Good question ExDeeps, I dare say there will be many different responses...meanwhile, my understanding of a TBT is a short aid memoir on a particular subject, which ideally should be related to the task in hand. Of course, TBTs are often used for all manner of so-called training and refreshers, especially following an accident or incident where the action is a TBT on... Personally, I dislike TBTs for this very reason, a lazy and often inappropriate substitute for proper training and instruction.

We use a toolbox talk if there has been a mimor incident that we feel needs to be put to the workforce as a reminder of what could have happened (please note anything major does result in a full investigation). It is also used if we feel things have laxed and need a prod.

I've worked in a variety of places and have seen them used very differently. Like Ray, I've seen them used after an accident. I've seen them used to deliver a weekly safety message. I personally think they way my company uses them is the better way - before each scope of work, using the risk assessment as the base for the discussion. We use Time Out For Safety for when the scope of work has changed during the task, to reassess and discuss and Weekly Safety Focus to discuss accidents, incidents, industry news, specific topics. Again, no right or wrong way, just more preferred.

A ‘toolbox talk’ is a short presentation to the workforce on a single aspect of health and safety lasting about 5 or 10 minute. They can be an effective part of a construction safety program. Site-specific health and safety issues cab be discussed. Often the short, targeted training stresses the importance of the topic to employees. They can address actual and anticipated safety concerns for scheduled project work. The talks provide an opportunity to relate specific safety concerns with the jobs to be performed.

Ian's approach is what I experienced in the chemical industry, and I think more the traditional idea (foreman standing on toolbox at start of shift / other key time) Toolbox talks were relevant to the job about to be undertaken, regular safety topics as stated by others above were also given every week but fell under the behavioural safety umbrella and carried a different name.

Have to agree with Ray & Pete and a few others! I started employment as a maintenance fitter a "few!" moons ago and a tool box talk was exactly that, we sat on our tool boxes whilst the foreman told us what we would be working on that day, it was timely, specific and clear. Its since become a tick in the box exercise, one major constructor I worked for previously had 52 prepared talks....One for each week, something I binned ASAP. I mean how many times can you tell a construction worker about PPE policy, complying with rules, etc before you lose their interest?

NR, On the first point I dont have any problem with anyone conveying learning points in whatever way they care to do so; maybe I didnt clearly identify my main issue is with the "magic sponge" in the shape of a toolbox talk being used as an action following adverse events. Clearly locking the stable door when the horse is far far away and probably (in my experience) going through information the recipients of the TBT are fully aware of and have been working too for many years and have heard on numerous occasions. I have seen the glazed look on so so many faces on sites when the yellow GT700 gets pulled out by a well meaning managers pocket. In regards to training; powerpoint presentations with lots of slides and nice clip art images leave me equally cold; however again thats just personal opinion being a huge supporter of interactive learning as I strongly believe this type of training can demonstrate greater retained learning; however to say that a toolbox talk can be provided as a means of training (or competence) doesnt cut it with me I,m afraid but thats a different topic. As the original poster quite rightly stated, no rights or wrongs just opinions.

To all those that replied to my OP, thanks for the feed back. As I suspected, it would seem we all use the term "Tool Box Talk" in slightly, no make that widely differing ways. A salutary lesson to check our understanding of a common word or phrase depending on the situation, industry or location, Many Thanks, Jim