Posted By Charles
Intangible – incapable of being perceived by the senses and Nebulous – vague)

Conversations expressed in the “IOSH Discussion Forums” are a rich tapestry of ideas and words based on the issues of one’s knowledge,attitude, behaviour and skill. This expression is based on the culmination of ones proactive development through many years of education. Training on the other hand concentrates primarily on these issues in a rather reactive way.

It is very important to understand that there’s a need for proper communication. Let us explore what I mean …we can see that there are many variations that exit on the production of the simple word “safety”.

“safety” signifies achievement
“safety” signifies interest and excitement
“safety” signifies disapproval
“safety” signifies puzzlement or uncertainty

We know that there are differences and what it signifies but precisely how each “safety” is different is very difficult. We can recognise the different effects but are unable to specify and describe the cause. It is difficult to change if you cannot say what it is that you should be doing differently, and how you should be doing it.

Therefore, in communicating effective safety messages we need to be sensitive to the denotation and connotation associated with a particular word or image. By denotation we mean the literal and precise definition of the object or process. Connotation we mean the context in which the word is used together with its associated meanings and the emotional reactions that it evokes. For example, a young man who is working outside his old school might be reluctant to wear his reflective jacket in case some of his mates see him and thought him to be a cissy.

To be able to conceptualise messages and react we must understand the importance of being educated. Education includes the psychology process of learning. The learning process we mean the readiness of learners, cognitive or thinking process, trial or testing period and the feedback phase (return on investment - results). This has been the subject of educationalists over the years who have more or less now agreed.

SAFETY EDUCATION is a factor within the SAFETY MIX.

DO YOU AGREE (YES/NO): LET’S START … A SAFETY REVOLUTION … BY EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING PEOPLE (HEIARCHY INCLUDED) SO THAT THEY CAN BE COME MORE RESPONSIBLE AND ACT SAFELY WITHOUT RISK TO THEMSELVES OR THEIR COLLEGUES.

Posted By John Murgatroyd
Another lesson to learn:
You can only educate those who want to learn.
And about a subject they want to learn about.

Posted By Frank Hallett
Communicate at the intellectual level of the other party.

Communicate by getting people interested in the message.

Communicate by involving rather than preaching at the other party.

Communicate by empowering rather than enforcing.

Communicate by consistantly applying the same standards to all at all times.

Communicate by setting achievable standards that individuals can relate to.

If all that fails; first ensure that your communicator is spreading the right message in the right way.

Then !!!! [you decide].

Frank Hallett