Client Resource Center

In 2019, 5,333 workers died on the job in the USA. In 2020, that number decreased (mostly because of pandemic-related shutdowns and slowdowns) to 4,764. Even that lower number is too high, though. Poor workplace safety remains a significant problem in the USA, with some of the most commonly violated safety standards in the areas of fall protection, respiratory protection, and eye and face protection.

One way to educate workers and promote better awareness of the risks they face is to incorporate daily safety briefings (also called "toolbox talks") into the workday. Sometimes, though, even the most seasoned safety manager might struggle to come up with fresh ways to present this information.

Here are some suggestions for how to organize a week's worth of safety talks around one subject, as well as 52 topics that safety managers can cover to help workers stay safe in warehouses, factories, and other potentially risky environments.

A Week of Daily Safety Talk Sessions (PPE Example)

Monday

Briefly introduce the topic. Cover the basics and explain why this issue matters. For example, why is personal protective equipment (PPE) so important in a manufacturing environment, even to someone who has been doing their job for 30 years without an injury (and therefore thinks they don't need PPE)?

Tuesday

Set up roleplay scenarios to explore how one worker could approach another who operates machinery without the necessary PPE. (What could an employee say to encourage a colleague to take proper safety precautions?) Use personalized hypothetical situations to make safety topics more memorable and impactful. For example, when covering the importance of hearing protection in noisy environments, ask workers with kids to raise their hands, then invite one or more of them to play out a scenario in which prolonged exposure to excessive workplace noise prevents them from hearing their children say their first word, laugh, or sing.

Wednesday

Find real examples of workers who were hurt on the job (such as someone who suffered an eye injury because they didn't use goggles). Videos, images, and statistics can all help drive the message home. Try using these examples in a game: describe a hazardous situation and see if anyone can guess what happened next.

Thursday

Invite workers to suggest their own ideas on improving safety related to each of your daily safety talk topics. For instance, they might be aware of a new type of PPE that could be beneficial, or perhaps they are concerned about the limited sizing options available for PPE. Use this discussion as an opportunity to identify safety gaps.

Friday

Host a short pop quiz to test workers' knowledge on the week's topic. For example, questions about PPE might include:

• What does a specific piece of PPE do to protect the wearer?
• What possible injuries could occur without a certain type of PPE?
• What should workers do if they feel their current PPE is unsuitable for a task?
• What should workers do with PPE after use to make sure it's safe for the next wearer?

Daily Safety Topics

Using this example as a guide, safety managers can structure their daily "toolbox talks" so that they are informative, engaging, and memorable. The sample format above would work well for any of the 52 safety topics listed below.

