Language has an uncanny ability to shape our actions and responses, sometimes in ways we don’t consciously recognise. For years, the paradox of “Don’t” in safety protocols has bothered me. I’ve held a particular aversion to one word when it comes to safety protocols: “Don’t.” It’s a word loaded with unintended consequences, often pushing people towards the very action it seeks to prevent.
Example
Take a commonplace example: “Don’t touch, wet paint.” How many of us, upon seeing such a sign, have felt a sudden urge to do exactly the opposite?
This isn’t just a quirk in a handful of individuals; it’s a well-documented human behaviour. Studies have highlighted that prohibitive language often instigates defiance. A simple switch to “Caution: Wet Paint” transforms the directive from a challenge to a piece of advice, from a restriction to an enlightening guide. So, what drives this counterintuitive behaviour? The heart of the matter lies in empowerment.
When individuals feel entrusted
When individuals feel entrusted with their safety, as opposed to being dictated to, they are more likely to internalise and value the guidelines set before them. This sense of ownership can be transformative, morphing safety from a set of imposed rules into a personal commitment.
By replacing “don’t” with more constructive language, organisations can lay the foundation for a proactive safety culture. This is not about sugarcoating or diluting the seriousness of safety. On the contrary, it’s about optimising it. It’s about leveraging language to resonate with individuals, fostering an environment where safety is embraced wholeheartedly, not out of obligation, but out of genuine concern and understanding.
In closing, it’s high time we reassess the lexicon of our safety protocols. Let’s retire the word “don’t” and its inherent negativity. By doing so, we can usher in an era where safety guidelines are viewed as tools of empowerment, where individuals are proactive participants in their well-being, and where safety cultures thrive on positivity and trust.
