How-to guide

How to keep a toolbox talk register

A toolbox talk is only half done if there's no record of who heard it. A register shows each talk, who was there and who signed, so you can catch up anyone who missed it - and show it if you're asked.

Published 8 Nov 20264 min readBy metre2

Quick answer

Log each talk with its topic, date and presenter, mark who attended and signed, and check who needs catching up. Open the Metre2 Toolbox Talk Register in your browser - it's free for 15 days, then a one-off price, and nothing you type is uploaded.

What to record for each talk

Topic and date.
Who gave it and on which site.
Who attended, and whether each person has signed it off.

Look across, not just down

A list of talks shows what you covered. A grid of people against talks shows who missed what - that's the view that matters when someone new starts or a talk is missed.

Catch people up

Anyone who has missed recent talks should get them next. Keep the sign-off pending until they've done it.

Keep a copy

Export the register as a file you can keep or send to a client or principal contractor.

Do it in the Metre2 Toolbox Talk Register - 15 days free in your browser, or as a Windows app.

Use it in your browser - free, no sign-up Get the Windows app More about Toolbox Talk Register

Common mistakes

Recording the talk but not who was there.
No sign-off, so attendance can't be shown.
Never checking who's missed talks.

Frequently asked questions

What topics should toolbox talks cover?

Whatever fits the work - working at height, manual handling, dust, PPE, site rules. The register includes a library of common topics and lets you add your own.

Where is the register saved?

In your browser on that device, with nothing uploaded. Export it as an HTML file to keep a copy.