Hold Safety Meetings

Stronger Teams Start with Safety Conversations

Safety meetings don’t have to be lengthy or formal. A few minutes of focused discussion can prevent injuries, build awareness, and let your team know their well-being truly matters.

In fast-paced, guest-facing environments like tourism and hospitality, these regular check-ins help keep teams engaged and proactive. Whether you manage a seasonal operation or a year-round business, safety conversations create a strong foundation for prevention, without adding a lot to your workload.

Why Safety Meetings Matter

There are lots of ways to approach safety meetings, but the most important thing is consistency. Some workplaces hold short, dedicated safety huddles. Others build safety into existing meetings or pre-shift briefings. The goal is to keep communication open and ongoing, so everyone feels informed and involved. Regular safety discussions help:

• Keep workers informed about current or potential hazards
• Reinforce expectations around safe work procedures
• Create space to raise concerns and suggest improvements
• Show your team that safety is part of everyday operations

Easy Ways to Make Them Happen

You don’t need a perfect system to start, just a format that works for your team. For larger operations, safety can be a recurring agenda item in department or management meetings. For smaller or seasonal teams, short pre-shift check-ins can do the trick. Keep conversations simple and focused. You might:

• Talk through a recent safety hazard and how to prevent it
• Review a near miss or injury, and what was learned
• Update the team on new procedures or inspection results
• Invite input from workers on what could be improved

Pro tip: Short, regular conversations are more effective than long ones held once in a while. Find a rhythm that fits your team’s pace.

Don’t Forget Psychological Health and Safety

A safe workplace includes both physical and mental well-being. In high-pressure, guest-facing roles, supporting psychological safety is just as important as preventing physical harm. Your safety meetings can help by

• Encouraging respectful communication and peer support
• Sharing resources for mental health or stress management
• Creating a space where team members feel comfortable speaking up

Bringing mental health into the conversation builds trust, strengthens morale, and supports a safer, more resilient team culture.

More Information and Resources

Customizable Templates

• Safety Talk Template (go2HR)
• Ski Safety Talk Template (go2HR)
• Bullying & Harassment Safety Talk Series (go2HR)
• Ski Safety Talks (go2HR)
• Safety Talk Templates – All Sectors Search (go2HR)
• Psychological Health & Safety Safety Talks (People Working Well)
• Cooking up Connection – 5-minute Check-in Recipe (People Working Well)
• 6-minute Safety Talks for Automotive, Culinary, and Woodworking (WorkSafeBC)

Additional Information

• Engaging Workers in Health & Safety (WorkSafeBC)
• Clear Communication, Better Results: A Hospitality Employer’s Guide to Feedback (People Working Well)

Online Training

• Supervisor Training Module: Ensuring Effective Communication (go2HR)

Webinar Recordings

• Elevating Workplace Communication for Managers and Supervisors (go2HR & Magnify Consulting)

Need Help?

We’re here to support you at any stage of the process. Contact us for guidance, templates, or one-on-one support tailored to your business.