How to Become a Hero and Teach Colleagues to Value Safety: Simple Internal Communication Methods

From Formalism to Dialogue: How to Build HSE Communication

In modern companies, HSE is no longer just a set of dry instructions; it is becoming a part of the corporate culture. Vera Konshina, Head of the HSE Department at Yandex Market, explains how simple internal communication tools help engage employees in safety issues. The presentation details an approach where HSE specialists act not only as auditors but also as HR business partners helping to solve real problems.

The 5S System as a Foundation for Project Implementation

To structure the work on optimizing HSE processes, the team used the 5S approach (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain). The speaker demonstrates by example how each step is adapted to the needs of the department: from auditing existing communication channels to implementing the Near Miss feedback collection system. Such a systematic approach allows not only launching initiatives but also continuously improving them.

Communication Tools: From Articles to Telegram Bots

The choice of communication channels is critical to success. The team abandoned complex and expensive solutions in favor of tools familiar to employees: articles on the internal portal, posters, online briefings in longread format, and Telegram channels. The speaker emphasizes that using informal language and relatable imagery (e.g., cartoon characters) significantly increases engagement. Articles explaining the role of the HSE department and basic safety rules have become an excellent tool for onboarding newcomers.

Unlocking Team Talents

One of the key insights of the presentation is the importance of utilizing internal resources and employee talents. The team independently creates video briefings, designs information pages, and even writes Telegram bots to automate routine tasks. This not only saves the budget but also increases the motivation of the specialists themselves, allowing them to realize their creative potential.

Near Miss: Feedback as an Engine for Improvement

The implementation of a system for registering micro-injuries and potentially dangerous situations (Near Miss) in the office revealed many hidden problems — from defective furniture to flaws in operational processes. Thanks to the active participation of employees, the HSE department was able to promptly eliminate risks and optimize the work of related departments, including the medical office and the facility management service.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to adapt the 5S system to build HSE processes?
• Which internal communication channels are most effective and why?
• How to translate complex instructions into language employees understand?
• How to use team talents to create training materials without a budget?
• How does the Near Miss system help identify non-obvious risks in the office?