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
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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)

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

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

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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

IOHA Report to ILO on an

International OHSMS

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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.

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

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SENDER
FEEDBACK

COMMUNICATION PROCESS
MEDIUM

MESSAGE

ENCODES

DECODES

IDEAS/
THOUGHTS

RECEIVER
SENDER

IDEAS/
THOUGHTS

ENCODES
ENCODES
MESSAGE

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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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