99 toolbox topic examples (thank us later!)
We all love a good toolbox talk, but sometimes it's hard to come up with ideas for great topics. So we thought we'd do the hard work for you! If you're looking for inspiration, or have no idea what to challenge the crews with at the start of next shift, then here are 99 awesome ideas to get you started.
Topic |
Example of what you can discuss |
1. Workplace Ergonomics |
Discuss the importance of proper ergonomics to prevent injuries. |
2. Fire Safety Procedures |
Review the steps for using a fire extinguisher and emergency evacuation processes. |
3. Hazardous Material Handling |
Explain procedures for safely handling hazardous materials. |
4. Slips, Trips, and Falls |
Identify common causes of workplace falls and their controls. |
5. Electrical Safety |
Cover the basics of electrical safety, including lockout/tagout procedures. |
6. Machine Guarding |
Discuss the importance of using machine guards and checking their integrity. |
7. Heat Stress Prevention |
Provide tips on staying hydrated and recognising signs of heat exhaustion. |
8. Cold Stress Prevention |
Discuss how to prepare for cold weather work and how to recognise signs of hypothermia. |
9. Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection |
Highlight the importance of hearing protection and ways to minimise hazardous noise exposure. |
10. Respiratory Protection |
Discuss different types of respirators and their proper fit testing procedures. |
11. Hand and Power Tool Safety |
Review safe practices for using hand and power tools. |
12. Lifting Techniques |
Teach proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries (note: this is not an effective control!). |
13. Confined Space Entry |
Outline the protocols for safe entry and work in confined spaces. |
14. Fall Protection Systems |
Explain different types of fall protection systems and their proper use. |
15. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) |
Discuss the necessity and proper use of PPE for your workplace. |
16. Emergency Response Planning |
Review the company's emergency response plan and employee roles. |
17. Chemical Safety |
Talk about the use and storage of chemicals, and material safety data sheets (MSDS). |
18. Workplace Violence Prevention |
Discuss strategies to prevent and respond to workplace violence. |
19. Stress Management at Work |
Discuss strategies for managing stress and mental health at work. |
20. Cybersecurity Basics |
Cover basic practices to protect sensitive information and avoid cyber threats. |
21. Environmental Awareness |
Discuss the impact of workplace activities on the environment and how to minimise it. |
22. Sustainable Practices |
Explore practices that can make the workplace more environmentally friendly. |
23. Waste Management |
Discuss proper waste segregation and disposal, including recycling processes. |
24. Energy Conservation Techniques |
Provide tips on conserving energy at work, such as using energy-efficient devices. |
25. Water Conservation Methods |
Talk about methods to reduce water usage in the workplace. |
26. Air Quality Awareness |
Discuss the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality. |
27. Climate Change and Its Impact on Work |
Explain how climate change impacts the workplace and what measures can be taken. |
28. Renewable Energy Options |
Discuss the use of renewable energy sources within the industry. |
29. Mobile Phone Safety |
Discuss when to use and when to put your phone away. |
30. Biodiversity and the Workplace |
Talk about maintaining biodiversity in and around the workplace. |
31. Carbon Footprint Reduction |
Discuss ways the team can reduce their carbon footprint. |
32. Return to Work |
Discuss the important of early intervention return to work. |
33. Health and Wellness Programs |
Promote participation in programs aimed at improving employee health. |
34. Infectious Diseases Prevention |
Discuss prevention and response strategies for infectious diseases in the workplace. |
35. Mental Health Awareness |
Promote understanding and support systems for mental health. |
36. Alcohol and Drug Use Awareness |
Talk about the impacts of alcohol and drug use on workplace safety. |
37. First Aid Basics |
Review basic first aid procedures for the workplace. |
38. CPR Training |
Promote CPR training and its importance in saving lives. |
39. Bloodborne Pathogens |
Discuss how to handle situations involving bloodborne pathogens safely. |
40. Workplace Hygiene Practices |
Encourage good hygiene practices to maintain health and safety. |
41. Safe Driving Practices |
Discuss the importance of safe driving. |
42. Inclement Weather Safety |
Offer tips for staying safe during severe weather conditions at work. |
43. UV Exposure and Skin Protection |
Talk about the risks of UV exposure and the importance of skin protection outdoors. |
44. Workplace Harassment Prevention |
Discuss ways to identify and prevent harassment in the workplace. |
45. Disaster Preparedness |
Discuss preparations and responses for potential disasters. |
46. Workplace Accessibility and Inclusivity |
Talk about making the workplace accessible and inclusive for everyone. |
47. Lean Manufacturing Safety |
Discuss safety considerations in lean manufacturing environments |
48. Communication Effectiveness |
Discuss strategies to ensure safe, effective communication at work. |
49. Risk Assessment and Management |
Discuss how to identify and manage risks effectively in the workplace. |
50. Safe Chemical Storage |
Review the importance of proper chemical storage to prevent accidents. |
51. Incident Reporting and Investigation |
Explain the process and importance of reporting and investigating incidents. |
52. Lockout/Tagout Procedures |
