Stay Safe This Winter: Essential Holiday Season Safety Tips for Work and Home
The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and unfortunately, increased safety risks. Canadian businesses must prioritize safety during this festive time to protect employees while maintaining compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations. By taking proactive steps, employers can ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone.
Holiday Travel Safety
Traveling during the holidays can be particularly hazardous, with car travel having one of the highest fatality rates among transportation modes. Businesses should ensure that company vehicles are winter-ready with essential maintenance such as tire replacements and battery checks. Drivers should be well-rested before long journeys to avoid drowsy driving. Equipping vehicles with emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, and first-aid kits can also make a significant difference.
Key travel safety tips include:
Planning routes in advance to avoid high-traffic areas.
Checking weather forecasts before departure and adjusting travel plans if severe weather is expected.
Encouraging drivers to take regular breaks during long trips to stay alert and reduce fatigue.
Winter Safety Training Course
To help businesses and employees prepare for winter hazards, On-Track Safety offers an online Winter Safety course. This course teaches employees how to plan ahead, identify potential hazards, and avoid dangerous situations that occur during the winter holiday season. Employers have found that employees often miss more work due to off-the-job accidents than workplace injuries, especially during winter.
The course covers essential topics such as selecting, transporting, and setting up Christmas trees; using string lights and extension cords safely; fire prevention involving fireplaces, chimneys, and candles; using fire extinguishers and fire escapes; dressing for cold weather; working outdoors in freezing conditions; and navigating icy walkways and roads. These practical lessons help prevent common winter-related accidents, ensuring a safer holiday season for everyone.
Safe Holiday Decorating
Holiday decorating can boost morale, but it also introduces potential hazards. Businesses should use fire-resistant artificial trees or keep live trees well-watered and away from heat sources. Holiday lights should be inspected for damage, and electrical outlets should not be overloaded. Decorations should be securely placed, and sturdy ladders used when necessary. Turning off decorations after business hours is a simple yet effective way to reduce fire risks.
Fire Prevention and Control
The increased use of candles, fireplaces, and electric decorations raises the risk of workplace fires. Opting for flameless candles is safer, though real candles should be placed away from flammable materials and never left unattended. Fireplaces should undergo annual inspections and cleanings to prevent dangerous build-ups. Businesses should also update fire evacuation plans and conduct fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
The holiday season is also a great time to review fire safety plans with both your family and employees. Ensure that smoke alarms are working properly, practice fire escape routes, and keep fire extinguishers in accessible areas. Hosting a workplace fire safety review session can reinforce safety procedures and increase awareness among staff. Small actions taken now can make a big difference in an emergency.
Fire safety best practices:
Keep fire extinguishers easily accessible.
Test smoke alarms regularly.
Partner with On-Track Safety
Ensure your business stays compliant and safe this holiday season with expert support from On-Track Safety. We offer customized safety training, compliance assessments, and specialized consultations tailored to meet Canadian OHS standards.
Ready to elevate your workplace safety? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or explore our training programs. A safer holiday season starts with proactive planning!
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