Mining Publication: Developing Toolbox Training Materials for Mining

Original creation date: September 2002

Authors: FD Varley, CM Boldt

Information Circular - September 2002

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20022100

In: Peters R, ed. Strategies for Improving Miners Training. Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-156, Information Circular 9463, 2002 Sep :39-44

Toolbox training is often described as short, informal training conducted at a worksite by technically competent persons for the benefit of a work team. This paper describes a process for developing effective toolbox training modules. The first step in creating toolbox training materials is to identify a subject relevant to the work group. After selecting the subject to develop into a toolbox talk, make a list of the hazardous characteristics of the subject. Developing a sense of empathy toward the victims in a story of a real accident or incident is one to the best ways to convey the circumstances and consequences of a hazardous condition. After telling the story, the next step in the process is to make user the injury result of the story is not repeated at the mine. A miner's active participation in the training is probably the most important and beneficial aspect of narrative-style toolbox training. In conclusion, toolbox training can be a valuable part of a training program. It can be used to share safety information and provide a structured, but informal, forum for improving safety at a mine. Toolbox training requires preparation, active participation, and follow-up, but it can stimulate attention to everyone's health and safety on the job.

Image of publication Developing Toolbox Training Materials for Mining
Information Circular - September 2002

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20022100

In: Peters R, ed. Strategies for Improving Miners Training. Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-156, Information Circular 9463, 2002 Sep :39-44


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Page last updated: September 21, 2012