Toolbox talk topics for trades and fabrication
40 practical toolbox talk topics for Australian trades and fab shops, plus how to run and record a toolbox talk so it counts as real WHS consultation.
Under the model WHS laws, businesses have a duty to consult workers on health and safety matters that affect them. A short, regular toolbox talk is one of the most practical ways to do that on site or in the workshop, as long as workers actually get a say and you act on what they raise.
How to run one (based on SafeWork SA's guidance)
- Pick one topic and let the crew know in advance.
- Talk about how it applies on this job: the real hazards and the controls you use. Ask questions and get people talking.
- Mention any procedures or rules you have for that topic.
- Record who attended, the issues raised and any actions.
- Follow up those actions at the next talk.
Topic list
Hot work and fabrication
- Welding fume and ventilation
- Hot work permits and fire watch
- Gas cylinders and oxy-fuel
- Angle grinders: discs, guards and kickback
- Arc eye and screens
- Lifting and slinging steel
- Overhead cranes and hoists
- Plasma and laser cutting
Site hazards
- Working at height and ladders
- EWPs and harnesses
- Falling objects and exclusion zones
- Trenches and excavations
- Mobile plant and spotters
- Traffic management at the site gate
- Underground services
- Housekeeping and trip hazards
Health
- Silica dust (cutting, grinding, drilling)
- Noise and hearing protection
- Working in heat
- UV and sun protection
- Hazardous chemicals and SDS
- Manual handling
- Fatigue and long shifts
- Mental health and checking in on mates
Electrical and tools
- Leads, RCDs and test and tag
- Isolation and lockout/tagout
- Power tool guards
- Battery tool charging
- Compressed air
- Pre-start checks
Systems
- Reporting incidents and near misses
- What a SWMS is and when it's needed
- Emergency and evacuation plan
- First aid and the first aiders on site
- PPE: what, when and why
- New and young workers
- Drugs and alcohol at work
- Licences and tickets on site
Construction is consistently one of the industries with the most worker deaths and serious workers' compensation claims in Australia. For the current national figures, see Safe Work Australia's Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025 (linked below).
Sources
- Safe Work Australia – WHS duties: consultation
- SafeWork SA – Toolbox safety talks
- Safe Work Australia – Codes of practice
- Safe Work Australia – Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025
Related guides
General information only, summarised from the official sources above as at the review date. It isn't legal, tax, WHS or engineering advice. Rules change and your situation may differ, so check the source or ask a professional.