Safety Training Materials May Be Too Technical
According to a recent report from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), about a third of construction worker training materials are written above an eighth-grade reading level, going against the recommendation of many communication experts. The review of 103 safety training handouts, brochures, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) revealed that several contained technical language or other unfamiliar terminology. The researchers recommend that written training materials focus on a single, main message; use one "call to action" for workers; summarize the main message at the beginning of the document; include informative subheads and bold print to reinforce key points; and provide step-by-step instructions for recommended actions. Further, CPWR recommends that SDSs be supplemented with targeted, easier-to-read materials for workers.