Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/280108
32 • APRIL 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS (Editor's note: We talk a lot about the need to conduct regular meetings or "tool box talks" as part of a com- pany's overall safety program. The purpose of the program, of course, is to protect your employees, but admit- tedly, it is also to help protect your company in the event of an accident and resulting liability. There is no sin- gle "best" way to conduct a safety meeting, but here are some valuable tips that were compiled by the Ameri- can Fence Association several years ago, and can be used as guidelines. You should tailor your program to your specific needs, and possibly with input from a professional advisor.) Overview 1. Conduct the meetings on a reg- ular basis, but no less than one session per month. An early morning meeting, the first part of the week, seems to pro- vide better results. The attendees are usually more receptive to information in that time frame. (A notice in the pay envelope is a good way to remind the employees of the meeting.) 2. Limit the size of your audience. Effectiveness decreases as the number of attendees increases. 3. Limit your time to 10 or 15 minutes, unless instructed otherwise by the company supervisor. 4. Make your attendees as com- fortable as possible. 5. Conduct a discussion, not a lec- ture. Have your attendees provide input. 6. If an accident or "near miss" oc- curs prior to the meeting, discuss why that accident or near accident hap- pened, and how it might be prevented in the future. 7. Summarize each topic by em- phasizing company policy and the re- quired regulations on the subject of discussion. Safety meeting "Tailgate" safety meetings may be used in both large and small opera- tions. In small operations, it might be possible to have all employees at the meeting. In large operations, employees may be split up into groups divided by occupation, or under their specific foremen. Here are a few points to remember to make safety meetings as effective as they can be. 1. First, hold regular meetings. This will provide the feeling that they are a regular part of the job, and a valuable one. 2. Limit each meeting on time. If the discussion gets hot and heavy – which is good in a way – continue it at the next meeting. 3. Discuss only a single point or subject. This is most important. Don't choose too broad a subject. "Vehicle safety," for instance, is much too com- prehensive to be covered even briefly during a short meeting. But "backing safety," "safe following distance" or "proper parking" might be good sub- jects. 4. Spend some time and thought before the meeting, so that you are ready to stimulate discussion if neces- sary. 5. While you may open the meet- ing by stating the subject and present- ing the hazard or problem, try to get continued on page 35