OSHA Holiday Season Safety Tips

osha holiday safety tipsThe quickly approaching holiday season is a time for all kinds of festive preparations from elaborate decorations, social events and gatherings, to travel plans. With all of the items on everyone’s to do lists, there is one item that should be at the top of the list: safety. It is OSHA’s mission to ensure the health and safety of the nation’s workplaces. Amidst this holiday season safety tips, OSHA-Pros reminds us that there are some important health and safety factors to consider.

 

Lighting Installation

Firstly, preparations for the holiday season involve lighting installation and elaborate displays. Employers must plan ahead for the safety of workers involved in set up. Fall prevention is key here. It is the employer’s job to ensure that workers follow OSHA’s standards for fall safety.

Electrical Safety

Additionally, all lights and displays should be checked for proper installation and electrical safety. Electrical fires are a dangerous hazard to the public and can be prevented by following the proper guidelines in electrical safety.

Office Party Preparations

OSHA holiday season safety tips include an important reminder to building administration, that fire code regulations apply. Decorations must not violate any fire code regulations. Maximum occupancy requirements must be adhered to even during an after-hours office party.

 

During the holiday season, air contamination is a higher risk due to the greater number of people staying indoors and a higher rate of travel. Since most people plan to participate in a greater number of social settings, during this time of year, it’s a good idea to observe ways to reduce air contamination.

Ways to Reduce Air Contamination

 

  • Wash hands and face after public outings in crowded areas.
  • Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.
  • Allow for more personal space when conversing with others.
  • Sneeze or cough into a sleeve instead of hands.
  • Wipe down shared surfaces with antibacterial wipes.

 

If you are interested in enrolling in any of our OSHA online courses, we encourage you to do so now, before the holidays are in full swing. Sign up for your own course, or if you are an employer, schedule courses for employees, or even a live demonstration. To see a comprehensive list of the trainings we offer, click the link.