If you want to make sure you’re using effective communication, particularly for utility workers in the field, try using three-way communication.

Three-way communication ensures understanding between two or more people to prevent errors that can result in dangerous incidents and injuries.

Three-way communication is also known as the repeat-back process, and here’s how it works.

• The sender verbally states his or her message clearly and concisely to the receiver.
• The receiver acknowledges the communication by repeating the message to the sender. The receiver doesn’t need to repeat every part verbatim, but he or she should restate any critical information exactly as the sender stated it.
• The sender acknowledges the receiver’s reply and verbally confirms to the receiver that the message is correct and properly understood. If the sender does not understand the receiver’s reply, the sender must verbally indicate that, and the repeat-back process must start again from the beginning.