As the holidays approach, workplace safety deserves extra attention. Increased foot traffic, tighter deadlines, decorations, seasonal weather, and extended hours all raise the risk of injuries. The practical steps below outline the most important actions employers can take to keep employees safe and operations running smoothly.
1. Understand Why Holiday Risks Increase
The holiday season introduces hazards not typically present throughout the year. Workplaces may experience heavier workloads, temporary staff, more clutter, and increased electrical use from decorations. Employees also tend to feel rushed or distracted, which contributes to a seasonal spike in preventable incidents.
2. Keep Work Areas Clear, Dry, and Well-Lit
Decorations and storage items should never block walkways or exits. Moisture from rain or snow increases slip hazards, so floors should be monitored regularly. Outdoor areas—including entrances and parking lots—need strong lighting due to shorter daylight hours.
3. Manage Lifting, Stocking, and Other Physical Demands
The holidays often bring more inventory movement and setup tasks. Reinforce proper lifting techniques, encourage use of mechanical aids, and rotate tasks to reduce strain. Supervisors should monitor ladder use closely when staff decorate or stock high spaces.
4. Prioritize Electrical and Decorative Safety
Holiday lights, extension cords, power strips, and heaters add electrical risks. Inspect cords before use, avoid overloading outlets, and ensure decorations don’t obstruct fire sprinklers, alarms, or exit paths. Heaters must be used exactly as intended and never left unattended.
5. Prepare Seasonal and Temporary Team Members
New or part-time workers may not know your procedures yet. Even experienced employees can lose focus during busy periods. Hold brief safety refreshers on emergency protocols, hazard reporting, and proper work practices. A short “holiday safety toolbox talk” can set expectations.
6. Address Fatigue, Stress, and Distraction
Holiday pressures—both work-related and personal—can affect attention. Encourage regular breaks, realistic workloads, and open communication. Supervisors should watch for signs of fatigue, particularly in employees working extended or back-to-back shifts.
7. Conduct a Pre-Holiday Facility Walkthrough
Before the season ramps up, inspect lighting, flooring, cords, exits, ladders, and storage areas. Fixing issues early reduces risk when traffic increases and workloads peak.
8. Reinforce Hazard Reporting and Safe Work Behaviors
Remind employees to report hazards immediately, whether it’s a wet floor, blocked exit, or damaged cord. Reinforce that safety should not be compromised for speed—especially during high-pressure periods.
9. Recognize the Business Value of a Holiday Safety Plan
Proactive safety planning protects employees, reduces claims, limits regulatory exposure, and stabilizes productivity during the busiest time of year. It also strengthens trust and reinforces your organization’s commitment to safety year-round.
Continue Learning: Join Our Holiday Safety Webinar
To dive deeper into seasonal safety, watch Seasonal Safety Success: Ensuring a Joyous and Safe Holiday Season, hosted by Nurse Holly Foxworth and featuring Chief Medical Officer Dr. Scott Cherry, Chief Marketing Officer Dara Wheeler, and special guest Hailey Hamilton, EHS Program Manager at Juniper Landscaping, who will share firsthand knowledge about what it takes to keep crews safe during peak season.