Everything You Need To Know To Conduct A Great Toolbox Talk

Photo from Pro Toolbox Talks

Thinking about starting toolbox talks? Great choice. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your talks are efficient and effective.

What is a toolbox talk?

A safety toolbox talk is an informal group discussion that focuses on particular safety topics. These talks can be used by organizations to promote department safety, discuss workplace culture or simply be used as a channel for improving communication between employees and management.

Why are they important?

Toolbox talks are a great way to ensure safety messages and protocols are understood by those working on the front lines. Just because you sent a safety flyer around the office does not mean that those actually working on the job site will have seen the flyer and understood the information. Toolbox talks make sure everyone who is working on the job is up to speed with the expectations, safety protocols and can ask questions for clarification. Even if workers are already aware of the safety hazards involved with the job, this talk offers a great refresher and lets others exchange information with more experienced workers.

How long should they last?

A toolbox talk should last between 10 to 15 minutes. This gives workers enough time to learn the information and ask questions without eating away at too much of the workday. However, this time frame is just a guideline and can be made longer if you are covering a more serious topic or there are questions or concerns.

Where should they be conducted and how often?

Toolbox talks are most commonly conducted on the job site at the beginning of a shift, however, these talks can be conducted almost anywhere. Just make sure it is somewhere where your crew is comfortable and won’t be easily distracted by other work.

As for frequency, these talks can be conducted as often as you see fit — daily, weekly or monthly. Conducting a toolbox talk at least once a month is good rule of thumb, however weekly or daily is sure to be more beneficial for your company. Toolbox talks should also be conducted with each new project. This gives your team a chance to survey the site, discuss any concerns and go over any specific safety protocols and hazards for the new job. Determining a schedule for the talks is also important in keeping a routine. Whether you decide to have a talk every morning at 10 a.m., or before work begins at 6 a.m., pick a time and stick to it.

What should be covered?

Toolbox talks are most effective when they are covering topics that are specific to the job at hand. This way, workers will be able to directly use what they have just learned. Each toolbox talk should ideally focus on one topic and should always allow for questions and answers at the end.

Some common toolbox talk topics include:

  • Safety hazards, requirements and procedures related to the specific job for that day, week or month.
  • Changes to the job site or working conditions
  • Changes to equipment or processes
  • Changes to laws, industry standards, company policies and procedures
  • Updates on accident trends or relevant industry news
  • Reminders from attended safety programs or classes

Check out these toolbox talk topics and outlines from OSHA Training for more suggestions.

Who should conduct and attend them?

In almost all instances, supervisors should lead these talks, and anyone who reports to that supervisor should attend. If there are multiple crews spread out across a job site, supervisors might have to conduct multiple meetings to ensure everyone can attend and has heard the information. Attendance should be taken and should also be mandatory in order to confirm compliance and formally document who might need extra training.

It is important to note that just because the supervisor will be conducting the talks, does not mean employees should not get involved. A good and productive toolbox talk encourages collaboration, questions and answers, and should dial in on specific worker experience and responses. A toolbox talk is truly a team effort.

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If you don’t conduct toolbox talks at your workplace but want to start, reach out to your supervisor to discuss the matter or share this article with them.

D2K Traffic Safety, Inc.

Written by

D2K specializes in traffic control and pavement marking throughout the Chicagoland area and the surrounding states. www.d2ktraffic.com

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