100+ Safety Messages To Employees: Daily Examples, Ideas, and Tips

Employees need to know the safety procedures and how to report hazards – this is good both for them and the business. A safe workplace boosts employee morale and motivation and brings many benefits to the organization overall.

A Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index report found that every $1 that companies invest into safety in their workplaces, they achieve a $4 return on investment.

Daily safety tips, along with broader safety messages that you send as an internal communications professional or safety manager, can help reinforce these procedures.

In this article, you’ll find tips and approaches on how you can craft, personalize, and deliver safety messages that employees actually read and act on. We’ll also share industry-specific examples.

Table of contents

1. How To Motivate Employees To Work Safely [Actionable Tips]

2. Framework For Crafting High-Impact Safety Messages Of The Day

3. Safety Messages Of The Day For Your Workplace [Examples]

4. How To Ensure Your Safety Messages Are Read [Audience Segmentation]

5. Long-Term Impact Of Daily Safety Messages

6. Quick Checklist For Writing Better Safety Messages

How to motivate employees to work safely

Internal communications professionals and safety managers often struggle to keep employees motivated when it comes to workplace safety. There are a few key ways to engage your employees on this topic and encourage them to take action:

• Create slogans. Catchy and short safety messages of the day that help define your objectives are likely to resonate and stick with employees.
• Create visual displays. People react better to information when it is presented visually and are more likely to retain it.
• Offer encouragement to do the right thing. Employees are more likely to react more favorably to positive reinforcement such as praise, rewards, and recognition. Work practices such as discipline don’t motivate people and can severely impact morale.
• Involve your employees in the process. When you include employees in the process of improving workplace safety, it enables them to feel connected to the project and its outcomes. Let them be involved in purchasing protective equipment, participate in committees, and contribute suggestions and ideas.
• Change it up. Keep safety front of mind by sending regular safety messaging, such as a daily safety tip of the day that appears on computer login screens. These tips can serve as consistent, actionable reminders to engage employees in safe practices."

Framework for Crafting High-Impact Safety Messages of the Day

Creating safety messages that resonate with employees is more than just sharing a rule or a reminder. High-impact safety messages are relevant, actionable, and memorable, and they consistently reinforce a culture of awareness.

Use this six-part framework to guide your safety messaging strategy:

Personalization

• Know Your Audience 
  Understanding the specific needs and concerns of your team is crucial. Tailor your safety messages to resonate with their daily experiences.
• Use Real-Life Examples 
  Incorporate actual incidents or scenarios that have occurred in your workplace to make the message more relatable and impactful. When employees see the why behind a message based on what’s actually happening, they’re more likely to engage.

Example (manufacturing):

“We had a spill near Line 4 yesterday. Please double-check cap seals before moving drums.”

Relevancy

• Stay Up-to-Date
  Ensure your safety messages reflect the latest safety standards and procedures. Keeping the content current helps maintain its importance and effectiveness.
• Address Current Issues 
  Focus on the safety challenges that are most relevant to your team at the moment, such as seasonal hazards or recent changes in the work environment.

Example (warehousing):

“Today’s reminder: Stay alert when loading pallets – we’ve had two near-misses this week in Zone 3.”

Clarity and Simplicity

• Be Concise
  A safety message should be brief and to the point, allowing workers to quickly grasp the essential information.
• Use Clear Language
  Avoid technical jargon or complex terms. The message should be easily understood by everyone, regardless of their role or experience level.

Example

Instead of: “Implement appropriate fall-prevention procedures based on [regulations]”

Use: “Use handrails and keep walkways clear — slips on stairs are one of our most common incidents.”

Consistency

• Regular Timing 
  Deliver your safety messages, such as a safety tip of the day, at consistent intervals, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Regularity reinforces the importance of workplace safety.
• Format
  Maintain a consistent format for your messages, so employees know what to expect and can quickly digest the information.

Engagement

• Interactive Elements
  Encourage participation by incorporating quizzes, polls, or Q&A sessions. This makes the safety message more engaging and helps reinforce learning.
• Encourage Feedback 
  Invite feedback from employees on the safety messages. This not only improves the content but also fosters a culture of safety collaboration.

SAFETY MESSAGE OF THE DAY EXAMPLES FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

As mentioned above, generic safety messages to employees, such as “Be safe”, “Mind your step”, or “Be aware of your surroundings” might seem like a good thing to communicate on paper, but the reality is they are so bland that they often go unnoticed.

