Are Risk Assessments needed at Christmas?
It is about this time of year that many of us involved in health & safety management get asked about preparing risk assessments for the Christmas season.
This can include requests to assess hazards with fairy lights, working at height when hanging decorations, and of course the Christmas party itself.
Those of you who act as your company Responsible Person for health & safety should be proud if you get asked to help out, as it shows a good level of health & safety awareness in your organisation.
Risk Assessment
The key thing to remember is that Christmas events remain both enjoyable but safe.
In late November 2024 the HSE released its annual accident statistics, and these remind us about the consequences of poor health & safety management.
A risk assessment is not just a legal requirement but a vital step in protecting employees and maintaining a responsible corporate environment.
Employers must proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with the Christmas season celebrations. This goes beyond traditional workplace settings, extending to office parties, team gatherings, and corporate events. But all health & safety competent persons, managers and workers must be aware that while Christmas celebrations in the workplace may add risks, effective but proportionate control measures to prevent injuries and incidents are all that is required.
You may wish to consider some of the bullet points below when preparing a simple risk assessment for a workplace.
- Christmas Tree - Make sure your Christmas tree is not blocking any fire escape routes or the exits from any rooms and buildings. Do not place your trees near ignition sources or decorate them with lit candles. Real and some artificial trees are both flammable, but this is particularly pertinent for the former.
- Christmas tree lights - Check the condition of the lights so they do not become a potential fire hazard, visual inspections will generally be sufficient. Check the lights for a CE (UKCA) Mark, damaged insulation and loose connections. Make sure plugs are easily accessible and avoid overloading sockets/extension leads. Switch off when the workplace is empty.
- Outdoor lights - Check as above plus they are suitable for outdoor use especially the plug/transformer which often is for internal use only. Consider the impact on the lights (or tree) of adverse weather such as high winds or flooding.
- Christmas decorations – Consider the flammability risks and avoid draping over electrical equipment such as fixed lighting, computers, heating units etc. If decorations are heavy, think about what they are secured to as added weight could result in items becoming dislodged, falling, smashing, and injuring workers or visitors.
- Working at height - if you are hanging decorations up high, ensure it is done safely and with the support of others using step ladders and not unstable chairs.
There may be additional things you need to consider in addition to above, and if your risk assessment is for an external event or large gathering, then a more thorough risk assessment is likely to be required.
Venue safety
Following the recent introduction of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill (Martyn’s Law), in the houses of parliament, venue safety has currently a spotlight shone upon it. Although the bill is not yet enshrined in law, employers arranging Christmas parties in external venues should be evaluating event spaces, checking emergency exit routes, ensuring adequate lighting, verifying compliance with occupancy and fire safety regulations as well as checking emergency first aid assistance arrangements.
Overcrowded or poorly maintained venues can quickly transform a festive occasion into a potential safety nightmare.
Employers must ensure events are covered by workplace insurance and have documented their processes. Legal and insurance considerations form the backbone of a comprehensive risk assessment.
Alcohol
Alcohol management represents another area you may need to consider. While workplace celebrations often involve social drinking, employers must implement responsible serving policies. This includes monitoring consumption, providing alternative transportation options, and establishing clear guidelines to prevent alcohol-related incidents. In addition, remember that young people under the age of 18 will need to be catered for as do those who don’t drink alcohol.
Transportation
Transport safety cannot be overlooked. Arranging safe travel options, such as taxi vouchers or organised transport, demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare. Coaches and mini busses should have competent drivers, ask if seat belts are fitted, ask about break down arrangements and check insurance details. Remember also to be clear with workers about drinking/drugs and driving risks which are not only unlawful, but unacceptable to the organisation.
Conclusion
By approaching the festive celebration period and considering health & safety for decorations as well as workplace events, and by applying effective but proportionate control measures to prevent injuries and incidents, employers can create memorable celebrations that prioritise employee well-being.
Undertaking a risk assessment is not about dampening festive spirits but about ensuring everyone can enjoy the holiday season responsibly.
Arinite also wrote a blog on this topic in December 2022 so if you want further guidance, it’s still available to view.
Have a wonderful festive season and will catch up again in 2025.
Contact us
Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Our team of Global health and safety consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple.
If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581, or type an enquiry to: https://www.arinite.co.uk/contact-us/.
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