ABSTRACT
Effective communication in the workplace has been described as the lifeline without which nothing can be achieved. This chapter explores how safety communication influences safety learning and education in a safety climate. It argues that learning should extend beyond management to worker relations, given that safety education also occurs among co-workers. Management must explore approaches which encourage strong social cohesion among workers, since it is necessary for safe climate evolution. Effective safety communication is an equal responsibility between management and workers and must be designed to allow a feedback mechanism. Safety communication improves skills and competence among all construction workers; by adopting non-traditional training methods such as the use of teaching aids and non-verbal communication where necessary, safety education and compliance levels may be influenced in favour of an improved safety performance in the construction industry. It is necessary that management communicates with workers in a language that they understand. Safety-related interventions such as training must be designed to accommodate the learning needs and requirements of general construction workers in order to achieve the anticipated results.
