Safety “Tool Box” talks provide an excellent means of delivering proper training to safe-guard against the hazards that can exist at any workplace.

For safety “Tool Box” training to be effective, you should consider the following 5 points:

1. Safety “Tool Box” talks should be presented – not read!
This type of training takes its name “Tool Box”, from the notion of supervisors and employees gathering around the tool-box informally to talk about an important issue. This means the presenter should review topic materials before the meeting, and then present the topic. It’s OK to refer to notes, but again, you should not just read a “Tool Box” safety talk. The training with be far more effective if it is presented and not just read.

2. Safety “Tool Box” talks should be presented by a Supervisor, Foreman or similar type of employee. Don’t delegate this important task! When “Tool Box” safety training is presented by a credible supervisor or person of similar responsibility, it’s far more likely the training will be taken seriously.

3. Safety “Tool Box” talks should address the hazards at your workplace. Present “Tool Box” safety training that’s relevant to your workplace. Otherwise, you’ll quickly lose the attention of your employees and workers.

4. Safety “Tool Box” talks should be quick and to the point and should take no longer than 5-10 minutes). You can likely address one specific hazard or issue and the relevant safe-guards in that 5-10 minute time span. You want your audience to “grasp” and remember this safety training and you’ll have more success if you keep the talk short and to the point.

5. Document your safety “Tool Box” talks. One of the most frequently cited OSHA Standards – 1926.21(b)(2) reads:

“The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.”

Essentially this means it’s the employer’s responsibility to train employees regarding ALL workplace hazards and their appropriate safe-guards. Documentation is the only way to prove to OSHA that this training has been completed.

Through this website, Safety Bob offers safety “Tool Box” talks which focus on behavior issues appropriate for use in your workplace. Click here to access Safety Bob's "Tool Box" talk index and the talks themselves.