Maintaining a Safe Work Environment over Christmas
What Impacts Workplace Safety?
Safe Work Australia statistics report that the festive months of November, December and January hold a higher percentage of workplace-related injuries and fatalities involving employees and bystanders.
Therefore, we will examine the contributing factors that impact safety during this time. For instance, how you can prevent and protect your staff, customers and organisation.
So, what are the key factors at play during the festive season that can have an impact on your workplace’s safety? For example, these can include factors, such as:
- Christmas Casuals - School leavers and “Christmas Casuals” are looking to commence employment
- Work Celebrations - Christmas and New Year Parties and celebrations
- Workplace Visitors - Higher number of visitors to workplaces, offices and sites
- Extreme Weather - Extreme weather conditions such as heat, storms and bushfires
The Problem
Workplaces are busier than ever in the lead-up to Christmas. No matter the industry, there are pressures to meet the needs of customers and finalise tasks before the Christmas break.
This often leads to extended working hours for businesses and staff, resulting in both physical and mental fatigue.
Physical and mental fatigue can cause momentary loss of concentration, impair clear thinking and can impact the ability to concentrate. These conditions can be amplified when coupled with the other impacts of the season.
The Solution
Create a Safer Work Environment for your Business
So, what can you do to ensure your workplace minimises the impact associated with risk factors? For example, these can include measures, such as:
- Watch for Fatigue - Look out for signs of fatigue and ensure your employees take their breaks
- Staff Check Ins - Check in with your staff & ensure they can handle the expectations of them
- Clear Inductions - Ensure all new staff receive a proper induction, regardless of position or employment type
- Polices and Procedures - Refresh and reinforce company policies and procedures. Have a process to test staff’s knowledge.
Make sure your workplace visitor check-in process and policies are up to date. In addition, ensure every visitor is signed in and agrees to your policies. Overall, teach workers about what the impact of extreme heat can have on their health, have a policy in place for what to do in hot, stormy or bushfire conditions. Lastly, stay updated on your state’s emergency service’s advice if evacuations occur.
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Find out how Maintaining a Safe Work Environment Over Christmas can help your Business
In this webinar, CEO Ben Pedrazzini examines the contributing factors that impact safety during this time and how you can prevent and protect your staff, customers and organisation.
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