Heijmans activities take place in high-risk environments and on-site personnel changes frequently. To effectively manage this situation it is important to start off each day with a coordination meeting involving all employees. This is why we devote attention to the ‘day start’ topic in this toolbox. 

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• A day start is a fixed coordination time at the beginning of a shift between an operational manager and one or more employees. The day start can be repeated throughout the day whenever a new shift starts up.
• A day start is short. Guideline: 5-15 minutes. 
• The objective of the day start is to share with each other all of the information needed to be able to carry out the work effectively and safely.

A day start can be held in various ways. This depends on the group size, the activities to be performed, the available space, etc. A sample agenda is shown below. The bolded items below must be addressed during every day start.

1) Check-in. 

    This part of the day start includes the following components:

• • The employees present get to know each other. For example, new employees are introduced.
  • The operational manager shares significant announcements.
  • The operational manager asks those present if there are any circumstances that can affect employee performance: ups & downs. For example, any temporary physical limitations. The operational manager indicates that it is also possible to inform him/her of such conditions after the day start. 

2) Review of yesterday’s operations.

This part of the day start is interactive. The operational manager is the moderator. The employees present discuss the following points:

• • What activities were performed yesterday. 
  • What were the hazards/risks. 
  • What measures were implemented and/or how effective were these measures.

3) Looking ahead to today.

This part of the day start is also interactive. The operational manager is the moderator. The employees present discuss the following points:

• • What activities are to be carried out today.
  • What are the hazards/risks. Also include weather conditions, mutual interactions and interactions with ancillary contractors and the environment. 
  • What measures will be taken. Who will take these measures.

4) Conclusion.

The operational manager concludes the day start meeting by giving everyone an opportunity to ask questions.

Resources, such as whiteboards or screens can help to effectively conduct a day start. For example, to produce a sketch or to present an action list.

During the day start, the operational manager can make use of open-ended and closed questions, and questions to confirm information and understanding.​​​​​​​