Communication failure

Lost or unclear communication between workers, standby people and supervisors that delays a warning, help or rescue.

Also known as: Loss of communication, Lack of communication, Poor communication

How to control communication failure

Agree a communication method before work starts, such as radios, hand signals or line signals, and test it at the work location.
Confirm radios and phones have coverage and charged batteries, and provide a backup method where coverage is poor.
Set check-in times for workers in confined spaces, remote areas or working alone, and act straight away if one is missed.
Keep a standby person in constant contact with workers in confined spaces, without other duties that distract them.
Brief all workers on agreed signals, emergency calls and who to contact at the start of each shift.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.