Toolbox Talks
Toolbox Talks safety briefings are an easy and efficient way to keep construction employees safe.
What are Toolbox Talks?
These brief meetings offer an opportunity for team members to learn about potential hazards and preventive measures, as well as a chance for the employer to review safety regulations. They are a great way to ensure that everyone is aware of the safety protocols that must be adhered to in order to prevent accidents and injuries on the job site.
Each toolbox talk has been reviewed and approved by a subject matter expert at L&I DOSH.
NEW! Search Toolbox Talks
Type a search term in the search box below to view English toolbox talks that match your search query. Or, use the category dropdown to view related talks.
Funding and support for the Toolbox Talks project and mobile apps has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Project.
Welding
Date Posted: 05/11/2024
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), there are, on average, 4,630 structure fires involving hot work per year. Any time equipment that produces a spark or open flame or a process that generates excessive heat, there is a risk of fire or explosion.
Backing up Trucks and Equipment Safely
Date Posted: 04/21/2020
The national Safety Council states, that one out of four accidents occur because of bad backing up techniques and procedures. The report also states backing-up accidents account for 500 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year. (2014 study)
Abrasive Tools
Date Posted: 09/25/2016
Portable grinders are one of the most potentially dangerous tools on any work site. The majority of injuries associated with portable grinder use are foreign bodies to the eyes and lacerations to the hands and body. These injuries typically result from the improper selection of tools, improper use or operation of tools, failure to utilize the correct personal protective equipment, improper abrasive/grinding wheel selection, improperly inspected and maintained equipment or using equipment without proper guarding.
Chainsaws for Construction
Date Posted: 09/22/2016
Chainsaws used for construction use must be equipped with all guards and safety devices in good working condition, including throttle interlock and chain brake. Prior to using an electric or gasoline-powered chainsaw, personnel must be qualified to operate the saw and follow the manufacturer’s recommended safe operating procedures
Circular Saws
Date Posted: 09/22/2016
Hospital emergency room visits account for approximately 10,600 visits annually due to improper usage of circular saws.
Cutting and Welding
Date Posted: 09/19/2016
Welding and cutting pose several hazards on the jobsite. Following proper guidelines and wearing appropriate attire, you can eliminate the possibility of an accident.
Electric Powertools and Cords
Date Posted: 09/16/2016
Use only electrical equipment that is approved for use in the workplace and for the type of work to be performed. The use of approved equipment does not eliminate all dangers if the equipment is damaged or is used in adverse conditions, such as in rain or wet areas.
Hand Tools
Date Posted: 09/11/2016
Hand tools are used everyday in our line of work. If you’re a carpenter your tools include hammers, saws, framing squares, plumbs, etc. If you’re a concrete finisher you will have trowels, bull floats, a finishing broom, etc. The list goes on and on for each type of trade. All these tools help you accomplish your work.
Nail Gun Safety
Date Posted: 09/05/2016
Nail guns are powerful and pose safety risks For construction safety standards, nail guns are classified as pneumatic power tools
Portable Generator - Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Date Posted: 09/02/2016
Electrical generators can save lives by maintaining heat, light, refrigeration and medical equipment during a power outage. These devices can be hazardous if not utilized properly. The following information outlines the specific hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning inherent with the use of generators.
Portable Generator - Fire Prevention
Date Posted: 09/01/2016
Electrical generators can save lives by maintaining heat, light, refrigeration and medical equipment during a power outage. These devices can be hazardous if not utilized properly. The following information outlines the specific hazards of fire inherent with the use of generators. Source: www.osha.gov.
Portable Generator - Shock and Electrocution
Date Posted: 08/31/2016
Portable generators can be life-saving during a power outage. These electrical generators pose significant hazards if not used properly. The following information outlines the specific hazards of shock and electrocution inherent with the use of generators and also provides helpful information to ensure that workers and others using such equipment remain safe. Source: www.osha.gov.
Power Tools and Cords
Date Posted: 09/01/2016
All power tools can be dangerous. Safety instructions must be followed carefully.
Table Saws
Date Posted: 08/15/2016
Approximately 40,000 Americans visit hospital emergency rooms every year with injuries sustained while operating table saws. Roughly 10% of these injuries result in amputations. Table Saws are a great and versatile tool, unfortunately they are also on the list of top most dangerous tools.
Download the FREE
Toolbox Talks App!
Discover, discuss, and document over 150 Toolbox Talks! The Toolbox Talks app makes it simple to find safety talks for both construction and marine industries in English, Spanish, and Russian. Find a talk to review, then document your safety briefing with a signature capture form that generates a PDF of the meeting details that you can email or save to your device.
Funding and support for the Toolbox Talks project and mobile apps has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Project.