TEMPORARY WORK PLATFORMS TOOLBOX TALK
Temporary does not mean lower safety standards.
Verification of load capacity, access and edge protection on temporary work platforms.
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Toolbox Topic
TEMPORARY WORK PLATFORMS TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent collapse, falls, access problems and overloading on temporary work platforms.
WHY IT MATTERS
Temporary platforms are more vulnerable to uncontrolled changes because of their short-term use.
Overloading can cause local collapse or instability.
Missing edge protection and unsafe access can lead to serious falls.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
More tools and materials than planned were stored on a temporary platform.
The deck deflected and workers lost their balance.
Marked load capacity and material control would have prevented the event.
REMEMBER
Temporary platforms still require proper design, inspection and control.
KEY HAZARDS
Platform overload.
Missing guardrails or toe boards.
Loose or damaged decking.
Unsafe access ladders.
Uneven load distribution.
Unauthorised platform modification.
Slippery or contaminated surfaces.
Exposure to people working below.
CONTROLS
Confirm the platform complies with approved design or site standards.
Display maximum load capacity clearly.
Inspect guardrails, midrails and toe boards.
Confirm decking is secure and undamaged.
Provide safe ladder or stair access.
Distribute materials evenly.
Prohibit unauthorised modifications.
Keep platform surfaces clean and slip resistant.
Perform a visual check before each shift.
Require competent approval after damage or modification.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, this platform may be temporary but our safety standards are not. We will respect load limits and verify access and edge protection before use.
TEAM QUESTIONS
What is the platform load limit?
Are guardrails complete?
Is the deck secure?
Is access safe?
Has anyone modified the platform?
Is the platform overloaded?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Platform approved
Capacity displayed
Guardrails installed
Toe boards installed
Decking secure
Access safe
Load distributed
Surface clean
No modification
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.