Author: Nancy Germond
With Thanksgiving right around the corner and more holidays to follow, safety is always a concern. From deep fried turkey fails to holiday tree light fires, home accidents seem to increase over the holidays. With a few reminders from their trusted insurance agents, employers can reduce direct and indirect loss costs associated with holiday incidents and accidents. Indirect costs can include overtime to replace that injured employee while they heal. Direct costs are deductible costs, the cost to replace damaged property not covered by insurance such as an employee’s personal property, and other out-of-pocket costs your insureds will encounter after an incident. For families, we all want to protect our loved ones by avoiding holiday-related accidents. Any safety fail event can cause an insurer to non-renew or pay more attention to that insured at renewal. In this hard market, even one loss can impact the underwriter’s decision to accept or renew an account. We’ve even seen one carrier request the insured to document all “incidents” that involved damage, even if not submitted as a claim, for example water damage that the insured remediated or other under-deductible claims. Here are some common seasonal hazards that can occur year-round, from New Year celebrations to summer picnics. Common seasonal fire hazards - Overloaded circuits
- Connecting multiple extension cords, increasing electrical fire risk
- Placement outside of interior-use lights and wiring
- Improperly insulated lights and wires on outside displays and undiscovered rodent or other fraying or damage to wiring
- Placing combustible items adjacent to ignition sources, including gas and electric appliances
Slip and falls create many, many injuries and can cause extreme injuries such as hip fractures, ruptured discs and traumatic brain injuries.
Ways to prevent slip and falls - Inspect and test climbing equipment regularly, such as ladders, scaffolds and ramps
- Keep aisles clear and free of water. Immediately wipe down slippery areas, such as water, snow, ice, or grease.
- Place “wet floor” signage in multiple locations throughout facilities. Ensure all employees understand, no matter where they are in the organization, it is their responsibility to clean or warn the appropriate party of spills and stand by until help arrives.
- When decorating, remind family members and employees to use safe climbing practices. Avoid “It’s just a minute” on chairs or other objects not designed for climbing.
- Take the time to find and use the appropriate ladder or other equipment for the job.
Tips to create a safer work or home environment - Avoid rushing. Stay focused on the task.
- Be courteous. Stress levels for some customers and employees may be higher than usual during the holidays.
- Remember that everyone, including customers, is under pressure these days. Stay patient and reward employees who handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy. We see increasing incidents of employee workplace attacks by angry customers, so recommend your employers have an emergency action plan that includes that type of event.
- Never use candles in the workplace, even in an office environment. At home, closely monitor candle use. According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles cause almost 6,000 home fires a year, creating an average of 74 civilian fatalities yearly, and $257 million in property damage. This link on candle stats and safety is a great reminder for your insureds.
- Bigger crowds mean more rushing. Remind employees to slow down and watch for trip and slip hazards. Parking lot accidents increase around the holidays, so remind your employees wherever possible to avoid backing out of parking spaces and pull through whenever possible.
- Since COVID, driving habits seem to have deteriorated. Always drive defensively. Especially during the holidays, allow more travel time.
- Holidays often mean a liberal use of alcohol. Strongly consider if your holiday party should be alcohol free.
- Since colds and flu are common in winter, never underestimate the effect of over-the-counter cold medicines or prescription drugs that could impair an employee’s or family member’s coordination or good judgment.
- Watch entrances closely, especially in inclement weather when customers and visitors tend to bring in snow or water. While entrance mats are good, they are a double-edged sword. Frequently check and adjust mats flat on the floor to prevent trips and slips.
Tips to make your holidays safer - Assume that plenty of drivers will drive impaired, especially at night and during any holiday season.
- Even if your drivers rely on audible calls, they should always avoid using cell phones while driving. Studies show we simply cannot multi-task well.
- Sleep longer at night. This helps balance the increased stress caused by working with holiday crowds.
- Be sure employees take scheduled breaks. Fatigue increases the likelihood of accidents.
Never overlook safe material handling practices during busy periods. It is better to perform lifts slowly and smoothly. Overloading or other unsafe lifting practices create a potential for injury. Get help or use the correct lifting or cartage equipment. Do not forget mental health According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 60 percent of those who live with some type of mental difficulties state their conditions worsen around the holidays. While you may not know an employee’s mental health status, recommend to all your workers and to family members that they pay attention to any unusual statements or behaviors. While it is often difficult to discuss someone’s mental health, asking questions such as, “Hey, you seem a little down today. Anything I can do to help?” or “Say, would you like to get some coffee after work?” can mean a lot to a depressed coworker, friend, or family member. Safety is a year-round endeavor. These tips can help your insureds prevent a holiday claim or injury. Originally Published: October 18, 2024 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2024, Big “I" Virtual University. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be used or reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission from Big “I" Virtual University. For further information, contact jamie.behymer@iiaba.net.
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