Automate Toolbox Talks, Increase Safety Conversations
BY AsphaltPro Staff
Construction is among the most dangerous professions in the United States, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Every opportunity to discuss safety on the construction job site is an opportunity to prevent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
A recent study has found that foremen and supervisors are more likely to conduct safety meetings when they receive safety-related materials directly to their smartphones.
With the help of the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences enrolled 60 construction supervisors into the Mobile Toolbox Talk Study. The study was funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
During the study, supervisors received toolbox talks on their mobile devices every other week for 14 weeks. The goal was to “establish and evaluate a mobile push notification system to promote and evaluate safety ‘toolbox talks’” among small construction companies. Content included stories about fatalities, alongside prevention recommendations.
At the end of the study, the majority of the supervisors said they would like to continue receiving these messages on a regular basis. More than 50 percent said they would prefer messages on a weekly basis. The supervisors also said they preferred toolbox talk topics specific to their trade.
The results showed that the mobile toolbox talks saved supervisors time preparing for safety meetings and increased the overall time spent discussing these safety topics with their crews. Respondents also appreciated the reminder to have these meetings.
That’s exactly why AsphaltPro has delivered its Toolbox Tip emails every week for the past five years. These short tips cover a variety of topics specific to asphalt paving and production that foremen and supervisors can put immediately into practice during their toolbox talks. Encourage your foremen and supervisors to sign up to receive our Toolbox Tip emails at theasphaltpro.com/upgrade-daily-toolbox-talks and make it easier for them to talk about safety every single day.