Free toolbox talk template and attendance record

Key points

• Avoid working at height where you can, for example by putting things together on the ground.
• Use a ladder or stepladder only for short, low-risk jobs. HSE's rule of thumb is no more than 30 minutes in one position.
• Check the ladder before you use it: feet, stiles, rungs or treads, and the locking bars on a stepladder. Don't use a damaged one.
• Set a leaning ladder at about one unit out for every four units up, on firm, level ground, and secure it.
• Keep three points of contact, don't overreach and keep your belt buckle inside the stiles.

Ask the team

• Which jobs this week could be done from the ground or a platform instead of a ladder?
• Who checks the ladders, and what do you do if you find a damaged one?

Key points

• Avoid lifting by hand where you can. Use trolleys, pallet trucks or hoists, or have materials delivered close to where they're needed.
• Before you lift, think about the task, the load, the space around you and your own capability.
• Plan and clear the route, and know where the load is going before you pick it up.
• Keep the load close to your waist and avoid twisting, stooping or reaching.
• Get help or split the load if it's too heavy or awkward, and report back pain early.

Ask the team

• Which loads on site this week are heavy, awkward or carried a long way?
• What equipment do we have to move them, and is it where it's needed?

Key points

• Most slips and trips come from things that are quick to put right: spills, trailing cables, rubbish and uneven ground.
• Keep walkways and stairs clear, and put waste in the skip, not on the floor.
• Route cables and hoses away from walkways, or cover and mark them.
• Clean up spills straight away, or cordon them off until they're dealt with.
• Make sure work areas are well lit, and wear footwear with a good grip.

Ask the team

• Where on site have you nearly slipped or tripped this week?
• Who clears each area at the end of the day?

Key points

• Cutting, drilling, grinding or sanding concrete, stone, brick and mortar creates fine silica dust.
• Breathing it in over time can cause serious lung diseases, including silicosis, COPD and lung cancer.
• Stop the dust at source with water suppression or on-tool extraction.
• Wear the respiratory protective equipment set for the task. Tight-fitting masks need a face-fit test and a clean-shaven seal.
• Don't dry sweep. Use a suitable vacuum or damp the dust down.

Ask the team

• Which tasks this week will make dust, and what controls are in place for each one?
• When was your mask last face-fit tested?

Key points

• If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone about 2 metres away, the noise may be loud enough to need controls.
• Hearing damage from noise is permanent and builds up over time. Ringing in your ears after work is a warning sign.
• Use quieter tools and methods where you can, and keep noisy work away from other people.
• Wear hearing protection in hearing protection zones, and wear it properly for the whole time.
• Report hearing protection that's damaged or uncomfortable so it can be replaced.

Ask the team

• Which tools or tasks are the loudest on site this week?
• Where are the hearing protection zones, and is protection available there?

Key points

• Regular use of vibrating tools such as breakers, grinders, disc cutters and hammer drills can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome.
• Early signs include tingling, numbness, pain, or fingers turning white in the cold. Report them early, because the damage can be permanent.
• Use the lowest-vibration tool that will do the job, and keep it maintained with sharp cutters.
• Keep to the trigger times set for each tool, and take breaks.
• Keep your hands warm and dry, which helps the blood flow.

Ask the team

• Which vibrating tools are you using this week, and for how long each day?
• Has anyone noticed tingling or numbness in their hands?

Key points

• Any building built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos.
• Asbestos is dangerous when it's disturbed and the fibres get into the air, so never drill, cut or break material you think might contain it.
• Check the asbestos survey or register for the areas you're working in before work starts.
• If you find suspect material, stop work, keep other people away and tell your supervisor.
• Only trained contractors, licensed where the work needs it, deal with asbestos.

Ask the team

• Have you seen the asbestos information for the areas we're working in this week?
• What would you do if you uncovered something you thought was asbestos?

Key points

• Know how to raise the alarm, where the fire points are and the escape route from where you're working.
• Keep escape routes and fire exits clear of materials and waste.
• Hot work such as welding, cutting or grinding needs the site's hot work permit, an extinguisher close by and a check of the area after the work finishes.
• Store flammable liquids and gas cylinders in the set area, away from anything that could ignite them.
• Only tackle a fire if you're trained and it's safe. Otherwise raise the alarm and get out.

Ask the team

• Where is your nearest fire point and escape route from today's work area?
• Who signs off hot work on this site?

Key points

• PPE is the last line of defence, used when a risk can't be controlled in other ways.
• Wear the PPE the RAMS sets for each task, such as a hard hat, eye protection, gloves, hi-vis or safety boots.
• Check it before use, and report anything damaged, worn or badly fitting so it can be replaced.
• PPE has to fit you and work with the other PPE you wear, such as safety glasses with a mask.
• Your employer provides the PPE you need for work free of charge. Look after it and store it properly.

Ask the team

• Is any of your PPE damaged, worn or uncomfortable?
• What PPE does each of this week's tasks need?

Key points

• Stress, depression and anxiety are among the biggest causes of work-related ill health.
• Signs someone may be struggling include changes in mood, being withdrawn, more mistakes, lateness or more time off.
• Long hours, pressure to finish, time away from home and uncertain work can all add to stress.
• If you're worried about a colleague, ask how they are and listen. You don't need to have the answers.
• Know who to go to on this site: your supervisor, a mental health first aider or the support your employer offers.

Ask the team

• What makes work feel most pressured at the moment?
• Do you know who to speak to on site if you or a colleague are struggling?