Toolbox talk record template

Toolbox talks are short, focused safety conversations held where the work happens. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, a PCBU must provide information and instruction to workers, and a signed talk record is the simplest evidence that you did. This template keeps each talk to one page.

Who it's for: Supervisors and team leaders running talks, and WHS coordinators keeping the records.

Free to use and adapt · Last updated 2026-07-27 · No email required

Talk details

Topic One topic per talk. Ten focused minutes beats forty unfocused ones

Presented by (name and role)

Date and time

Location Site, crew or team the talk was delivered to

Duration Aim for 10 to 15 minutes

Key points covered

Main message The one thing every attendee should remember, in a sentence

Points covered 3 to 5 dot points. Attach any handout or photo used

Site-specific examples used Recent incidents, near misses or observations from this site work best

Discussion and questions raised

Questions and concerns from the team Record them even if answered on the spot. Unanswered ones become actions below

Hazards or issues reported during the talk Talks often surface hazards no one had reported. Log them here, then transfer to your hazard register

Attendees

Every attendee signs. If a regular team member is absent, record how they will be caught up.

Absent team members and catch-up method e.g. one-on-one recap before next shift

Name	Role	Signature

Actions arising

Action	Owner	Due date	Date completed

Topic ideas

Rotate topics so the talks track the real risks of the season and the work. Suggestions:

Manual handling and safe lifting for this week's tasks
Slips, trips and housekeeping
Working alone and check-in procedures
Dealing with aggressive or abusive customers or clients
Vehicle and pedestrian separation on site
Heat stress and hydration, or cold weather work
Fatigue and fitness for work
Correct use and care of PPE
Emergency procedures and assembly points
Reporting near misses, and what happened to the last one reported
Chemical handling and spill response
Electrical safety and lead inspection

How to use it

Getting the most out of this template

Hold talks at a regular rhythm, weekly or fortnightly, at the start of a shift where the work happens.
Pick one topic and keep it under 15 minutes. Use a recent near miss or observation from your own site if you have one.
Get every attendee to sign, and record how absentees will be caught up.
Transfer any hazard raised during the talk to your hazard register, and give every action an owner and due date.
File the record. A year of signed talk records is strong evidence of consultation and instruction.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and industry; check the guidance published by Safe Work Australia and your state WHS regulator and seek advice for your specific circumstances.

Questions

Frequently asked

How often should we run toolbox talks?

Weekly is common for higher-risk work such as construction, transport and field services, and fortnightly or monthly for lower-risk settings. Rhythm matters more than frequency. A short talk every week beats a long one whenever someone remembers.

Do toolbox talks count as training?

They complement training, not replace it. A talk refreshes knowledge and flags current risks, but formal tasks such as operating plant or administering first aid need structured training with assessment. Use the talk record to spot where formal training is needed.

Why do attendees need to sign?

The signature confirms who received the information, which protects both the worker and the PCBU. If an incident later involves a topic you covered, the signed record shows instruction was given. It also makes gaps visible, so you can catch up whoever keeps missing talks.

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The template covers the paperwork. Duress covers the response.

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