What it means
A pre-shift meeting happens before work starts. The lead covers the day's plan, the main hazards, who's on which task, any equipment out of service and what happened on the last shift.
It overlaps with a toolbox talk and a tailgate meeting. A pre-shift meeting is broader. It's about the whole shift, not one safety topic, and it often includes production plans, staffing and handover notes.
In plants and fleet yards, it often takes place at a fixed time and place, so everyone knows where to be.
Why it matters
A crew that starts the shift with the same picture makes fewer wrong assumptions. The meeting is where a note about a broken guard or a closed lane gets passed on. It's also a chance for a quiet worker to raise something.
What it looks like on a site
- The lead holds it at the same time and place each shift, with everyone standing.
- Handover notes from the last shift are read out, such as equipment down or open issues.
- Today's tasks, hazards and assignments are covered, and any changes are called out.
- The lead asks for concerns before the crew breaks.
- Attendance and key notes are recorded.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and your own procedures. Back to the glossary