So, be sure to remind your staff where to find fire extinguishers and fire drill processes in the event of a fire.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK 9. A fire can wreak havoc on a construction site, delay projects by weeks or even months, and, of course, lead to fatalities. Helping employees understand how fires occur, the hazards they can cause, and the ways in which they can extinguish them is vitally important. Advice on inspections and operating procedures for both man lifts and scissor lifts help workers continue to use these helpful pieces of equipment in a safe manner.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK 8. There are different types of aerial work platforms and it is important to stress the necessity of approaching their use in different ways to ensure safety on site. Workers in these environments can benefit from regular training on risk management directed specifically at these situations.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK 7. When it comes to toolbox topics about confined space, it is key to cover the risks, including poor oxygen supply, toxic gases, exposure to flammable substances, or other hazards that are amplified even further by the restrictions placed on the worker’s escape in the event of a problem.
The Department of Labor reports that 92 workers die in confined spaces every year.Ĭonfined space is so important that Jordan Barab named his entire blog after it. Confined SpaceĪ confined space is any working area where the entrance or exit is difficult to move through or restricted in some way.
It is important for workers to understand how to protect themselves and others on-site, as well as the public.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK 6. In addition, another risk factor is dropping objects onto people below from height. Preventing falls is a key area of focus for toolbox talks on working at heights, too. From hazards such as using electrical equipment near water to lock out tag out procedures, there are a plethora of subjects you can cover to keep workers safe.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK More Construction Toolbox Topics 5. Not only should you provide toolbox talks for trained electricians on site, but you also need to guide non-electricians on all aspects of electrical safety. Your talk should focus on how to prevent these risks from developing into an on-site incident.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK 4. Other risks include electric shock from hitting power cables, poor quality air, toxic fumes, and water bursts. Excavation (Caught-In -Between Hazards)Įxcavation has one of the highest fatality rates in the construction industry, with crushing caused by collapsing work one of the biggest risks. How can workers prevent objects from falling and how can they ensure they are at the lowest possible risk of suffering an injury from a falling object?ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALK 3. Protection From Falling Objects (Struck-by Hazards)īesides trying to prevent injuries from dropped objects, you should include a topic on protecting oneself from falling objects in a toolbox talk. This is why it is important to remind employees of the types of fall protection equipment available for different tasks, how to maintain it, and how to inspect it before starting work.ĭOWNLOAD FREE TOOLBOX TALKS 2. Around a third of deaths in the construction industry come as the result of a fall on job sites.
Whether someone works at the top of skyscrapers or just a few feet off the ground on a building site, a fall can be fatal. Here is a list of important toolbox talk subjects for construction, along with downloadable files that you can use for your organization. 29 Key Toolbox Talk Topics For Construction (Free Download) The agency found that the majority of accidents fell in four distinct groups and, based on this, it outlined the “ Construction Focus Four Hazards” - the most important toolbox talk topics. They refresh knowledge, keep workers up to date with the latest developments, and ensure that safety is always front of mind as your employees begin work for the day. In 2018, 21.1% of the 4,779 worker deaths occurred in the construction industry, according to OSHA statistics, which proves exactly how important it is to hold regular safety talks in the construction industry. Regular short safety meetings at the start of a day are a great way to remind workers of their obligations and the best practice within your company in a relaxed learning environment. 7 References & Further Reading Why Are Safety Talks Important in Construction?