As the Christmas season approaches, Australian workplaces often experience a shift in dynamics, with holiday preparations, reduced staff, and a general rush to wrap things up before the break. While the festive season brings excitement, it’s also a time to prioritise safety to ensure everyone enjoys a happy and incident-free holiday. Here are some essential tips for keeping your workplace safe during the holidays, plus some insights from AmbaGuard on maintaining a secure work environment.

1. Manage Increased Workloads

In the lead-up to Christmas, many industries experience a surge in demand, especially retail, logistics, and manufacturing. This can lead to increased pressure on employees, which may contribute to fatigue and higher risk of accidents. Ensure staff are adequately supported, breaks are taken regularly, and any overtime is managed responsibly.

2. Secure Electrical Safety

With holiday lights, decorations, and the increased use of electrical equipment, the risk of electrical hazards can rise. Check for any frayed wires, overloaded power boards, and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords. This is also an ideal time to test your RCDs (Residual Current Devices) to prevent electric shock hazards. AmbaGuard can conduct thorough RCD testing to ensure all your electrical safety devices are functioning as they should.

3. Keep Exits Clear

It’s tempting to use spare space near emergency exits for storage, especially when workspaces feel more crowded during the holiday season. However, fire exits should remain unobstructed, and emergency paths clear. Regularly check that emergency lighting is functional and can effectively guide occupants to safety if needed. AmbaGuard offers comprehensive inspections to verify that fire exits and emergency lights are operational.

4. Conduct Fire Safety Checks

The holiday season is a prime time to check your fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency equipment. If your equipment shows signs of wear, expired tags, or hasn’t been inspected recently, it’s crucial to schedule servicing. Fire hazards can be heightened with decorations, extra electrical items, and increased traffic in the workspace. Ensure your team knows the fire procedures and evacuation routes.

5. Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing

Christmas can be stressful, with year-end pressures and personal commitments. Work-related stress can lead to increased risks of accidents and injuries. Encourage open conversations about workload, mental health, and provide resources to support employee wellbeing. A workplace that recognises the importance of mental health helps foster a positive, safe work environment.

6. Safe Decorating Practices

If decorating the workplace, use flame-resistant or non-flammable decorations and ensure they’re securely placed. Avoid blocking emergency equipment or exits, and be cautious with string lights and electrical displays to prevent overloading sockets or creating trip hazards. Keep these displays away from flammable materials, and check that no decorations interfere with safety signage or alarms.

7. Review Emergency Preparedness

With some staff on leave, fewer hands on deck can affect response capabilities in an emergency. Update your emergency contact lists and ensure everyone on duty knows their responsibilities. Schedule a quick refresher on safety procedures and evacuation routes, particularly if your team has seasonal or temporary workers.

At AmbaGuard, we understand the unique safety challenges that arise during the holiday season. We offer comprehensive fire safety equipment testing and servicing to keep your fire extinguishers, alarms, and other essential equipment up to date and fully functional. We also provide RCD testing and electrical safety checks to prevent electrical hazards and ensure compliance. Additionally, our team inspects emergency lighting and exits to confirm they are in safe working order and ready for use.

Prioritise safety this holiday season! Contact AmbaGuard at 0407 877 482 or [email protected] to schedule your safety inspections and servicing, and keep your workplace secure for a safe, joyful Christmas.