Tool Box Talks

Below is an introduction to the topic tool box talks.  Copies of the talks are only availalbe to BCSA members after logging in. You can also search for your specific topic using the Search box at the top of the page or click on any of the following keywords and phrases: communications, consultation, training and information.

Purpose and scope

Tool box talks are designed to assist supervisors at all levels to deliver safety related information. They are intended to provide guidance on acceptable procedure for the preparation and delivering of tool box talks on to employees.

This means of communication applies to all employees, contractors and sub contractors on site or in the factory.

General responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the management team to ensure that these talks are carried out and to appoint a competent person who shall be responsible for ensuring that tool box talks take place. This includes carrying out the necessary talks on a regular basis.

Duration and frequency

Talks should be conducted regularly (weekly/monthly) or after a learning event. They should reflect the work environment and be given by experienced personnel. The length of a talk will be dependent upon the topic covered but typical duration should be 10-15 minutes including questions.

Prepare

Think about what preparation is required before the talk.

1. Prior to the talk, check the safety aspects of the location
2. Keep distractions to a minimum
3. Consider effective aids you can use to enhance the talk

Reason - Why are you giving the talk?

Employees are generally information proof; they filter out what they can ignore. In giving a talk you have to make sure that you grab their interest from the start

Get their attention as quickly as possible. You won’t get the attention of your people by saying "Well its time for another safety talk...".

Look for interesting opening lines. Use your own experience where necessary

Telling a dramatic story related to the subject, perhaps something read in the press, e.g. how an erector fell to death because he didn’t tie on to right point.

Giving statistics from the industry can help get the message across "The construction industry employs 5% of the total UK workforce but accounts for 32% of all the accidents at work."

Why?

Consider why anyone should listen to you. They won’t listen simply because you are the supervisor, manager or the boss. You have to demonstrate you are both interested and concerned for their safety.

Think about newspapers that the workers could read? How do these newspapers get the attention of their readers? What kind headlines do they use and how are you going to compete.

A toolbox talk shouldn’t be just ONE WAY. It’s important to engage people in discussion, especially when talking to experienced people.

Outline.

Clearly indicate the major stages you will concentrate on.Decide on the major key points you want to make, choose those points that are relevant to your site.

People will only be able to cope with about 4 or 5 pieces of information in each stage so concentrate only on relevant information at every stage.

Don't think that you have to mention every piece of information on these tool box talk sheet, choose information that is relevant to your work place.

Preparation

Allow yourself 30 minutes to read through the relevant topic and decide which points are relevant for the people at your particular workplace.

A good beginning and a good end are important – people will remember them so they must contain good points

People will start thinking when you ask a question so use questions during your talk, don’t just wait until the end

Don't assume that you have all the knowledge or information on the subject, questions will show that you are open to gathering additional information from the group.

Many people try to include too much information in their talk. The aim of these talks is to get people to remember a few critical points.

You need to make it easy for people to be able to remember.

Delivery

Your attitude is important; it will show by the way you present yourself. You believe it’s important so you have to convey your sense of enthusiasm for the subject.

Be positive - This will come through preparation

Be Firm - Get the message across – don’t get side tracked

Be confident - Look at people, involve them in the talk

Be serious - Health and safety is a serious subject, the overall approach should be serious.

You must communicate the message as clearly as possible.

Questions

Remember ask the question, pause to give people time to think and finally, make sure as many people as possible get to answer questions.

If incorrect, don’t ridicule, put down or laugh. Restate the question to make sure it is clear and give people time to think of a reply, but avoid simply giving the answer yourself.

If there is an awkward silence, rephrase the question and allow people to a reasonable amount of thinking time.

Repeat the reply so that the whole group can hear. You can then check your understanding of the answer given

Recording

All personnel attending tool box talks should sign the register at the end of the session to confirm their attendance. The person delivering the talk should fill out the form giving location, nature of the talk and any relevant comments. A copy of this document should be held in the Supervisors or contractors offices.