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Running a safe site isn’t just about wearing hard hats and harnesses; it’s about effective communication and staying aware of what’s going on on-site. One of the most powerful tools is the humble toolbox meetings. These gatherings are the backbone of ensuring everyone on site is up to speed with hazards and safe working practices.

Download the Simple Guide to toolbox meetings to get tonnes of ideas for toolbox meeting topics.

Why toolbox talks matter

Toolbox meetings are a forum to highlight safety expectations and encourage participation from everyone on site. They don’t need to be lengthy; a quick stand-up meeting will do – maybe even with a side of chocky biscuits to sweeten the deal! We recommend holding these meetings weekly, or at least twice a month, to keep safety at the front of everyone’s minds.

Some building companies take it a step further by incorporating toolbox meetings into their daily routine. Starting each day with a brief safety discussion helps to make safety a daily habit, rather than an afterthought.

Running an effective meeting

The success of a toolbox meeting hinges on a few key factors:

• Planning: Choose a suitable meeting time, decide who needs to be present, and give them advance notice.
• Engagement: Keep the tone friendly and conversational. It’s not a lecture, it’s a discussion among teammates. This approach encourages everyone to get involved and share ideas.
• Leadership: Lead by example. Clearly outline your expectations and make sure you’re walking the talk.
• Simplicity: Avoid jargon and keep the discussion easy to understand
• Importance: Emphasize that attending these meetings is an important part of everyone’s job.
• Focus: Stick to one or two topics per meeting
• Documentation: Keep a record of attendees and discussion points, the HazardCo App makes this simple.

Topics to discuss

Here are some prompts to kickstart discussions in your toolbox talks:

• Recent hazards identified and how you will control them
• Recent incidents or near misses on site. Discuss why they happened and what you can improve
• Insights from site reviews
• How to deal with dust on site
• Working near powerlines
• Download the Simple Guide to Toolbox meetings for lots more ideas

Toolbox meetings help with communication, collaboration, and continual improvement. Remember, safety is a team effort, and toolbox meetings are where that effort begins.

The HazardCo App includes all the on-site safety reports you need, such as a handy tool to record toolbox meetings.

Get a 7 day free trial.