How to Conduct a Successful Toolbox Talk Part 2
Though toolbox talks may sometimes feel like a tiresome obligation, an engaging and memorable toolbox talk can actually be the difference between life and death.
A toolbox talk is an opportunity, and our Jacksonville construction attorneys are here to help you use this opportunity to its fullest. In Part 1, we talked about how to be engaging and use visuals. Today in Part 2, we will cover staying on track and promoting positivity. We will conclude the series in Part 3.
Stay On Track
Employee involvement is crucial, but it is also important that toolbox talks don’t become “toolbox storytime.”
If you are running your meetings in a way that facilitates conversation, you can give yourself a pat on the back for holding your employees’ interest and thereby encouraging their retention of knowledge. However, if everyone feels the need to share during every meeting, it will start cutting into your work hours.
The best rule of thumb is to have a window of flex time scheduled into your meeting. For example, maybe you want to devote ten minutes to answering questions and/or letting workers have the floor. When time is almost up, you can transition to either taking back the floor or ending the meeting.
Promote Positivity
One mistake construction professionals make is to react when something negative happens, without focusing enough on prevention or positive reinforcement. While incident investigations are important and can help prevent making the same mistake twice, they are a reactive measure to a problem that already occurred. Toolbox talks, on the other hand, are a great potential means of making sure incidents don’t occur in the first place. They should have overtones of positivity and proactiveness.
Positivity also includes giving direct positive reinforcement to a worker who has done something right in regard to safety. Of course, you expect workers to do their job right; that’s what they’re paid to do. But a quick positive reinforcement when it comes to following safety protocol or knowing the safety plan can ensure that your workers continue to do so, thereby preventing injury, accidents, and OSHA violations. It can save lives, protect your business, and it doesn’t cost you anything.
If you would like to speak with a Jacksonville construction attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.