The importance of toolbox talk training

It is believed that the term “Toolbox Talk” originated with workers gathered around their toolboxes in the mornings before starting work, and their supervisors took the opportunity to encourage staff to hold safety meetings.  Today, the 'toolbox talk' is generally a short presentation to the workforce on a single aspect of health and safety covering legal obligations and best practices.

Toolbox talks promote health and safety, while also introducing new regulations and legislation in the industry. These talks can also be customised to address health and safety issues that have occurred in the workplace. Toolbox talks are ideally done at the start of the day before the shift begins but depending on the nature of the business, they can also be conducted at monthly staff meetings.

An employer has a legal obligation to ensure that a safe work environment is provided for all employees. This involves implementing health and safety policies and procedures. If an employer fails to implement these rules or guidelines, both the employer and employees are exposed to risk. One way to create awareness and encourage compliance with safety instructions is by providing informal training in a relaxed environment. Toolbox talks are ideal for this.

Employees should be made aware of the basic requirements of health and safety legislation. This includes the basic legal stipulations relating to injuries and diseases contained in the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Act, the function of various legal construction appointments and the ability to identify and address risks and hazards. Supervision of Machinery is another facet of occupational health and safety that has legal requirements and entails the appointment of a competent person to oversee the use of machinery.

Aspects of each of these areas can be used for toolbox talks to teach employees how to identify and address risks.

Next time you hear the word ‘toolbox talk’, it is an employer sharing valuable information and ensuring the safety of his or her staff.

Heidi Kilian

Head: Training Academy