Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/37044
WORLD FENCE NEWS • AUGUST 2011 • 57 Last month we talked about why I consider toolbox safety talks so im- portant; the most important reason, in my mind, was to potentially create sig- nificant reductions in injuries which, in turn, helps reduce the accompany- ing workers’ comp insurance premi- ums. So that results in both human and pocketbook benefits. We also spoke about the “down- time” that injuries can create, and the extra burden that it places on your op- eration to pick up the slack; not to mention the possibility that there might not be enough depth in the or- ganization in these lean times to effec- tively pick up the slack. Of course, the extent that the in- juries manifest themselves in down- time will determine how great an effect it has on your operation. Once having reminded you of the ‘theme’ of Part I, we will now proceed with Part II and discuss some specifics on how to run the toolbox safety talks and perhaps even offer some guide- lines to help you create effective pro- grams. Below are some thoughts that I think can prove helpful to you regard- ing the actual conducting of your tool- box safety talks. First, some general thoughts as you prepare. • Hold the meeting at a location where, preferably, everyone can sit and THE HUMAN LINK by Jim Lucci Management Motivational Associates Toolbox safety talks – part 2 relax. I realize that sometimes the op- timum conditions aren’t practical. But the point is, for the 2 or 3 minutes that this will take, it’s best if everyone can sit and give you their undivided atten- tion. On the jobsite can be OK. • Hold the meeting at the begin- ning of the shift (which I prefer), right after lunch or after a break. • Choose the topic carefully. Top- ics should be about health and safety issues that are directly related to the employees’ jobs. Don’t forget to re- search the topic before the meeting. • Supervisors do not always have to run the toolbox talk. You can always encourage other qualified employees in your group to be ready to be a pre- senter of a talk. For example, ask an experienced employee to lead the discussion, or perhaps someone who just attended training to present a topic at a session. • Encourage as much employee participation as possible, yet keep your meetings short. Ask questions about the topic to generate discussion and get employees involved. This is the general format that must be present in your mindset prior to undertaking toolbox safety talks. Once having said that, let’s spend a few minutes on increasing the poten- tial effectiveness of your talk. Here are some thoughts. • Safety toolbox thoughts should be presented, not read. This type of training takes its name toolbox from the notion of supervisors and employ- ees informally gathering around the toolbox to talk about an important issue. This means the presenter should review topic materials before the meet- ing and then present the topic. It’s OK to refer to notes, but again, you should not just read at toolbox talks. The training will be far more ef- fective if it’s presented and not just read off a sheet. • Safety toolbox talks should gen- erally be presented by a supervisor, foreman, manager or similar type em- ployee. Don’t delegate this important task! When toolbox safety training is presented by a credible supervisor or person of similar responsibility, it is far more likely that the training will be taken seriously. But, as I pointed out in the third bullet point, it is not absolutely manda- tory that a supervisory level person present the talk, if a qualified em- ployee has something very relevant to present. • Safety toolbox talks should ad- dress the hazards of your workplace or environment. Present toolbox safety training that’s relevant to your work- place, otherwise you’ll quickly lose the attention of your employees and workers. • Safety toolbox talks should be quick and to the point and should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. You can likely address one specific hazard or issue and the relevant safeguard in that 5 to 10 minute time span. You want your audience to “grasp” and remember this safety training and so you will have more success if you keep the talks short and to the point. • Document your safety toolbox talks. One of the most frequently cited OSHA standards, 1926.21 (B) 2, reads continued on page 76 Options: • Loader • Forklift • Concrete Breaker • Post Tamper • Post Puller • Concrete Mixer and Dispenser • Installink Chainlink Dispenser • Auto Post Driver (one-person operation) 25-30 XT 2-25 TLD-125 Six Models to Choose From 244 W. State Route 4, Cathlamet,WA 98612 (360) 795-3617 Seeing is believing - Call today for FREE video or to schedule a demonstration! “The ultimate in boring and fencing equipment. ”