LAW REPORT
Toolbox Talks
Ingrid Pagura | BA , LLB
All management , staff and workers must receive regular Work Health and Safety ( WHS ) training . They must be provided with information , training , instruction or supervision so that they can carry out their work safely . There are also certain safety training requirements , including training in first aid , emergency evacuation procedures , risk assessments , manual handling and the handling of hazardous materials .
Workers ’ WHS training should include whatever knowledge and skills are needed for them to work safely . They should receive training :
• During induction ( i . e ., when they are new or starting a new job )
• Prior to commencing hazardous tasks they have not previously done
• Regularly as updates .
What is a toolbox talk ?
A toolbox talk is a short presentation or discussion , usually 15 minutes or less , with a group of workers about a specific health and safety topic . Generally , they focus on one point and are a great way to complement and cement knowledge gained from more formal training . They are a great way to promote a safety culture within a workplace .
Keeping it short is very important as you don ’ t want people ’ s attention to wander . Toolbox talks can be done at the beginning of the day before everyone starts work , at lunchtime , or be added onto a regular staff meeting . Remember though , they aren ’ t a substitute for any formal training or onsite training that is required , but are a way to reinforce these .
Why are they important ?
They are important as they keep health and safety at the forefront of every worker ’ s mind . I know what many of you are thinking right now , ‘ What a pain we have to do this too ’, but they confer many benefits .
First , they reduce workplace accidents and injuries . Second , this has a flow-on effect to improving morale and increasing productivity , because workers feel more valued and satisfied in doing their job , as they are being kept up to speed and have an opportunity for communication .
Third , toolbox talks save you money , from avoiding having to change rosters and reorganise work to losing income from not being able to book in clients due to having a shortage of therapists . Then also think about all that paperwork you ’ ll have to complete in reporting the incident and then the return-to-work program .
So , a 15-minute talk is suddenly looking easy and rewarding !
Finally , they are an easy way to show your commitment to health and safety .
How do I get a toolbox talk started ?
1 . Pick a topic .
96 | vol29 | no2 | JATMS