Holiday Safety - At Home and At Work

It’s that time of year where lights illuminate the home, families gather around the fire for warmth, and everyone waits for sleigh bells in the night. While the holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, there are dangers lurking around the home that can turn Christmas cheer into fright and fear. Let’s take a look at some of the dangers surrounding the holidays and how we can bring the safety principles from work into the home:
 
Cold Weather
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are a dangerous combination wherever you may be. Around the home these conditions make for slip/trip hazards and the potential to develop cold stress. When working and playing outdoors some things to remember are:

• Wear Proper Footwear
  • Boots and slip-resistant shoes are the best footwear for snow and ice conditions. Remember to salt walkways as well to reduce the slip hazards around the home.
• Keep Your Body Warm
  • Multiple clothing layers and hot liquids are great ways to keep yourself from developing cold stress symptoms. Remember to take breaks to warm up inside or around heat sources when you begin to feel symptoms arising.

 
Fire Hazards
Christmas lights and décor illuminating the fireplace are some of the things that make the holidays special. While the lights and fire make for cozy comforts, the added electrical/heat sources run the risk of fires. Before hanging the lights and stocking the fireplace, be sure to:

• Inspect Fire Systems
  • Check all your smoke alarms and home fire extinguishers to make sure they are working properly and are ready for an emergency. Remember the PASS method (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) if you need to use your fire extinguisher.
• Check Your Decorations
  • See if your lights and decorations are marked as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Remove any that have worn or broken electrical cords/bulbs and make sure your tree and decorations are far from any heat sources (fireplace, radiators, candles, etc.).

 
Working at Heights
Decorating the home almost always includes outdoor lights and large tree displays that can’t be setup from the ground alone. Falls from heights are the most common injury at work and at home making this decorating the most dangerous. Before you climb the ladder, remember to:

• Use 3 Points of Contact
  • Always have one arm and two feet secured to the ladder at all times. This will allow your body to stay centered with the ladder and reduce the risk of a fall.
• Do Not Reach or Extend Too Far
  • If you need to climb higher or reach farther, it is always safer to move the ladder. Take the extra minute to be safe instead of sorry.

The holidays are meant to be a wonderful time of year. Make sure you can celebrate with friends and family by being safe at work and around the home. To keep the conversation going, download the NFPA Safety Tips or comment below.

NFPA Christmas Tree Safety

NFPA Winter Holiday Safety