TOOLBOX TALK 10/60: USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB

18 Jun 2024

TOOLBOX TALK 10/60
TOPIC: USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE THE RIGHT TOOLS ARE USED FOR THE RIGHT JOB

Some things to know before you give your talk.

As a supervisor, you know that often people will use materials or equipment that they shouldn’t, just to get the job done. You need to remind your team that this can lead to injury which can sometimes even be serious.

How many times have you seen the following?

How often are concrete blocks used to support scaffolding instead of the proper screw jacks and pads? Concrete blocks may be handy to support a scaffolding system, act as a step stool or support some other form of elevated platform. But you don’t really know if the concrete blocks have hidden cracks and could possibly collapse.
How many times have you seen someone using a paint can as a step ladder? What is to say that the lid may collapse, resulting in a serious fall injury? Or the can could even tip.
How many times have you seen someone use a screwdriver as a prying bar or even as a chisel? Whenever your team has to confront an unusual task – especially when it requires specialized tools – they should pre-plan, and use the right tool for the job.

Here are some ways they can do that:

Before they go to work, tell them to think of what activities and job requirements they may find and to then break down the job tasks into individual steps. Plan.
Determine what exposures or hazards may be encountered while performing the task and then come up with safe procedures and equipment to do it. Assess risks.
Make sure ladders, scaffolding or other climbing equipment are in good working order. Check your equipment.

Try this for show and tell!

Do some role playing. before the meeting, ask some of the people in your team to think of some acts or tasks – both safe and unsafe. Have them perform them during the meeting and ask the rest of the team to pick which ones are safe to do and which ones are not.

Questions you can use to get them talking:

Has anyone ever had an accident involving the use of the wrong tool for a job?
What could some of the misuses of tools be on this job?
How can we be proactive and ensure we use the right tool for the right job?

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