Impact of Case Studies in Toolbox Safety Talks

Toolbox talks consist of brief (10-15 minute) weekly workplace safety training sessions (“talks”) that are conducted at the worksite.

Also called “tailgate” talks, these safety sessions are commonly used in wide range of industries – such as, construction, mining, and agriculture

These safety talks are typically conducted by the site supervisor, foreman, safety supervisor, or senior employee

Collecting qualitative and quantitative data Treatment conditions

Treatment – with case study Control – without case study

Data collection and analyses Instructor and worker feedback through focus

groups Pre/Post-training surveys of knowledge and

safety attitudes Post-training satisfaction survey Workplace behavioral observations Instructor feedback surveys

Study participants from Residential and commercial construction Sand and gravel mining

What are “Toolbox Talks”

Meeting Stakeholder Needs

Stakeholder focus groups revealed the importance of case studies (also referred to as “stories” or narratives) towards enhancing the quality of the toolbox talk safety training.

Stakeholders also emphasized the need for quality training materials that::

Are inexpensive and easily accessible Have a wide variety of safety topics Have been evaluated for their effectiveness Have been developed with industry input

Formative Evaluation: Conceptualization of goals and

objectives to meet identified training needs

Process Evaluation: Development and field testing of

draft training materials and data collection instruments

Outcome Evaluation: Controlled study to identify critical

elements and evaluate outcomes Impact Assessment:

Examination of longitudinal outcomes for impact of training on trainees and workplaces

NIOSH Publication Number: 99-142

Website: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99-142.html

Training Intervention Effectiveness Research (TIER)

T IE R

Ongoing Data Collection

Want to present quality materials that will keep the employees interest and encourage their participation

“Typical toolbox materials are “pretty lame”

“Employees “aren’t paying attention…don’t care to be there…they want to sign their name and leave.”

Want materials that are easy to use “Don’t have (pre-training)

preparation time” Reported that discussion questions

pertaining to the case study facilitated participation and interest

Want quality materials that are interesting

“Ineffective toolbox talks are “rushed for time… you’re going to lose your interest right off the bat”

Real-life case studies would “get my attention”

Reported they could “relate to” the person in the case study

Case studies made information easier to remember

EmployeesInstructors

Preliminary Findings

Terri Heidotting, Ed.D. and Carol Stephenson, Ph.D. (Education and Information Division)Herb Linn, M.S. and Paul Keane (Division of Safety Research)

Lani Boldt, M.S. and Floyd Varley (Spokane Research Laboratory)

TM

Participant Feedback

Real Life Incident—A carpenter and his co-worker were overcome by carbon monoxide (CO) when they entered a basement area where a gasoline-powered generator was loweredinto the basement to serve as the source of power..

Though data collection is ongoing, preliminary analyses revealed that including case studies in toolbox talks:

Enhances worker participation and interest

Leads to greater knowledge retention May enhance worker attitudes towards

the use of safe work practicesData collection continues through end of 2003