Toolbox talk, Culture, about 6 minutes
Stop work authority
Date
Site or job
Led by
Why this one
The person closest to the work often sees the problem first. If they feel they can't stop it, the problem rides along until someone gets hurt. Stop work only works when it's safe to use and gets a good response.
Say this
- 1.Every person on this crew has the right and the duty to stop work they think is unsafe. No permission needed.
- 2.If you're unsure, stop. A pause costs minutes. An injury costs a lot more.
- 3.Say it clearly: stop, here's what I see. Keep it short and specific so people understand.
- 4.Everyone near the hazard stops and makes it safe. Then we talk it through.
- 5.The lead listens first. We fix the problem, change the plan or explain why it's safe, and then restart together.
- 6.No one gets penalized for stopping work in good faith. That's a promise from me.
- 7.Thank the person who stopped the job, in front of the crew. That's how the next person finds it easier.
Ask the crew
- – Has anyone here stopped a job or wanted to? What happened?
- – What would make it hard for you to call a stop on this crew?
- – When someone stops work, what should the rest of us do first?
Watch for today
- Workers who look uneasy and keep going anyway.
- Pressure to hurry that makes people skip a pause.
- A stop that gets brushed aside without an answer or a fix.
Close with: If it's not safe, stop. Say it, fix it, and start again together.
Notes and questions raised
Name (print)
Signature
Initials
A starting point. Adapt it to your job, your procedures and the rules that apply to you. portalbaseai.com/toolbox-talks