Peninsula Group, HR and Health & Safety Experts
(Last updated )
Peninsula Group, HR and Health & Safety Experts
(Last updated )
In this guide, we’ll look at what a toolbox talk is, who’s allowed to lead them, and how to deliver them in the best way.
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It’s normal for businesses to deal with workplace injuries or accidents from time to time. Whilst you can't stop them from happening, employers can ensure their staff know how to prevent them.
Toolbox talks are a great way to inform and educate employees on how to work safely. With the right information, you can minimise risks of facing workplace accidents – and the potential legal consequences that could follow.
In this guide, we’ll look at what a toolbox talk is, who’s allowed to lead them, and how to deliver them in the best way.
A toolbox talk is a presentation that outlines health and safety matters in a workplace. The main purpose of having toolbox talks is so everyone can acknowledge how to work in a safe (and legal) manner.
Every employee should know how to work safely without causing harm to themselves or others around them. (This includes colleagues and the public). Talks may include working safely on a regular basis, as well as managing new or unexpected duties.
A general toolbox talk template covers all kinds of key health and safety areas in the workplace. However, most toolbox talks include the following factors:
Employers, senior managers, or supervisors will usually lead a toolbox talk. But only if they’re qualified to do so. Businesses usually provide these individuals with relevant health and safety training.
However, some industries deal with specific risks and hazards. Meaning, they may require professional health and safety officers to deliver their talks instead. It ultimately depends on the nature of the job and the level of risks involved.
There are hundreds of toolbox talks to choose from. It all depends on what relates to your workplace. Some of the most common toolbox talk topics include:
Slips, trips, and falls can happen at any given time in the workplace. They usually happen due to negligence or lack of awareness. Because they’re so common, these tool talk subjects are the most popular.
Personal protection equipment (PPE) helps reduce direct injuries on workers. Most PPE talks cover how to protect specific body areas; for example, with eye protection, bodysuits, or helmets.
From using footstools to cleaning high-rise windows, working from heights can take place in any given sector. These talks highlight how to work safely at elevated levels - before any feet leave the ground.
When a person has an accident at work, it should be documented in writing. Accident report talks show employees how to write up reports. They also include ways to implement prevention methods for the future.
The Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH) looks at working safely when facing chemical, gaseous, or substance risks. Not only are these identified, but employees also learn how to prevent the harms in their everyday work life.
Most workplaces have fire safety plans for each floor. When a fire occurs, employees should know how to evacuate in a swift and safe manner. Fire toolbox talk examples even include learning how to put out fires with water, foam, and CO²-based extinguishers.
Every workplace should have first aiders to deal with injuries and small accidents. They’ll deal with administering help, as well as writing incidents in report logs. First aiders are also taught how to stock first aid boxes efficiently.
These talks teach employees how to maintain general housekeeping at work. Poor housekeeping, like storing equipment wrong or leaving trip hazards, can instantly cause small and even major injuries.
Whenever an employee needs to pull, push, lift, carry, or move, it must be done properly. Without relevant manual handling knowledge, one bad manoeuvre can lead to physical or even permanent harm.
Whilst you might think this is industry-specific, any workplace can face construction safety issues. These talks help employees identify common hazards, like tripping over equipment, being struck by debris, or facing a lack of safety barriers.
Electrical safety is a common issue found on construction sites. But they can occur in the everyday office-place. Employees learn about the dangers of electricity and how to minimise potential risks.
Using forklifts requires certain training and sometimes even driving qualifications. Whilst these talks involve using vehicles properly, they can also cover learning about personal and public safety.
Every workplace presents its own risks or hazards that can impact their staff, customers, or even the public. Once you’ve spotted these, you’ll be able to present the most relevant safety advice to your employees.
Let’s take a look at ways to deliver a toolbox talk in your workplace:
The first step employers should take is deciding who will deliver the talk and what subjects should be covered.
Speakers must have the right qualifications and training to present the talks. If you decide to hire external professionals, make sure their presentations are fully relatable to your field of work.
The speaker should highlight the reasons behind the talk. Explain why this toolbox talk is important, who it applies to, and how to manifest the rules during work duties.
The toolbox ‘talk’ format doesn't mean you should only speak to people. Many talks include digital presentations, interactive tasks, and physical material for employees to read.
Once the talk is delivered, employees should know how to work in a safe manner. Ask them to sign ledgers declaring their understanding.
Employees can still refer to a colleague or senior member if they need more help. But with the right information, they should feel confident in fulfilling their work duties the right way.
Most health and safety professionals recommend holding toolbox talks when necessary. For example, if you hire new employees often, it’s feasible to hold weekly safety talks.
You can hold toolbox talks on a quarterly or annual basis. However, these are in addition to talks needed when specific injuries or accidents happen.
Every workplace presents its own health and safety risks. Whilst you might not be able to stop them, you can do your best to minimise (and eliminate) them for good.
Peninsula is here to provide expert advice on toolbox talks. We offer 24-hour H&S advice - ensuring your employees work in the safest and most secure manner.
Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Construction Health and Safety consultants today.
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