Why Toolbox Talks Are Essential

By Trent Cotney, Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.

Keep safety issues at the forefront of workers’ minds and increase awareness of hazards. 

Safety training should be an ongoing practice at construction sites. However, while formal OSHA instruction is critical for a secure worksite, continuous reminders are also essential. You can communicate those reminders through toolbox talks. 

Toolbox talks are short meetings that can focus on different topics. For example, subjects might include fall prevention, weather and heat safety, electrical hazards and best practices for ladder use. 

Supervisors can use toolbox talks to supplement formal training. They help keep safety issues at the forefront of workers’ minds and increase awareness of OSHA standards and workplace hazards.  

Advice for Supervisors 

OSHA provides suggested toolbox talks on its website. These pre-written talks highlight important safety standards and keep your workers informed. When conducting toolbox talks, consider these suggestions: 

• Schedule toolbox talks on a regular basis so your crew knows when to expect them. It is likely best to hold these meetings at the beginning of a shift. 

• If you are using a script, read it over before the meeting. This way, you are familiar with the subject matter and can be more engaging when reading it aloud. 

• Speak clearly and make eye contact. Try not to go too quickly, or workers will not be able to understand you. 

• Choose a reasonably quiet place for the toolbox talk. If workers are distracted by noise or other activity, they will be unable to hear you and you will lose their attention. 

• When possible, use props and provide hands-on demonstrations regarding the issues you are discussing.  

• Tell stories or personal anecdotes related to the safety topic. Specific examples will help drive your point home. 

• Involve your more seasoned employees, having some of them lead toolbox talks occasionally or asking them to help with demonstrations.  

• Encourage workers to ask questions, and never joke about what they ask. Take their inquiries seriously and provide respectful answers. Especially if the workers are younger or inexperienced. They may not have extensive knowledge of specific standards and may require more explanation. 

• Keep a record of all your toolbox talks, including the subject of the talks, dates and names of attendees. This kind of documentation can help support you during an onsite inspection and shows OSHA that you are committed to safety. 

Consistent Practice 

It is beneficial to have a schedule for your toolbox talks, but how often you hold them—daily, weekly or monthly—depends on your situation. However, the more frequent, the better. According to data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2021 Safety Performance Report, regular toolbox talks play a significant role in promoting safety on the worksite. ABC found that companies holding daily toolbox talks saw a 76% reduction in total recordable incident rates (TRIR) and a 78% reduction in days away and restricted or transferred (DART) rates compared to those holding the talks monthly.

No matter how often you hold the meetings, after they are over, be a good role model. Practice the safety guidelines you described and show your workers that you are serious about health and safety on the worksite. Also, ask your workers if there are specific safety topics they would like to learn more about. Of course, you can always use toolbox talks to address recent problems, but it is even better to use them to pre-empt problems.  

Effective toolbox talks keep your workers aware and always thinking. And that focus will go a long way in keeping your site free from hazards, accidents, and injuries. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.   

Trent Cotney is an advocate for the roofing industry, General Counsel of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and several other industry associations. For more information, contact the author at 866.303.5868 or go to  www.cotneycl.com.