For Australian employers, workplace safety risks resulting from the festive season and rising temperatures occur simultaneously – usually while many employees and leaders are taking annual leave.

While this can be a great time of year and helps many employees rejuvenate for the challenges that a new year brings, it also creates potential hazards that can impact on employee wellbeing.

Cameron Cranstoun, Health, Safety & Environment Manager for Bayside Group and Acclaimed Workforce, states, “Understanding these risks, implementing preventive measures and allocating responsibilities to cover critical employee leave, can ensure a safe and productive environment for everyone.”

Festive season safety risks and prevention

The festive season brings with it a unique set of potential hazards, some that unfortunately have Health Safety and Environment managers shaking their heads in frustration. It therefore requires understanding of what these may be, and a team effort to prevent incidences.

Common festive season safety hazards include:

• Decorations and electrical hazards: the festive season often comes with an array of decorations, including lights, ornaments and Christmas trees. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wiring can lead to electric shocks and fires. It is therefore recommended to use certified lights and decorations, avoid overloading outlets, and regularly inspect electrical decorations for damage, replacing any faulty items.
• Slips, trips and falls: the workplace can become cluttered by holiday décor, and combined with an increase in celebration that may involve alcohol, the risk of slips, trips, and falls is higher. Preventative measures include keeping walkways clear, securing cords and decorations, non-slip mats and ensuring decorations do not obstruct emergency exits.
• Holiday stress and fatigue: the end-of-year rush combined with holiday preparations can lead to stress and fatigue, affecting productivity and increasing the likelihood of accidents. To prevent this, encourage regular breaks, manage workloads effectively, and promote a supportive work environment. Provide access to mental health resources and encourage employees to seek help if needed.
• Food and alcohol safety: holiday celebrations often include festive foods and alcohol, which can pose food safety risks if not handled correctly. To prevent this, follow proper food safety guidelines, such as keeping perishable items refrigerated and ensuring that food is cooked to the appropriate temperature. For those organisations holding functions with alcohol, short and definitive timeframes help reduce alcohol consumption, as does setting expectations for behaviour at events. Organisations in Australia have a proactive duty to prevent sexual harassment, so it is important to carefully consider holding functions with alcohol and plan to reduce risks.

Summer workplace safety risks and prevention

While leaders would like to think most Australians are clear on the dangers of summer, they may not naturally apply the same logic used on a hike or going to the beach to a work environment. In southern Australia in particular, the weather can also be more unpredictable and catch employees off guard.

Common festive season safety hazards include:

• Heat stress and dehydration: heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration can have serious health implications. Providing access to cool drinking water, encourage regular hydration, and implementing work-rest cycles to prevent overheating can assist. Ensuring that indoor spaces are well-ventilated and if possible air-conditioned can also help. However, training employees to understand and react to the signs through toolbox talks is also an important step.
• Sun exposure: most Australians understand the risks of sunburn, skin cancer and heat-related illnesses. However, roles requiring prolonged periods outdoors face higher risks and preventative measures may not always seem practical to employees in the heat. Organisations should provide sunscreen and protective clothing, encourage the use of hats and sunglasses, and schedule outdoor work during cooler parts of the day. Again, educating employees is critical.
• Insect and snake bites and stings: the most common risk is allergic reactions and infections from insect bites and stings. While more rare, serious incidences can occur from poisonous snakes and spiders. To prevent this, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and keep work areas clean to avoid attracting insects. Furthermore, training employees at risk on how to recognise and treat insect bites and stings is essential.
• Water safety: for workplaces near water bodies or involving water activities, the risk of drowning and water-related injuries increases. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that employees working near water are trained in water safety and CPR, and provide appropriate flotation devices and implement safety protocols for water activities.

General risk prevention considerations

To reduce workplace incidences over the festive season and summer, Cameron has the following general tips:

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  Conduct risks assessments
• Ensure any Job Safety Analysis incorporates hot weather conditions
• Increase training and education leading up to this period
• Develop and communicate clear emergency procedures
• Allocate responsibilities appropriately while staff are on leave
• Foster a culture where employees can take responsibility for their safety, and express concerns or stop work if they believe conditions warrant it

Taking these precautions will help protect employees from potential hazards and ensure that everyone can enjoy this time of the year without unnecessary risks.