No Time to Train? Try Toolbox Talks

In addition, the “show and tell” is a perfect method for a toolbox talk. Conduct these training sessions where the job is done, whenever possible, and use the actual tools and machines to demonstrate safety instructions. Ask trainees to practice instructions as you teach them.

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Remember that being brief is always harder than being long, so you need to make sure you prepare adequately, even for toolbox talks. One technique, called “the Five P Plan,” offers this advice:

1. Prepare: Think; write, read, listen, organize, and practice your talks. Review your own knowledge of the subject, perhaps reading appropriate OSHA regulations, reviewing the results of incident investigations, or consulting with safety committee members and fellow supervisors.
2. Pinpoint: Focus on one main practice or process, whether it’s a new OSHA requirement, a new piece of equipment, or a refresher point after a near miss or actual accident.
3. Personalize: Refer to your own operations and site. The more you can tailor the material to your own workplace, the more effectively it will resonate with trainees.
4. Picturize: Use physical objects and visual aids. Make sure everyone in the group can see and hear you as you—or a volunteer—demonstrate with the physical object or visual aid. PPE training is a good candidate for picturizing.
5. Prescribe: State precisely what should and should not be done to keep trainees and co-workers safe. Consider a one-sheet or even postcard-sized handout that trainees can post near their worksite to reinforce the safety steps you’ve taught.

At the end of the session, ask each trainee to sign an attendance form, including the topic and date, which you will complete and forward as called for in your company’s procedure. Make a notation on the form of any valuable suggestions or comments made during the meeting. These records can be important when providing OSHA with evidence that required information was delivered to employees. They may also be useful to see if an employee being transferred or promoted needs additional training.
Finally, make it a point to check out your crew the following week to see if they’re practicing what you preached!

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Why It Matters

• Regulation compliance training avoids costly fines.
• Training in proper procedures avoids accidents, lost workdays, and workers’ compensation costs.
• Emergency preparation aids quick evacuation.
• First-aid training saves lives.

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