Workplace Safety During The Holidays 450517725

It’s the holiday season – a time for decorations and festivities to celebrate the season. While most displays of holiday spirit are welcomed, it is important to keep safety in mind. Here are some holiday workplace safety guidelines to follow to ensure everyone celebrates the season safely.

Holiday Decorations

  • Mixing and matching lights can create a fire hazard; keep outside lights outdoors and inside lights indoors
  • Discard any light strings that have cracks, exposed wire or loose connections
  • Do not connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord
  • Make sure that cords are not running through a walkway, as it creates a tripping hazard
  • Do not close doors or windows on extension cords, and do not run them under rugs or carpeting
  • Make sure all indoor decorations are unplugged at the end of the day. You are responsible for unplugging any decorations that you put up
  • Never use any decorations with an open flame, such as candles
  • Make sure decorations do not block doorways, walkways, exit signs or stairwells
  • All decorations should be made of flame-retardant or non-combustible materials

Food Safety

If you are bringing in food to share with your co-workers, be sure to observe these safety precautions:

  • Keep perishable food refrigerated and do not leave out for more than two hours
  • Use serving utensils, even for “finger food,” so that multiple people are not touching it
  • Label your food, especially if it contains peanuts or other ingredients that others may be allergic to
  • Most importantly, always use common sense when bringing decorations or food items into the workplace