BMIC » TOOLBOX SAFETY TALKS

Choose any of the sub-sections from the pull-down menu below to browse the Toolbox Safety Talks section of this CD. The sub-sections may be broken down further into smaller sub-sections.

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» Construction Site Safety Talks

Having safety talks on your construction sites is key to your construction safety program. Used properly, these talks can be an effective method for both teaching workers safety awareness and for conveying the importance that your company places upon safety. However, it is up to you to make these topics as interesting and engaging as you can, so that your workers will think about safety and remember the topics that you discuss. You can make a difference regarding your job safety. Make sure to give examples of how to perform your jobs safely, and a few regarding injuries to workers who didn't.

Points for the presenter:

You are the key to making these Safety Talks most effective. A few points to remember when both preparing and presenting your talks:

» Hold meetings regularly, such as once a week. Regular meetings convey the feeling that the safety meetings are a valuable, regular part of the job.

» Choose subject matter for Talks appropriate to the specific project. Nothing will lose the audience faster than a topic everyone knows to be irrelevant to their particular work.

» Spend enough time prior to the meetings to familiarize yourself with the subject to be presented.

» Use the printed material as a guide for speaking, rather than merely reading it. If portions must be read, make an effort to inject some feeling into it to avoid a dry, monotone, delivery.

» Concentrate on only the single subject contained in the specific week's Safety Talk. Do not let the discussion ramble.

» Where possible, use examples from personal experience to illustrate key points. Ask the audience for examples from their personal experience.

» When available, use training aids or graphic material, such as Safety Posters, to dramatize the discussion.

» Attempt to encourage the group to participate in the discussion. Participation breeds involvement, a major goal in a successful safety program.

» Be sure to limit each meeting to no more than 5 or 10 minutes. Short presentations prove to be the most successful. Any unfinished discussions can be continued to the next meeting if necessary.

» Summarize the main points of the Talk and any discussion. Positive approaches and conclusions should be used whenever possible.

We have included an Attendance Form, which you may wish to photocopy and use to document your safety meetings.