THIS WEEK’S SAFETY MINUTE
Fire Safety Basics
Good fire safety starts before there is smoke or flame. Keep prevention, escape and reporting in mind every day.
- Keep exits and fire equipment unobstructed.
- Know your alarm and evacuation procedure.
- Report damaged plugs, wiring and fire equipment promptly.
Walk your work area and identify your nearest safe exit and fire extinguisher.
THE FULL COLLECTION
Browse all 52 topics.
Pick a reminder that suits the work your team is doing today.
01 · Fire Safety Basics
Fire Safety Basics
Good fire safety starts before there is smoke or flame. Keep prevention, escape and reporting in mind every day.
- Keep exits and fire equipment unobstructed.
- Know your alarm and evacuation procedure.
- Report damaged plugs, wiring and fire equipment promptly.
Walk your work area and identify your nearest safe exit and fire extinguisher.
02 · Slips, Trips & Falls
Slips, Trips & Falls
Small housekeeping problems can cause serious injuries. Clear walkways are a shared responsibility.
- Clean spills or isolate them immediately.
- Keep cables and stored items out of walkways.
- Use handrails and suitable footwear.
Remove one trip or slip hazard from your work area today.
03 · Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE is the last line of defence, so it must be correct for the hazard and used properly.
- Inspect PPE before use.
- Wear the correct size and type.
- Replace damaged or contaminated PPE.
Check the condition and fit of the PPE you use most often.
04 · Hazard Reporting
Hazard Reporting
A hazard reported early can prevent an injury later. Do not assume somebody else will report it.
- Report unsafe conditions promptly.
- Give clear location and hazard details.
- Follow up where immediate correction is not possible.
Look around your work area and report any unresolved hazard.
05 · Manual Handling
Manual Handling
Poor lifting technique can injure the back, shoulders and hands. Plan the lift before touching the load.
- Test the weight first.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Get help or use equipment for awkward loads.
Before your next lift, pause and decide whether you need assistance.
06 · Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Electricity can injure without warning. Damaged equipment should never remain in service.
- Do not use damaged plugs or cables.
- Keep electrical equipment away from water.
- Only authorised persons should perform repairs.
Check visible electrical leads in your area for damage.
07 · Emergency Exits
Emergency Exits
An emergency exit only works if people can reach and use it quickly.
- Never block emergency routes.
- Keep exit doors accessible.
- Know your assembly point.
Trace your evacuation route from where you are working.
08 · Workplace Housekeeping
Workplace Housekeeping
A tidy workplace reduces hazards and makes abnormal conditions easier to spot.
- Store tools and materials correctly.
- Dispose of waste regularly.
- Keep floors and access routes clear.
Spend one minute improving housekeeping in your immediate area.
09 · Working at Heights
Working at Heights
Even a short fall can cause a serious injury. Use the correct access equipment and controls.
- Inspect ladders before use.
- Maintain three points of contact where appropriate.
- Never improvise a work platform.
Check that any ladder or access equipment nearby is stored and maintained correctly.
10 · Ladder Safety
Ladder Safety
Ladders are simple tools, but incorrect use creates serious fall risks.
- Place ladders on stable surfaces.
- Do not overreach.
- Keep hands free for safe climbing.
Before using a ladder, inspect its feet, rungs and condition.
11 · Safe Use of Hand Tools
Safe Use of Hand Tools
The right tool in good condition makes the job safer and more efficient.
- Use tools only for their intended purpose.
- Inspect handles, guards and edges.
- Store tools safely after use.
Remove any damaged hand tool from service.
12 · Machine Guarding
Machine Guarding
Guards separate people from dangerous moving parts. Bypassing them removes a critical control.
- Never remove or defeat a guard.
- Stop equipment before clearing jams.
- Report missing or damaged guards.
Check that guards on equipment you use are secure.
13 · Lockout Awareness
Lockout Awareness
Unexpected startup can be deadly. Energy must be controlled before maintenance or intervention.
- Follow the approved isolation procedure.
- Never assume equipment is de-energised.
- Only authorised persons may remove locks.
Identify the isolation procedure for equipment in your area.
14 · Chemical Labels
Chemical Labels
Never use a chemical if you do not know what it is or how to handle it safely.
- Read labels before use.
- Keep chemicals in approved containers.
- Follow handling and PPE instructions.
Check that chemical containers in your area are clearly labelled.
15 · Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets provide essential information about chemical hazards, storage and emergency action.
- Know where SDS information is kept.
- Check first-aid and spill guidance.
- Use required controls and PPE.
Locate the SDS for one chemical used in your workplace.
16 · Noise Exposure
Noise Exposure
Hearing damage can happen gradually and cannot usually be reversed.
- Wear hearing protection in designated areas.
- Keep noisy equipment maintained.
- Do not remove hearing protection too early.
Identify the noisiest part of your workday and confirm the required protection.
17 · Eye Protection
Eye Protection
Flying particles, chemicals and dust can damage eyesight in seconds.
- Use protection suited to the hazard.
- Keep lenses clean and undamaged.
- Use face protection where additional coverage is needed.
Inspect your eye protection for damage and clarity.
18 · Hand Safety
Hand Safety
Hands are involved in almost every task and are easily exposed to cuts, crushing and burns.
- Keep hands away from pinch points.
- Use tools instead of fingers where possible.
- Choose gloves for the specific hazard.
Identify one pinch point in your normal work area.
19 · Foot Protection
Foot Protection
Good footwear protects against impact, slips, sharp objects and other workplace hazards.
- Wear required safety footwear.
- Replace badly worn soles.
- Keep laces and fastenings secure.
Check your footwear for wear that could affect grip or protection.
20 · Heat Stress
Heat Stress
Hot conditions can reduce concentration and lead to serious illness.
- Drink water regularly.
- Use rest and shade where provided.
- Report dizziness, confusion or unusual weakness.
Plan your hydration before working in hot conditions.
21 · Cold & Wet Conditions
Cold & Wet Conditions
Cold and wet conditions affect grip, concentration and body temperature.
- Wear suitable protective clothing.
- Keep walking surfaces as dry as possible.
- Take action if numbness or severe shivering develops.
Check whether your clothing and footwear suit today’s conditions.
22 · Sun & UV Exposure
Sun & UV Exposure
Outdoor workers can receive significant UV exposure even on cooler days.
- Use shade where practical.
- Wear protective clothing and headwear.
- Use suitable sunscreen on exposed skin.
Plan your UV protection before extended outdoor work.
23 · Hydration at Work
Hydration at Work
Dehydration can reduce alertness, judgement and physical performance.
- Drink water throughout the shift.
- Increase intake in hot or strenuous work.
- Watch for headache, thirst and fatigue.
Have water available before starting your next task.
24 · Fatigue & Alertness
Fatigue & Alertness
Tired workers react more slowly and make more mistakes, especially during high-risk tasks.
- Use scheduled rest breaks effectively.
- Report when fatigue creates a safety risk.
- Avoid rushing when concentration drops.
Notice your alertness level before starting a safety-critical task.
25 · Driving for Work
Driving for Work
Safe driving is part of workplace safety whenever a vehicle is used for work.
- Wear seat belts at all times.
- Do not use a handheld phone while driving.
- Adjust speed for road and weather conditions.
Before moving a vehicle, check seat belt, mirrors and surroundings.
26 · Reversing Vehicles
Reversing Vehicles
Reversing reduces visibility and increases the risk to pedestrians and property.
- Reverse only when necessary.
- Check blind spots before moving.
- Use a spotter where required.
Identify the safest way to avoid or control reversing in your work area.
27 · Pedestrian & Vehicle Separation
Pedestrian & Vehicle Separation
People and moving vehicles should be kept apart wherever reasonably possible.
- Use marked pedestrian routes.
- Make eye contact with operators before approaching.
- Stay clear of vehicle blind spots.
Identify one vehicle blind spot relevant to your workplace.
28 · Forklift Awareness
Forklift Awareness
Forklifts are heavy, powerful vehicles and pedestrians must respect their operating space.
- Stay out of operating zones.
- Never walk under raised forks.
- Only trained authorised persons may operate forklifts.
Check that pedestrian routes near material-handling areas are clear.
29 · Safe Stacking & Storage
Safe Stacking & Storage
Poorly stacked materials can fall, collapse or block emergency access.
- Keep heavy items lower where practical.
- Do not exceed safe storage limits.
- Keep access and emergency equipment clear.
Inspect one storage area for unstable or obstructive stacking.
30 · Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Gas cylinders contain stored energy and must be handled and secured correctly.
- Secure cylinders upright where required.
- Protect valves from damage.
- Separate and store gases according to workplace rules.
Check that cylinders in your area are secure and correctly stored.
31 · Hot Work Awareness
Hot Work Awareness
Welding, cutting and grinding can create ignition sources far beyond the immediate task.
- Follow the hot-work permit process where required.
- Remove or protect combustible material.
- Maintain fire watch controls when specified.
Before hot work, identify what nearby material could ignite.
32 · Confined Space Awareness
Confined Space Awareness
Confined spaces can contain invisible atmospheric and access hazards.
- Never enter without required authorisation.
- Follow testing and permit procedures.
- Ensure rescue arrangements are in place.
Know which areas at your workplace are classified as confined spaces.
33 · Permit-to-Work
Permit-to-Work
A permit is a control system, not just paperwork. It confirms hazards and precautions before high-risk work starts.
- Read and understand the permit.
- Confirm controls are actually in place.
- Stop if conditions change.
For your next permitted task, verify one listed control personally.
34 · Barricades & Warning Signs
Barricades & Warning Signs
Barriers and signs only protect people when they are correctly placed and respected.
- Do not cross barricades without authority.
- Replace displaced signs promptly.
- Use clear warnings around temporary hazards.
Check that any temporary hazard nearby is clearly isolated or marked.
