Importance Of Toolbox Talk
A toolbox talk is an informal safety meeting that of an organisation’s overall safety program.
Toolbox talks is an unofficial group discussion that mainly focuses on a particular safety issue.
Toolbox talks must be shorter than safety meetings and training sessions, they are designed to
reinforce safety training and information on a particular topic.
Toolbox meetings should be conducted at the job site prior to the commencement of a job or
work shift. Toolbox meetings should be run on a regular basis, the frequency of meetings will
depend on the size, nature and location of the site.
Toolbox talks cover topics on safety aspects related to the specific jobs. Meetings are normally
short in duration and include topics such as work-related workspace hazards and safe work
practices.
Toolbox talks are a great refresher and keep the employees abreast of changes in regulations,
safety procedures, equipment’s, personal protection equipment’s (PPE) and job assignments
and responsibilities.
It is one of the very effective methods to restore workers knowledge, covers last minute safety
checks and exchange information with the experienced workers. Refresher training is required
by law on some topics, in which case planned safety talks are a convenient way to go over
required training.
Toolbox talks or meetings are sometimes referred to tailgate meetings or safety briefings.
In short, Toolbox talks are used to:
- Help employees understand their job responsibilities and how to achieve them.
- Ensure that employees are ready to do their jobs safely.
- Demonstrate what you expect from your employees.
- Genuinely influence
- Employee performance
.
Depending on the nature of the business it is advisable to conduct an inspection of the work
area prior to a toolbox talks to help identify any problems and to assist with topical items for
discussion.
Details of toolbox talks should be recorded and kept on left. It is important to record meeting
dates, attendees and discussion items, even follow-up items from hazards, accidents and
incidents.
To improve toolbox talks and making it interesting it should be.
- Explained in a positive approach.
- Focus on 3 positives and 1 negative comments.
- Focus on what is best for the company or group rather than people overly focusing on
themselves. - Start with gratitude.
- Tell stories to rearm
- correct safety behavior.
- Announcing safety reward.
It will increase the energy, engagement and exploration of the workers.
Effective toolbox talks can save lives and are an important topic in human factors. The
fundamental factors for effective toolbox talks are brevity, authority, relevance, clarity and
accountability.
Toolbox talks promote the awareness of safety issues in the forefront. Toolbox talks may have
the following impacts:
- Promotes safety awareness. Workers get actively involved in safety matters and reduce
safety risks. - Introduces workers to new safety rules, equipment’s, preventive practices and motivates
the worker to follow standard operating procedures. - Provides vital information to the workers on accident causes, types and preventive
actions. - Emphasizes planning, preparation, supervision and documentation.
- Helps when reviewing new laws or industry standards, company policies and procedures.
- Encourage workers to discuss their experience that helps to review safety procedures in
future.
Summary:
Toolbox safety talks provide a convenient and effective method of communicating and
involving the employees as well as reinforcing the safety message throughout the workforce
and can significantly enhance the development of a safe working culture.
The cost of implementing a regular toolbox talk system is minimal, 10-15 minutes a week. The
benefits will include greater awareness, with the potential to reduce accident rates, downtime
and equipment damage and possibly even save a life