Do’s and Don’ts of Safety Instructions

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 “careful” is too general. Instead, say “Turn off the machine before removing the guard,” or, “Use 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.

---

Try a demo of BLR’s remarkable new Employee Training Center at no cost or obligation.

---

Here are some things to avoid when giving instructions.

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.

---

Unlimited training—one low cost. Demo the new Employee Training Center, there’s no cost or obligation.

---

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.

More Articles on Training