Episode 147 focuses on the communication side of safety metrics: how leaders present data, how employees interpret it, and how poor communication can undermine even the best measurement systems. Dr. Ayers emphasizes that metrics only drive improvement when people understand what they mean and why they matter.
Safety metrics must be communicated in a way that is clear, honest, and actionable. If workers don’t understand the metrics, they won’t change their behavior.
Dr. Ayers explains that simply sharing numbers—injury rates, near-miss counts, audit scores—doesn’t help anyone unless leaders explain:
What the metric measures
Why it matters
What “good” looks like
What actions the team should take
Without context, metrics become noise.
Effective communication requires:
Plain language
Real-world examples
Connecting metrics to daily tasks
Explaining trends, not just numbers
Leaders must act as interpreters, not just messengers.
The episode warns against:
Posting charts with no explanation
Celebrating low numbers without examining system health
Using metrics as a compliance tool instead of a learning tool
Scoreboards motivate reporting behavior—not safer behavior.
Dr. Ayers encourages leaders to use metrics as:
Coaching tools
Conversation starters
Ways to identify weak signals
Opportunities to reinforce expectations
Metrics should spark dialogue, not end it.
The episode stresses that leaders should:
Share both positive and negative trends
Explain what the organization is doing to improve
Invite questions and feedback
Avoid hiding or sugarcoating data
Honest communication strengthens credibility and engagement.
Communicating safety metrics is a leadership skill—not a reporting task. When leaders provide context, clarity, and meaning, metrics become powerful tools for learning, engagement, and continuous improvement.
