ABSTRACT
Communication is important to team effectiveness that it can be a causal factor in operational team success or failure. In high-hazard environments it is essential for team members to communicate effectively with each other, that communication is properly executed between teams, and for operational team leaders to be competent at communicating meaningful information to higher levels of authority within the organization. At its basic level communication means the transmission and reception of information. Non-verbal communication can be conducted using numerous methods, including written instructions in a number of formats, signs, and symbols. Considering the challenges associated with verbal communications in high-hazard environments, a diverse approach to message development and delivery often makes sense, particularly when crews and teams are dispersed and may be unable to hear verbal announcements and messages. In many operational environments, particularly where jobs are conducted outside and span a great distance, teams may not be in verbal communications range.
