Employers are being urged to simplify their health and safety messaging with a new toolkit designed to reduce misunderstandings and improve workplace communication.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has introduced Spell It Out, a free resource aimed at helping organizations adopt plain language in their safety materials. The toolkit provides practical guidance on avoiding jargon, acronyms, and complex wording that can create barriers—particularly for new workers, those with different first languages, or employees with varying literacy levels.
“There’s no room for confusion or misunderstanding in health and safety,” said Anne Tennier, president and CEO of CCOHS. “With clear safety messages and guidance that are easy for everyone to understand, we can make our workplaces safer and more inclusive.”
The toolkit includes animated videos, posters, an infographic, and social media content to help organizations promote the use of plain language in workplace safety communications. Among the key recommendations:
Eliminate jargon and acronyms: Spell out terms and use straightforward language that everyone can grasp.
Follow plain language principles: Use an active voice, organize information logically, and choose familiar words.
Foster an inclusive culture: Recognize that complex language can create barriers and take steps to ensure clear, accessible communication.
The initiative emphasizes that workplace safety messaging should be easily understood by all employees, regardless of their background or experience. While Spell It Out takes a lighthearted approach—featuring animated animals communicating through vibrations, clicks, and whistles—the core message is serious: clear communication is a critical component of workplace safety.
The toolkit is available for free on the CCOHS website.
