placards reading "bring them home" and "stop the war".

Hundreds of tents have been set up in front of the Knesset, along with photos of those still held hostage after the 7 October attack by Hamas.

Antony Blinken extended his condolences to the friends and families of the aid workers who lost their lives in the IDF strike in Gaza.

Speaking in Paris, the US secretary of state said that World Central Kitchen had been doing "extraordinary and critical work" in Gaza and around the world.

He said: "The victims of yesterday's strike join a record number of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this particular conflict.

"These people are heroes, they show the best of what humanity has to offer when the going gets tough. They have to be protected.

"We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are, themselves, at grave risk.

"We spoke directly to the Israeli government about this incident and urged a swift and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened."

He added that the US and France had pressed on Israel the need to ensure civilians, both Gazans and aid workers, were not caught up in the crossfire of the war.

Mr Blinken has arrived in the French capital ahead of heading to Brussels for a NATO ministerial meeting tomorrow. 

Downing Street has just confirmed that Rishi Sunak spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu this evening.

According to a spokesperson, Mr Sunak said "he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an airstrike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened".

They added: "The prime minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable."

You can read more of the statement and other Westminster reaction in our  Politics Hub

Antonio Guterres has condemned an attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus, calling on "all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation", his spokesperson said. 

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general "cautions that any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East".

Iran has blamed Israel for the deadly strike, in which two of its senior military commanders were killed along with five officers.

Hossein Akbari, Tehran's ambassador to Damascus, who was not injured in the strike, promised the Iranian response would be "harsh".

In this video, our  military analyst Sean Bell  explains what we know so far about the IDF strike that killed seven aid workers, including three Britons.

The evidence suggests, he says, that the vehicles were hit separately and were spread out over about two and a half kilometres as they returned home from their shift.

This indicates three separate strikes, rather than a single strike as the Israeli prime minister has implied.

Watch Bell's full breakdown of events...

Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel "deeply regrets" the airstrike that killed seven aid workers, including three Britons.

Describing the event as a "tragic incident", the Israeli prime minister said that "our hearts go out to their families and to their home countries".

In a post on X he added that the IDF is conducting an investigation and that Israel would make the findings public.

Earlier he said that Israeli forces had "unintentionally hit innocent people", adding that such incidents "happen in war". 

The International Rescue Committee has sent its condolences to World Central Kitchen after seven of their aid workers were killed in an IDF strike on Gaza.

The IRC, one of the largest global humanitarian aid, relief and development nongovernmental organisations, called for an independent investigation into the incident and reiterated that civilians and aid workers are protected under international law.

Its statement said it called "for a full, independent, timebound investigation into this incident & all reported attacks on protected facilities and personnel in Gaza."

It added that UN Security Council member states "should secure concrete assurances from the Israeli government that attacks against civilians & aid workers will stop.

"The IRC reiterates the need for an urgent and sustained ceasefire in Gaza. 

"Only a ceasefire will protect civilians from further harm and enable the level of humanitarian scale up needed to save lives."

A former prime minister of Israel has told Sky News he thinks Benjamin Netanyahu should be "removed immediately".

Ehud Olmert says he believes the prime minister has "failed the country" and branded the way he is handling the conflict and the internal situation in Israel "completely outrageous".

He said: "I think the main thing that must be said against Netanyahu is that he fails to take the necessary measures to protect civilians and get back the hostages. 

"It seems that he is holding back the efforts by those who are taking part in the negotiations with Qatar and the US and that is appalling."

Asked if he thought there was some way Mr Netanyahu could be removed from office, he said: "I certainly hope so."

"The protest movement is growing, and I think they all want to bring down the government for their mistakes, their failures, wrong judgement and lack of responsibility in handling international affairs which is damaging our relationship with the US and Europe," he said.

He added there should be no ground assault in Rafah and that Israel needs to stop the war now.

"We won the war, any attempt to take over Rafah will not make any difference to the basic situation, it will just kill more Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. We don't need any of this."

He also described the deaths of the aid workers in the IDF strike on Gaza as "disgusting and terrible", adding he felt Israel should apologise formally for the incident but that he had "no doubt" it was a "mistake".

Our  Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall   says he suspects the UK government may take some sort of action after the deaths of three Britons in an IDF airstrike.

"It was not just a single airstrike - all three vehicles in that aid convoy spaced three kilometres apart were hit by missiles," he says.

"Clearly the fact that the aircraft, be it a drone or a jet, fired three separate missiles, shows it was the intention to strike this convoy.

"Perhaps they thought there were Hamas fighters in it.

"That is part of what the investigation will have to establish, but there were no Hamas fighters. 

"It was aid workers, among them three Britons, an Australian and a Polish national as well.

"It is the first time that foreign nationals have been killed, and that is why it is significant.

"I think we will see an international reaction against Israel asking it to explain itself and possibly consequences, particularly from the British government."

He added the Israeli government was quick to accept responsibility and send their condolences, but Benjamin Netanyahu's explanation that "these things happen in war" was unlikely to "rub" with Britain, Australia or Poland.

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March 27, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

By Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Our live coverage of the Baltimore bridge collapse has moved here .

Here's what you should know about the Key Bridge collapse

From CNN staff

Officials recovered the bodies of two construction workers who were on Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed early Tuesday morning after a 984-foot-long cargo ship collided into a pillar.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the collapse Wednesday " a global crisis ."

