Category: Toolbox Talks

Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Action Plans September is National Preparedness Month. While we focus every day on preventing accidents, emergencies like fires, chemical spills, severe weather, or sudden utility failures can happen without warning. Today, we’re reviewing our Emergency Action…

General Information Hydraulic or handyman jacks are used regularly for repairs or maintenance. They are essential tools but must be used with caution. General Jack Use Set brakes on equipment. Chock wheels on equipment. Do not overload the capacity of…

Scaffolds provide temporary elevated work platforms, but improper erection, access, use, or inspection can result in falls, struck-by incidents, scaffold collapse, and serious injuries. Different scaffold systems have specific assembly, fall-protection, loading, and inspection requirements. Employees must understand the requirements…

Welding produces intense heat that melts metal and creates gases and microscopic airborne particles known as welding fumes. These fumes may contain metals, metal oxides, silicates, fluorides, and contaminants from coatings or workpiece residues. Welding fumes can be inhaled by…

Chainsaws are powerful and efficient cutting tools, but improper use can cause severe or fatal injuries in seconds. Common hazards include kickback, contact with the moving chain, falling limbs, flying debris, electrical lines, unstable footing, and fire during fueling. Most…

Summer is peak season for outdoor maintenance, loading operations, and moving high-reaching equipment. It is also historically the most dangerous time of year for overhead utility accidents. Electricity can “arc” or jump across an open gap even if you do…

Fatigue is a serious safety concern that affects both physical and mental performance. It is more than just feeling tired. Fatigue reduces alertness, slows reaction time, and impacts decision making. When workers are fatigued, they are more likely to miss hazards, make…

Backing incidents are one of the most serious hazards on construction and industrial job sites. A backover occurs when a vehicle or piece of equipment strikes a worker who is behind or alongside it. These incidents happen quickly and often involve large…

Tree felling and trimming can present a number of risks including: electrical hazards, falls, being struck by branches and trunks, and causing damage to nearby trees or structures. Farmers and gardeners must be aware of the potential hazards and take the…

Wildfire smoke is a complex mix of gases and fine particulate matter known as  (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers). Because these micro-particles are so tiny, they travel deep into our lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can cause severe health…