Here at CSC Services we are focused on Quality, Delivery and Safety – for both our team, our communities and our clients. That doesn’t change at Christmas. With darker hours and more inclement weather, plus our minds being filled with all manner of Christmassy things – it’s even more important than ever to take a check on safety and make sure we’re not forgetting the fundamentals.
We’re spreading the safety joy this Christmas by sharing our 12 Days of Safety campaign online. Used by our teams here internally, it really helps bring a focus to the key areas we should be concentrating on to keep ourselves safe while working over Christmas.
Ensure risk assessments are carried out for driving in more dangerous conditions – and ask yourself if the journey is necessary. We all know Santa has to get that sleigh across the world, but even he will be checking the weather conditions first! 😉
We’re already so busy at Christmas, with mammoth to-do lists and places to be. Keep a check on stress at work and check in on those around you. Give yourself a reminder of company handouts, policies and materials that help you understand how to prevent stress at work.
Nobody wants to be ill or injured at Christmas – make sure all of your First Aid at Work certification is up-to-date to make sure you’re prepared and trained for any incidents that may happen.
Dark nights mean reduced visibility. Ensure you have adequate lighting for the task you are undertaking. Whether that is a head torch or full site lighting kit, keep yourself safe by being well lit.
Have you got your lone workers Risk Assessments in order? With potentially reduced staffing quotas at points throughout the festive period, it’s more important than ever to take care of those lone elves out in the field!
No slips, trips, skids or slides here! Icy conditions make slips an increased hazard. Keep your EN ISO 20345 Standard footwear close at all times – whether you are working above or below ground, conditions can be unpredictable and we need to keep those Christmas dancing tools in one piece.
Chris Rhea had it right when he was heading home for Christmas to enjoy friends and family. But in the rush to start the Christmas season don’t forget safety first when behind the wheel. It might even be worth taking a check on any company advice regarding driving in dangerous conditions within risk assessments and policies.
We may want a warm, cosy hearth at home – but certainly no unexpected flames at work. Make sure all fire risk assessments continue to be done during the busy season, and ensure everything is turned off before being left for the holidays.
Before we all get onto the business of drinking our own festive poisons – it’s key to make sure we don’t forget our COSHH risk assessments and keeping ourselves and others safe at work. Particularly if weather conditions mean new substances are being used on site.
Don’t get stuck in your chimney! Maintain your 3 points of contact at all times and make sure to follow the safe principles of working in confined spaces, even when temptation is there to get the job done quicker and get to that Christmas meet-up with friends and family.
Just like Santa must do with his humungous sack – make sure you apply everything you’ve learned on your manual handling course when lifting at work. A quiet pre-Christmas period for some at work may also be the perfect time for carrying out an audit of training requirements for teams, including manual handling.
Machinery may work differently if in very adverse weather conditions or left not being used for a longer period than normal. Work safely and in accordance with your risk assessments, Safety at Work training and policies around machinery, and always ask for support and expert advice if needed.
