Tis the Season for Safety

Accidents can happen in any industry at any time of the year, but the period between Thanksgiving and the New Year can be a particularly hazardous time. Many companies report an uptick in accidents due to a combination of factors. Safety should be a top priority for employers at all times of the year, but they should be especially focused on safety during the holidays.

Workplace Injury and Fatality Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,283 fatal work injuries and 2.6 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses in 2023. These totals cover the entire year, but safety professionals consistently note a spike in incidents during holiday months.

Fatigue, overtime, and rushed decisions play major roles. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates around 39,500 injuries during Christmas and 46,500 during New Year’s celebrations. In industries like construction, transportation, warehousing, and retail, the risks grow even more. By identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents during the holidays.

1. Prevent Slips, Trips, & Falls

The workplace is full of hazards that can cause employees to fall and injure themselves, and slips and trips are even more frequent around the holidays. Scattered decorations and uncovered tables can lead to trips. Winter weather hazards make for slippery conditions. Snow and ice can be easily tracked into worksites. Pair that with employees who are fatigued, distracted, or in a rush, and the likelihood of a slip, trip, or fall increases. According to the U.S. BLS, there are 20,000+ workplace injuries nationwide due to falls from ice, sleet, and snow resulting in a day or more away from work.

Moreover, the CDC estimates that the medical costs for winter slips and falls topped out at $50 billion. Here are a few proactive steps employers can take to keep people on their feet:

• Secure all extension cords or cables with tape or cord covers to prevent tripping
• Keep walkways, stairwells, and exits clear and well lit
• Regularly inspect and clean floors to keep them dry and clear of debris
• Schedule frequent snow removal and salt application for outdoor paths, parking lots, and entryways
• Use caution signage when floors are icy, wet, or being cleaned

2. Recognize the Importance of Fire Safety

Fire hazards are a year-round problem thanks to paperwork, packaging, heavy machinery, and other flammable materials. The influx of decorations around the holidays creates even more fire hazards, including Christmas trees, wrapping paper, seasonal candles, and menorahs. Heavily-stocked warehouses are in constant danger of starting a fire.

The U.S. Fire Administration states that more than 400 people are killed and more than 1,650 people are injured each year in fire-related incidents that are caused by Christmas lights. In total, workplace fires cause about $56 million in  in annual property losses. Follow these tips for a holiday season that is safe from fires:

• Ensure trees are kept hydrated (if real) or select flame-retardant options
• Use battery-powered candles versus those with wicks
• Never leave holiday lights unattended
• Keep combustible items away from away from heat sources
• Keep walkways and exits clear
• Employees should know where extinguishers are located and how to use them
• Have a fire safety plan in place

3. Avoid Electrical Hazards

Electrical injuries are more common during the holidays. According to a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 5,000 people per year receive medical treatment for indoor and outdoor electrical shock during the holiday season. Holiday cheer often comes with lights, power cords, and seasonal electronics that can overwhelm electrical systems leading to shock hazards and electrical fires. Misused extension cords or makeshift power setups increase the likelihood of incidents. To keep your employees electrically-safe at home and at work:

• Ensure decorative lights are tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory
• Do not utilize damaged lighting decorations
• Inspect all cords before use and remove any that are frayed, cracked, or damaged
• Do not overload electrical sockets
• Unplug decorations at night before leaving the building
• When necessary, use the appropriate electrical safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)

4. Manage Stress and Fatigue

Statistics show that more than half of workers (53%) say they have more holiday stress than usual, and about one in five (22%) workers say their overall wellbeing declines. Higher demands and longer hours can lead to employee fatigue, which can impair judgement, reaction time, and contribute to accidents. Following are some suggestions to help manage stress, prevent fatigue, and workplace injuries:

• Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night
• Encourage employees to take regular breaks to avoid burnout
• Avoid excessive overtime and rotate shifts to ensure that employees have time to rest and recover

5. Utilize the Proper Ladder Safety

With ladders being using more frequently during the holidays for decorating, it’s important to provide a refresher on ladder safety. For example:

• Never use a chair in place of a ladder
• Ensure the ladder is set up on solid, sturdy ground away from doors
• Keep three points of contact at all times
• Never place a ladder on a surface other than the ground
• Follow the 4-to-1 ladder rule by placing the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height
• If you’re using the ladder outdoors, remove any ice and make sure it is properly dried to prevent slipping

It’s also worth mentioning that decorating is much easier and safer to do if the task is not left to one person. That’s because they might be more inclined to rush or ignore the need for three points of contact, and most holiday injuries involving ladders happen because someone rushed or worked alone.

6. Stop Repetitive Stress Injuries before They Start

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) are common. Businesses in the U.S. spend $40 billion every year on workers’ compensation claims, employee turnover,  and lost productivity due to RSIs. The potential for strains and sprains resulting from repetitive tasks or positions, awkward postures, heavy loads, and overreaching is greater over long working days. Helping employees avoid RSIs is a matter of attentiveness. Here’s what you can do:

• Review safe lifting guidelines and techniques, including weight limits
• Avoid awkward postures where possible and provide ergonomically-designed tools and safety equipment
• Stretch, take breaks, rotate jobs and tasks, and stay hydrated

Connect with Saf-T-Gard to Learn More

The holiday season should bring celebration, not tragedy. By addressing the seasonal rise in risk and making deliberate safety decisions, organizations can protect their workers and avoid preventable incidents. Saf-T-Gard can help. Industrial safety is our legacy going back 9 decades. For an overview of our safety products and PPE, and to order for immediate shipment, please visit Shop Saf-T-Gard.

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