Fire Safety Considerations For Holiday Decor
Be mindful of potential fire hazards when selecting holiday decorations and determining where to place them. Make wise choices about the types of holiday lights you use. Do not use any type of decoration in your office that has an open flame, If you use a metallic tree, do not place any type of lights on it. 
Make sure that you use holiday lights properly. Never place staples or nails through strings of lights, power cords, or extension cords. Do not connect too many strands of lights together.
If you decorate the outside of your office, verify that any lights you use are rated for exterior use.
Turn off all illuminated items when the office is closed to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out when the building is unattended. Put one person in charge of this task, to eliminate confusion regarding whether or not the lights need to be checked at the end of each workday.
If candles are used, follow these tips for safe use:
- Keep candles at least one foot away from other materials and drafts
- Never leave a burning candle when unattended
- Place candles only in receptacles that are stable, nonflammable and heat resistant.
Before starting the process of decorating your office for the holidays, verify that all of your fire safety equipment is in proper working order. Fire alarm systems including smoke detectors should be operational, and fire extinguishers fully charged and easily accessible.
OSHA Compliance and Holiday Decorations
Keep all relevant OSHA regulations in mind when deciding how to decorate your workplace for the holidays. Without proper planning, holiday decorations can result in dangerous tripping hazards.
Think carefully before using extension cords to connect lights or other types of decorations. Avoid placing trees, gifts, or freestanding decorations in heavily trafficked areas where people might run into or trip over them.
Make sure that your holiday decor does not compromise the ability of workers and visitors to exit the workplace in the event of an emergency. Do not place decorative items in exit corridors, in front of exit signage, or on fire safety equipment including sprinkler heads,
Holiday Celebration Safety Considerations
If you’ll be holding an office holiday party where alcohol will be served it’s essential to make transportation arrangements for employees and guests who should not drive.
This is true whether the party is held at your place of business, in someone’s home, at a restaurant, or any other location.
This is essential to keep coworkers and other guests protected from drinking and driving, and to mitigate potential legal liability,
Keep Your Workplace Safe During the Holidays
By following a few simple safety tips, it’s easy to enjoy festive holiday decorations and events at work without having to deal with injuries or damage to property.
When preparing to enjoy the holiday season, simply incorporate proper workplace safety precautions into the planning process.
You’ll be on your way to a holiday season th
at will be remembered as one that is both enjoyable and safe.
Make sure that your holiday decor does not compromise the ability of workers and visitors to exit the workplace in the event of an emergency. Do not place decorative items in exit corridors, in front of exit signage, or on fire safety equipment including sprinkler heads,