Focus on Safety This Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching, and city employees around Kentucky will be decorating their communities. Safety should come first when hanging lights and trimming trees.

Workers should avoid the extensive use of ladders. Bucket trucks and lifts should be used when possible, and attention should be paid to avoid overhead power lines. You should never stand on a chair, table, or other object. If city employees can’t do the work safely, consider a contractor.

“Our hope is that all city personnel work safely as they selflessly labor to provide a decorative, festive, and safe cityscape for everyone to enjoy,” KLC Chief Insurance Officer Greg Partin said. “We want every city employee to return home safely to their families and enjoy their holiday season.”

Remember that candles and open flames are not appropriate for the workplace and should be prohibited in your office. Instead, use electric lights and decorations, and use them only when someone is in the office or facility. Lights should be plugged into outlets with extension cords used properly. Don’t run extension cords across floors, under rugs, or through doorways. These could all create trip hazards. Decorations should never block emergency exits or fire extinguishers.

Winter can bring other safety hazards like ice and snow on roads. Encourage employees to drive safely, dress warmly, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles in the event of an accident.

For more on winter safety, see KLC’s Winter Weather Hazard Alert or this information from OSHA.