In the rush of construction work, safety often takes a back seat. To reduce risks, a simple and quick practice, like the DDS, can be excellent to protect your team. 

And it doesn't require much time investment. Using up to 30 minutes a day is enough to align everyone on essential care and avoid accidents. 

Continue reading to learn more about the topic. By the end of the article, check: 

• What is DDS?

• Who is responsible for DDS in the company?

• Is the Daily Safety Dialogue (DDS) mandatory? 

• What are the most common topics covered in DDS?

• Example of Daily Safety Dialogue (DDS)

• Benefits of DDS in reducing accidents on the job site

• Tools for implementing DDS in Civil Construction 

• Step by step on how to do a DDS

• Safer construction site with Construct IN!

What is DDS?

First, we need to know what DDS stands for. DDS stands for Daily Safety Dialogue.

The DDS is a short daily conversation between leaders and employees. The main objective is to discuss present risks in the workplace and the necessary preventive measures to ensure everyone’s safety. 

These meetings generally last up to 30 minutes and are held in person or online before the beginning of daily activities.

- Read also: Work safety in construction: how to optimize by 80% through 360° photos

Who is responsible for DDS in the company?

Project managers , safety leaders, and CIPA members are responsible for ensuring that DDS is conducted correctly, focusing on raising awareness about safety.

Is the Daily Safety Dialogue (DDS) mandatory? 

Not exactly. It is not included in the Regulatory Norms (NRs), but it helps fulfill the requirement to inform workers about risks and how to prevent them.

What are the most common topics covered in DDS?

The most frequent subjects in the Daily Safety Dialogue are:

• Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

• Identification and mitigation of specific workplace risks;

• Review of emergency procedures and first aid;

• Discussion of previously occurred incidents and lessons learned;

• Issues related to ergonomics and mental health.

Example of Daily Safety Dialogue (DDS)

A quick conversation of up to 15 minutes in person or online about how to safely operate heavy machinery, highlighting the right steps and necessary PPE.

Benefits of DDS in reducing accidents on the job site

The main benefits of the Daily Safety Dialogue (DDS) in reducing work accidents include:

1. Awareness of risks 

The DDS increases awareness among employees about the risks associated with their activities, allowing them to recognize and avoid dangerous situations.

2. Reduction of accidents and injuries

The regular practice of DDS results in a significant decrease in the number of accidents and injuries, creating a safer environment.

3. Engagement of employees

The DDS promotes greater involvement of workers in safety issues, encouraging them to actively participate in identifying and solving problems.

4. Improved communication

Establishes an open communication channel among all levels of the team, facilitating the exchange of safety information.

Tools for implementing DDS in Civil Construction 

Many project managers use WhatsApp or email, but these may not be the best tools. Even creating groups with everyone, information can get lost.

Therefore, a good alternative is to use the construction management software and documentation from Construct IN. Learn a little more about our solution:  

Why is Construct IN the best option for your DDS?

With all the functionalities of Construct IN, the project manager has access to more detailed information about safety on the job site. 

Just open the software, look at the “Insight Safety” tool, and talk to the employees about the most critical points identified on the platform. 

These are some resources you will find:

• All information is centralized in a single platform;

• Quick notes, directed to the responsible people;

• INsight Safety tool that uses AI to identify lack of helmets;

• Automatic safety reports, such as Work Diary and Photographic Report of Works.

• Customized safety checklists. 

Step by step on how to do a DDS

1. Planning

Choose a relevant theme for the day, such as the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe operational procedures, or specific situations on the job site.

2. Leading the conversation

Conduct the DDS in a quiet place where everyone can hear and participate.

Keep the conversation objective and quick, 10 minutes is sufficient.

Use practical examples and real situations to facilitate understanding.

3. Record

Write down what was discussed during the DDS. This can be done simply, with notes or specific forms.

4. Feedback

After the DDS, encourage employees to give their opinions and suggestions. This can help improve future sessions.

5. Repetition

Do the DDS every day, varying themes to keep the team engaged and well-informed.

Safer construction site with Construct IN!

Forget about makeshift tools like WhatsApp and email – our platform centralizes everything you need for efficient and flawless construction management .

Optimize your DDS using our INsight Safety tool, ensure your team is always aligned, and work more safely. Try it now!

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