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Safety Huddle Topics

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces health and safety regulations that protect workers from work-related accidents, illnesses and death. Employers must provide a workplace free from hazards and ensure that workers know how to recognize safety hazards and provide protective equipment and documented safety training, especially in areas that include construction, hazardous materials and power sources. OSHA provides many current and relative safety training resources that can be used in safety huddles and safety training programs.

  1. Medical and First Aid

    • Train employees on basic medical and first aid situations so they know when simple first aid is appropriate and when medical attention is required. Make sure they know where first aid kits are located and what they contain, and who in the company is trained in first aid and CPR. Training about blood borne pathogens and how to handle accidents involving blood prepare employees for more serious accidents. Invite guest speakers from the company's insurance vendors and occupational health and safety providers to talk to employees during training about medical and first aid issues.

    Emergencies

    • Train employees about what to do in case of emergencies, using previous company emergency situations for real-world examples. Teach them the company's emergency action plan regarding tornado, fire, workplace violence, traumatic injury and hazardous materials so they know what to do in these situations. Show where emergency exits, building floor plans, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, alarms and other safety equipment are located.

    Elements of an Effective Safety and Health Program

    • Teach employees what OSHA considers to be effective safety and health program elements, including responsibility for safety program coordination, regular safety inspections and controls, safety training, written safety program and policies, and management commitment and accountability. Encourage employees to take an active role in safety, including reporting safety hazards and working safely.

    Fire Safety

    • Train employees about fire hazards and safety. Instruct them on how to use fire extinguishers, what to do when there is a fire, how to alert others to fire, precautions for working with equipment that produces sparks or flames and proper handling of flammable liquids. Include training on safe use of electrical outlets, cords and power sources and how to recognize electrical hazards that could cause fires. Invite guest speakers from the local fire department to present fire safety information and field questions about what to do in case of fire.

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