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The Biggest Safety Concerns During the Holidays
Source: OSHA.gov
Posted by Micky Zurcher
When it comes to the festive season, there are additional safety concerns to think about. There are changes in weather and driving habits, shifts in work/life balance and, often, additional strains on the families. Without further ado, here are some of the biggest safety concerns during the holiday season.
Drunk and drowsy driving
On the topic of driving to and from the workplace and within the workplace itself, drunk and drowsy driving is at its peak across the holidays. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation has shown that an average of 300 people die in drunk driving crashes in the week between Christmas and New Year. This is, of course, heightened during the month itself, with Christmas parties and celebrations. Drowsy driving can be as a result of many things including working overtime in the busy December period, having friends and family visit, or even just the exhaustion of preparing food, presents, and everything else required for Christmas. All of these and many other factors can lead to dangerous driving when employees get behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle at work. Drowsy drivers are far less aware of hazards and have longer braking distances. By the way, drivers who have to get up early will be more at risk of drowsy driving.
Fatigue
Similar to the previous point, drowsiness and fatigue can cause issues both in and outside of the workplace. And, because it’s a busy season, you should take extra precautions with staff. Whether they’re on production lines, construction sites or operating heavy machinery, employees should look out for the signs of fatigue to prevent workplace accidents. It’s important to remember in the case of fatigue, that winter illnesses such as cold, flu and sore throat also lead to tiredness. Staff with cough, temperature, and other similar symptoms may have slower reactions.
Holiday stress
The holiday season is very stressful for many families. This can be as a result of working more, having more to do at home, worrying about finances, eating and drinking too much or simply feelings of loneliness. To support your employees through this time — and, ideally, around the year — make sure that they have someone to speak to. Give them more opportunities to rest and don’t stimulate working long hours or taking on extra work.
Now we’ve understood some of the risk factors for your employees in the workplace, go to OSHA.gov for more information on the topics below:
Safe Driving - OSHA Motor Vehicle Guide and/or OSHA Safety Driving Practices
Prevention Fatigue - Prevent Worker Fatigue and/or OSHA Worker Fatigue Prevention
Worker Fatigue - OSHA Worker Fatigue Hazards and/or OSHA Worker Fatigue Limitations.
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