From journal- Safety Daily Adviser
Do's and Don'ts of
Safety Instructions
Topic: Training
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As supervisor, you need to
convey safety instructions to your employees. Whether it is in the form of a
safety meeting, a quick demonstration, or in writing, your instructions must
be clear and concise to be effective.
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Oral Instructions
Few
supervisors realize that there is a knack to instructing. The way you speak
has a lot to do with whether your instructions will be carried out. Here are
some tips for making the most of your safety advice.
DO:
·
Be specific. Tell the employee
exactly what's expected of him or her. Telling someone to be �?ocareful�?� is too general.
Instead, say �?oTurn off the
machine before removing the guard,�?� or, �?oUse this tool for
the job.�?�
·
Be confident. If you're sure of
yourself and convey that feeling, you'll inspire respect and compliance from
your employees. You can't act confidently if you are not fully versed on the
safety procedures for every job in your area of responsibility. If you don't
know or aren't sure about some of these procedures, find out. Take safety
courses and read up on the topic.
·
Repeat the instructions. Employees can
misunderstand instructions when someone gives them orally and speaks quickly.
Also, English may be a second language for some workers. That's why it is
important to repeat the instructions several times. Then ask the employees to
explain what you just told them. You can even ask them to demonstrate what
you just said.
·
Check to make sure. Next time you pass
the area, make a point of observing if employees are carrying out your
instructions. Correct them on the spot if they are not complying fully.
DON'T:
·
Don't
give conflicting instructions.
·
Don't
assume a worker understands what you said.
·
Don't
get bogged down in excessive detail. Keep everything simple.
Written
Instructions
Written
handouts, safety posters, and signs are a great way of imparting important
safety information.
DO:
·
Use handouts during safety
training sessions.
·
Provide handouts in English and another
language
if English isn't the native tongue for some of your employees.
·
Use posters to enhance your
safety training. Effective posters grab your workers' attention with simple
images that provide an instant impression.
·
Use pictures and messages in a combination that are easy to
understand.
·
Place posters where employees gather, such as the
lunchroom or break area.
·
Place safety signs close to the equipment or hazards that are
the topic of the sign.
·
Point to the sign during training
sessions, and explain the warnings and instructions.
·
Pick signs that utilize pictures or symbols
effectively,
rather than written instructions.
DON'T:
·
Use
posters as a substitute for a complete safety program.
·
Use
scare tactics on posters.
·
Use
too many signs in one area. Replace signs that are worn out. Remove signs
where the hazard no longer exists.
Follow these do's and
don'ts to make your safety instructions as effective as possible at keeping
your workers safe.
Why It Matters
·
Trained
employees are safer employees.
·
Employees
look to you for their safety training.
·
You
need to follow effective communication techniques—both oral and written—to
ensure that the safety message and instructions are understood and applied by
your employees.
The better a trainer you
are, the safer your employees will be.REFERENCE Share Your Comments Update ::20-Jan-2016 |
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