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TOOLBOX TALKS

Sending your work crew out to do a job is one thing but whether the task is completed safely and on time, is quite another. Because on the odd occasion something goes horribly wrong. What was supposed to be a simple, routine task turns out to be much more than everyone expected, including yourself, the Boss. You're left gasping and wondering what went wrong. How could such a simple task be bungled by an experienced crew? Bungled, you say?

But it does happen. And it has happened, so where do we go from here?

Good question. Where do we go from here or more specifically, where do you go from here?

Well you can start with getting your work crew together and have them discuss that so called simple, routine task at the onset. You see, if they know what is to be done, who's to do what, when, where and how? The end story would be a much happier one.

This is what is otherwise referred to by some as 'Toolbox Talk" by some. The idea being that if all the component parts of the task can be broken down such that it is clear to all what is to be done by whom, when, why and with what tool, safety of the job and job safety therein, is pretty much assured.

In discussing the job before hand, the right tools, the right people, the right applications, boundaries, limits and standards, job competence and capacity become clear; making corrections and adjustments a whole lot easier, better and safer. That's what toolbox talk is about: A chance to stop it happening before you get to the worksite.

Above all, it stops your people from taking chances. It saves a lot of regrets too. Make your toolbox talk count.

Chasing schedules and quotas? Yes, you may but think about saving time, lives and money first.

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