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Tailgate Safety Topics

Tailgate, or toolbox talks, are short safety meetings presented by a supervisor or safety director in the workplace. The weekly talks can be presented at times when the target group is gathered together. Safety handouts are often distributed. Workers are required to sign a safety training sheet so the employer can keep track of which workers have received training on certain topics. Talks about understanding basic safety issues can be used at any type of workplace.

  1. Understanding General Safety

    • General safety addressed in tailgate talks reminds workers to be aware of the environment around them and follow the company's safety rules at all times. Workers can better understand and remember a company's safety rules when the rules are presented periodically in these short tailgate safety meetings. Workers should also be reminded to report any unsafe conditions or areas and report equipment that needs to be replaced or repaired.

    Understanding Safety Signs

    • OSHA has requirements for safety signs in work areas. Safety signs help prevent accidents by warning workers of safety hazards that are present or possible. Having common signs in all workplaces help workers to recognize the safety hazards or warning of potential risks. Workers should be made to understand the different types of signs, their meaning and the precautions they should take. Workers will also be reminded to wear personal protective clothing, such as hard hats, goggles, gloves or lab coats in certain areas.

    Understanding Material Safety Data Sheets

    • A short safety talk about Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), should include making sure workers know where to look on containers and in workplace files for these information sheets. A supervisor conducting a tailgate meeting about MSDS sheets can help workers understand the hazards of using any particular material. Workers should know what precautions they should take in using any potentially hazardous liquids or other materials.

    Understanding Fire Safety

    • Understanding fire safety is a tailgate topic that should be offered often, especially when workers unfamiliar to a new work-site area or procedure are present at the meeting. Fire safety includes tips to preventing fires and what to do in case of a fire. Workers should know the procedure the company has set out for fire emergencies, how to call for help, how to use a fire extinguisher and where extinguishers and fire alarms are located. Safety exits and exit routes should also be pointed out in the short safety meeting.

    Understanding Safety for the Job at Hand

    • Tailgate safety talks should help employees understand the safety hazards and precautions of job-specific topics. Construction workers need to learn about all equipment and procedures they will come in contact with. Safety talks should cover one area of job-specific safety at each meeting. Various groups in a company may have different safety instructions that others in the same workplace on any given day.

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