Toolbox Talks, what are they?
easyhealthandsafetyWorkplace safety is important for a number of reasons. Along with lower injury rates and time lost, safer workplaces are happier, more productive, and have higher levels on engagement.
What is a toolbox talk?
Safety toolbox talks are short 5-15 minutes safety talks that refresh knowledge and provide guidance about various health & safety topics in the workplace. They’re an excellent way to keep safety at the front of everyones minds.
Why are they important?
By giving regular toolbox talks, the aim is to create a positive health and safety culture and in turn improve the safety record. Toolbox talks should be short, succinct and simple to understand. Along with improving safety at work, toolbox talks keep members alert to possible hazards, improve team communication, and show that the company values employee’s safety and wellbeing.
Here are 18 key safety topics that businesses can use to help deliver important health & safety messages:
- Accident Prevention
- Alcohol Consumption
- Asbestos Awareness
- Construction Site
- COSHH
- Dermatitis
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
- Electrical Safety
- Fire Safety
- First Aid
- Housekeeping
- Infection Control
- Ladder Use
- Manual Handling
- New & Expectant Mothers
- Slips & Trips
- Violence
- Young Persons
You can find information and guidance on the above topics in our Health & Safety Guidance Sheet Pack.
What is the purpose of a toolbox talk?
The whole purpose of a toolbox talk is to be a quick refresher on a single subject, to bring attention to a relevant health and safety topic, to keep knowledge refreshed. Give your talk in the morning, and let that information sink in through the day.
Toolbox talks should be given regularly so keeping your talk short is important so that it is not intrusive to the working day. The more relevant the talk is to the work that's happening at work, the more it will be remembered. Because your team will associate it with the work they are doing.
This is likely to achieve better compliance with rules and best practice, and in turn, reduced accident rates and ill health. This means reduced costs, increased productivity and helps towards creating a safe working environment, and a healthy and happy workforce.
What can I use for my toolbox talks?
At easy health and safety we have a range of Health & Safety documents including Guidance Sheets that can be used as the basis for all the toolbox talk topics listed above in this blog.