Cover the steps for proper lockout/tagout to ensure machinery is safely serviced. |
53. Traffic Control and Safety |
Discuss strategies for managing traffic in areas with heavy equipment and pedestrian activity. |
54. Working at Heights |
Discuss the safety measures necessary when working at elevated positions. |
55. Static Electricity Hazards |
Talk about the dangers of static electricity in certain work environments. |
56. Overhead Crane Safety |
Discuss safety practices when operating or working near overhead cranes. |
57. Preventing Workplace Bullying |
Talk about identifying and preventing bullying behaviors in the workplace. |
58. Proper Posture at Work |
Discuss the benefits of maintaining proper posture and ergonomics to avoid injuries. |
59. Safety Signage and Labeling |
Review the importance of clear safety signage and labeling in the workplace. |
60. Electrical Hazards and Preventative Measures |
Discuss common electrical hazards and how to prevent them. |
61. Safety in Office Environments |
Cover common safety issues and best practices in office settings. |
62. Working Alone Safely |
Discuss strategies to stay safe when working alone in isolated areas. |
63. Housekeeping and Safety |
Highlight the link between good housekeeping practices and safety. |
64. Job Safety Analysis |
Discuss the process and benefits of conducting a job safety analysis for new tasks. |
65. Safe Use of Ladders |
Review safety tips for using ladders properly and preventing falls. |
66. Emergency Equipment Familiarisation |
Ensure workers are familiar with the location and use of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers. |
67. Protective Footwear |
Discuss the importance of wearing appropriate footwear to prevent foot injuries. |
68. Eye Safety and Protection |
Talk about the risks and protective strategies for maintaining eye health in the workplace. |
69. Air Quality during Bushfire Season |
Discuss strategies to improve air quality at work during bushfires or burn off seasons. |
70. Asbestos Awareness |
Explain the dangers of asbestos and how to handle materials that contain it safely. |
71. Sun Safety and Heat Protection |
Provide guidance on protecting against sun exposure and heat-related illnesses. |
72. Biological Hazards in the Workplace |
Discuss types of biological hazards and safe practices to minimize risk. |
73. Understanding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) |
Explain how to read and understand MSDS for safe handling of chemicals. |
74. Forklift Safety |
Review safety practices for operating forklifts and other heavy machinery. |
75. Work Zone Traffic Safety |
Discuss strategies for keeping work zones safe for both workers and pedestrians. |
76. Handling Stress in High-Risk Environments |
Provide tips for managing stress in environments that are physically or mentally demanding. |
77. Safety Culture and Employee Engagement |
Discuss the importance of building a strong safety culture and engaging employees in safety practices. |
78. Welding and Cutting Safety |
Talk about safety practices specific to welding and cutting operations. |
79. Hazard Communication |
Cover the key elements of effective hazard communication in the workplace. |
80. Scaffold Safety |
Discuss the correct setup and use of scaffolds to prevent accidents. |
81. Drug-Free Workplace |
Promote the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace. |
82. Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders |
Review safety tips for storing and handling compressed gas cylinders. |
83. Lead Exposure Prevention |
Discuss the risks of lead exposure and how to work safely with lead-containing materials. |
84. Arc Flash Hazards |
Explain what arc flash is and how to protect against it. |
85. Mental Health and Burnout |
Discuss risks associated with burnout and controls that can be put in place to manage work related stress. |
86. Fatigue Management |
Provide strategies to manage fatigue and maintain alertness on the job. |
87. Rodent and Pest Control |
Discuss the importance of controlling pests to prevent health hazards. |
88. The Role of Safety Committees |
Explain the role and benefits of safety committees in a workplace safety program. |
89. Protecting Temporary Workers |
Discuss the specific needs and protections for temporary or contract workers. |
90. Natural Disaster Preparedness |
Provide tips and strategies for preparing and responding to natural disasters at work. |
91. Radiation Safety |
Discuss types of radiation exposure and safety practices to minimise health risks. |
92. Preventative Maintenance and Safety |
Highlight the importance of regular maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency. |
93. Ergonomic Solutions for Mobile Workers |
Provide ergonomic tips and tools for employees who work remotely or on the go. |
94. Safety Rewards and Incentive Programs |
Talk about the effectiveness of rewards and incentives in promoting safety behaviors. |
95. Infectious Disease Control During Outbreaks |
Discuss strategies for controlling the spread of infectious diseases in the workplace. |
96. Vulnerable Workers |
Discuss safety considerations for workers that may be more at risk of injury (i.e. younger, older workers, returning after pregnancy, etc) |
97. Multicultural Workplaces and Safety Communication |
Discuss the challenges and strategies for effective safety communication in diverse workplaces. |
98. Handling and Storage of Flammable Materials |
Review safe practices for handling and storing flammable materials. |
99. Safety Leadership and Accountability |
Emphasise the role of leadership in fostering a culture of safety and accountability. |
Love this list? Let us know and we'll make you more!