Prepare
Because you have a subscription with Safety Meeting Outlines, Inc., you don’t have to prepare much for your Weekly Safety Meeting; we do the heavy lifting for you. Once you receive your meeting, take a few minutes to read it out loud to yourself to make sure you won’t be caught off guard by anything when you present it to your crew. Consider how the content relates to the work your crew is doing right now. Connect the message of the Safety Meeting to the current jobsite by sharing a past situation, like “some of you may remember that last year we had some trouble with a forklift…”. When you anchor the training to real issues, you strengthen retention.
Get the Timing Right
Schedule safety training at the beginning or in the middle of a shift so your crew can return to work immediately afterward. Avoid holding meetings when workers are more likely to be distracted and less likely to absorb the information. Don’t hold meetings right before lunch, at the end of the day, or before the weekend.
Think About Your Delivery
Workers in the trades often learn best through hands‑on engagement. As you present the Weekly Safety Meeting, it helps to involve the crew physically whenever possible.
- Have them inspect their hardhats, if the topic is PPE.
- Ask a crew member to demonstrate proper lifting techniques or show everyone else how to use a fire extinguisher.
- If the meeting covers aerial lifts, have your meeting next to one, so you can point out components as you discuss them.
- Keep a physical connection by maintaining eye contact, staying engaged, and smiling occasionally to keep the atmosphere open and attentive.
Establish Comprehension
Ask questions throughout the meeting to confirm that your crew understands hazards and solutions. Pause after asking a question and look around at your crew so they understand that you expect an answer. Even if no one responds, the pause encourages them to think. If no one volunteers an answer, provide it yourself and continue the discussion.
Listen
Creating an environment where workers feel comfortable asking questions can be challenging. Encourage feedback or follow-up discussion by asking your crew about the current job they’re working on. Maybe there’s a good connection between the work and the topic of the Safety Meeting. Or your crew may have concerns or suggestions related to their safety. Listen carefully and make notes if appropriate. Show them respect by addressing the issues they raise as quickly as possible.
Document
Before sending the crew back to work, have everyone sign the Weekly Safety Meeting. Don’t forget to date and sign it yourself and then keep the signed copy in your records. Thorough documentation can help your company reduce or eliminate OSHA fines by proving that employees received safety training.
Use the space provided on each Weekly Safety Meeting to record additional information, such as chemicals discussed and corresponding SDSs. Make a note of any questions or issues raised by your crew. If you cannot resolve a concern immediately, follow up promptly and then document the solution you found. Just as safety training can save lives, detailed documentation can protect you and your company from litigation should an incident occur.
Hard Copy
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Contact Us
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