Although LeChase requires weekly toolbox safety talks on project sites, the Durham office team is taking the charge a step further. They are holding the informational meetings for office staff as well.
The talks, which normally last between five to ten minutes, are held in the office after the team’s Friday 9 a.m. safety call. Now, whoever is in the office at that time can attend.
“We decided to start conducting the talks in the main office since we already require them of the project teams,” explained Brooke Hathaway, southeast regional safety director. “LeChase’s companywide safety team sends out topics monthly, but we sometimes pick a different topic if there’s reason to do so.”
Last week’s talk was about utility knives. It included a number of useful tips like using cut-resistant gloves, keeping fingers and hands out of the cutting path and making sure the blade is sharp – as dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip. Some of the tips may sound obvious. Still, they are important reminders that – at work or at home – it is important to use tools correctly, stay focused and avoid distractions that could quickly turn a simple task into a hazard.
SE Regional Safety Director Brooke Hathaway (left) conducts a toolbox talk in the Durham office.
