Holiday Season Office Safety Tips
Decorating the office for the holiday season?
Festive decorations help to brighten the office and bring holiday cheer. Whether you have already decorated or are about to decorate, consider the following tips to ensure this special time of year is fun and safe for everyone:
- To reach high to hang ornaments or put up decorations, use a proper step stool or ladder. Do not climb on chairs or other furniture.
- Lights and electrical cords should be inspected prior to use. Do not use any that are damaged, frayed or have exposed wires. Do not “daisy chain” electrical cords together or overload outlets.
- Do not use lighted candles in the workplace; use battery-powered tea lights instead and ensure you turn them off before leaving.
- Watch the placement of electrical cords; avoid creating trip hazards.
- Ensure wreaths, ornaments and other trimmings do not hang off, cover, or block access to safety equipment, including sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and hose cabinets, eye wash stations, emergency exit signs or doorways and first aid supplies.
- Remember to unplug tree lights or other illuminated items before leaving for the day!
Having an office party?
Whether your holiday party is on campus or off campus, make safety and health the centerpiece:
- Be careful not to leave perishable food out for more than two hours – put food back in the refrigerator.
- Watch for holiday clutter such as boxes and bags and other potential tripping hazards.
- Wash your hands frequently – it is flu season!
Occupational Health and Safety Services would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!
