Purpose
A toolbox talk is a short, focused safety briefing delivered to site operatives before or during work. It covers specific hazards, safe working practices, or recent incidents relevant to the task at hand. Toolbox talks are a key part of CDM 2015 compliance and demonstrate that workers have been informed of site-specific risks. Records must be kept as evidence.
When to Use This Template
- At the start of each new phase of work or task
- When new operatives arrive on site for the first time
- After an incident, near miss, or safety observation
- When introducing new plant, materials, or working methods
- Weekly or daily as part of routine site safety culture
- Before any high-risk activity such as hot works, excavation, or work at height
The Template
TOOLBOX TALK RECORD
| Project Name: | [Enter project name] |
| Site Address: | [Enter site address] |
| Date: | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
| Time: | [HH:MM] |
| Delivered By: | [Name, role] |
| Location on Site: | [Where the talk was given] |
| Duration: | [Minutes] |
| TBT Reference No: | [TBT-001] |
1. Topic
[Enter the topic of the toolbox talk. E.g. "Working at Height — Safe Use of Stepladders" or "Manual Handling — Reducing Back Injuries" or "Housekeeping and Slip/Trip Hazards"]
2. Key Points Covered
- [Key point 1 — e.g. "Always inspect stepladders before use. Check for damage, ensure all locks engage."]
- [Key point 2 — e.g. "Maintain 3 points of contact at all times when climbing."]
- [Key point 3 — e.g. "Never use the top 2 steps of a stepladder as a standing platform."]
- [Key point 4 — e.g. "Report any damaged equipment immediately — do not use it."]
- [Key point 5 — e.g. "If a task cannot be done safely from a stepladder, request a scaffold or MEWP."]
3. Relevant Legislation / Standards
[Reference applicable regulations. E.g. "Work at Height Regulations 2005", "Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992", "CDM 2015 Regulation 13"]
4. Discussion Points / Questions Raised
[Record any questions asked by operatives and the answers given. This demonstrates engagement and understanding. E.g. "Q: Can we use A-frame ladders for external brickwork? A: No — scaffold or MEWP required for prolonged work above 2m."]
5. Actions Arising
| Action | Responsible Person | Target Date |
|---|---|---|
| [E.g. Replace damaged stepladder in store] | [Name] | [Date] |
| [E.g. Order additional edge protection for Block C] | [Name] | [Date] |
6. Attendance Register
All attendees must print their name, sign, and provide their CSCS card number.
| No. | Name (Print) | Company | CSCS No. | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 | ||||
| 10 |
Delivered By (Sign-Off)
| Name: | |
| Signature: | |
| Date: |
How to Customise This Template
- Keep toolbox talks short and focused — 10 to 15 minutes maximum
- Use real examples and recent incidents to make the topic relevant
- Encourage questions and discussion — do not just read from a script
- Rotate topics to cover all major site hazards over time
- File completed records in the site safety file for audit purposes
- Photograph the talk in progress as additional evidence of delivery
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