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ONLINE Training Tips
Conducting Effective Toolbox Sessions
By Susan Reschny,
B. Ed.
Director of Program Development
Industrial Training & Design Ltd.
“Toolbox” safety training, otherwise
known as “tailgate” safety training, is a system of short,
frequent training sessions. This effective concept is being
used across North America in almost all sectors of industry. The
idea is to occasionally highlight safety as an essential part of
the workplace routine. As we become more experienced in our jobs,
a relaxed attitude can replace the caution that existed when the
job was new and challenging. Without periodic re-awakening,
repetitive work situations and lethargy can lead to incidents.
Toolbox sessions can remind workers that no one is immune.
Studies have shown that frequent training sessions can push
accident rates down by 50-70 percent.
We include Toolbox Session
Worksheets in the bonus folder of our "Safety in the
Workplace" Series of e-learning packages. You may be tempted to
ignore the potential benefits of toolbox sessions, and just run
your employees through the e-learning packages. If you do so, you
will loose out on one of the strongest ways to connect your
safety policy, your safe work procedures and your
training sessions together in the mind's of your
employees. Still, many managers feel uncomfortable in delivering
toolbox sessions. The Worksheets are designed to assist you in
preparing the key points that you will present during your
toolbox sessions. In order to deliver training that is
relevant to your workplace, use the Worksheets to prepare a
discussion of your specific hazards, safe work practices, and
your company policies & procedures.
The following are a few ideas to keep
in mind to help you organize and conduct effective toolbox
sessions:
Time – how often and how long?
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Meetings should be brief, approximately 10-20 minutes. By
keeping meetings short, you can keep people interested,
minimize down time and ensure that preparation is simple.
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Toolbox sessions should be held every 1-2 weeks so that you
keep safety on the minds of the workers and demonstrate your
commitment to their well-being. It is also recommended that you
conduct the meetings before the work day begins, giving the
worker time to practise the skills taught or think about the
training as the day progresses.
-
It is suggested that you try to create a routine for this
training by establishing a set time and day. Try to avoid days
when employees may be distracted like Monday mornings, Friday
afternoons or pay days.
Conducting
the Meeting
-
Start and end the meeting on time. Do not wait for late
employees. This wastes everybody’s precious time and is unfair
to those who are punctual.
-
Keep track of the participants using a “Toolbox Roster
Sheet”. This is extremely important for compliance. A copy
for your use is provided (click
here).
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Keep the information straight forward and simple. Select
only a few key points for review.
-
Be sure to state your objectives. It is important for
workers to understand the purpose of the training session, why
it will be useful to them, and what can result from not
following safety rules and procedures.
-
Encourage questions and remind participants that
experienced workers can assist in the learning of the newer
workers. Drawing on the experience of others empowers workers
and builds on a strong safety culture.
-
Stick to the agenda. Respond to questions, but stay on
task. Avoid a gripe session by insisting on solution
brainstorming.
-
Involve workers in the training. Encourage employees to
participate as much as possible. You can even ask them to lead
a meeting or find information.
-
Assess for understanding of the concepts. If there's a
general lack of understanding of hazards or safety rules and
practices, schedule another safety meeting or plan a refresher
course for a later date.
-
Summarize key points at the end of the meeting. This
will refocus everyone’s attention on the objectives. Remember
to thank the participants for their involvement.
-
Always treat your listeners with respect. There is
nothing more degrading than being treated like a “naughty
child”. Remember that some workers have years of experience and
may even have been responsible for some of the safety protocol
in your workplace. Invite all workers to debate issues and find
solutions.
Other
things to consider:
-
Toolbox safety meetings should not be held just because they
are required. Have a specific purpose, topic or plan. As a
supervisor, you need to be committed to this process. Without
your enthusiasm, this tool may become just another 'exercise',
and the subject of ridicule, losing the intended positive
effect.
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Relevance is extremely important to adults. Select your
topics with this in mind. Seasonal training and response
to incidents and observation are good reason for training.
Toolbox sessions are a great way to re-enforce
the safety program of your workplace. They open lines of
communication between workers and supervisors and empower workers
to initiate changes for their health and safety. More
importantly, stressing the importance of safety in the workplace
creates a vigilant environment which decreases the number of
incidents and promotes a positive safety culture.
Go to Part II -
How to Plan Toolbox Training Session
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