Free toolbox talks
Download free toolbox talks written by our health and safety consultants. Each one is a short, printable PDF with the points to brief, questions to check your team understood, and a sign-off sheet for your records.
Choose a toolbox talk
Working at Height Toolbox Talk
The three steps before work at height, controls, precautions and questions.
Confined Space Toolbox Talk
What counts as a confined space, the hazards, entry checks and rescue.
PPE Toolbox Talk
What PPE is, where it falls short, and who is responsible for what.
COSHH Toolbox Talk
Hazardous substances, risk assessment, safe use and hazard symbols.
Asbestos Toolbox Talk
Where asbestos turns up, how it harms you, and what to do if you find it.
Drugs and Alcohol Toolbox Talk
How alcohol and drugs affect safety on site, and what to do about it.
What is a toolbox talk?
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing on one topic, usually 10 to 15 minutes at the start of a shift. A supervisor or manager runs it where the work happens, so the team can see the hazards being discussed.
They are common on construction sites, but they work anywhere people face the same risks day to day: warehouses, maintenance teams, facilities staff and trades. A regular talk keeps one specific risk front of mind, gives people a chance to raise problems, and leaves you with a signed record that the briefing took place.
How to run a toolbox talk that people listen to
- Pick a topic that matches the work happening this week.
- Hold it on site and point at the real ladders, substances or spaces you are talking about.
- Keep it short. Read the key points, then ask the questions at the end of the PDF.
- Add your own rules, such as permits, inspection checks or who to report problems to.
- Get everyone to sign the confirmation sheet and keep it with your training records.
Get a new toolbox talk every month
The talks on this page are a selection from our library. Customers on our Hassle Free retained health and safety service get a new toolbox talk every month through a private portal, along with a written policy, templates and a support line to call. Hassle Free starts from £125 a month + VAT.
Construction firms can also look at Hassle Free for construction, building and trades, which adds SSIP support.
Trusted by organisations across the South West
Need more than a toolbox talk?
Our trainers run accredited health and safety courses at our Warmley training centre between Bristol and Bath, or at your premises. Call our team on 0117 958 2070 or email [email protected].