December Safety For A Safer Holiday Season

As we enter the holiday season and start getting in the Christmas mood, it’s crucial to consider how everyone might be affected during this time.

There are often additional responsibilities and many at-home tasks for everyone to catch up on. Or think about it. Or even worry about it. This can affect safety at work and at home.  It can also affect workplace performance. When it comes to the festive season, there are additional safety concerns to think about.

There are changes in weather and driving habits, shifts in work/life balance and, often, additional strains on the families. Without further ado, here are some of the biggest safety concerns during the holiday season.

Drunk and drowsy driving

On the topic of driving to and from the workplace and within the workplace itself, drunk and drowsy driving is at its peak across the holidays. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation has shown that an average of 300 people die in drunk driving crashes in the week between Christmas and New Year. This is, of course, heightened during the month itself, with Christmas parties and celebrations.

Drowsy driving can result from many things, including working overtime in the busy December period, having friends and family visit, or even the exhaustion of preparing food, presents, and everything else required for Christmas. All these and many other factors can lead to dangerous driving when employees get behind a heavy vehicle at work. 

Fatigue

Similar to the previous point, drowsiness and fatigue can cause issues in and out of the workplace. And, because it’s a busy season, you should take extra precautions with staff. Whether on production lines, construction sites or operating heavy machinery, employees should look out for the signs of fatigue to prevent workplace accidents.

In the case of fatigue, it’s important to remember that winter illnesses such as cold, flu, and sore throat also lead to tiredness. Staff with cough, temperature and other similar symptoms may have slower reactions.

Holiday Stress 

The holiday season is very stressful for many families. This can result from working more, having more to do at home, worrying about finances, eating and drinking too much, or simply feelings of loneliness.

For support, National OnDemand has the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (800-964-3577) to aid everyone through this time and throughout the year to ensure you have someone to speak to.

Work Zone Traffic Safety

As we know, work zone traffic safety is critical at all times of the year. But it’s even more so if vehicles can skid on ice or lose control. Ensure your employees have the right protective gear and high-vis jackets available to avoid workplace accidents and fatalities. Also, check that the appropriate traffic control measures are in place and working.

Shoveling Snow (in locations that get snow)

Shoveling snow may sound like a preventative measure for accidents. But it can also cause issues such as dehydration, injuries or even heart attacks. Ensure you are taking precautions to avoid this with regular breaks. 

Working at heights

Besides being an important toolbox topic, working at heights also applies to the festive season.

That’s why it’s a good practice to remind everyone of the additional hazards to look out for. 

Electrical hazards and skylights can be hidden by blankets of snow or hard to see in poor weather conditions. Ladders can be particularly hazardous when there is snow or ice. Make sure they are seated and secured correctly.

Preventing slips on snow and ice

Preventing slips, trips and falls is of big importance all the time. However, it becomes even more important in the winter season.

So, impress everyone to wear the proper footwear with good rubber treads. Ensure there are procedures to prevent injuries and that everyone knows them. 

Cold stress – trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia

Cold stress can mean different things in different geographical regions. In essence, it occurs when environmental factors lower the internal body temperature. When the body reaches the point where it’s unable to warm itself, it’s under cold stress. You can go as far as to consider this condition a type of near miss because it can have serious consequences, such as permanent tissue damage or even death. Frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot can often result from cold stress. Ensure everyone exposed to cold weather is aware of cold stress symptoms and can act immediately to prevent them. 

Downed or Damaged Power Lines

Downed or damaged power lines hold a plethora of hazards, including electrocution, fires, or being struck by falling trees and poles. So, PPE, Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and extra caution are essential.

Downed Trees

Similarly, downed trees are a major hazard to downed and damaged power lines. This can include falls from heights and injuries from equipment used to remove trees. Electrocution is also possible if the trees are in contact with downed, energized power lines. Again, these can be hidden by blankets of snow. 

Conclusion

Safety is always critical; there are additional hazards to consider in the holiday season.

It is my wish for each and every one of you and your families to have a SAFE and enjoyable holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I’m Matt Rehlander for National OnDemand.