Australia’s agriculture, trades and manufacturing employers are faced with some of the biggest challenges when it comes to managing workplace safety risks. This is due to the highly unique workplaces associated with these industries, such as farms, warehouses and factories, which often pose significant hazards and risks. 

Over the last four years, for example, Australia’s manufacturing industry has ranked fourth highest in the number of workplace fatalities, and second highest for the number of serious injury claims. In South Australia alone, 4.5 percent of the total workforce is employed in agriculture, however almost 19 percent of workplace deaths occur on farms. 

Frustratingly, the vast majority of these fatalities and serious injuries are avoidable if correct safety and injury prevention measures are taken. 

One such measure that has been shown to be effective in reducing safety incidents within these workplaces are well-planned and strategic Toolbox Talks. In fact, employers that hold daily Toolbox Talks can reduce recordable incidents by up to 82 percent. Here, we shed light on what employers should consider when creating an effective Toolbox Talk for their workplace. 

What is a Toolbox Talk? 

A Toolbox Talk is another term for a safety meeting, often held with your co-workers at the start (or during) your shift. Alternatively, they may be held in response to particular safety concerns or an incident that occurred in the workplace. Their main purpose is to reinforce safety basics, focus on high-risk scenarios and to inform workers about changes to the jobsite and working conditions since their last shift. 

Toolbox Talks can cover a wide variety of topics depending on your workplace, including machine operation, dangerous goods, forklifts, manual handling, noise, mental health, sun protection and hazardous substances. 

Consideration for creating an effective Toolbox Talk 

• Toolbox Talks should cover specific topics on safety. Try not to make them too broad, and ideally keep them targeted to aspects of the specific jobs or tasks being performed on-site that day. 
• Toolbox Talks should be run on a regular basis. The frequency of meetings will also depend on the size, nature and location of the site and workforce. 
• Be sure to cover changes to the site, working conditions, machinery or safety processes. 
• Don’t forget that variable weather conditions need to be taken into account: heavy wind, ice, rain and heat can create unsafe conditions. Use Toolbox Talks to remind workers to be extra cautious when additional hazards from the weather are expected. 
• Aim to keep Toolbox Talks relatively short – around 10 minutes if possible. 
• Consult with your employees on the worksite about potential hazards and risks they’ve noticed, or areas they’d like more knowledge. Create safety meetings based on this. 
• Keep a record of meetings, feedback, decisions and action items, and regularly review safety solutions for effectiveness. 
• Refresher training is required by law on some topics. Make sure you’re aware of these and plan training around this. 
• Encourage worker participation and ask questions to ensure they have understood. 
• Toolbox Talks shouldn’t just be about physical injuries. It is important to address issues such as mental health, bullying and harassment too. 
• It can be beneficial to partner with a professional organisation that specialises in holding Toolbox Talks within your industry. This will ensure consistency, and can reduce claims and workplace injuries. 

Acclaimed Workforce offers Toolbox Talks as part of its comprehensive Workplace Safety Management services. Working closely alongside you, we can create tailored training that directly relates to your industry, work site, job responsibilities and seasons. Contact us today to find out more.