Communicate Your Policy

Communication is critical to a safe and healthy workplace

All of the safety policies and procedures you develop are useless if your workers are not made aware of them and trained in how to apply them. Decide what orientation and training you will provide to your workers and when.

Laying the groundwork with a solid orientation

Start new workers —and transfers from other work areas—with a solid orientation. Cover information relevant to their safety and health, such as:

• emergency procedures
• first aid facilities
• any restricted areas
• precautions needed to protect them from hazards
• any other safety and health procedures, plans, policies, and programs that apply to them

When is training needed?

Training is needed whenever you introduce new equipment, processes, or procedures into the workplace. Training is also needed whenever you have instances of unacceptable safety and health performance.

Be aware of differences in language skills, literacy skills, and culture when communicating safety and health information. Adapt your communication style when necessary.

Checklist for safety and health training for your workers

• Education about workplace hazards and training on safe work practices and procedures
• Specific matters in the OH&S legislation and regulations that apply to the work being done—such as WHMIS or fall protection
• Your workplace safety and health plans, policies, and programs
• Legislative safety and health requirements that apply to the worker’s job, including information on workers’ rights and responsibilities under the Manitoba Workplace Safety & Health Act

Checklist for safety and health training for your supervisors

Include all of the training provided to workers, plus:

• Applicable sections of the Manitoba Workplace Safety & HealthAct and regulations—including their roles, duties, and responsibilities for workplace safety and health
• Emergency procedures
• Coaching and motivation
• Any other matters pertaining to the safety and health of workers under their direction

Off-the-job safety and health

Your conversations about safety and health don’t have to be limited to work-related activities. As a small business owner, you depend on every worker being available for work. An off-the-job injury can have as much impact on their ability to work as a work-related injury. Providing information about non-work-related hazards can help to show your workers that you value their contribution to your company and can also help to create a comfort level around raising safety concerns.

In addition to orientation and training, the following activities can help you communicate your safety and health messaging:

• safety meetings
• paycheque / pay stub enclosures
• regular discussion of safety and health issues at production, quality, and planning meetings
• managers demonstrating commitment to the program (walking the talk)
• weekly email bulletins (great for seasonal messages)
• posting notice board announcements and reminders
• any other ways that you can think of to get the safety message across

Creating clear and open communication at all levels in the workplace will encourage everyone’s support for, and participation in, safety and health activities. Workers will be more likely to follow safety and health procedures when they have been involved in their development.