Enhancing Positive Safety Culture Through Effective Communication

Presentation By Muhammad AhmedConsultant HSE Manager

National Engineering Bureau (NEB)EKFC Expansion Project, Dubai U.A.E

2

Content• Safety culture

• Communication strategies

• Safety communication tools

• Case study on safety communication

Communication Superhighway

4

Positive Safety Culture• Methods of control within the organization

• Management commitment

• Securing trust and co-operation

• Competence/capability of individuals

• Consultation and communication throughout the organization• team meetings, feedback, recognition

• policies, rules, procedures

• accept responsibility

• report incidents and errors

• training, instructions, supervision

Communication Strategies

6

The Communication GameWe Communicate To…….Command/directReassureAssistAdviseAcknowledgeLearnWarnMotivateTrainSeek helpGain respectComplain

Barriers to Effective Communication

Selective listening

Lack of empathy

Lack of information, knowledge, attention to detail

Self-image, status, prejudice, accents

Differing perception of risk

Failure to explore, alternative solutions

Mind made up/preconceived ideas, poor judgement

7

• “We’ve tried that before”

• “I have real (important) work to do”

• “I’m too busy to do it”

• “It won’t work”

• “It’s not in my budget”

• “It’s not my job”

• “Accidents just happen”

• “I’ve done it this way for donkey’s years and nothing’s gone wrong”

Poor Attitudes

State the problem

Outline the parameters

List your options

Visualise your solutions

Evaluate your findings

9

Language and WordsDon’t be negative Be positive

What’s the problem? How can I help?

You should have…. From now on….. or Next time……

I’ve told you before not to….. How about trying it this way

This will cost money Investment in your health & wellbeing

Why aren’t you wearing your safety

gloves?

Because no one has told me it's a problem

Why do we only have one size of gloves?

Why don't you get a pair your size from the store?

Because they only have one size and design

Why hasn't anyone reported a problem with

glove sizes?

No-one listens to or acts upon our suggestions

Chain of Causes – ask ‘why’

Because they don’t fit

Speaking With Management

Self preservation, status, health & wellbeing?

Solutions, costs, time? Is it value adding?

Evidence – prove it, show me how, give me an example?

Priorities and issues – outcomes, risk assessment?

Mandatory

Put Empty Bottles Here

Help Keep Our Environment Clean

Recycle Bottles Here

Example 1 Example 2

Safety Communication Tools

14

Safety Communication Tools• Mission statement, OHS policy

• OHS statistics

• Safety induction

values, expectations, objectives

work safely from Day 1

lost time, medical treatment, positive indicators

15

Safety Communication Tools• Risk assessment

• Manuals, checklists, operating procedures

• Hazards, incidents, near-misses, safety alertsinvestigate, correct the action, report symptoms

identify hazards, control risks

rules and requirements for safe work

16

Safety Communication Tools• Training

• Website

• Brochures, posters, videosfact sheets, newsletters

safety manual, polices, OHS committee minutes

gaps in knowledge, at-risk areas

17

Medium Of Safety Communication• OHS Management System

• OHS strategic plan – health and wellbeing strategy

• OHS Improvement Plans – objectives and targets

• Measure OHS performance – investigate incidents and review trends

• Policies and procedures – include communication plan

• OHS committees and OHS staff• Risk assessments • Audits and inspections

• OHS training

• Website, newsletter, annual report, conference, awards, safety week

18

Results• Improved incident and injury statistics

– decreased number and costs of compensation claims– decreased severity (zero lost time)

• Increased participation in safety programs

– hazard and near-miss reports

• Improved cooperation and support – strong staff satisfaction and survey results

• Received internal and external recognition (awards)

Summary

20

Communication Tips1. Think before you speak - say what you mean and mean what you say

2. Mind your body language – posture, voice tone

3. Be effective in speaking to people and don't hide behind e-mails

4. Keep it simple - brief and specific feedback messages over time

5. Put out a consistent message about your expectations - focus advice

21

Communication Tips6. Provide support – immediate constructive feedback for those at-risk

7. Reinforce the message – friendly and caring reminders

8. Express appreciation – positive feedback – repeat the behavior

9. Know the employees – feedback from work teams

10. Set an example – don’t develop bad habits

Muhammad AhmedNEB HSE Manager | EKFC ProjectHead Office : 304 Oud Metha Offices Building  P.O. Box 26644 Dubai, United Arab EmiratesW www.neb.ae  | T +971 4 2950708  |  M +971 50 3803166 healthandsafetyofficer786@gmail.com