How should changes to safety procedures be communicated according to EM 385-1-1?

Changes to safety procedures should be communicated using written notices and meetings to ensure clarity, which is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. This approach allows for formal communication that can be documented and referenced by all employees. Written notices help to ensure that everyone receives the same information, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the changes in detail, answer questions, and emphasize the importance of the new procedures in promoting safety.

Casual conversations, while they can facilitate informal discussions, do not guarantee that everyone receives the necessary information consistently. Communicating only when incidents occur fails to address proactive safety measures and can lead to a reactive rather than a preventive safety culture. Allowing changes to be communicated at the individual manager's discretion might result in uneven application of safety procedures, which can create confusion and inconsistency across the organization. Therefore, the structured approach of written notices and meetings is the best practice for communicating changes effectively and ensuring that all employees are informed and aligned with the updated safety procedures.