General Safety · 2–5 min toolbox talk
Safe Work in Unlit Areas
A safety talk on preventing trips, falls, and missteps when working in low-light or unlit environments.
Use this printed script for your tailgate or toolbox talk. Read through the hazards, script, and questions with your crew.
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“Safe Work in Unlit Areas”
Key Hazards
- Trips over unseen objects
- Misjudging elevation changes
- Inability to recognize hazards
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Safe work in unlit areas is important for security personnel, maintenance crews, utility workers, and anyone responding to after-hours tasks. Darkness hides hazards that are obvious during the day.
Workers should use flashlights or headlamps to illuminate their path. Relying on phone screens for lighting is not sufficient and may create glare or shadows.
Different environments have different challenges. Outdoor areas may have uneven ground, while buildings may have cluttered hallways or long shadows.
Communication ensures that workers traveling together do not get separated or enter unsafe areas alone.
Safety Reminders
- Use proper lighting equipment.
- Walk slowly and test footing.
- Do not rely on phones for light.
- Stay with a partner when possible.
Ask the Crew
- Do we have adequate lighting for this task?
- Are there any known hazards in the unlit area?