At Wills Transfer, Health and Safety is HUGE. We have our very own Health and Safety and Environment Coordinator to bring new ideas and tips on daily safety for all branches at Wills. Our HSE Coordinator has to make sure the safety message is being heard and understood. Below are 10 reasons why this possibly fails.
Safe Supervisor – Sept 2017
1. They Really can’t Hear you
Do you mumble or talk too fast? Are you dealing with an employee with hearing loss? Is the environment distracting? These factors can affect what trainees hear.
2. You’re Speaking Greek
Don’t assume knowledge level and understanding. Define any words which may be unfamiliar. Keep the message focused and simple.
3. They Hear the Message but Don’t understand the Reason
Many trainees want to know the “what” and the “why”. especially if you’re trying to introduce a change in procedure or technique. Explaining the “why” is what will lead to a change in behaviour.
4. The Message Seems irrelevant
Before explaining a safety procedure, point out the hazards and how it affects them. It makes a lot more sense to wear protective gloves when you know about flesh-melting chemicals.
5. Your Jokes are Garbling the Message
Humour can be an important tool in training, but, if you kid around too much, it may be hard for trainees to tell when you are serious.
6. You’re Not listening
Give your trainees lots of chances to ask questions. You can gauge the level of understanding by what they ask. No questions, doesn’t equal understanding. Trainees may not have questions because they don’t understand what you said.
7. You’re Not Tailoring your Message
Differences in literacy levels and culture may make it difficult for you to communicate with your trainees. Be sensitive to these differences and look for ways to bridge them.
8. You’re Not Testing Their comprehension
Don’t assume the message has been comprehended. Ask the group to repeat the message back to you; “okay, now what is the procedure for disposing of oily rags?”
9. You’re Relying Too Heavily on the Spoken Word
Different people have different learning styles. Some need to hear, some need to see, others need to do. Still others won’t learn a thing until they get their hands on a training manual. Most need a combination of these methods.
10. You’re Not anticipating obstacles
There may be roadblocks to following your instructions. Habit and uncertainty are common ones. Try to anticipate and remove these. Does the trainee have the tools, equipment, or procedures to follow through on what you said?
Check our the full newsletter here – SafeSupervisor_Sep17_WEB
