Press Release /10

TOOLBOX TALKS DVD FROM IMCA

Toolbox talks – a small group talking over the key points involved in a job before it begins – can bring huge benefits, from avoidance of accidents, disruptions and delays, to improving working methods and using equipment more effectively. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has developed a DVD to help, describing the process.

”Toolbox talks are a vital link in the safety chain; they cost virtually nothing, and are one of the most effective ways of ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to control or eliminate hazards,” explains Hugh Williams, IMCA’s Chief Executive. “To maximise their effectiveness, toolbox talks should be organised around four basic requirements – timing, attendance, observation and knowledge – all of which the DVD considers in turn. Having jobs completed safely and without incident is in everyone’s best interests. The only acceptable level of incidents in the offshore industry today is zero.”

The DVD sets out when a toolbox talk should be held: before the work, to ensure that everyone involved is focused on achieving the task safely; following any significant change in plan; and also on a regular basis, for example at shift change. It also identifies that in some circumstances personnel other than those directly involved in the task may also take part. This might include client representatives, health and safety representatives or line managers, with the emphasis on toolbox talks being relevant, brief and focused on the task ahead. They are a conversation, a two-way process between a leader and team members, not a speech.

While there is no limit to the topics that might be covered in a series of talks, in most cases they take a detailed look at tasks to be undertaken by the team members attending. It is important that the supervisors are satisfied that all team members understand what is happening, and there is no better way to do this than by discussing issues directly with them, addressing any concerns before they lead to real difficulties.

The DVD is available in both PAL and NTSC formats and in ten language versions (English, Arabic, Russian, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Latin Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian and Tapalog) to ensure wide use with the offshore workforce all around the world.

The DVD is available from IMCA at £10.00 for members and £20.00 for non-members. Further information is available from publications@imca-int.com, www.imca-int.com and from the association at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521.