Don’t make snide remarks to employees who do ask a question, as this will discouraging others from asking questions later. Always give workers an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the toolbox talk.To really drive home a point, have an unlabeled container you found on the jobsite available when giving a toolbox talk on OSHA’s hazard communication standards about labeling requirements. If you are giving a toolbox talk on setting up a portable step ladder, have one set up nearby so you can point out things as you read the toolbox talk. Use a prop when possible to help you keep the workers attention.Just take a deep breath, and then speak clearly and at a natural pace. Mumbling or reading too fast makes it difficult for the workers to understand you. If the workers cannot hear you talking, or are distracted by other activities in the area, they won’t be focusing on your talk. Try to hold the toolbox talk in an area that is free of noise and other distractions.That way you will be more familiar with the content to be covered and therefore less apt to stumble while reading to the group. Read the toolbox talk to yourself a couple of times before you hold the actual meeting with workers.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when conducting a toolbox talk for your workers: