Toolbox Talk

TOOLBOX TALK: “DON’T DROP THE BALL”

We have many opportunities to improve our safety performance, but the question is: Are we really taking advantage of these opportunities?

Let’s look at specific examples

Driving on company premises

• Are we obeying the speed limit?

• Are we using our seatbelts?

• Are we stopping at stop signs?

• Are we pulling over to talk on our mobile phones?

The fact of the matter is that there are times when persons are seen in contravention of one or a combination of these basic safety procedures.

Yes, the roads have less pedestrians and traffic but that does not eliminate the possibility of an accident and more importantly the behavioral change that is developed will be invaluable as we battle the chaotic situations on our public roads on a daily basis.

Take advantage of this opportunity; improve the behavior so that we can bring our safety performance to a new level!

Taking care of our surroundings (Housekeeping)

The standard must be consistent across the board because at the end of the day, if one area has an unacceptable standard of housekeeping then the entire organization has an unacceptable standard of housekeeping.

Take advantage of this opportunity; improve the behavior so that we can bring our safety performance to a new level!

Good job planning means planning to execute a task as safely and as efficiently as possible. There are many examples of good job planning within our organization but similarly there are some examples of poor job planning.

There is a great opportunity here to ensure that all jobs are planned with safety in mind.

This means at the outset we ensure that:

• Workers are prepared (safety orientation, medical, special training, PPE)

• Risk assessment is done (analyze job, determine hazards, determine risks, implement controls)

• Tools and equipment are ready (cleaned, inspected, calibrated, etc)

• Work area is inspected, etc.

Safety is not an after-the-fact thing and should not be treated in that manner.

When we wait until the job is about to start or has started before basic things are done it means we place very little value on safety and this would be contrary to our stated organizational values.

Take advantage of this opportunity; improve the behavior so that we can bring our safety performance to a new level!

Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Are we wearing PPE in all areas where they are required, even though a hazard may not be evident or it is perceived this way?

• Are we wearing our PPE while we do our jobs and there is no Supervisor or other person in authority around?

• Are we using the correct PPE for the task?

The fact of the matter is that the answer to these questions is not necessarily always yes.

As adults we are not expected to be reminded on a regular basis to do basic things and besides we hate to be reminded to do basic things, then why do we constantly act in a manner that belies our adulthood?

Take advantage of this opportunity; improve the behavior so that we can bring our safety performance to a new level!

 

“To dream anything that you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will.

To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” Bernard Edmonds

Thanks, TO