I have given many safety training presentations (as you have, I’m sure). If you are lucky, the owner/president of the company will have a few words to say to the group.  I am sometimes amazed at what they say (or don’t say). Below are my tips and suggestions.

What to say:

  • Thank the employees for working and the contribution they make
  • We take your health & safety VERY seriously
  • Look out for your own safety, AND the safety of others
  • Thank your company safety director/coordinator/consultant
    • Support them and listen to them
    • Do what they ask you to do and pass it along to others
  • We want our employees to:
    • Go home to your friends & family
    • Enjoy your life – injury free. Now, and in the future.

What NOT to say:

  • We spend a lot of  money on safety
    • “Bob got his hand cut, and it cost us $1,200”
    • “We had to pay $1,200 in OSHA citations”
  • Don’t be stupid”  (thereby implying that accidents are generated from stupid people)
  • Our insurance costs are high because you are getting hurt.
  • I will give you ____ if you don’t get hurt (thereby encouraging under-reporting of injuries)