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10 Quick and Easy Safety Meeting Topic Ideas

You know how sometimes you don’t have a topic for the safety meeting that starts in 15 minutes? We’ve all been there, I mean, some of us are there on a weekly basis. In this article, I’m going to cover 10 Quick and Easy Safety Meeting Topic Ideas that you can use for your next meeting.

If you watch the video, there's a coupon code for 50% one of our instantly downloadable safety meeting topic handouts at the end. 

With respect to your timeline before that meeting, let’s jump right in.

Safety Meeting Topic #1 – Personal Protective Equipment

According to OSHA, any company that requires employees to wear PPE, must train employees on:

• When it is necessary
• What kind to wear
• How to put it on, adjust, wear, and take it off
• The limitations on equipment
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of equipment

That means you can just put together a quick summary of why you selected certain types of PPE, where it is required, the proper use and limitations of the equipment and you’re set to go. 

Safety Meeting Topic #2 – Noise and Hearing Conservation

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), noise induced hearing loss is the single most common occupational injury in the US.

In addition, hearing loss claims tend to start in the $7,000 range for employers, so there are a lot of reasons to do a quick reminder on this subject.

Just cover what hearing protection is required, where it is required, and how to use it. 

Safety Meeting Topic #3 – Slips, Trips, and Falls

According to the CDC, 26% of non-fatal workplace injuries were the results of slips, trips, and falls.

What are some fall hazards you need to address?

Take a quick moment to remind everyone of the rules of the workplace and also, to check their shoes. Did you know shoes with poor traction, new shoes that aren’t broken in, or very worn shoes all contribute to falls?

Safety Meeting Topic #4 – Office Ergonomics

Okay, this is the surprising one, but 71% of office workers say their chairs cause them back pain.

However, much of the time, this isn’t because the chair is faulty, it can actually be because the workstation isn’t set up to fit the employee.

Remind everyone to take a moment to adjust their chair, monitor, keyboard, mousepad and other office equipment to fit them properly to prevent aches, pains, and injury.

Safety Meeting Topic #5 – Fire Extinguisher Use

The best time to stop a fire is before it starts.

The second best time is when it’s still in the incipient phase, or about the size of an office trash can.

Use the next safety meeting to remind everyone of PASS technique.

P- Pull the Pin

A - Aim the Nozzle

S – Squeeze the handle

S - Sweep from side to side at the base of the flames

 

Safety Meeting Topic # 6 – Defensive Driving

According to NIOSH, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S. The type of company and the job does not matter, the risk is still there.

So consider for your next safety meeting, reminding everyone of the basics of defensive driving:

• Look ahead far enough to know what’s happening in front of you for about the next 15 seconds
• Look around your vehicle and be aware of traffic, the roadway, pedestrians, and stay alert for any changes
• Leave room – Remember to leave room on all sides of the vehicle, don’t crowd others and if someone is tailgating, let them pass; and
• Communicate your next move through turn signals
• Lastly, avoid distractions, put your cell phone away, stop adjusting the stereo and don’t eat and drive

Safety Meeting Topic #7 – Emergency Action Planning

How long has it been since you reminded everyone of the emergency action plan?

Being prepared for emergencies takes the panic out of the equation and helps to ensure that people will react calmly and safely.

Take a few minutes to go over how to activate the alarm system, the evacuation routes, meeting areas, and anything else they need to know in the event of an emergency.

Safety Meeting Topic #8 – Hazard Identification

We sometimes take identifying hazards for granted, but approaching any task with new eyes will turn up safer and more efficient ways to do it.

Touch on different types of hazards like physical, ergonomic, biological, and chemical. Then use the hierarchy of controls to discuss how to eliminate the hazards in a prioritized way.

Safety Meeting Topic #9 – Fall Prevention

Slips, trips, and falls are one thing, fall protection is another. This topic definately deserves some attention.

Falls from heights are still the #1 cause of death in construction. Cover fall protection from a high level - no pun intended.

Reminded everyone of the height where fall protection is required and difference between fall arrest and restraint.

Safety Meeting Topic #10 – Workplace Safety Culture

For the last topic, consider discussing safety culture. This should focus on how you are approaching safety as a group.

Is there encouragement for new employees to work safe?

Are more experienced employees guiding others in working safe? How are managers and supervisors talking about safety?

Focus on how you can each improve your approach to safety and value it as a fundamental part of the job. 

Paint a picture of what a good safety culture looks like so your company knows what to aim for. 

Best of luck on your next safety meeting!