Book Review Mastering Safety Communications Book by Safety Speaker John Drebinger

Reprinted with permission from Professional Safety Magazine.

Mastering Safety Communication – Skills for a Safe, Productive and Profitable Workplace.

Most professionals like to have on their bookshelves how-to or hands-on books that they can use effectively in their day-to-day work.  This book is one of those – but it is also backed up by the philosophy behind the recommendations.  Thus, in this sense, it is more than a how-to book.

The book is based on the author’s 19+ years experience as an effective trainer, teacher, and professional speaker to audiences of both employees and managers.  Scattered throughout the book are appropriate quotes by people from whom Drebinger has learned many ideas.  One quote, perhaps more than any other, illustrates the book’s theme: “The outcomes you hold yourself accountable for are the ones you will achieve.”

Drebinger advocates keeping a journal and writing down ideas as they arise.  He says, “Writing a journal not only creates a record of your life and ideas, (it) becomes a doorway to new ideas, decisions, and pathways in the future.”  Several blank pages with the heading “What Ideas Can I Use to Improve the Safety Behavior of Myself and Those With Whom I Work?” are included near the end of the book.

The book has 12 short, hard-hitting chapters that give the reader the tools needed to develop an effective, individual communication style.  A section entitled, “Questions to Enhance Your Reading”, prefaces each chapter.  Near the book’s end, the author provides a “Collection of Empowering Quotes” as well as a recommended reading list.  While aimed at safety professionals, this book is excellent for anyone who has the opportunity to communicate with, teach, and train people.

Dr. Milton Rhodes, CSP, Miami, FL

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