Cheer Up! | Workplace Holiday Safety Tips

Celebrating the holidays at work can be a fun way for employees to enjoy the season. Unfortunately, the holidays often also bring an increase in workplace accidents. To help keep your workplace safe, below are some holiday workplace safety tips to follow:

  • Examine the strings of holiday lights before use. Don’t use lights that appear damaged in any way.
  • Plug holiday lights directly into the wall instead of extension cords. Ensure you don’t overload the outlets.
  • Never staple or nail lights or extension cords in place. This could damage the cord and increase your fire risk.

  • Put multiple people in charge of unplugging the lights each day before the office closes.
  • Artificial trees pose less of a fire risk than live trees. If using a live tree, keep it watered properly and away from heat sources.
  • Decorations should be flame-resistant or non-combustible and kept away from heat sources.
  • Ensure decorations are not blocking aisles, walkways, exits, safety signs, sprinklers, or safety equipment.
  • Check that the office smoke alarms are working. Fire extinguishers should also be in working order and readily accessible.
  • Secure all electrical cords to prevent slip and trip hazards.
  • Use ladders safely as designed by the manufacturer. Check the ladder for stability before use and don’t overreach when using a ladder.
  • Use battery operated candles instead of real candles.

Celebrating the holidays at work can help bring employees together and enhance enjoyment of the work environment. With a few simple precautions, you can help keep the workplace free of seasonal hazards.

Date Posted: 11-07-2016
Tags: holiday safety tips, holiday workplace safety, osha workplace safety,
Categories: OSHA Safety,