Wait until your supervisor is free and then check that they have time to talk. Unless it is an emergency, don't interrupt when a supervisor is busy or talking to someone else. If they can't talk straight away, arrange a time that suits you, the supervisor and any other employees who need to be involved, such as the OHS representative.

Make sure your supervisor can understand exactly what you are saying. Always be polite and avoid using slang, text talk and abbreviations. If possible, speak in the language that most people in the workplace understand.

If you feel stressed or upset, take a few moments to calm down. When explaining the OHS issue to your supervisor, make sure you avoid angry or confrontational words and body language. Try to offer a practical solution instead of simply complaining to show that you want to help fix the OHS issue.

It's not just what you say, it's the way that you say it. Look the supervisor in the eye, stand up straight and keep your body language neutral. Negative body language such as unintentionally frowning, avoiding eye contact, putting hands on hips, crossing arms and clenching fists can really send the wrong message.

To reduce any stress you feel about speaking up, plan what you are going to say and practice it beforehand. On your own or with someone else,  rehearse what you'll say and how you'll say it until you feel more comfortable about getting your OHS message across.

Let supervisors know if you have any suggestions on how to reduce OHS risks. This lets them know that you are thinking about your own and others' safety in the workplace. You just might come up with a solution that nobody else has thought of.

Focus on fixing the OHS issue and offer a solution rather than simply blaming other employees or the employer. In other words, attack the OHS problem and not your co-workers.

Make sure you get clear answers from your supervisor. If you are not sure about something, ask them to explain it again. Remember, while your supervisor is in charge of the workplace or part of a workplace, they are legally required to keep everyone safe. That includes YWs!