Rosie,
Perform a google search for Mind mapping and you'll have more than enough information on this fascinating subject.
Mind mapping was developed by Tony Buzan of the UK during the late 60's. It was initially developed as a non linear form of hand drawn note taking, using many colours and images to cause memory retention. It has in the last 10 years been further developed by many software organizations as a powerfull yet user friendly personal and business tool for creating, managing, saving and distributing information primarily in a mapped format. the mapped information can be easily exported to Word, PowerPoint as well as saving as an image file for presentation purposes.
Let me say that, you don't need to familiarize yourself with the hand drawn from of Mind mapping at all, but feel free to access all the information you need or want on the hand drawn formats.
Regarding its use within the quality, safety and environmental areas, I would say that creating pertinent information for infusion into a work place and workforce culture is important enough for Mind mapping as an effective and efficient business and personal tool, to be at the very least investigated for possible use.
I have introduced my employer Ford at my location to the power of Mind mapping as an effective communications tool and they are at this time investigating two (2) excellent Mind mapping software packages.
I have used both Visual Mind (broken link removed) and Mind genius
www.mindgenius.com for @two (2) years now and I can say that the playing field is level regarding the capabilities of the two software packages. I'm using the beta version of the re-designed Visual Mind software and. I can say that it tends to be leaning positively towards becoming a more capable software package than Mind genius.
You can generally download any Mind mapping software package with all the full time functions for the proverbial 30 day trial period. I would say a week is about enough time to decide the software best suited to your personal and business needs.
If you need any more information re-this subject, I would be pleased to help you all I can.
Wallace.