Hazard communication is only effective when every worker understands the information being provided. Differences in language, literacy, reading ability, or experience should never prevent someone from understanding chemical hazards or safe work procedures. Employers and supervisors must ensure hazard information is communicated in a way that workers can understand, and every worker should ask questions whenever something is unclear.
This toolbox talk reviews the importance of effective communication for all workers and the steps that help ensure everyone understands chemical hazards before beginning work.
Why This Matters
- Workers cannot protect themselves from hazards they do not understand.
- Misunderstanding labels or Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) can lead to serious chemical exposures.
- Clear communication improves emergency response and safe decision-making.
- Every worker has the right to receive hazard information in a form they can understand.
- Effective communication reduces injuries, illnesses, and workplace incidents.
Common Hazards
- Language barriers preventing workers from understanding chemical hazards.
- Difficulty reading labels, procedures, or Safety Data Sheets.
- Assuming workers understand instructions without verifying comprehension.
- Using technical terminology without explanation.
- Workers hesitating to ask questions because they are unsure or embarrassed.
- Poor communication during emergencies involving hazardous chemicals.
- Changes in chemical hazards that are not clearly communicated.
- Inconsistent instructions from different supervisors or contractors.
Safety Checklist
Before Work Begins
- Provide hazard communication training in a language and format workers can understand.
- Review chemical labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and safe work procedures before starting work.
- Use clear language, visual aids, demonstrations, or interpreters when appropriate.
- Encourage workers to ask questions if any instruction is unclear.
- Verify that workers understand the hazards, required PPE, and emergency procedures.
- Ensure supervisors know how to communicate effectively with all members of the crew.
During Work
- Communicate changes in chemical hazards or work procedures immediately.
- Confirm workers understand new instructions before work continues.
- Use consistent terminology and established hand signals or communication methods when appropriate.
- Report communication problems that could affect worker safety.
- Provide additional explanation or retraining whenever needed.
- Stop work if critical hazard information cannot be clearly communicated.
Crew Talking Points
- Does everyone understand today's chemical hazards and work procedures?
- Where can workers find Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) if they need additional information?
- Who should you ask if a label or instruction is unclear?
- How can the crew improve communication during hazardous work?
- What should you do if another worker appears confused about a chemical hazard?
- Speak up immediately if you do not understand a chemical hazard, work instruction, or emergency procedure.
Stop Work If
- Workers do not understand the hazards associated with the chemicals being used.
- Critical safety instructions cannot be communicated clearly.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) or chemical labels are unavailable or cannot be understood.
- Changes in chemical hazards have not been communicated to affected workers.
- Required PPE or emergency procedures are unclear.
- You are unsure how to safely perform the task because of a communication issue.
Final Reminder
Hazard communication only works when everyone understands it. Ask questions, request clarification whenever needed, and make sure important chemical safety information is communicated in a way every worker can understand. Clear communication is an essential part of preventing chemical exposures and keeping everyone safe.
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