"The national economy and the world's economy depends on the Port of Baltimore. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in the country," Moore said.

Here's what you should know:

• The victims: The six people who are presumed dead were from Mexico Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr, the superintendent of Maryland State Police. Two bodies were recovered and have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes from Mexico and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala. The two workers were filling potholes on the bridge and were later found trapped in a red pickup truck in about 25 feet of water, Butler said. The FBI is handling notifying the victims' families, Butler said.
• Recovery efforts: Authorities are pausing search efforts for the four other workers who are presumed dead, because additional vehicles are encased in concrete and other debris, making it unsafe for divers, Butler said. Once salvage operations clear the debris, divers will search for more remains, he said.
• The investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, according to the agency's chair Jennifer Homendy. During a Wednesday news conference, Homendy said there were 21 crew members and two pilots on board the Dali cargo ship when it crashed into the bridge. She also said a senior NTSB hazmat investigator identified 56 containers of hazardous material, and that some containers are in the water. The agency received six hours of voyage data from the ship and the investigation could take 12 to 24 months to complete, Homendy said. She emphasized that NTSB will not analyze information collected or provide conclusions while on scene of the collapse.
• Looking forward: Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said rebuilding the bridge will not be "quick or easy" but that it will get done. He said there are four main focus points ahead: reopening the port, dealing with supply chain issues until its reopening, rebuilding the bridge and dealing with traffic issues until the bridge is rebuilt. Biden  pledged the full support  of the federal government in the response and recovery efforts. His administration has already conveyed a sense of urgency to open up federal funding to remove debris and ultimately rebuild the bridge. Maryland has submitted a request to the Biden administration for emergency relief funds "to assist in our work going forward," Moore said Wednesday.

It's almost impossible to place people on the bow of ship due to the unstable structure, fire official says

 From CNN's Sarah Engel

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said Wednesday that the cargo ship's bridge structure and containers at the bow remain unstable.

"It's going to be very difficult, if not impossible, and very dangerous, to place people on the bow of that boat right now," Wallace told CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

"Naturally, we're still very cognizant of the fact that there are hazardous materials on board the vessel itself," Wallace said, alluding to the National Transportation Safety Board saying earlier that 56 containers were carrying hazardous materials.

Wallace said his team is relying heavily on aerial recognizance, including drones. "That's the only way we're able to see in," he said.  

He added that the aerial surveillance has "been able to really assure us right now we have no [chemical] reactions on board." 

"It's just utter devastation," NTSB chief says of the bridge collapse site

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, called the site of the Key Bridge collapse "devastating."

"It's pretty devastating, certainly, seeing not just what's going on with the cargo containers, but just looking at what was a bridge span — three bridge spans that is pretty much gone. It's just utter devastation," she said at Wednesday evening's news briefing.

She added that she is thinking of families who lost loved ones and those who are waiting to reunite with their lived ones.

NTSB interviewed the Dali's captain and some other crew members today, agency chief says

The National Transportation Safety Board has interviewed the ship's captain, his mate, the chief engineer and one other engineer today, according to Chair Jennifer Homendy.

The two pilots on board the Dali at the time of collision will be interviewed tomorrow, she added.

Cargo ship's voyage data recorder is basic when compared to an airplane's, NTSB chair says

From CNN's Tori B. Powell

The voyage data recorder on the cargo ship Dali was a "newer model" but is considered basic when compared to that on an airplane, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"But it is very basic compared to say, a flight data recorder, where we would have 1,000 parameters," she said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The NTSB chief investigator Marcel Muise added:

"It's not a ship-wide system recorder, so most of the sensors that are being recorded are from the bridge. So things like GPS, the audio, rudder feedback, rudder commands are recorded on there. But not engineering, the temperature of each cylinder, power distribution sensors."

There were no tug boats with Dali at the time of the collision. That's normal, NTSB chief says

There were no tugs with Dali when the cargo vessel collided with Baltimore's Key Bridge, which is normal protocol, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Remember: At 01:26:39 on Tuesday, Dali's pilot made a general very high frequency (VHF) radio call for tugs in the vicinity to assist, the NTSB investigator Marcel Muise had said.

"The tugs help the vessel leave the dock, leave the port and get into the main ship channel. And then they leave. Once it's on its way, it's a straight shot through the channel. So there are no tugs with the vessel at the time. So they were calling for tugs," she said.

NTSB chair says she saw some containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said she did see some of the 56 containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water.

When asked how many

When asked how many containers of hazardous materials were in the water, Homendy said:

"I did see some containers in the water, and some breached significantly on the vessel itself," she said. "I don't have an exact number, but it's something that we can provide in an update."

Homendy said that a preliminary report should be out in two to four weeks.

This post has been updated with more quotes from Homendy.

Bridge did not have any redundancy, unlike the preferred method for building bridges today, NTSB chair says

Baltimore's Key Bridge did not have any redundancy, which is included in the preferred method of building bridges in the present day, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"The bridge is a fracture critical," she explained. "What that means is if a member fails that would likely cause a portion of, or the entire bridge, to collapse, there's no redundancy. The preferred method for building bridges today is that there is redundancy built in, whether that's transmitting loads to another member or some sort of structural redundancy. This bridge did not have redundancy," Homendy said.

There are 17,468 fracture critical bridges in the United States out of 615,000 bridges total, she said, citing the Federal Highway Administration.

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