Clear communication, a prerequisite for safe behaviour

2 July 2019

Clear communication is fundamental for a safe workplace. Unclear instructions, language barriers, insufficient explanation, but also low literacy, can lead to accidents. In dangerous situations, people must be able to understand each other well. Everyone must know what they need to do.

Legislation stipulates that the employer must take the necessary measures to ensure that employees have sufficient information and instructions regarding the work equipment used at work. … This information and these instructions must be understandable to the employees concerned.

Different forms of communication (source: https://sentral.kluwer.be)

Written communication

use lists and tables
use short sentences
delete superfluous words
use everyday words
be careful with abbreviations
avoid jargon

Oral communication

provide a summary
use visual aids as support
be concrete and use examples

Audiovisual communication such as light signals, acoustic signals, hand and arm signals, pictograms, posters, etc. … . The basic colors for safety signs are laid down in the Codex.

Colour	Meaning/purpose	Indication/explanation
red	prohibition signs	dangerous attitude
red	danger/alarm	stop, stand still, emergency switch, evacuation
red	fire-fighting equipment, fire brigade equipment	identification and localization
yellow/orange-yellow	warning signal	beware, be careful, verification
blue	command	course of action or specific action, obligation to wear personal protective equipment
green	rescue signal, first aid signal	doors, exits, roads, material depots, premises
green	safe situation	return to normal situation

Digital communication such as SMS messages via mobile phone.

short messages
concrete messages
messages that are directly useful to the recipient

A tool where digital media can play an important role in improving communication with foreign-speaking employees is the creation of an online language guide.

A step-by-step plan for this:

Consult with foreign-speaking employees to determine which words and sentences they need to master to enable communication. This should include not only technical aspects or safety regulations, but also everyday phrases such as “Where is the toilet?”
The found words and sentences must be incorporated into a language guide. The words and sentences can be included in the language(s) of foreign-speaking employees.
Ensure that the language guide is regularly evaluated and updated.

Additional information on