What is the first stage in planning a toolbox talk?

Choosing your topic is the first stage in planning a toolbox talk because it sets the foundation for the entire discussion. The topic you select will determine the direction of the talk, the relevance to the audience, and the specific safety issues that need to be addressed. A well-chosen topic ensures that the information is meaningful and applicable to the participants' work environment, fostering engagement and encouraging proactive safety behaviors.

Once the topic is chosen, you can move on to developing the content, preparing materials, and practicing your delivery. Each of these subsequent steps relies on having a clear and appropriate topic, making this initial choice critical to the overall effectiveness of the toolbox talk.