Creating a safe workplace isn’t just about hard hats and warning signs—it’s about people. One of the most powerful tools in preventing accidents and promoting a culture of safety is communication. Especially in behavior-based safety programs, communication plays a central role. It helps identify hazards, promote safe behaviors, and create an environment where everyone feels responsible for one another’s safety.
When we talk about workplace hazards, we often think of things like chemicals, heavy machinery, or high places. But one often overlooked hazard is poor communication. Misunderstandings, unclear instructions, and a lack of feedback can lead to serious incidents. That’s why learning how to communicate effectively can save lives.
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What Is a Behavior-Based Safety Program?
A behavior-based safety (BBS) program is a proactive approach to preventing workplace injuries and incidents. It focuses on workers’ behavior and how their actions—both safe and unsafe—affect overall safety.
Rather than just reacting to accidents, BBS looks at the root causes: Why did someone take a risk? Were they unaware? Were instructions unclear? Did they feel pressure to rush? Most of these answers relate back to communication.
An Anecdote: The Forklift Incident
Let’s take a real-life example. In a warehouse, a forklift operator was rushing to meet a deadline. He misunderstood a hand signal from a coworker and accidentally reversed into a shelving unit. No one was hurt, but it was a close call.
The investigation revealed that the team had never standardized their hand signals. Different people used different gestures, and new workers were never properly trained on them. A lack of clear communication created a hazard.
How Communication Shapes Behavior-Based Safety
1. Establishing Expectations
Before anyone steps onto a job site, they need to know what’s expected of them. That means more than just reading a manual. It involves face-to-face discussions, Q&A sessions, and ongoing conversations.
In BBS programs, supervisors should clearly explain:
- The specific behaviors that are considered safe
- The risks of unsafe actions
- How to report unsafe conditions
- The consequences of ignoring safety protocols
2. Providing Immediate Feedback
Feedback is one of the cornerstones of behavior-based safety. But it has to be timely, respectful, and constructive. If a worker takes a shortcut that could be dangerous, someone needs to speak up—right then and there.
But here’s the key: it’s not about blame; it’s about growth.
Feedback should sound like this:
- “Hey, I noticed you weren’t wearing your gloves—can I remind you why that’s important?”
- “Nice job using the guardrail today. It’s great to see you setting the example.”
These conversations build a culture of safety, where people look out for each other.
3. Encouraging Two-Way Communication
In too many workplaces, safety messages flow one way—top-down. Managers make the rules, and workers are expected to follow them. But that’s not how behavior-based safety thrives.
Workers often spot hazards first. They know which corners get slippery or which tools are outdated. By encouraging two-way communication, employees feel empowered to speak up.
Set up suggestion boxes, conduct safety huddles, or create an open-door policy. Let workers know their voice matters.
4. Promoting Accountability and Trust
When workers trust their supervisors and coworkers, they’re more likely to take ownership of safety. That trust is built through honest, respectful, and frequent communication.
Imagine being corrected on a mistake by someone you respect versus someone who talks down to you. The first one helps you grow; the second shuts you down.
In behavior-based programs, communication isn’t just about words—it’s about tone, timing, and intention.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enhancing Communication in BBS
Step 1: Train Supervisors on Communication Skills
Train leaders on how to give feedback, handle tough conversations, and encourage participation. Use real examples and role-play sessions to make the training stick.
Step 2: Standardize Safety Language
Create a set of agreed-upon terms and gestures, especially for high-risk environments like construction or manufacturing. Make sure everyone is trained and tested on this language.
Step 3: Create Clear Reporting Channels
Make it easy for workers to report hazards or suggest improvements. Use WhatsApp groups, feedback apps, or physical drop-boxes to suit your team’s needs.
Step 4: Hold Regular Safety Talks
Use daily or weekly safety huddles to remind teams of expectations and share success stories. Let different workers lead these talks to keep them engaging.
Step 5: Celebrate Safe Behavior
Recognize and reward safe actions. Even a “thank you” in front of the team goes a long way in reinforcing good behavior.
Common Communication Barriers in BBS
Despite best efforts, certain barriers can disrupt communication in safety programs:
- Language differences: Especially in diverse teams.
- Fear of retaliation: Workers may fear punishment for speaking up.
- Lack of training: Some workers may not know how to express safety concerns.
- Time pressure: Tight schedules can discourage conversations.
The solution? Build a culture where safety conversations are encouraged, respected, and normalized.
Real-World Example: The Power Plant Turnaround
At a power plant in Karachi, management was preparing for a critical maintenance shutdown. Workers from different departments had to collaborate under intense deadlines.
Instead of jumping into the job, they took one full day to align communication practices—daily briefings, color-coded tags, and multi-language signs. The result? Zero incidents during the entire turnaround. Communication made the difference.
Why Communication Is a Hazard Solution, Not Just a Soft Skill
Poor communication can be just as dangerous as a faulty machine. It leads to:
- Missed warnings
- Unsafe shortcuts
- Confusion over roles
- Delayed emergency responses
By improving communication, workplaces can prevent these hidden hazards and create an environment where safety is second nature.
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Final Thoughts: Communication as the Backbone of Safety
In every successful behavior-based safety program, communication is the backbone. It’s not just about policies or checklists—it’s about people.
When teams talk openly, give feedback, share responsibility, and truly care about one another’s wellbeing, safety becomes a shared mission, not just a rulebook.
Whether you’re a supervisor, a safety officer, or someone just starting your journey with the NEBOSH course in Pakistan, remember this:
Every safety conversation matters. Every voice matters. And every word can save a life.
