What is a Toolbox Talk?

Any kind of meeting or communication you already have, whether it’s with one other person or hundreds. It can be a:

• safety briefing
• staff or company meeting
• department meeting
• production or planning meeting
• regular communications such as e-newsletters

We’re not asking you to hold another meeting, we’re asking you to incorporate language about mental health, well-being, and respectful workplaces into your regular meetings, whatever you may call them. Even just a few sentences will create a visible impact on your workplace by increasing productivity, employee confidence, community, and safety.

Why is it important?

Let’s face it, our industry is hard on people. There are so many stressors – long hours, constant deadlines, financial instability to name just a few – that take their toll on people’s mental and physical health. These will ultimately impact work environment and safety for everyone in the workplace.

There is an enormous stigma to admitting you are experiencing challenges and asking for help, or asking someone else if they are ok. The goal of Toolbox Talks is to normalize the conversation. The benefits to everyone in the workplace will be transformational.