Ever seen a safety policy that looks more like a legal contract than something meant to keep workers safe? If your policies are drowning in jargon and endless verbiage, they’re doing more harm than good. The best safety policies aren’t the longest—they’re the most effective. Let’s break down why simplicity wins every time:
1️⃣ Simple Policies Improve Comprehension 📖
✅ A study by the National Literacy Institute found that only 52% of adults can comprehend dense, technical text. That means almost half of your workforce might struggle with long-winded safety policies. If workers don’t understand the rules, how can they follow them?
👉 Solution: Use clear, direct language. Instead of:
“All employees shall comply with the requisite personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements in accordance with OSHA Standard 1910.132.”
Try: “Wear the required PPE to stay safe. Ask if you’re unsure!”
2️⃣ Less Reading = More Action 🚀
Workers don’t have time to sift through pages of legalese to find what they actually need. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that concise, behavior-focused policies lead to 30% better adherence compared to overly complex documents.
👉 Solution: Focus on the “what” and “how,” not the legal details.
Instead of listing every possible hazard with excessive detail, make it actionable:
❌ Too much text: “In environments where potential eye hazards exist due to airborne debris, liquid splashes, or other particulate matter, employees are required to utilize safety eyewear conforming to ANSI Z87.1 standards.”
✅ Clear & simple: “Wear safety glasses where there’s dust, debris, or splashes.”
3️⃣ Policies Should Be Used, Not Ignored 🧐📋
If your safety policies collect dust in a binder or are ignored on a company intranet, they’re useless. A Harvard Business Review study found that engaging, easy-to-read policies increase workplace compliance by 25%—simply because people actually read them!
👉 Solution: Keep policies short, accessible, and engaging.
🔹 Use bullet points
🔹 Add visuals (yes, a picture is worth a thousand words!)
🔹 Make policies easy to find and reference
The Bottom Line: A Policy That’s Not Read is a Policy That Fails 🚨
Safety isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about protecting people. If your policies are too complex, they’re a barrier, not a benefit. Keep it clear, concise, and actionable.
Need help making your safety policies work for your team? Let’s simplify safety together. Reach out, and let’s chat! 👷♂️💬