ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author examines a topic that is taken for granted in many organizations. Here, he identifies common pitfalls safety professionals make when providing written instructions to employees. Too often, standards, procedures, and guidelines are regurgitations of government regulations rather than clear and concise directions. Through the simple example of using a Phillips screwdriver, the author compares and contrasts two starkly different methods of writing. In the first, he uses the legal terms “shall” and “will” to demonstrate the confusing nature of procedures written to satisfy compliance goals alone. In the second, he uses clear directions such as “do this” or “do that.” The chapter concludes with a colorful character from the chemical plant described in Chapter 2. The example shows the extent to which damage can be caused when directions are unclear. This chapter’s Stupid Simple Tool is a basic writer’s guide designed to help any safety practitioner write better.
