COMMUNICATION IN SAFETY

Definition of Communication
The act of communicating; transmission. a. The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior. b. Interpersonal rapport. Communications (used with a sing. or pl. verb) a. The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas. b. The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting. c. Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.

Reference to Regulations/Standards
Philippines OSH Standards OHSAS 18001:1999 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Standard IOHA Report to ILO on an International OHSMS ILO OSHS MS 2001 OSHA 1910.1200 Hazard Communication ISRS (International Safety Rating System)
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Occupational Safety & Health Standards (Rule 1000-Gen. Provisions)

Duties of the Employers

1. Provide a safe place of employment 2. Give complete job safety instructions to all workers 3. Use only approved devices & equipment 4. Comply with the requirements of the OSHS
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Occupational Safety & Health Standards (Rule 1000-Gen. Provisions)

Duties of the Workers

1. Cooperate with the employer 2. Proper use of safeguards and devices 3. Report any work hazards 4. Follow all instructions in compliance with OSHS
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OHSAS 18001 Requirements

4.4.3 Consultation and communication
The organization shall have procedures for ensuring that pertinent OH&S information is communicated to and from employees and other interested parties. Employee involvement and consultation arrangements shall be documented and interested parties informed.
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OHSAS 18001 Requirements

Employees shall be: Involved in the development and review of policies and procedures to manage risks; Consulted where there are any changes that affect workplace health and safety; Represented on health and safety matters; and Informed as to who is their employee OH&S representative(s) and specified management appointee
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IOHA Report to ILO on an International OHSMS

Initiation (OHS Inputs) 1.0 Management Commitment and Resources 2.0 Employee Participation Formulation (OHS Process) 3.0 Occupational Health and Safety Policy 4.0 Goals and Objectives 5.0 Performance Measures 6.0 System Planning and Development 7.0 OHSMS Manual and Procedures
*Review and Analysis of International, National, and Regional Systems and Proposals for a New International Document, The International Labour Office/The International Occupational Hygiene Association, August 31, 1998

IOHA Report to ILO on an International OHSMS

Implementation/Operations (OHS Process) 8.0 Training System 9.0 Hazard Control System 10.0 Preventive and Corrective Action System 11.0 Procurement and Contracting Evaluation (Feedback) 12.0 Communication System 13.0 Evaluation System Improvement/Integration (Open System Elements) 14.0 Continual Improvement 15.0 Integration 16.0 Management Review

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IOHA Report to ILO on an International OHSMS

12.0 Communication System The communication system can be defined and implemented in several ways. In its most basic form, a viable communication system should identify how, and to whom, information for the proper functioning of the OHSMS will be transmitted. A well-functioning communication system with defined feedback channels is essential for a successful OHSMS. This system component provides the means by which all other system variables relate and interact.

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ILO OSH 2001

3.6 Communication
3.6.1. Arrangements and procedures should be established and maintained for:
(a)

(b)

(c)

receiving, documenting and responding appropriately to internal and external communications related to OSH; Ensuring the internal communication of OSH information between relevant levels and functions of the organization; and Ensuring that the concerns, ideas and inputs of workers and their representatives on OSH matters are received, considered and responded to.

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THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, INFORMATION AND/OR FEELINGS BETWEEN TWO PARTIES FOR MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.

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Reasons Why We Need To Communicate

To provide information To clarify and explain To educate and train To convince and persuade
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CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION

ENCODE

DECODE

THOUGHTS FEELINGS & IDEAS

THOUGHTS FEELINGS & IDEAS

SENDER

RECEIVER

RECEIVER

SENDER FEEDBACK

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COMMUNICATION PROCESS
MEDIUM

ENCODES IDEAS/ THOUGHTS

MESSAGE DECODES

RECEIVER SENDER ENCODES ENCODES MESSAGE IDEAS/ THOUGHTS

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FEEDBACK

Hear the message Interpret the Message Evaluate the Message Respond to the Message

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Receiving information through your ears (and eyes) Giving meaning to that information Deciding what you think (or feel) about that information Responding to what you hear

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