Tailgate talks are short informational meetings held with employees to discuss a worksite related safety topic. The term comes from the practice of meeting around the tailgate of a pickup truck on site. The goal of holding tailgate talks is to inform employees of specific hazards and the safe way to do a job.
The following are designed as easy, one-page talking points that supervisors can print out and take with them to use on the job site.
Here are some tips for running a successful tailgate talk:
- Keep them brief. 10 to 15 minutes is ideal.
- Keep them specific. Address specific hazards or workplace practices that relate to the job.
- Meetings should draw on employees' experiences and remind them of dangers of particular processes, tools or equipment.
- Encourage questions.
- Keep meetings informal and conduct them periodically as needed.
- Keep a short record of what was discussed, the date, and who attended so you can avoid repetition and maximize the impact.
- Walk the talk. Lead by example.
- Keep it simple.