S1 Ep16: Mighty Line Minute | Effective Safety Messaging: Using Props

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Welcome back, everyone to Mighty Line Minute, in our series this month on effective safety messaging. For those who had the opportunity to experience the total eclipse, what a great experience that was! The day will be remembered for a long time, and the stories will go on for ages to come.
Today in our discussion of effective safety communication, we’ll talk a bit about other tools that can be used; for example, “Props.” Props are tools that we can use in our communications to increase and improve the likelihood of success so that we can get the desired behavior or affect the desired change.
Let me give you some examples:
Signage is one example of a prop that can be used. During the eclipse, I brought along my Mighty Line® sign for severe weather, and I posted that where we were sitting.
With signage, however, it is crucial that the most effective and useful signage is selected and used; otherwise, the message may be lost.
Equally, it’s important to make sure that you don’t overuse signage to the point that the accurate message is not really understood and appreciated.
I have an interesting story to tell you about a plant manager that once overused safety signage. Specifically, he was being provided with free monthly safety posters over a course of several years. During an audit of the operation, it was observed that the entire wall of the plant was cloaded with safety posters, to the point that it presented a fire risk. They had to be taken down.
Equally concerning was the fire chief I recall from my high school days, when he ordered the removal of all signs and banners lining the entire length of the gymnasium, particularly those at the top edge of the stands where people were seated. They went nearly all the way up to the ceiling. He pointed out the fire risk that was involved.
What's important here is to ensure that you are choosing your messaging appropriately, ensuring that it clearly conveys what needs to be said, is effectively communicated, and is placed where people can see the message, react appropriately, and understand its meaning.
But does it always happen? It’s your job to make sure that it does!
On that note regarding responsibility for determining effective messaging, if you notice something that doesn't make sense, could be better communicated, or is an area lacking the communication that should be provided, speak up! Because we are all in this together, it's critical that we, as a team, decide what needs to be put into place so that we achieve the necessary behaviors and changes.
And remember also that safety is everyone’s responsibility, so be sure to speak up when the message isn’t clear, could be made clearer, or when you have a better idea about how an important message should be communicated.
And finally, regarding the effectiveness and use of props during your communications, I recall a time when I needed to convince an executive of the critical importance of implementing a higher level of fire protection and design.
In doing so, the professional had a background that was primarily financial. How was I to communicate with that individual regarding the need for fire research and improved fire protection? In one pocket I carried a standard 17/32” large orifice sprinkler. And in the second pocket, I carried an "Early Suppression Fast Response" (ESFR) sprinkler with a much larger orifice. I was able to present to him both sprinklers, demonstrate the diameter of the waterflow, discuss the gallons per minute involved, and talk about the delivered water density, in addition to the droplet size that would reach the seat of the fire. That helped establish an understanding of what would be delivered by this new sprinkler design.
When you’re dealing with management, sometimes you need to take a unique approach. Those sprinklers helped us discuss the importance and potential for cost savings in future warehouse designs.
So to summarize, utilize props, signage, and other tools that you may not normally consider to enhance the effectiveness and success of your safety communications.
Have a MIGHTY Day!
Dave