Everything that we do involves communication. It isn't surprising that research studies show that 70% of the mistakes that happen in the workplace are the result of poor communication.

The way we begin our messages frequently determine what the result is.

According to statistics, individuals determine what our messages mean very quickly and whether they are going to be receptive to them from the very start. We only have a very brief time for getting our message across:

- 10 to 15 seconds via voice mail
- 30 seconds when we are on the phone
- 2 minutes when face to face

The more important your message is, the greater the need for planning what you will say.
We asked Goldcross Training for their input and they left us with the following are 10 ways for improving workplace safety communication while discussing an existing or new safety initiative during the next safety meeting, safety initiative launch or toolbox talk.

1. Begin with an explanation of what your current safety status is. The best way of showing this is through using a visual. For example, in 1994 when Lou Gerstner was hired by IBM as its new CEO, he placed two different charts on a wall that showed how the company's market share had fallen dramatically. Until then, the staff at IBM refused to believe that their company was in trouble (that year they lost $8 billion). As the saying goes, a picture really does tell a thousand words. The staff of IBM quickly saw what Gerstner's message was.

2. Make sure your safety information is customized. If your message will be on different websites, discuss the individual safety records instead of the entire company.

3. Explain what the benefits are of your safety initiative and the thinking that was behind it as well as how it effects the company, staff and their families. For instance, you can inform people on how much you are expecting that a new training program that you are instituting will contribute to injuries being reduced and what the consequences are.

4. Get individuals involved with your messages. When you are speaking to a group, get people involved and participating. Ask them questions. Have them demonstrate how they lift something. Have an expert there pointing out ways they can improve things and potential damage they might be doing with their bodies. You can also ask workers about where they think the best places are to put new safety posters. Think of other strategies you can use so that people will help to spread your message.

5. Use various communication methods to repeat your message over time. Use letters from your GM, email newsletters, video content and posters. Put together a communication events schedule that sends out your message on a continuous basis.

6. Tell stories. Stories are preferred by the right brain. An emotional connection is also provided to the information that can help people remember it.
Think of some real-life stories from the workplace that can help to show how important safety is.

7. Condemn in private, reward in public. Publicly change leaders and recognized safety leaders who perform well. It will encourages employees to work in a more safe way. For those who aren't doing things properly, they need to be corrected in private.

8. Use positive language. Try to not use words such as can't and don't. Focus on behavior instead of things you don't want.

9. Set Clear Expectations. Make sure everyone knows what you expect of them and how it will be measured. Set clear targets and goals.

10. Follow up using Action. Although your words might be accepted by workers, they will be looking to see if you take action to show that you believe in what you say. Continue to communicate.