1. PPE. Discuss different types of PPE that workers need to use in their duties, how they help them stay safe, and what dangers they may face without them. Demonstrate how to use PPE properly.
2. Electrical safety. Cover how to handle electrical cables or machinery to reduce risk, the right PPE, and how to administer first aid to someone who may have been electrocuted.
3. Forklift safety. Lack of training, limited awareness of surroundings, and poor visibility can lead to improper handling of forklifts, which can pose a danger to the operator and to other workers. Offer tips on safe operation and common hazards (e.g., driving too fast in small workspaces).
4. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, this topic should be one of the key workplace safety topics for a daily toolbox talk. Examine what causes it, its effects on the body, and how to prevent it.
5. Fire prevention. Explore how and why fires may start in the workplace (e.g., faulty machinery, mishandling of chemicals). Show workers how they can decrease the likelihood of a fire.
6. Fire safety procedures. What should workers do if they discover a fire? How should they evacuate and to where? Cover everything they need to know to stay safe, including the locations of exit doors.
7. Hazard awareness. It's especially important to address this with warehouse workers, because their environments can become cluttered, piled high with stacks of crates, and hard to navigate. Offer advice on how to avoid distractions and identify potential dangers (such as cluttered package areas).
8. Accident protocols. What should workers do if one or more people are injured in an accident? Clarify who's capable of performing first aid, how to prevent a recurrence of that incident, and when specific areas should be closed off.
9. Side effects of accidents. Contextualize accidents in the workplace by examining their repercussions. For example, a back injury could prevent workers from playing sports with their kids or enjoying other hobbies in their downtime. Help them see why injuries are about more than the immediate pain.
10. Safe machine operation. Demonstrate how workers should operate machinery properly, no matter how familiar they may already be with certain devices. Cover how machine guards help protect operators and others. Go over how to check machinery for signs of damage or faults before switching it on.
11. Responsible behavior in the workplace. All workers should behave in a responsible manner, particularly when operating machinery, driving vehicles, or working at height. Examine the risks of reckless or inconsiderate behavior in the workplace.
12. Handling hazardous substances. Hazardous substances (such as acids and poisonous materials) should be handled with the utmost care. Discuss common accident scenarios and help workers learn what PPE is required for specific substances they may encounter.
13. First aid. Address different types of first aid that workers may be required to administer. Offer tips on a range of possible actions, such as dressing burns, cleaning out cuts, and performing CPR in emergencies.
14. The connection between hygiene and safety. Workers with poor hygiene may create a mess and not clean it up, creating a slip hazard. If they neglect to clean PPE after usage, they could put others at risk of exposure to unsafe substances.
15. Hand protection and common injuries. Discuss the circumstances in which gloves may be required in the workplace (e.g., lifting heavy objects, handling cutting tools, working with chemicals). Emphasize the risks of complacency and detail which gloves are most effective.
16. Staying safe when sick. Employees who come to work with the flu or another virus could affect others. Discuss the health risks and possible consequences to their colleagues if they fail to keep their distance, do not cover their noses and mouths when sneezing, or forget to thoroughly clean communal cups and other dishware after using them.
17. Safe handling of flammable liquids. Explore how to handle and store these substances safely (including at dangerous temperatures) and how to handle leaks.
18. Using ladders. When distracted or in a hurry, workers are more likely to overlook basic safety when climbing up or down ladders. At the same time, improper positioning can increase the risk of falls, injuries, and structural damage. Discuss proper ladder setup, placement, and usage.
19. Proper lifting technique for large objects. Poor technique in this area can cause debilitating back injuries and overexertion and put others at risk. Demonstrate safe and unsafe lifting forms.
20. Safety in noisy environments. This is one of the most important daily safety topics for manufacturing plants or other workplaces in which loud machinery, tools, or vehicles are constantly in operation. Examine the dangers of foregoing ear protection, how loud noises can distract workers, and how they may affect others within hearing range.
21. Working outdoors. Discuss best safety practices for outdoor work, such as warning pedestrians of potential obstructions or debris and assessing weather-related risks (e.g., slippery surfaces in heavy downpours).
22. How to stay safe in high temperatures. Employees need to know how to stay during summer months or in locations subjected to constant heat. Provide tips on covering up, cover the dangers of too much sun exposure, and emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and seeking shade.
23. How to stay safe in low temperatures. Discuss the risks of prolonged exposure to cold environments and how they can affect their ability to work safely (e.g., it is more difficult to operate machinery with numb hands). Advise workers on how to dress appropriately for lower temperatures.
24. How to perform risk assessments. This fundamental topic should be covered in every workplace. Detail why risk assessments are so important, how they're performed, and what constitutes a risk.
25. How to identify safety signs. Teach workers the different types of signage they need to know, giving special attention to those that may be easily misunderstood or ignored.
26. Rules of using safety signage. Workers performing specific tasks (especially in public spaces) are required to erect signage to maintain safety. Examine what signs they may need, what they mean, and why not displaying them could be dangerous.
27. How to set up scaffolding. Workers of all experience levels often set up scaffolding incorrectly due to inadequate training or a complacent attitude. Discuss proper setup techniques for different heights, building types, and weather.
