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December 20, 2024

It is time again to celebrate with family and friends over the Christmas Holidays but be sure to take the necessary Safety and Health precautions during this festive season. Here are a few Safety and Health tips for you to follow:

Fire Safety
  • Inspect the electrical cords on your Christmas lights for frayed wires, breakages/ exposed copper before stringing them onto the Christmas tree, hedges, or around the house. Replace all blown Christmas lights or those with loose connections. These checks will prevent exposure to electrical shock or spark of a fire.
  • Turn off all Christmas lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Do not overload your electrical circuit or basic extension cord. Invest in a surge protector power strip that can manage electrical surges.
  • Do not go to bed; leave the stove/oven on when cooking. In Bajan terms, you may be tired from “pulling down the house and putting it back up” or Christmas shopping, so take a nap and then start cooking.
  • Do not leave home with appliances such as ceiling/standing fan or washing machine/dryer running. There is always the potential for appliances to malfunction e.g., the motor for the fan can overheat or short circuit. House fires can start very easily and rage out of control.
Slips, trips, and falls
  • When cleaning, painting, or making repairs at heights e.g., cleaning the guttering, or painting, ensure the ladder is firmly planted on the ground and someone is assisting in holding the bottom of the ladder.
  • Do not leave electrical cords across the floor; this can cause someone to trip and fall. Tape down or use a cord saver to secure the electrical cord.
  • Clean the floor immediately after a spill such as food, oil, or grease while cooking. These are some of the most common slip hazards.
Flu Season
  • Practice good personal hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Use hand sanitizer until you have an opportunity to wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Avoid the risk of spreading the flu to others by not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Also, do not socialize with others when you are unwell, and stay well-hydrated.
Medication
  • Visit your physician for a medical check-up before their office closes for the Christmas holidays and have your prescription filled by the Pharmacist.
  • Adhere to your prescribed medication regime, especially during this festive season. If traveling, be reminded to stock up on your prescribed and nonprescribed medications.
Food & Drinks
  • Reduce the spread of foodborne illnesses by washing your hands before, during, and after preparing meals, especially raw meat, fish, and non-cooked foods. Clean all food surfaces before preparing food and after preparation.
  • Refrigerate perishable foods, including your Christmas leftovers within two hours of cooking.
    • Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
    • Freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below
  • Properly dispose of your refuge/garbage to avoid rodent infestation around your home.
  • Remember to eat and drink responsibly over the festive season.

Let Us Play Our Part: Be Safe As We Celebrate The Christmas Holidays 2024 and Into The New Year 2025

Prepared by Patricia McAllister, the Risk Management Officer