Toolbox Talks
Designed for busy managers and frontline leaders, these toolbox talks provide clear, actionable guidance to support safety, performance, and day-to-day operations. Built from real experience across WA industrial workplaces, they're made to be used, not just read.
Toolbox Talks
Managing Heat Risks on Site
Understanding Heat Risks Working in high temperatures and direct sunlight increases the risk of: Heat stress and dehydration Fatigue and reduced concentration Sunburn and UV-related skin damage Eye strain and reduced visibility Slower reaction times and poor decision-making These risks can impact worker wellbeing, site productivity, and overall workplace safety if not properly managed. Heat-related […]
Chemical Labelling & Hazard Awareness
Labels on hazardous chemicals provide an immediate warning to anyone handling them, anyone nearby, and to protect the environment. Australia follows the Globally Harmonised System (GHS), introduced in 2017. GHS is a worldwide standard for chemical classification, labelling, and safety data sheets (SDS). If a chemical is classified as hazardous, a GHS-compliant label and SDS […]
Testing & Tagging Electrical Equipment
WHAT IS TESTING AND TAGGING? Testing and tagging is the process of checking the safety of equipment. It has two steps: portable electrical Visual inspection for damage or wear Electrical testing using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) Once tested, the appliance is fitted with a tag confirming it has been tested, including: Who tested it […]
When Am I At Risk in the Workplace?
UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE RISK When an incident or injury occurs, it is rarely caused by a single issue. In most cases, there are several contributing factors such as poor housekeeping, faulty equipment, lack of training, or unsafe work methods. These risks are often present before the task begins and must be identified early. PERSONAL RISK FACTORS […]
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WHY PPE MATTERS Imagine losing your hearing, eyesight, or a limb – what would you miss out on? Listening to your favourite band Watching your child take their first steps Playing sport or supporting your footy team Workplace incidents still cause these types of injuries, but proper PPE dramatically reduces risk. Common PPE includes: Steel […]
Housekeeping for Health & Safety
WHY HOUSEKEEPING MATTERS Good housekeeping is a critical part of maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. It involves keeping work areas clean, organised, and free from hazard throughout the day. Poor housekeeping is a common cause of workplace incidents, particularly slips, trips, and falls. Maintaining a tidy site helps reduce these risks and supports safer […]
Event & Hazard Reporting
WHAT IS AN EVENT? An event is any unplanned situation that has caused, or could have caused, injury, damage to property or equipment, or environmental harm. Events are generally classified as: Injury: Work-related injury, illness, or condition requiring first aid or medical treatment Near Miss: An incident that did not cause harm but had the […]
Eye Safety in the Workplace
UNDERSTANDING EYE SAFETY RISKS Eye injuries are a common workplace hazard and can occur over a wide range of tasks. The risk increases significantly depending on the type of work being performed and the surrounding environment. Workers must remain aware that eye hazards are not limited to direct tasks, exposure can also occur when working […]
Duty of Care, Knowing Your Safety Obligations
WHAT IS DUTY OF CARE? Duty of care refers to the legal responsibility to take reasonable care to ensure that your actions do not cause harm to yourself or others in the workplace. If a hazard or risk is identified, steps must be taken to eliminate it or minimise the risk so far as reasonably […]
Fit for Work – Workplace Health and Safety
WHAT DOES “FIT FOR WORK” MEAN? Being fit for work means an individual is in a condition that allows them to perform their duties safely, competently, and without risk to themselves or others. Fitness for work can be affected by fatigue, injury, illness, stress, or the use of drugs and alcohol. These factors must be […]
Hand Safety – 10 Rules to Preserve 10 Fingers
10 RULES TO KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE Beware of pinch points and moving parts Recognise hazardous spots and keep your hands clear. When using cutting tools, never place your free hand near the line of cut. Expect the unexpected Tools and materials can slip or give way. Anticipate resistance and plan your grip movement accordingly. […]
Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue in the Workplace
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS A range of factors can affect a worker’s ability to perform safely, including personal and workplace influences. Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue are key risks that can impair concentration, coordination, and decision-making. When a worker is impaired, they not only put themselves at risk but also create unsafe conditions for others on site. […]
Manual Task Handling
WHAT ARE MANUAL TASKS? A Manual Task or Manual Handling is any activity that requires the use of force by a person to move or restrain an object. Most jobs involve some form of manual handling. Recognising hazards and using safe techniques is essential for everyone on site. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? Managers & Supervisors: Assess […]
Prepare for Work – Warm-up Exercises to Reduce Injury
WHY WARM UP BEFORE WORK? Extended periods of sitting, driving, or operating machinery, as well as repetitive tasks, can fatigue postural muscles and increase the risk of: Muscular strains or tears Joint pain Nerve impingement Localised soreness and muscular pain Proper warm-up exercises: Increase blood flow and circulation to muscles Prepare muscles for movement through […]
Preventative & Corrective Actions
WHAT ARE PREVENTIVE & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS? Preventive Action -Actions taken before an incident occurs to eliminate hazards. Example: IRP’s S.A.M Campaign (Spot the hazard, Assess the risk, Make the change). Corrective Action – Actions taken after an incident or near-miss to reduce the risk of recurrence. Both types of actions work together ti minimise risk […]
Rushing to Finish or Rushing into Trouble
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK Rushing through tasks is a common behaviour in the workplace, often driven by time pressure or complacency. However, hurrying rarely improves productivity. Instead, it creates unsafe conditions, increases the likelihood of mistakes, and raises the risk of injury to yourself and others. In many cases, incidents occur because basic safety steps are […]
Safe Work Procedures (SWP)
WHAT IS A SAFE WORK PROCEDURE? A Safe Work Procedure (SWP) is a written document that defines best practice for completing a task safely. It outlines the hazards, risks, and control measures required to minimise the risk of injury. You may also hear SWPs referred to as: Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) Safe Work Method Statements […]
Using Safe Moving Techniques
UNDERSTANDING SAFE MOVING TECHNIQUES Manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling are common in most workplaces. The risk of injury increases when loads are heavy, awkward, or unstable, when tasks involve twisting, reaching, or repetitive movements, and when poor technique is used. Safe moving techniques reduce strain on the body and are […]
When Did You Last Hydrate?
UNDERSTANDING HYDRATION AND HEAT ILLNESS The human body regulates temperature through sweating, but this also removes vital water and electrolytes: Workers can lose up to 600ml of sweat per hour, or 6 litres in a 10-hour day. Dehydration reduces blood volume, increases body temperature, and raises the risk of heat illness. Fatigue and reduced concentration […]
Workplace Bullying and Harassment
WHAT IS WORKPLACE BULLYING AND HARASSMENT Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards an individual or group that creates a risk to health and safety. It can be verbal, physical, or psychological and may occur in person, over the phone, or through digital communication such as messages, emails, or social media. Harassment is a […]
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