Tailgate safety meetings work best if the whole crew actively participates. Here are some ways to encourage everyone to get involved.

• ASK QUESTIONS INSTEAD OF LECTURING. During the meeting, introduce each new point you want to make by asking the crew a question. After you ask each question, wait a short time to let people think. Then call on volunteers to answer. Use the answers as a springboard for discussion. Don’t just read the answers!
• ASK ABOUT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. If you ask a question and no one has an answer, rephrase the question. It may be too abstract. Try to make it more direct and personal. Ask if someone has had any personal experience that can help the group figure out an answer.
  
  For example, suppose no one can answer the question, “What are the health effects of
  breathing asbestos?” You could try to make the question more personal by asking, “Have you ever known anyone who got sick from working with asbestos? What kind of illness did they have?”
• LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF TIME ANY ONE PERSON CAN TALK. If a crew member is talking too much, invite someone else to speak. Do it tactfully. For example, wait until the person takes a breath, quickly say "thank you," and then move along.
• NEVER MAKE FUN OF ANYONE or put anyone down, especially for asking questions.
• DON’T FAKE IT. If someone has a question and you don’t know the answer, don’t guess or fake an answer. Write the question down. Promise that you will get back to the person, and then make sure you do.
• STICK TO THE TOPIC. If the crew's questions and comments move too far from the topic, tell them that their concerns can be addressed later—either in private conversation or in an upcoming safety meeting. (This will also give you ideas for future meeting topics.)