I not only say that Safefy Paperwork is your greatest marketing tool, but it is also your best friend when it comes to running a smooth project. That Tool Box Talk held each day with earnest can save you countless hours in wasted time due to poor coordination. 

For me as the lead technician in the company, I always find the time spent in a very thorough job write up completely invaluable in the success of a project. When the job just isn't running smoothly, I suspect one of two things. That is that I either haven't taken the time to thoroughly write up the project and ensure that it is understood by the supervisor who's hands I placed it into, or the team just hasn't taken the time to properly read the write up.

Our projects run a little like this:

All technicians present meet at the start of the day and sign onto a Tool Box Talk Form. Then a Risk Assessment is carried out to ensure that there are no points that may have been missed in the Safe Work Method Statement. (SWMS.) Any new risks identified are placed through the risk calculated to ensure that they are controlled adequately and then written into the SWMS to become a part of the project operations.

At the end of the Tool Box Talk, we check with each technician to ensure that they understand and are happy with all issues raised and are confident to complete the task at hand. With all happy and ready to start, we sign onto the SWMS and get started.

The Risk Assessment process is a continuing action. We cannot and do not expect that we are able to foresee every possible hazard that may present itself. That is why having a strong buddy system, effective PPE and an effective Risk Assessment procedure is needed to keep the workplace safe and productive.

Safety paperwork is not a tool to stop or slow down the work process. It is our own insurance that we are able to safely and effectively complete the task at hand in a professional and safe manner.

A Team that know what the other team members are doing and can now work together to achieve the purpose of the project.

See you at tommorrow's Tool Box Talk. Large Cappuccino, no sugar.