Don’t Let Safety Take a Holiday: Workplace Decorating
The holiday season brings joy, but it also brings workplace injuries. Decorating offices, classrooms, and common areas may seem harmless—yet every year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms due to decorating-related accidents.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2022 an estimated 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries occurred each day, with over 40% involving falls. Many of these injuries happen because of shortcuts, distractions, or rushing to meet self-imposed deadlines.
The Chair Trap
We’ve all been there! We’re halfway through decorating when it hits us: “I can’t reach that spot.” In the moment, we grab whatever’s nearby such as a chair, desk, table, or any piece of furniture to get the job done. But this quick-fix mindset can lead to a debilitating fall that is especially disruptive during a season meant for gratitude and celebration. Chairs are unstable, lack grip, and often force people to stretch or lean dangerously. Other types of furniture often require risky climbing and awkward dismounting, and they can be just as unstable as chairs. Boxes and crates can break or tip over. All these methods may cause you to grab something else for balance leading to a tumble.
Plan Ahead
Don’t let convenience override safety. Instead of thinking “it’ll just take a moment”, it is important to practice the mindset of “let’s do this safely.” Taking a little extra time to prepare properly ensures we stay safe and keep our holiday spirit intact for the long run.
Before you start decorating:
- Assess the space and plan your approach. Determine where items will fit best without causing other problems such as blocked exits and trip hazards.
- Choose the right decorations. Avoid breakable or flammable items. Choose safe alternatives to open flames and candles.
- Gather the right tools such as a step stool, ladder, adhesive hooks, clips, zip ties, and any necessary hand or power tools.
- Avoid rushing. Tight deadlines lead to unsafe shortcuts.
- Ask for help. Teamwork makes decorating safer and easier. Whether it’s holding a ladder or passing tools, an extra set of hands can prevent accidents.
Ladder Safety
When using a ladder for holiday decorating, it’s essential to use the right one for the job and use proper technique. A 2- to 3-step stepstool is a good choice for most indoor decorating. Wider steps and base, good treads, large handle, and simple set up make these easier to use for most people. Step ladders and extension ladders can be used for higher reach but require additional safety measures. No one should use a step stool or ladder without prior training and authorization.
Inspect ladders before use and ensure they’re on a flat, level surface with spreaders locked. Keep your body centered between the rails, avoid overreaching, and reposition the ladder instead of stretching. Whenever possible, use a spotter to stabilize the ladder and assist with passing items.
Electrical Safety
During the holiday season, we often face electrical challenges. In many areas, outlets are limited or inconveniently located for our plug-in decorations, tempting us to daisy-chain multiple extension cords together. However, this practice can overload circuits and greatly increase the risk of electrical fires. Instead, use properly rated power strips or consider installing additional fixed outlets to accommodate your festive decor. Make sure all cords are in good condition, free of frays or damage, and are appropriate for your environment. Also, keep in mind that loose or poorly placed cords can create trip hazards. Cords stretched across walkways or hidden under rugs can lead to slips, trips, and falls especially in busy environments.
Make Safety Part of the Tradition
As we celebrate the joy and warmth of the holiday season, let’s remember that safety is one of the most important gifts we can give to ourselves and others. A few extra minutes of planning, the right tools, and a helping hand can make all the difference. Keep the spirit bright and injury-free by choosing safety first. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
Related MEMIC blogs:
- Ladder Safety Part 1: Three Points of Contact
- Ladder Safety Part 2: Does your Ladder Safety Training Get High Marks?
- Elementary Electrical Safety Awareness
- Knowledge Trip on the Power Strip
Other resources:
