# Toolbox talk register template A sheet to sign at the end of a talk, so you can show it was given and who was there.

> Free toolbox talk register to print and sign: the talk, the date, who gave it, then a name, company and signature for everyone there. PDF, Word or Excel.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/construction-site-register-template?design=toolbox-talk

- Free, no account
- PDF, Excel and Word
- Your logo stays on this device

## What a toolbox talk register is for

A toolbox talk is [a short talk to the workforce](https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/toolboxtalks.htm) on one aspect of health and safety. HSE’s construction guidance names toolbox talks as one way to keep briefing workers after induction ([L153](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf) paragraph 133(f)).

The register is your record that the talk was given and who was there. Employers and contractors must give their workers the information and instruction they need ([Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/section/2) section 2(2)(c) and [CDM 2015](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/15) regulation 15(8)). The law does not require a talk or a record of one.

HSE says keeping records can help you manage training, and that you should monitor them so refreshers are given when needed ([INDG345](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg345.pdf)). HSE says this of training records. A talk is a briefing, and the same sense applies.

## The columns, and why each is there

No law sets these columns. They are what sites use, and each earns its place.

- **Talk**: One topic per talk, so one sheet per talk.
- **Date**: So you know when it was last covered.
- **Given by**: The supervisor’s role can include toolbox talks ([L153](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf) paragraph 172).
- **Contract name**: Which job.
- **Name and company**: Who was there and whose worker they are, because each contractor gives the workers under its control their instructions and information ([CDM 2015](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/15) regulation 15(8)).
- **Signature**: A signature shows the person was there. It does not show they understood. Questions and points raised are the sign of that, so there is a box for them.
- **Points raised**: What came up, for the next talk or the site’s consultation with workers ([CDM 2015](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/14) regulation 14).

Home address, date of birth, National Insurance and CSCS numbers are left off. None of them shows who attended a talk, and [the ICO](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/data-protection-principles/a-guide-to-the-data-protection-principles/data-minimisation/) says to hold no more than you need.

## Giving the talk, and keeping the sheets

HSE publishes [talks you can use](https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/toolboxtalks.htm), as PowerPoint, PDF or video. An employer’s health and safety training takes place in working hours ([Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/regulation/13) regulation 13(3)). A talk is a briefing, and the same sense applies.

Make the talk understood, in plain English or another language where needed ([CDM 2015](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/8) regulation 8(6) and [L153](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf) paragraph 70).

Keep the sheets with your training records, and delete the ones you no longer need ([ICO, storage limitation](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/data-protection-principles/a-guide-to-the-data-protection-principles/storage-limitation/)). Keep them as long as you need them for, and no longer. No law sets the period; your own retention rule does.

## Toolbox talk register questions

### Is a toolbox talk register a legal requirement?

No. Nothing in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management Regulations or CDM 2015 requires a talk or a record of one. The register is your evidence that the briefing happened.

### How often should toolbox talks be given?

Nothing in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management Regulations or CDM 2015 sets a frequency. Training is repeated where appropriate and when risks change ([Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/regulation/13) regulation 13(2) and (3)). A talk a week is common practice.

### Who gives a toolbox talk?

The supervisor’s role can include toolbox talks ([L153](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf) paragraph 172). Anyone who knows the topic can give one.

### Does a signature prove someone understood?

No. It records that they were there. Ask questions, and note the points raised.

For a sheet to sign in and out of site, use the [construction site register template](https://complyonsite.com/tools/construction-site-register-template).