The holiday season brings celebrations and, unfortunately, increased safety risks. Here are practical travel, decorating, and fire-prevention tips for work and home.
The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and, unfortunately, increased safety risks. Canadian businesses need to prioritize safety during this time to protect employees and stay compliant with occupational health and safety regulations. A few proactive steps make a real difference.
Holiday travel safety
Travelling during the holidays can be hazardous, and car travel carries one of the highest fatality rates among transportation modes. Businesses should make sure company vehicles are winter-ready with essential maintenance such as tire replacements and battery checks. Drivers should be well-rested before long journeys, and vehicles should carry emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, and first aid kits.
- Plan routes in advance to avoid high-traffic areas.
- Check weather forecasts before departure and adjust travel plans if severe weather is expected.
- Encourage drivers to take regular breaks during long trips to stay alert and reduce fatigue.
Safe holiday decorating
Holiday decorating can boost morale, but it also introduces hazards. Use fire-resistant artificial trees, or keep live trees well-watered and away from heat sources. Inspect holiday lights for damage and avoid overloading electrical outlets. Place decorations securely, use sturdy ladders when needed, and turn decorations off after business hours to reduce fire risk.
Fire prevention and control
More candles, fireplaces, and electric decorations mean a higher risk of fire. Flameless candles are the safer choice, and any real candle should be kept away from flammable materials and never left unattended. Fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned annually to prevent dangerous build-up. The season is also a good time to update fire evacuation plans and run a drill so everyone knows what to do.
- Keep fire extinguishers easily accessible.
- Test smoke alarms regularly.
- Practice fire escape routes at work and at home.
- Hold a workplace fire safety review session to reinforce procedures.
A winter safety training option
To help businesses and employees prepare for winter hazards, On-Track Safety offers an online Winter Safety course. It teaches workers how to plan ahead, identify hazards, and avoid the dangerous situations common to the winter holiday season. Employers often find that staff miss more work due to off-the-job accidents than workplace injuries, especially in winter. The course covers setting up Christmas trees safely, using string lights and extension cords, fire prevention around fireplaces and candles, dressing for cold weather, working outdoors in freezing conditions, and navigating icy walkways and roads.
On-Track Safety offers customized safety training, compliance assessments, and consultations built to Canadian OHS standards. Contact us to keep your workplace safe through the season.