35 · First Aid Readiness
First Aid Readiness
Quick access to trained help and supplies can reduce the impact of an injury.
- Know who the first aiders are.
- Know where first-aid supplies are located.
- Report used or missing supplies.
Identify your nearest first-aid point and a workplace first aider.
36 · Incident Reporting
Incident Reporting
Reporting incidents helps the workplace learn and prevents recurrence.
- Report injuries and incidents promptly.
- Preserve facts and evidence where appropriate.
- Participate honestly in investigations.
Make sure you know your workplace incident-reporting route.
37 · Near-Miss Reporting
Near-Miss Reporting
A near miss is a free warning. Learning from it can prevent the next event from causing harm.
- Report near misses promptly.
- Describe what could have happened.
- Focus on causes and controls, not blame.
Think of a recent close call and confirm whether it was reported.
38 · Stop Unsafe Work
Stop Unsafe Work
When conditions are unsafe, continuing the task can turn a warning sign into an injury.
- Pause when a serious hazard is uncontrolled.
- Inform the responsible person.
- Resume only when suitable controls are in place.
Know who you should contact if you need to stop unsafe work.
39 · Risk Assessment Before the Task
Risk Assessment Before the Task
Conditions change. A quick pre-task check helps confirm that planned controls still make sense.
- Look for new hazards.
- Confirm tools and PPE are suitable.
- Discuss changes with the team.
Before your next task, ask: what is different today?
40 · Toolbox Talks
Toolbox Talks
A short safety conversation is valuable when it connects directly to the work about to happen.
- Keep the discussion relevant.
- Invite workers to raise hazards.
- Confirm agreed controls before work starts.
Raise one practical safety point at your next team discussion.
41 · Communication & Safety
Communication & Safety
Unclear instructions can create hazards, especially during unusual or high-risk work.
- Confirm instructions you do not understand.
- Use agreed signals where needed.
- Communicate changes before acting.
Repeat back a critical instruction when clarity matters.
42 · New Worker Safety
New Worker Safety
New and transferred workers may not know local hazards even when they have experience elsewhere.
- Provide site-specific induction.
- Explain emergency arrangements.
- Check understanding before independent work.
Offer one useful safety pointer to someone unfamiliar with your area.
43 · Contractor Safety
Contractor Safety
Contractors and host workplaces must coordinate hazards and controls before work begins.
- Confirm site rules and scope.
- Share relevant hazards.
- Coordinate permits and emergency arrangements.
Check that visiting workers know the key safety rules for your area.
44 · Ergonomics at a Desk
Ergonomics at a Desk
Small adjustments to posture and equipment can reduce discomfort from prolonged desk work.
- Set screen height for comfortable viewing.
- Support your back and feet.
- Change position regularly.
Adjust one part of your workstation for better posture.
45 · Repetitive Tasks
Repetitive Tasks
Repeated movement can strain muscles and tendons over time.
- Use good task technique.
- Rotate tasks where practical.
- Report persistent discomfort early.
Identify one repetitive movement and consider how to reduce strain.
46 · Safe Computer & Cable Setup
Safe Computer & Cable Setup
Office equipment can create electrical and trip hazards when poorly arranged.
- Route cables away from walkways.
- Do not overload power outlets.
- Report damaged chargers or leads.
Check the cables around your workstation for trip or damage risks.
47 · Stress & Safe Decisions
Stress & Safe Decisions
High pressure can narrow attention and increase errors. Safety controls still matter when work is urgent.
- Pause before high-risk decisions.
- Ask for support when workload affects safety.
- Avoid bypassing controls to save time.
When rushed today, deliberately check the critical safety step before proceeding.
48 · Violence & Aggression Awareness
Violence & Aggression Awareness
Workers should know how to seek help and avoid escalating threatening situations.
- Follow workplace security procedures.
- Keep a safe distance when possible.
- Report threats and concerning behaviour.
Know how to summon assistance in your work area.
49 · Emergency Numbers & Contacts
Emergency Numbers & Contacts
During an emergency, time is lost if nobody knows whom to call.
- Know internal emergency contacts.
- Give clear location information.
- Keep access routes open for responders.
Save or locate the emergency contact information used at your workplace.
50 · Evacuation Assembly Points
Evacuation Assembly Points
Reaching the assembly point allows the organisation to account for people after evacuation.
- Go directly to the assigned point.
- Do not leave without reporting where required.
- Never re-enter until authorised.
Confirm your assigned assembly point.
51 · Fire Extinguisher Awareness
Fire Extinguisher Awareness
Extinguishers are for trained or competent use on suitable early-stage fires when escape remains safe.
- Know extinguisher locations.
- Keep access clear.
- Never let firefighting block your escape route.
Locate the nearest extinguisher without moving or obstructing it.
52 · Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Strong safety culture comes from everyday choices: noticing hazards, following controls and looking out for others.
- Follow agreed safe procedures.
- Speak up about hazards.
- Set a good example even when nobody is watching.
Do one visible action today that makes your workplace safer for someone else.