Choking Response Toolbox Talk

Choking can happen quickly during breaks, lunch, or even while working when food, gum, tobacco, dust, debris, or small objects block a worker’s airway. A person who cannot breathe, cough, or speak needs immediate help because oxygen loss can become life-threatening within minutes.

This talk focuses on recognizing choking, calling for help, giving basic first aid within your training, and keeping the area clear so trained responders can act fast.

Why This Matters

• A blocked airway can become fatal if the worker does not get help quickly.
• Choking may be mistaken for coughing, joking, or a minor issue until the person cannot breathe.
• Workers may be spread out across the site, making fast communication important.
• Quick action from trained workers can help clear the airway before emergency responders arrive.
• Knowing the signs helps the crew respond instead of freezing or wasting time.

Common Hazards

• Eating too fast during short breaks or while walking back to the work area.
• Talking, laughing, or rushing while chewing food.
• Using chewing tobacco, gum, toothpicks, or small items while working.
• Dust, debris, concrete chips, insulation, or small material pieces entering the mouth in dirty work areas.
• Workers eating alone in vehicles, remote areas, stairwells, unfinished rooms, or equipment cabs.
• Loose dentures, dental issues, or fatigue making it harder to chew and swallow safely.
• A worker coughing at first, then suddenly becoming silent, panicked, weak, or unable to signal clearly.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Know who on the crew is trained in first aid, CPR, and choking response.
• Locate the nearest phone, radio, emergency contact list, first aid kit, and AED.
• Confirm the site address, gate location, and best route for emergency responders.
• Make sure break areas are clean, well lit, and close enough that workers are not eating alone in hidden areas.
• Remind workers not to eat, chew gum, or use tobacco while performing tasks that require full attention or respiratory protection.

During Work

• Recognize choking signs: inability to speak, cough, breathe, or make sound; clutching the throat; panic; blue or gray skin; or collapse.
• If the person can cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing and stay with them.
• If the person cannot breathe, cough, or speak, call emergency services and get a trained first aid responder immediately.
• Have trained workers provide choking first aid according to their training.
• Do not give water, food, or anything by mouth to a person who is choking.
• If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR if trained and use an AED when available.
• Send someone to meet emergency responders at the gate and guide them to the worker.

Crew Talking Points

• Who on this crew is trained in first aid, CPR, AED use, and choking response?
• Where are the nearest phone, radio, first aid kit, AED, and emergency contact list?
• What are the signs that someone is choking and cannot clear their airway?
• Where do workers take breaks, and is anyone eating alone in a remote area?
• How will emergency responders reach our work area today?
• Speak up if you are unsure who is trained, where emergency equipment is located, or how to report a choking emergency.

Stop Work If

• A worker cannot breathe, speak, cough, or make sound.
• A worker clutches their throat, turns blue or gray, becomes weak, or collapses.
• No trained first aid responder is immediately available and emergency services have not been called.
• The crew cannot quickly direct responders to the worker’s location.
• The area is crowded, noisy, or blocked and prevents first aid or emergency response.

Final Reminder

Choking is a true emergency when the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough. Call for help, get a trained responder, keep the area clear, and act fast.