Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Communication
Summary:
Clear and open communication is an essential part of health and safety. Effective communication is commonly limited by:
Ambiguity: Use terms that are clear and unambiguous. Saying my office is too warm, for example, suggests an office that is uncomfortable. Saying my office reaches 45 C every afternoon describes a different and much more serious concern.
Not asking questions: Asking questions can help make sure you have understood what you were told, or that what you have said has been understood. It is important to provide an opportunity to ask questions. Questions should be encouraged.
Assumptions: It is easy to make assumptions about common, everyday activities. Most people, for example, have access to a website, an email account or a cell phone. Most people read their email. Most cities have 911 (or similar) emergency responder service. Cell phones work in most places, and most people can read. Most people can hear an alarm bell. Any of these assumptions, if invalid, can result in serious communication problems.
Communicating Workplace Impacts
Individuals organizing work that may impact or disturb the workplace (such as noxious smells, noise, temporary utility outages, changes in egress) should strive to alert occupants beforehand.
One such method of communicating upcoming work is informing supervisors located in a building where work will be performed. Supervisors may then disseminate the information to their direct reports as necessary. Individuals organizing work can access a list of supervisor locations by building here: Supervisor Locations. This list is updated triannually and is based on those with listed direct reports in VIP + office location as listed on Microsoft accounts.
For further information and guidance, refer to the Guidelines for Communicating Workplace Impacts to Managers.
Visit myTrent and the Campus Projects Hub website for other updates on work occurring throughout Trent University.
For Information See:
Occupational Health and Safety Act. e.g. S.25 (2) (a) and (h), 27 (2) (a) and (c), 28 (c) and (d)
Additional Resources:
Health and Safety Executive, Safety Critical Communications
Last Revised: November 18, 2025