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A toolbox talk sign-in sheet for the start of the shift.

Record the topic, who gave the talk and who was there. Add what was discussed and anything that needs a follow-up. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledTailgate safety meeting sign-in sheet, Safety meeting attendance sheet, Toolbox talk form

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

  1. Step 1

    Keep it short and specific

    Five to ten minutes on one topic, tied to the work that day. Talk about what the crew is about to do, not a poster.

  2. Step 2

    Let the crew talk

    Ask what they're seeing. The best notes on the sheet come from questions, not from the presenter.

  3. Step 3

    Write down follow-ups

    If someone raises a hazard, write who will fix it and by when. Then check it at the next talk.

Ideas

Ten toolbox talk topics to start with

  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Lifting and back safety
  • Heat illness
  • Cold stress
  • Ladder safety
  • Hand and power tool safety
  • Checking your PPE before you use it
  • Struck-by hazards
  • Lockout and tagout basics
  • Housekeeping and walkways

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Take attendance on a phone, with each person signing on the screen. It works with no signal, and anyone who missed the talk gets it assigned.

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Common questions

What is a toolbox talk?
A short safety talk given to a crew, usually at the start of a shift, on one topic related to the work. It's also called a tailgate meeting or a safety huddle.
How long should a toolbox talk be?
Most are five to ten minutes. Short enough that people listen, long enough to cover one point and take a question or two.
Why do people sign the sheet?
It records who attended and what was covered. If there's ever a question about training, the sheet shows the talk happened. Keep the completed sheets where you can find them.