What would you say if we told you that a task that typically takes ten to fifteen minutes at a minimal cost to you could reduce the number of worksite injuries, improve employee morale, and lower the cost of Contractor Insurance? You might still say something like, "Sign me up!" Or, you may think that sounds too good to be true; however, toolbox talks (AKA safety talks, tailgate briefings, safety moments, etc.) can lower the cost of contractor insurance and so much more.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Safety Performance Report found an interesting correlation between toolbox talks and total recordable incident rates (TRIR). Companies that hold daily toolbox talks reduced their TRIR by 85% compared to companies that have monthly toolbox talks. Increasing toolbox talks from weekly to daily decreased TRIR by 73%.
What are Toolbox Talks?
"A Toolbox Talk is an informal group discussion that focuses on a particular safety issue. Use these Toolbox Talks to spark discussion and action at the beginning of the shift," the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries explains. "Toolbox Talks guide workers and teams through preventing many hazards on the job."
They are "useful conversations about effective ways to prevent hazards at work and protect employees from injuries on the job." They are typically held monthly, weekly, or daily at the beginning of a shift and can last from ten to thirty minutes.
Topics can vary depending on current job site hazards, recent citations or injuries, etc. Here are a few examples:
- Using the Right Tool for the Job
- Dangers of Benzene
- Proper Lifting Techniques
- Respiratory Protection
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Proper PPE
What are the Benefits of Toolbox Talks?
While toolbox talks require time to prepare and take a few minutes out of the workday, the benefits far outweigh the cost by…
- Reducing the total recordable incident rates
- Helping keep your workers safe
- Helping foster a culture of safety
- Increasing retention of safety concepts
- Improving general safety awareness
- Providing an opportunity for open communication
- Upholding OSHA's requirement to "provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards"
- Keeping everyone focused on the job
- Quickly getting workers up to speed on safety issues
- Putting a regular focus on health and safety
- Allowing for discussions of recent incidents
- Highlighting management's commitment to keeping their workers safe
- Lowering the number of injuries
- Lowering the cost of Contractors Insurance and other administrative costs
Tips for Holding Effective Toolbox Talks
- Before determining a topic, conduct a job hazard analysis to determine relevant topics
- Prepare for the discussion
- Hold them at the beginning of a shift
- Conduct them on the job site
- Keep them brief – 10-15 minutes
- Begin with a brief overview of the topic and end with a summary of key takeaways
- Encourage employee participation
- Encourage feedback
- Include all workers the talk is relevant to
- Document toolbox talks – topics, participants, action items, etc.
- Stick to specific topics that can be covered in the allowed time
- Keep to topics that are relevant to the current work environment and activities
- Hold toolbox talks as frequently and consistently as possible, ideally daily
- Use interactive tools, such as visual aids and demonstrations
Don't Overpay For Contractor Insurance!
Another way to lower Contractor Insurance costs is to work with the American Insuring Group because we do more than provide you with affordable contractor insurance. We perform an in-depth review of your business, including your history and the risks inherent in your operation.
Then, we compare the costs and types of liability insurance for contractors among many competing carriers, providing you with multiple contractor insurance quotes and our recommendation on the best choice for your business. The result? You'll get the precise coverage needed at the best possible price.
Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.