A “Toolbox Talk” in South African terms is the industry accepted name used for a short interactive Health and Safety discussion and training session normally held by the Supervisor with his team and conducted at the beginning of a shift. The Aussies call it a “Safety Huddle” – it reminds me too much of sporting activity of some sort…
Start with once a week if Toolbox Talks are a new thing you want to implement – less is more and you want to keep on adding value so avoid topics that are becoming too repetitive like safe driving behaviour! In an environment where things are changing daily it is the norm to do Toolbox Talks daily. Just as long as you keep on “Toolbox Talking” (or Huddling – just don’t pull a hamstring please).
About the Author
Elsabé Steyn, Health and Safety Manager at Aurecon has more than 28 years' experience in the field of occupational health and safety. Her expertise includes the design, implementation and monitoring, on various levels, of OHS management systems. Elsabe is currently working at a large engineering consultancy as H&S Manager for their major and capital projects. Her experience has been obtained mainly in the construction, mining, heavy, food, manufacturing, transportation and civil infrastructure industries.
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