By taking a more creative approach – either by using clever words, humor, or inspirational quotes about safety – your messaging will be more engaging and is more likely to get the cut-through that you seek.

Here are some ideas and quotes you can use directly or as inspiration.

“SAFETY TIP OF THE DAY” IDEAS AND QUOTES TO TRY IN YOUR COMPANY

General Workplace Safety

1. "Safety brings first aid to the uninjured." – F.S Hughes
2. "Safety is not an accident."
3. "Safety is the seam that joins life’s fabric. Don’t let loose threads bring it undone."
4. "Carefulness doesn’t cost anything. Carelessness could cost your life."
5. "Your first mistake might also be your last.
6. "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." – Jeff Cooper
7. "Shortcuts could cut your life short."
8. "Luck runs out, but safety is good for life."
9. "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." – Sun Tsu
10. "When you’re not safety conscious, you might end up unconscious."
11. "Safety: what you forget can lead to regret."
12. "Safety starts with awareness – stay vigilant!"
13. "Safety is a full-time job – not just when it's convenient."
14. "Safety rules are your best tools – follow them."
15. "Stay alert, stay alive – focus on the task at hand."
16. "Don't rush – speed puts safety at risk."
17. "Safety is an investment, not an expense – prioritize it."
18. "Safety gear is your shield – wear it with pride."
19. "Safety is a culture, not a task – embrace it."
20. "Safety is not negotiable – shortcuts can lead to accidents."
21. "Be aware of your surroundings – situational awareness saves lives."
22. "Safety meetings are essential – participate actively."
23. "Safety is a year-round commitment – not just a slogan."

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Office and Physical Safety (ergonomics, slips, posture, lifting)

1. "There are no dumb questions, but lots of dumb mistakes. If you’re not sure, ask!"
2. "Spills and slips might lead to hospital trips."
3. "Safety is a team effort – look out for each other."
4. "Proper lifting prevents back injuries – use your brain AND your legs!"
5. "Mind the step – watch where you're walking."
6. "Take regular breaks to maintain focus and prevent fatigue."
7. "Stay well-rested – fatigue impairs judgment."
8. "Wear appropriate footwear for your job."
9. "Stay mindful of ergonomics to prevent strain injuries."
10. "Mind your posture – ergonomic setups reduce injuries."
11. "Stretch before physical tasks to prevent strains."
12. "Mind your step on wet or slippery surfaces."
13. "Stay alert during night shifts – visibility is crucial."

Industrial and Equipment Safety (PPE, machinery, chemicals, electrical)

1. "Protect your hands, they're your most valuable tools!"
2. "Safety glasses on, accidents gone – prioritize your eye protection."
3. "Don’t be a fool with power tools – follow safety guidelines."
4. "Electrical safety first – faulty equipment can be shocking."
5. "Hearing protection: your ears will thank you later."
6. "Maintain good housekeeping for a safer workplace."
7. "Stay in designated areas – unauthorized zones may be hazardous."
8. "Keep aisles clear for smooth evacuation if needed."
9. "Report near misses – one day they could be the real thing."
10. Wear appropriate footwear for your job."
11. "Use caution when handling hot surfaces or materials."
12. Never remove safety guards from machinery."
13. "Don’t get caught out. Check expiry dates on safety equipment."
14. "Properly store and label chemicals."
15. "Always use the right tool for the job."
16. "Use caution when operating machinery."
17. "Protective clothing is a must."
18. "Stay organized – clutter can lead to accidents."
19. "Don’t be a fool with power tools – follow safety guidelines."
20. "Watch out for electrical cords – avoid tripping hazards."
21. "Avoid distractions when operating heavy machinery."
22. "Personal protective equipment is non-negotiable – wear it!"
23. "Secure ladders properly."
24. "Make sure you can be seen! Wear high-visibility clothing."
25. "Report malfunctioning safety equipment immediately."
26. "Stay updated on first aid procedures."
27. "Be mindful of noise levels – use hearing protection."
28. "Avoid overloading electrical outlets."
29. "Keep chemicals away from food areas."
30. "Ensure emergency exits are well-lit."
31. "Be cautious when handling sharp objects."
32. "Replace worn-out safety equipment."
33. "Stay informed about fire extinguisher locations."
34. "Mind the gap – use caution around openings."
35. "Know where eyewash stations are."
36. "Keep flammable materials in designated storage."
37. "Avoid horseplay in the workplace."
38. "Store tools properly."
39. "Shut it down the right way."
40. "Dispose of hazardous waste properly."