28. Responsible behavior on scaffolding. Working on scaffolding creates the potential for workers to fall, drop heavy objects on others below them, slip when climbing ladders, and more. Focus on how to behave responsibly on scaffolding at any height.
29. How to hande cutting tools safely. Improper handling of cutting tools can lead to minor and major lacerations. Show how to use relevant blades safely to decrease the risk of cuts and advise on which glove density may be necessary.
30. Proper disposal of sharps. Explain how to dispose of sharps properly to prevent others from cutting or stabbing themselves. Discuss potential injuries that could result from improper disposal, and detail which objects qualify as sharp.
31. Why regular sleep patterns are important for shift workers. Employees who work night shifts may struggle to get restful sleep during the day and therefore may not be as alert at work as they should be. Share insights on the health effects of poor sleep and related workplace dangers.
32. How to recognize when coworkers may be too tired to work safely. Help workers understand what signs to watch out for if they suspect a colleague isn't alert or focused enough to perform potentially dangerous tasks.
33. What to do if people are onsite without authorization. Trespassers may create safety risks by interfering with operations or by distracting workers in control of machinery or vehicles. Establish standard procedures for reporting and removing unauthorized visitors.
34. Accident reporting. All workers need to know how to report accidents, whom to inform, and when to contact the emergency services. (This topic is ideal for roleplay scenarios.)
35. Stress in the workplace. Stress can have a negative effect on health and cause mood swings and distractions -- all of which can be detrimental in the workplace. Explore relaxation techniques and warning signs that someone may be extremely stressed.
36. How to drive vehicles responsibly. Anyone at the wheel of a vehicle in the workplace must know how to operate it properly, what routes to take, and the maximum capacity limits when transporting cargo.
37. How to dispose of waste safely. Waste that could be harmful to the environment, wildlife, or humans should be disposed of carefully. Make workers aware of local and national regulations and be sure they understand what types of waste can be dangerous.
38. Working close to water. Any teams working near a body of water may be at risk of falling in or (in the case of an ocean or estuary system) being swept away by incoming tides. Increase awareness of these dangers and responsible behaviors.
39. Repetitive strain injuries. Help workers recognize the signs of these injuries and share techniques to avoid them.
40. Stretching to reduce discomfort and stress. Stretching the back and limbs can help to reduce the risk of developing aches and pains, particularly for workers who lift heavy objects repeatedly. Explore good stretching techniques (including their benefits) and address poor posture risks and prevention.
41. Handling power tools. Power tools are a staple of construction sites and other industrial settings, but complacent or untrained workers could injure themselves and others. Cover how to handle tools, how to know when they should be replaced, and other relevant information to mitigate risks.
42. Working in confined spaces. Risks associated with this type of work include oxygen depletion and low visibility. Discuss how to perform a risk assessment of the workspace, how to check for gasses, and how to know when breathing equipment is required.
43. Fall prevention. Any individuals or teams working at height should be aware of common risks, such as leaning too far over guardrails, walking on slippery surfaces, or using ladders irresponsibly.
44. How to prevent infections. Because cuts can occur under a wide variety of circumstances (e.g., handling blades, operating machinery, falling), workers need to know how to clean them to avoid infections. Antibacterial and antiseptic products should be available in every workplace.
45. Avoiding eye strain. Workers who use computers or screens repeatedly should be aware of eye strain (also known as "computer vision syndrome), its causes, its long-term implications, and how to prevent it.
46. The dangers of drinking on the job. Inebriated workers may be unable to operate machinery safely or exercise sound judgment. Discuss the dangers they could pose to themselves and others and the disciplinary action that may result from this behavior.
47. The dangers of poor lighting. Clear visibility is a must in all types of work settings (e.g., offices, warehouses, construction sites). Discuss the minimum lighting requirements for the organization's particular environments and explain when workers should request more effective lighting.
48. How to protect the public when working outdoors. When they are in outdoor work spaces, workers have a responsibility to the public, whether they are driving heavy-duty vehicles along busy streets, digging up roads, or using noisy tools that create dust. Go over appropriate signage, good safety practices when working beside roads, and any other risks to the public.
49. Staying safe when working alone. Individuals working in a secluded area of a warehouse or at the top of a building undergoing development may be especially vulnerable in the event of an accident. They should know to keep a phone close by in case of an emergency. Make sure they understand that they still need PPE even if there's no one around to check them for it.
50. Working safely with gas. In workplaces where gas may be an issue, should educate teams on how to identify leaks, what to do if one occurs, and how to store gas canisters securely.
51. Dealing with asbestos. Construction teams may run into asbestos when working on older buildings. Teach them how to recognize it, the dangers of asbestos, and whom to call if they encounter it.
52. Carrying loads safely by hand. It's vital to carry packages, tools, crates, and other materials responsibly to prevent injuries and property damage. Workers may try to carry too much at once to avoid going back and forth, but that could hurt them and cause more problems than it solves. Share tips on staying safe when carrying heavy or sensitive items, especially in bustling workplaces.

By focusing on one topic across a five-day period, safety managers have an opportunity to explore all the related problems workers may experience -- and their solutions -- in detail. Through daily safety talks, companies can build a well-informed, well-prepared team that knows how to identify accidents, how to avoid accidents, and how to handle them when they occur.