Tool Box Talks

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In 2015 Feb, a friend recommended me for a job at a Haulage and Logistics Company. I was later called in for interviews and l excelled. Was taken on to Head the department of HR and Adm. By the time l joined, the company owned 28trucks, 10small vehicles including pickups and 4motor cycles. In a period of two years the fleet had doubled and we were experiencing a high number of Road Incidents, Accidents and Fatalities.

The situation was getting out of hand and immediate action had to be taken. The MD called for a meeting and l was requested to switch and head the dept. Of Health and Safety and ensure we obtain zero accidents and incidents. Achieving this goal in road safety was critical for us to attain excellence.

With the team, we agreed on engaging drivers daily at the end of the trip and having weekly meeting at office and these meetings were referred to as Tool box talks. My duty was to ensure that drivers adhere to all road safety rules and abide with them. Tool box meetings were effective and we started registering zero incidents and accidents in less then 3months of engagement. We decided this to be part of our life style.

These tools are very simple, but very vital for all road users, let’s walk the talk;

Helments; Helment protects head injuries incase of an incident or accident. The impact one gets minus having it is so gross, endure the heat but have your head protected.

Mobile Phone; The temptation of replying text messages and being engaged with our phones while driving is so high. But this temptation isnt worthy leading you to the garage or ending another road users life because you were distracted. Kindly refrain from this evil, sometimes these messages aren’t urgent.

Buckle up; Fasten your seat belt and ensure the passengers you have in the vehicle have done the same. Most people buckle up upon seeing traffic officers. Refrain from such kind of behavior.

Obey Speed Limit. Most of us violate speed limits. However obeying and controlling your speed will avoid road accidents.

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Slow down or Stop. All of us as road users must show due care and attention when you see a sign of road junctions, intersections, pedestrians crossing and road corners.

Your car is insured with third party or comprehensive insurance however your life isnt insured. Be responsible on the road and be respectful of other road users.

Safety has no quieting time!

To be continued…………