How to Host a Great Toolbox Talk

 
The toolbox talk. You'll find a lot of funny YouTube videos mocking the concept, but they are still a great opportunity to get a safety message across if done right. 

Toolbox talks are typically 5 - 10 minute safety talks. They supplement routine scheduled safety training. Many times they are not led by a safety manager, but by a frontline supervisor or operations staff to really drive home the point that management is on board with safety. It's a great opportunity to give a different perspective on safety to employees.

Let's talk about common toolbox talk pitfalls and how to make things more engaging.

 When to hold them?

There's certainly no hard-and-fast rule. In a field context, holding them before the morning shift begins can start the day off on the right foot. Based on the hazards, you can determine the frequency you want to hold them. Maybe once a week is a good start and gauge effectiveness from there. There is something to be said about creating a routine and sticking to it, once the best frequency is found.

What to talk about?

Pick the hazards that are most relevant to your employees. Consider separating employees into different groups based on their hazards, or inviting different groups together if the hazards discussed are more general. No need to hammer on the same topics either. Toolbox talks shouldn't be taking the place of more formal training throughout the year. They're a great opportunity for reminders about hazards and to make an impact on employees through a case study or personal story.

What about content?

A lot of the time, you might not have access to projector and classroom environment for a toolbox talk. That's OK! Having everyone out in the field in the spot where most of the hazards are anyway can spark its own kind of discussion.

If you've got a story from someone within the company and they're all right with you sharing (be sure to ask permission first!), that can be especially impactful. Otherwise, simple hands-on demonstrations are another great strategy. Doing a quick watermelon tool drop (example here) is a great visual to promote helmet use, for example. Think out of the box.

If you've got the kind of group that might go for this, consider having different employees lead toolbox talks. They can pick the topic themselves, which means they may pick something they have a lot of expertise about or have personal experience with. Supporting employees who do this by helping them find resources or stepping in to talk during a slower moment during the toolbox talk is usually appreciated as well.

Toolbox talks can have a great return on investment. They do not take much time to hold or effort to prepare, but they are in the employees' normal work environment and can serve as a great reminder in the moment about hazards they face every day. If you haven't incorporated toolbox talks into your safety program, consider taking the step. And be sure to ask TT&S for any help if needed.