Pre-start (pre-start meeting)
A pre-start meeting is a short on-site safety briefing held before work begins each day or shift, used to satisfy WHS consultation obligations in Australia.
Ask Chalkline about this →A pre-start meeting (also called a pre-start or toolbox pre-start) is a short on-site briefing held before work begins for the day or shift. It typically runs 5 to 15 minutes and covers the day’s planned activities, identified hazards, and any changes to site conditions or SWMS. On residential construction sites, the daily pre-start is the most common method by which a PCBU satisfies the consultation duty under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (model law) ss 47-49 (verified 2026-05-10).
All workers on site, including subcontractors’ workers, should be included. Workers must be given a genuine opportunity to raise safety concerns, not just receive information. A signed attendance register at each pre-start is the documentary evidence that consultation occurred.
Also known as: pre-start meeting, pre-start briefing, toolbox pre-start.
Category: Health and safety.
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Last updated: 2026-05-10. Verified: 2026-05-10. Quarterly review for currency.