Toolbox Talks

At a glance

These free Toolbox Talks serve as guides to lead focused discussions with workers on hazards they may face on the job. These are meant for safety trainers, supervisors, managers, and business owners. They can also supplement or reinforce other safety and health training.

Toolbox image with text saying Construction Toolbox Talk

About these resources

NIOSH partnered with CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training to develop Construction Toolbox Talks. They provide solutions and best practices to reduce workplace hazards and risks to workers at construction sites.

Each Construction Toolbox Talk includes:

  • An explanation of the hazard
  • A brief, real-life story
  • Discussion questions
  • Recaps of important safety points
  • An illustration of the hazard
  • Key solutions

The Construction Toolbox Talks are available as web-accessible PDF files, meant for printing on letter-sized paper (8.5"x11").

Toolbox Talks by Topic

Arc Welding
Extension Cords
Construction Toolbox Talk: Overhead Power Line Safety
Safety tips on overhead power line safety to reduce injuries from energized power lines at work.
Power
Wiring

Buried Utilities
Cold Environments
Construction Toolbox Talk: Confined Spaces and Safety
Safety tips on confined spaces and safety from common hazards to reduce injury or illness at work.

Aerial Lifts
Construction Toolbox Talk: Boom Truck Safety
Safety tips on boom truck safety to reduce incidents from boom truck or crane overturns or collapse.
Crane Safety: Stability or Tipping
Falling Objects
Forklifts
Getting On and Off
Maintenance
Construction Toolbox Talk: Skid Steer Loader Safety
Safety tips on working near or operating skid steer loaders to reduce struck-by injuries at work.

Guardrails
Falls through Holes
Construction Toolbox Talk: Prevent Falls: Scaffolds
Safety tips on scaffold setup and proper use to reduce injuries from falls from heights at work.

Print
Content Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 29, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: February 29, 2024

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.