Back to Situations

Reporting a Safety Hazard

An individual identifies a broken piece of equipment or a slippery floor in a public or private setting and reports it to the relevant authority or building management.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Excuse me, I need to report a safety hazard.
2
James (Male)
Certainly, what seems to be the problem?
3
Sarah (Female)
There's a broken handrail on the staircase leading to the basement. It looks quite loose and could be dangerous.
4
James (Male)
Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Is it on the left or right side as you go down?
5
Sarah (Female)
It's on the right side, about halfway down. And also, the floor near the entrance to the men's restroom is extremely wet, almost like there’s a leak. Someone could slip and fall.
6
James (Male)
Understood. Two issues then: a broken handrail on the basement stairs, right side, and a wet floor outside the men's restroom. We'll send someone to inspect both areas immediately and put up a wet floor sign.
7
Sarah (Female)
Great, thanks for taking care of it so quickly. Safety first, right?
8
James (Male)
Absolutely. We appreciate you reporting these things. Have a good day.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

safety hazard

A situation or object that can cause accidents or injuries, like a broken stair. Use this phrase when reporting dangers in public places to alert authorities.

handrail

A metal or wooden bar along stairs for people to hold onto for support and safety. It's important in emergency talks about stair safety.

staircase

A set of stairs that connects different levels in a building. Common in descriptions of building hazards.

basement

The lowest floor of a building, usually below ground level. Often mentioned in safety reports for underground areas.

loose

Not tightly fixed in place, like something wobbly that might fall. Describes unsafe equipment in hazard reports.

leak

When water or liquid escapes from a pipe or container through a crack. Useful for reporting wet areas that cause slips.

slip

To slide suddenly and lose balance, often on wet floors. Part of phrases like 'slip and fall' to warn about accidents.

inspect

To check something carefully for problems or damage. Used when authorities respond to safety reports.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Excuse me, I need to report a safety hazard.

This is a polite way to start a conversation when identifying a danger. Use it in public places like offices or stores. 'Excuse me' shows politeness, and 'report' means to inform authorities officially.

Certainly, what seems to be the problem?

A helpful response from someone in charge, asking for details. 'Certainly' means 'of course' politely. Useful for customer service in safety situations to show you're listening.

There's a broken handrail on the staircase leading to the basement.

Describes a specific problem clearly. 'There's' is short for 'There is,' used for locations. 'Leading to' explains direction. Great for giving exact details in reports to help quick fixes.

Thank you for bringing that to our attention.

Expresses gratitude for reporting an issue. 'Bringing to our attention' means making us aware. Use this as a response to encourage people to report hazards without fear.

Someone could slip and fall.

Warns about a possible accident using 'could' for potential danger. 'Slip and fall' is a common phrase for wet floor risks. Useful to emphasize why the hazard is serious.

We'll send someone to inspect both areas immediately.

Promises quick action. 'We'll' is 'we will,' future tense. 'Immediately' means right away. This reassures the reporter and shows efficient crisis response.

Safety first, right?

A common saying meaning prioritize safety above all. 'Right?' seeks agreement casually. Use it to end conversations positively and reinforce safety awareness.