Why Are Safety Communications Important?

Words: Zach Everett

They say communication is one of the most necessary and impactful ingredients in a successful marriage. Communication in a masonry business is much the same. Building a culture of safety is no different. We want people to avoid injury and illness, and the only way to do that is to communicate the risks in a way they can understand, thereby avoiding potential catastrophe. Safety talks, pre-task planning, or Job Safety Analysis (JSAs) reviews with the crew, or any safety talk, are all ways of communicating the proper way of doing a task to avoid the risk of injury. This can be on the job site, in an office, with a general contractor, with subcontractors, pre-construction meetings, or any other venue where safety is part of the topic.

Pre-Task Planning
Likely, we have all seen situations where a safety meeting sheet was laid down and the crew was told to sign off, but rather than go over the safety topic as they should, the crew one by one signs off and goes to work. This is an obvious sign that safety is not as important as it should be. It's a symptom of a deeper illness—a heart issue. Safety is not in their heart. "Pencil whipping" a safety meeting or JSA is missing a wonderful chance to communicate something that may save someone's life. Some may feel that a safety meeting is simply slowing down production or getting in the way of the real goal and reason for being there. Communicating safety in a meaningful way can increase production and help avoid shutdowns. For example, talking about the safety of the scaffolds can help ensure the scaffold is built safely. This helps everyone feel secure and safe while working, rather than being distracted by missing boards, handrails, or some other issue that could impede the mental comfort of workers. This is only one example, and there are many more that we could give. Part of a well-oiled, high-performing masonry crew is exemplary safety practices as part of that well-oiled machine. During the pre-task planning meeting, the following steps should take place:

  • Reviewing the Day’s Tasks: Discuss what tasks will be performed, the materials and equipment required, and the specific risks associated with each task. For instance, setting up scaffolding or lifting heavy masonry blocks may require extra precautions like fall protection or equipment checks.

  • Identifying Control Measures: After identifying risks, the team should discuss strategies to mitigate these hazards. This may involve using specific tools, implementing safe work practices, or adjusting the workflow. For example, if workers are at risk of falling, using harnesses or guardrails can help reduce that risk.

  • Communicating Roles and Responsibilities: Assigning clear roles and responsibilities ensures everyone understands their part in maintaining a safe environment. This clarity helps workers stay focused and reinforces a collective approach to safety.


Safety Meetings
Often safety talks are delivered on the job site by the superintendent to the crew, but all should participate. Make it personal. Think of stories from your personal life that you can share. Consider the job tasks for the day and include them as well. The more relevant and personally applicable the safety talk is, the more your coworkers will embrace it willingly. They will also remember what was discussed in the safety talk when they see the issue in the field later in the day. I know what people are thinking—some safety topics are hard to be enthusiastic about. The way to conquer this is to bring it down to a personal level. It could cost someone’s life. Who will take care of their family, and raise their kids?

  • Daily Safety Huddles: These short, focused meetings typically take place at the start of each shift and serve as a quick check-in to review the day’s tasks, discuss potential hazards, and clarify any safety-related issues. For example, if there’s an elevated work task scheduled, the team can review the fall protection measures in place and ensure that everyone is clear on their roles.

  • Weekly Safety Meetings: While daily huddles focus on immediate tasks, weekly safety meetings can be more comprehensive. These meetings allow the team to discuss broader safety issues, conduct toolbox talks, and review any safety incidents from the previous week. They also offer an opportunity for workers to raise concerns and suggest improvements to safety practices.
A strong safety program will make a company money! It will benefit their bottom line, quality, and schedule. This cannot happen without communicating the high value of safety through safety talks of every kind. When safety is not communicated continually, injuries are the natural result. When that happens, employees stop working, which costs money. The downtime will depend on the severity of the injury. Some people will stop to help the injured, while others will stop to just watch out of concern. If the injury requires EMS, chances are the whole job will shut down. All the supervision will stop what they’re doing to ensure proper care is given. Time will be taken to do an injury investigation, and employees will have downtime writing witness statements. There should be a safety meeting held immediately to inform the other crew members what happened so they can avoid a similar hazard. As more information comes out about the incident, that too should be shared with the crew. Additional training may be needed as well. There can be literally thousands of dollars spent solely in downtime associated with just one injury. It will affect schedule, morale, and money.



New Hire Onboarding and Orientation
Safety onboarding for new hires is a critical step in setting expectations and ensuring that every worker understands the importance of safety from the very beginning. An effective new hire orientation should cover everything from company safety policies to specific safety procedures for masonry tasks.

An effective new hire safety orientation should include:

  • Company Safety Policies: New employees should be introduced to the company’s safety culture and core values, emphasizing the importance of reporting hazards, following protocols, and looking out for one another.

  • Job-Specific Training: Each new hire must be trained on the specific risks and safety protocols associated with masonry work. For instance, workers should understand how to safely handle heavy masonry materials, how to use scaffolding correctly, and how to operate any specialized equipment safely.

  • Emergency Procedures: A crucial part of any safety orientation is ensuring that all new hires know what to do in the event of an emergency. This includes knowing evacuation routes, how to use fire extinguishers, and whom to contact in case of an accident.

Constant Collaboration
Safety on masonry sites depends on constant collaboration among all stakeholders—workers, foremen, project managers, safety officers, and the general contractor. Regular communication ensures that everyone is aware of potential hazards and has the tools to address them in real time.

Strategies to foster this collaboration include:

  • Safety Walks: Regular site inspections conducted by supervisors or safety officers help identify hazards and ensure safety measures are being followed. These walks provide opportunities for immediate corrections and serve as a visible reminder of the importance of safety.

  • Open Communication Channels: Maintaining open lines of communication through digital platforms, meetings, or direct conversations makes it easier for workers to report issues and stay informed about potential risks.


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