Toolbox talk, Health, about 5 minutes
Hearing protection
Date
Site or job
Led by
Why this one
Noise damage builds up slowly and doesn't come back. By the time a worker notices ringing or trouble following a conversation, some of it is already gone. Plugs and muffs only help when they fit and stay in.
Say this
- 1.If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone an arm's length away, it's loud enough to protect your ears.
- 2.Wear hearing protection in marked areas and around loud tools and equipment.
- 3.Plugs and muffs both work. Pick one that fits and that you'll actually keep on.
- 4.Roll foam plugs thin, pull your ear up, and hold the plug in until it expands. Check it seals.
- 5.Don't take protection out in a loud area to chat. Step away first.
- 6.Ringing in your ears, or sounds that seem muffled after work, are warning signs. Tell your lead.
- 7.Keep plugs and muffs clean, and replace them when they're worn or damaged.
Ask the crew
- – What's the loudest job or tool we have, and what do we wear for it?
- – What makes hearing protection hard to use on this crew?
- – How do we talk to each other safely when it's loud?
Watch for today
- Workers near loud tools or equipment with no protection on.
- Muffs with cracked cushions, or plugs that are dirty, stretched or hard.
- Hearing protection worn with a poor fit that breaks the seal, like under a hard hat strap.
Close with: Protect it now. You can't get it back.
Notes and questions raised
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Signature
Initials
A starting point. Adapt it to your job, your procedures and the rules that apply to you. portalbaseai.com/toolbox-talks