Skills in critical linguistics are essential in managing risk. The language we use and the extended para-linguistics we use, have an enormous influence on decision making. Anyone in marketing, advertising and influencing knows that the Medium is the Message. We also know that Crazy Talk, Stupid … [Read more...] about Make Safety Personal, Another Meaningless Safety Slogan
Safety Slogans & Pictures
Slogan Power
Many people underestimate the power of slogans because they function like metaphors and in many ways are hidden in language. It is impossible for humans to communicate without using either. The rhythmic power of slogans and the mis-directive power of metaphors are a central vehicle for … [Read more...] about Slogan Power
Is Safety a Choice You Make?
Is Safety a Choice You Make? One of the things safety seems good at doing is developing illogical slogans and sayings. Some examples are: ‘all accidents are preventable’ and ‘safety is no accident’. The trouble is what we say affects the thinking of others and sets cultural agenda. Half of this … [Read more...] about Is Safety a Choice You Make?
Researchers Reveal the Top 10 Most Effective Safety Slogans Of All Time
Using a new iphone app, a team of social psychology experts has analysed every meaningless aphorism and every condescending platitude ever displayed in the workplace to come up with a list of the most effective safety slogans of all time. Research project leader, Prof. Gerhardt Spudovsky, said: … [Read more...] about Researchers Reveal the Top 10 Most Effective Safety Slogans Of All Time
Make Your Safety Slogan Social
Make Your Safety Slogan Social Safety is a profoundly social activity. We see this in the many slogans in safety that emphasize connections to family and loved ones as a reason for safety. However, we should chose slogans carefully. One of the early slogans of the COVID19 pandemic was ‘we’re all … [Read more...] about Make Your Safety Slogan Social
What’s in a Safety Mantra?
What’s in a Safety Mantra? One of the characteristics of the safety industry is the repetition of process, rituals and language attributed to have salvic purpose, to save lives. Any examination of the language of the safety industry reveals an extensive soteriology (theory of salvation). The … [Read more...] about What’s in a Safety Mantra?
The Seduction of Slogans in Safety
The Seduction of Slogans in Safety One of the popular resources on this blog site is safety slogans. Whilst many of these slogans are clever and make a point, we also need to be mindful of what slogans are, their seductions and their limits. Too many people form their sense of knowledge off slogans … [Read more...] about The Seduction of Slogans in Safety
Why Do We Love Stupid Safety Photos
Why Do We Love Stupid Safety Photos? In the world of safety management, why do we find it so appealing to watch videos or photos of people committing unsafe acts and doing stupid things at home or work. We safety management professionals laugh at photos on free sites like www.safetyphoto.co.uk. … [Read more...] about Why Do We Love Stupid Safety Photos
When Slogans Don’t Work
One of the many slogans that have been circulated about during the Covid-19 crisis is: ‘we’re all in this together’. In an interesting take on this slogan (https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/no-we-re-not-all-in-this-together-20200505-p54q0p.html) we learn much about the power of slogans … [Read more...] about When Slogans Don’t Work
Zero Plus Infinity Times 10 = ?
Zero Plus Infinity Times 10 = ? Following Dr Rob Long’s recent article Semiotics and Safety about the mindless gobbledygook that is terms like “Beyond Zero” and “Target Zero”, and the negative subconscious meanings they prime, a very despondent safety person sent us this photo. Is it any wonder … [Read more...] about Zero Plus Infinity Times 10 = ?
