Safety Talks, also known as Tailgate Meetings, Toolbox Talks and Safety Chats, are brief talks (about 5-10 minutes) or meetings about specific safety topics that can highlight hazards and remind workers of the importance of working safely. They are also used to foster discussion between workers and supervisors and should be used to encourage workers to raise any safety concerns and report hazards and close-calls. Supervisors should treat these talks as mini training exercises and an opportunity to promote a positive safety culture.
The following Safety Talks are available for download as .pdf or Word files that can be modified for working conditions in individual workplaces.
Please Note: The following forms and templates are available for download as .pdf files or as Word templates that you can modify for your own work environment. The information contained in these documents are basic suggestions for improving OHS in the workplace, but cannot be specifically tailored to your individual working conditions. Therefore, the TSCBC takes no responsibility for how you use the information contained within these documents and cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies, omissions or deficiencies in the information provided to companies or workers based on the information contained herein.
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| Forklift Tipping Hand Trucks Shop Safety Trips, Slips & Falls Entry & Exit Customizable Blank Form |
Forklift Tipping Hand Trucks Shop Safety Trips, Slips & Falls Entry & Exit Customizable Blank Form |
How to Use Safety Talks:
Safety Talks should be given regularly. Depending on the nature of the work, this could be weekly or prior to a shift or dispatch and should involve all workers. It is important that workers in attendance sign the Safety Talk form and that the forms be retained so the Safety Talk is documented.
Tips for Conducting Safety Talks:
- Start and end the meeting on time.
- A respected supervisor should conduct the meeting to ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of the meeting. Do not delegate this task.
- Present the material, do not read it. The meeting should have the form of a discussion that encourages dialogue.
- Address the hazards relevant to your workplace.
- Always treat your listeners with respect. Some workers have years of experience and may even have been responsible for some of the safety protocol in your workplace.
- Invite all workers to debate issues and find solutions.
- Keep the information straight forward and simple. Select only a few key points for review.
- Be sure to state your objectives. It is important for workers to understand the purpose of the training session, why it will be useful to them, and what can result from not following safety rules and procedures.
- Encourage questions and remind participants that experienced workers can assist in the learning of the newer workers. Drawing on the experience of others empowers workers and builds on a strong safety culture.
- Stick to the agenda. Respond to questions, but stay on task.
- Involve workers in the training.
- Assess for understanding of the concepts. If there's a general lack of understanding of hazards or safety rules and practices, schedule another safety meeting or plan a refresher course for a later date.
- Summarize key points at the end of the meeting.
- Thank the participants for their involvement.