Communication and Safety Module Quiz

Course Module Information

• Course title: Communication and Safety
• Course code: SAFE 6002
• Revision date: June 2011
• Institution: MacPhail School of Energy, SAIT Polytechnic

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how effective communication contributes to workplace safety.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the role of effective communication in a safety program.
• Describe factors that promote and hinder effective communication.
• Discuss various methods of safety communication.

Introduction

• Effective communication is crucial to workplace safety.
• The module examines good communication and its processes.
• Explores how information flows and communication barriers.
• Emphasizes the importance of communication skills in the workplace.
• All jurisdictions in Canada have similar health and safety legislation.
• The Alberta Act, Regulation, and Code are used as primary references.
• Students are encouraged to use relevant local documents for specific provinces/territories.

Objective One: Importance of Communicating Effectively

• Communication issues often cause workplace injuries.
• Common problems include tasks not done when they should be or done when they shouldn't in a different way.
• Frequently heard statements include "I didn't understand", "Nobody told me", or "I didn't know".
• Effective communication is a major factor in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe workplace.
• Poor communication might indicate the worker did not understand the expected procedures.

Objective Two: Factors Promoting and Hindering Effective Communication

• Communication involves content, delivery, and listening/understanding.
• Effective senders use clear content, match non-verbal and verbal messages.
• Effective receivers actively listen to verbal and non-verbal cues to fully understand the message.
• This process has multiple steps that might not be directly obvious to all participants.

Objective Three: Methods of Safety Communication

• Hazard Assessments are a requirement under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code.
• They identify workplace hazards and control methods.
• Hazard assessments involve worker participation where feasible.
• Assessments communicate hazards to all affected workers.
• Assessments must be updated when worksite, activities, or job duties change.

Safety Communication Methods

• Safety Meetings: Purpose and agenda; meaningful discussion; attendee participation; avoid unnecessary complaints or personal grievances; engage diverse perspectives; summarize key points, causes & recommendations

• Pre- and Post-Job Meetings: Clarify expectations; responsibilities; detailed work plans; review progress; identify issues

• Toolbox/Tailgate Meetings: Clarify tasks; assigned responsibilities for all assigned tasks; identify job hazards. Ensure that all relevant safety documents, procedures,equipment are available during the meetings and are followed

• Safe Work Permits: Employer's responsibility to ensure safe workplaces; employees responsible for maintaining safety awareness.

• Posters: Research indicates limited effectiveness as a solitary method; effective communication requires matching and supporting other activities, like pre-job meetings, safety guidelines, and training.

• Safety Alerts: Safety associations sometimes provide alerts about potential hazards or incidents that were reported. Safety associations share these alerts on their websites (e.g., Enform).

• Other communication methods are also in use in specific industrial settings.