Holiday Safety

The holiday season is upon us once again. This time of year brings an increase in personal activities such as hunting, fishing, holiday decorating, spending time with family, and preparing for the new year. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when we see a rise in incidents and injuries — whether at work, at home, or on the road.

During the holidays, we frequently see people become distracted by personal matters or financial concerns and, as a result, overlook safe work practices. At home, tension can run high as family members also feel the stress of the busy season. Despite these challenges, it’s important that we remain committed to our personal safety so we can enjoy this time with our loved ones.

Here are some helpful tips to stay safe in the workplace:

• Job Safety Environmental Analysis (JSEA) – This is the tool we use to identify job steps, hazards, and mitigation controls to keep us safe throughout the workday. A JSEA should be completed for every job task.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Wearing the proper PPE for each task should be the easiest and most consistent safety practice. Although PPE is considered the last line of defense, it’s also one of the most commonly overlooked.

• Policy and Procedure – Compliance with Boss Energy Solutions and customer policies and procedures is essential and must be strictly followed. Even when tasks seem simple, the basics matter. These requirements exist for a reason and help prevent incidents.

• Peer-to-Peer Intervention – Many of us spend more time with our co-workers than with our families. We should look out for one another and speak up if someone is putting themselves or others at risk. Intervening is not only the right thing to do — it can also lead to a quality SAPP observation.

• Stop Work Authority – Every employee has the responsibility and the authority to STOP WORK or decline a task—without fear of reprisal—when an imminent or perceived danger exists. No work should resume until all stop-work concerns have been fully resolved.

There’s also increased activity at home this time of year, and safety should remain a priority. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), approximately 5,800 people are treated annually for holiday-related emergencies.

Here are a few tips to stay safe at home:

1. Vehicle Safety – Traffic increases during the holidays as more people are off work and on the road. Be mindful of hazardous winter conditions such as snow, ice, and dense fog. In our area, slow-moving farm vehicles—including cane trucks—also present risks. These factors can combine to create dangerous conditions. Always drive defensively, stay alert, wear your seatbelt, never text and drive, and never drink and drive.

2. Holiday Decorating – Take extra precautions when decorating your home. Never use lighted candles near trees or curtains. Use proper step stools or ladders instead of furniture. When using a ladder, keep your hips between the rails and never stand on the top rung. Follow the 4:1 rule: place the base of the ladder one foot away from the surface for every four feet of ladder height. Turn off lights and decorations when leaving home or going to bed, and avoid plugging more than three sets of lights into a single extension cord.

3. Food Preparation – Though it may not seem risky, improper food handling sends thousands to the doctor during the holidays. Wash hands frequently, defrost foods in the refrigerator or in cold water, and use a food thermometer to ensure food reaches safe internal temperatures. Enjoy holiday beverages responsibly — and remember, NEVER drink and drive.

We all have family and friends who depend on us. Please be extra careful this holiday season and work safely so we can all enjoy this special time with our loved ones. We wish all our employees and their families a safe and happy holiday season!