Fire Safety

1. "Inspect fire extinguishers regularly – be prepared."
2. "Emergency exits are not just for drills – know your way out."
3. "Inspect fire extinguishers regularly – be prepared."
4. "Inspect fire alarms monthly."
5. "Sprinklers matter – inspect regularly."
6. "Ensure emergency exits are well-lit."
7. "Stay informed about fire extinguisher locations."
8. "Keep emergency exits unlocked."

Emergency Preparedness

1. "Report hazards promptly."
2. "Emergency drills save lives."
3. "Follow caution signs and know dangers."
4. "Emergency numbers should be visible."
5. "Communication is crucial."
6. "Inspect scaffolding before use."
7. "Emergency lighting ensures a clear path."
8. "CPR training can make you a hero."
9. "Emergency response plans should be visible."
10. "Stay updated on first aid procedures."
11. "Keeping up with safety training is everyone’s responsibility."

Health and Wellbeing (physical and mental)

1. "Cover your face and give people space."
2. "Stay hydrated – a healthy worker is a safe worker."
3. "Stay calm in emergencies – panic hinders quick thinking."
4. "Breathe easy! Proper ventilation is key – don't ignore air quality."
5. "Wearing a mask is better than wearing a ventilator." (COVID-19)

Driving and Transportation

1. "Always wear your seatbelt – on the road and at work."

Seasonal and Environmental Safety

1. "When it’s hot, take care. Use caution when working in extreme temperatures."
2. "Adapt to changing weather conditions – dress accordingly."

Daily and weekly safety messages to employees from the CEO: what to consider

With any important cultural values that you want to embed in your organization, it’s essential to have buy-in from leadership and also have them model appropriate behaviors. Workplace health and safety is no exception to this rule. Your leadership team should walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

Sometimes, the safety tip of the day should come directly from the CEO of your company. This lends them some gravitas and shows that your company takes safety seriously and that the CEO is personally invested in ensuring that workers are safe.

Safety communication that comes from the CEO should be relevant to your organization.

If you are a construction company, safety topics for the workplace might involve communicating about risks when working at heights. For freight and logistics companies, you may have concerns about driver fatigue you would like to highlight.

Your employees want to feel safe in the workplace, and they look at management, including the CEO, to see if there is evidence of importance being placed on safety within your company. But while words are important to this process, actions are as well.

As well as sending safety messages, your CEO should also be visible and go to where the workers are, such as by participating when site visits and safety inspections are taking place. This will help make it clear to your staff that the CEO is interested in and committed to safety.

You can send workplace safety messages from the CEO in just about any format imaginable, from emails and intranet content to videos and messages on corporate social media. You don’t have to send them daily if that doesn’t suit your comms schedule: you could also introduce a “safety message of the week” concept.

How to successfully deliver your safety messages

Internal communication best practices recommend a multi-channel and targeted approach to distributing information to ensure the best possible reach for your messages. Let’s break down what you should consider when communicating with different employee groups.

1. To Deskless Workers (in Manufacturing, Logistics, Field Services)

Machine operators, drivers, warehouse staff, field technicians – these workers don’t sit at computers all day (or ever). Therefore, they might often miss email-based safety messages.

What can you do?

To keep them informed and connected, make your messages simple, highly visible, and targeted. Reach non-desktop workers through pop-up alerts, screensavers, mobile push notifications, and digital signage.

2. To Hybrid Employees (Office + Remote)

Due to the nature of hybrid work, these employees struggle with communication overload. They juggle multiple tools, such as email, Teams, and the intranet, which can be overwhelming and distracting.

What can you do?

Use pop-ups, screen overlays, visual reminders (like wallpapers or screensavers), or embedded quizzes.

3. To Global or Distributed Teams

When employees are spread across multiple countries, time zones, and languages, this poses challenges for internal communication. Sending one message globally at the wrong time means some regions see it late or not at all, leading to inconsistent awareness. Also, compliance regulations may differ from country to country.

What can you do?

Build relevance and trust – use tools like DeskAlerts that offer multi-language support and audience segmentation by region or team. To prevent message fatigue, schedule messages based on local working hours. Deliver content through mobile apps, SMS, or digital signage.

Prove compliance and identify engagement gaps by using platforms like DeskAlerts that log delivery, reads, and acknowledgments.

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Long-Term Impact of Daily Safety Messages

The long-term impact of the safety message of the day is profound, as it contributes to a sustained safety culture within the workplace.

Over time, these messages can lead to a significant reduction in accidents and near-misses by ingraining safe practices into daily routines. Employees become more aware of potential hazards and develop a mindset focused on prevention.

