Don't blame "elf and safety" - it's Christmas!

Christmas is a time for celebration and enjoyment, and a time to spend with your family around you. Not a time to be spent in hospital or sorting out the company premises with the fire brigade.

Therefore a few simple checks can help to make it that happy and joyous time for everyone.

Use our simple checklist to make sure some of the fundamental aspects of keeping safe are not forgotten.

1. Christmas Decorations

Christmas Lights

• Are they permitted, if yes, are they electrically safe, CE marked, preferably low voltage
• Are they in a safe place – not a trip hazard or draped over metal cabinets
• Are they turned off at night

Decorations

• Are they fireproof – are they clear of heat sources, including lights
• How are they going to be put up – stepladder – avoid standing on chairs/tables?
• Are they a trip or snagging hazard

Christmas Tree

• Is it in a safe place – not a trip hazard – not blocking fire exits
• Not going to fall over
• Space for Secret Santa presents

2. Fire Risks

• Candles and Tea Lights -- are they banned as they are an unacceptable fire risk
• Has the fire risk of lights, decorations, cards etc been fully considered
• Has the increase in waste, packaging, Xmas wrap etc been considered. Will the outside bins be overflowing over the Christmas holidays, increasing the risk of arson
• Are emergency arrangements in place over the holiday to cover Key Holders

3. Works Party

• Alcohol. Is it permitted, is it free, is it controlled
• Is someone in authority who will remain sober and can keep control and take over in case of emergency or conflict
• Food. What are the arrangements – food hygiene – spillages – clearing up – disposable plates/cups/glasses
• Smoking ban is not relaxed for parties
• Control of any harassment between staff
• Travel arrangements and safety of staff when leaving
• Noise levels of music etc – DJ arrangements – effect on neighbours

4. Lead up to Christmas

• Lunch time ad-hoc drinks/eats – visits to pubs
• Moving around – dangers of people after lunchtime drinks –lack of awareness of dangers
• Extra risks of dark mornings and evenings
• Security over the shut down period

5. After Christmas

• Lone working in days between Christmas and New Year
• Return after New Year – clear up – removing decorations

6. Winter Driving

• Preparation for snow/ice by drivers
• Preparation for snow/ice in car park/pavements
• Awareness of increased likelihood of encountering drunk drivers

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