Halloween may be fun, but workplace celebrations still need to meet health & safety legislation – Declan Ryan offers advice. Danger falls across the land, the midnight hazard is close at hand. Creatures crawl in search of disgrace, to terrorize your working place. This is Halloween, a festival to be scared, so follow these steps and let’s get prepared.
Decorations
When hanging up festive decorations around the office, ensure you have a colleague supporting you, if you are using a ladder. For any hot lights which might be around the workplace, locate decorations (balloons, hanging pieces) away from them. You may want to dim the lighting to set the festive mood but keep your workplace well lit to avoid any danger.
Costumes
Avoid long hanging costumes and oversized footwear to prevent any tripping hazards. Try to opt for make-up instead of a mask, this will help to maintain the employees hearing and visibility. If you are planning on having a number of props, try to avoid any sharp or jagged objects and choose smooth or flexible items.
Occupational Driving
Remind your drivers to watch out for trick or treaters and to drive safely. Watch for people on the road or crossing the road especially between parked cars. If you are using your car on Halloween night, ensure that you have backed it into the driveway, this will allow greater visibility when leaving. Expect the unexpected. Always assume people are likely to cross the road at any time.
Bonfires
Every year, emergency facilities are filled with people who receive dreadful and painful injuries as a result of the misuse of fireworks and bonfires. If you see flammable material such as tyres, pallets or old furniture being hoarded in advance of Halloween, inform your local authority. If these materials are present on your premises, try to secure them so they become inaccessible.
Treats
If you are having a work party, it will be important to check the quality of the treats you will be handing out. Check the expiry dates and if any employees have allergies. Additionally, if you are planning on providing any alcohol, be mindful of your surrounding employees and how easily the atmosphere can get carried away.
If as an employer you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Peninsula on 0818 923 923 and one of our experienced advisors will be happy to assist.