This ongoing commitment to safety fosters a sense of shared responsibility among the workforce, leading to a safer, more productive work environment. Moreover, a consistent focus on safety can improve morale, as employees feel valued and protected, which can contribute to overall job satisfaction and retention.

Quick Checklist: Writing Better Safety Messages of the Day

When creating safety messages for work, the following points should help guide you:

• Keep your messages short. A concise safety tip of the day can make daily communication more impactful and digestible.
• Keep your information simple. If you over-complicate your messaging or use jargon, people won’t understand what you need them to.
• Keep your information relevant. If your employees work in an office and don’t operate heavy machinery, there’s no point in advising them on operating heavy machinery! Promote situational awareness and get your employees to be on the lookout for specific and relevant risks.
• Make your messages memorable. You might want to get creative and play with words and expressions in a way that employees will remember. This might include metaphors, puns, or other interesting writing methods.
• Write using positive language. Focus on the types of behavior you want to see in the workplace when it comes to safety, don’t dwell on the negative.
• Get visual where you can. If you can accompany your safety message for work with images or videos, it can make your words more impactful.

Workplace safety is important to every employee in your company, from the CEO down. Promoting awareness about specific hazards and threats through consistent safety messages, including a safety tip of the day, ensures safety remains a top priority in an easy-to-understand and accessible way.

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FAQ

What is a daily safety message?

A daily safety message, also called a "safety message of the day," is a short reminder shared with employees to reinforce safety protocols and reduce workplace risks. These messages are typically one-sentence tips delivered at the start of a shift, during toolbox talks, or via internal communication tools like DeskAlerts.

How do I create an effective safety message of the day?

To write better daily safety messages, keep them short, simple, and relevant to your employees’ work environment to ensure clarity and engagement. Avoid jargon, use positive language to encourage desired behaviors, and make the messages memorable through creative language like metaphors or puns. Whenever possible, enhance the impact with visuals such as images or videos.

Why are safety messages of the day important?

Safety messages of the day are essential for maintaining a culture of safety within any workplace. They serve as daily reminders that keep safety at the forefront of employees' minds, helping to reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

Regular exposure to safety advice encourages employees to think critically about their actions and surroundings, promoting a proactive approach to hazard identification and risk management. Additionally, these daily tips can address specific risks relevant to the tasks at hand, ensuring that safety remains relevant and adaptable to changing conditions.

How to talk about safety in the workplace?

Talking effectively about safety in the workplace should involve having open conversations where you listen to any concerns employees may have about safety, as well as any suggestions they have about making improvements. The conversations should be informative and positive so that important safety information is received.

Why is it important to communicate correctly about safety?

It’s important to communicate well about safety so that you can be sure that the important safety information you need to impart flows through your organization unimpeded, you build trust with employees, and also build a culture of safety within the company.

What are the 7 safety tips?

Seven tips for effective safety communication are:

• Always tailor the information you send so that it appeals to your audience.
• Take time to listen to feedback.
• When someone makes a mistake, avoid attacking them – be proactive in your communication.
• Keep the information simple – when it is too complex, it is hard to understand and act on.
• Be transparent.
• Have leadership buy-in.

What are some good safety messages?

Good safety messages should be memorable, such as a slogan. These are statements, sentences, mottos, or phrases that organizations can use in various ways, such as on posters and internal marketing material, to encourage and remind employees about the importance of safety and reinforce safety messages that are relevant to your workplace.

What is an example of a safety message to employees?

An example of a powerful safety message to employees is as follows:

“Prioritize your safety - and everyone else’s! Wear your PPE properly, report hazards, and follow the appropriate procedures. Let’s create a secure and safe workplace together!”

What are some inspirational safety messages?

Inspirational safety message examples include:

• “Embrace a safety culture: every step you take helps make an accident-free future.”
• “Let’s build a workplace together where everyone stays safe!”
• “Use your head: always remember to wear a hard hat for safety!”

How do you encourage employees to be safe?

Foster a safety culture in your workplace by promoting open communication and the importance of recognizing safe work practices. You should also provide regular training on safety matters and ensure everyone knows the role they have to play in keeping themselves and others safe.

How do you thank employees for safety?

Express gratitude to your team for prioritizing safety in the workplace. Thank them for their commitment to making sure the workplace is safe and for all their efforts in ensuring that well-being is a top priority. This is the ultimate safety message to employees – when you’re able to praise them for their vigilance.