Toolbox and tailgate talks save lives—when they’re done right. At The Utility Expo 2025, safety trainer Monica Rakoczy, founder and lead instructor at EnterTRAININGsolutions, will show attendees how to take these quick meetings from routine to game-changing.
In her Toolbox/Tailgate Talks training session, Rakoczy will share six sample talks that are specific in content but broad in application, covering topics like PPE and fall protection. She’ll also give practical tips for making safety conversations more impactful—no matter who’s in your crew.
Why “Checking the Box” Isn’t Enough
Too often, safety meetings are treated as a formality—handing out a printed sheet to meet compliance requirements. Rakoczy warns that approach is ineffective.
“Checking the box on compliance isn’t enough,” she says. “Workers need to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind every rule.”
The good news? There’s no shortage of credible safety resources, from AEM, OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH to the CDC. But information alone isn’t enough—delivery matters.
Making Talks Relatable
Toolbox talks work best when they’re presented as mutually beneficial to contractors, workers, and the public—not as a threat or punishment. Rakoczy says stories and statistics are powerful tools for making safety personal. Stories can come from official sources or your own experience, as long as they’re relevant to the work at hand.
Bridging the Generational Gap
Safety communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. Crews often include widely different age groups with distinct perspectives:
Boomers (61–79 in 2025)
- 22% of the construction workforce
- Fewer overall injuries, but highest fatal injury rate (workers 55+ make up nearly 40% of fatalities)
- May be skeptical of new safety devices and value experience over rules
Gen Z (13–28 in 2025)
- 13% of the construction workforce
- More likely to have sprains/strains but recover faster
- Open to safety rules, wearables, and asking questions when they see a risk
Recognizing these differences helps you frame messages in a way that resonates with everyone.
Why This Session Matters
“Safety is just part of what a worker does, and staying current is always a challenge,” says Rakoczy. “Even for those of us who live and breathe safety, we have to work to keep it relevant.”
Whether you’re leading a seasoned crew or mentoring the next generation, this seminar will give you the tools to connect, communicate, and create a safer jobsite.
Want to see the future of jobsite safety? Register for the 90-minute Toolbox/Tailgate Talks session at The Utility Expo 2025. See real-world examples, learn proven techniques, and get hands-on with the latest safety equipment, technology, and training resources—all in one place.
This session is only available to the first 30 people that register, so act fast!
Don’t miss this and 30 more sessions packed with practical training at The Utility Expo 2025, happening October 7–9 in Louisville, Kentucky. Discover new strategies and techniques while making lasting connections with your peers in the utility industry.
The Utility Expo’s comprehensive education program is the leading source for the utility industry to obtain cutting-edge information for today’s challenging economy and business model. In addition to jobsite safety and crew collaboration, topics include aerial devices, vacuum excavating, horizontal directional drilling, equipment hydraulics, and more.
Want to dive deeper into jobsite safety? Industry-leading equipment brands will be on-site at The Utility Expo. Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and demo the latest tech firsthand.
See the full list of companies that will be exhibiting at The Utility Expo 2025: Exhibitor Directory.
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