#Workplace Safety
By Team Seaglass
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year—cookies, twinkle lights, carols, and enough ribbon to gift-wrap the entire building. But before we pour the cocoa and ask Alexa to play Jingle Bell Rock for the 93rd time today, let’s remember: safety doesn’t take a holiday break.
In fact, some hazards only show up once a year—right after the decorations, eggnog, and awkward holiday sweaters.
Let’s unwrap a few before they sneak up on us:
🎁 1. Deck the Halls… Not the Floors!
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a festive wreath or tree—as long as it’s not blocking an exit sign. And while tinsel looks great on a tree, it’s less charming when it turns into a slippery floor spaghetti in the hallway.
Avoid the Grinchy Trip Hazards:
- Keep cords from acting like sneaky snakes.
- Tape down light strands used for decor (not for tightrope walking).
- Ensure garland doesn’t dangle where walkers and wheelchairs travel.
Our Motto: If it dangles, tangles, or jingles… secure it!
❄️ 2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside… So Let’s Salt the Sidewalk!
Holiday weather creates two kinds of people:
- ❄️ Those who see snow and think “Christmas magic!”
- ❄️ Those who see snow and suddenly become an excited “Clumsy snowman!”
Protect Residents, Families & Staff:
- Shovel and de-ice before carolers show up sliding into the lobby.
- Post wet floor signs like you’re decorating a tree—everywhere they belong.
- Encourage proper footwear (yes, even if the sparkly holiday heels are “tradition”).
🔥 3. Chestnuts Roasting… But the Decorations Shouldn’t Be
Candles are beautiful, warm, and beautifully unsafe.
When they meet tinsel? 🔥 You might as well invite the fire department to dinner.
Keep Holiday Spirit Without the Smoke Show:
- Use LED candles, not real flames near your “paper snowflakes”.
- Never use space heaters (enjoy sitting by fires that are only in fireplaces).
- Don’t overload electrical outlets (power strips aren’t Christmas trees—don’t pile on ornaments).
🍪 4. The Gingerbread Cookie Isn’t the Only Thing Getting Burned
Dietary teams are the unsung heroes of the holidays, working overtime to feed the masses. But cookies aren’t the only things that can get scorched.
Holiday Kitchen Safety Bites:
- Watch out for bubbling gravy geysers.
- Keep pot handles turned inward (this isn’t a dance floor).
- Don’t multitask with hot ovens and peppermint-latte-induced enthusiasm.
🎅 5. Santa’s Helpers Lift With Their Legs
Whether lifting holiday boxes, décor totes, or giant inflatable snowmen, remember: Santa’s sleigh isn’t the only thing that benefits from a good lift plan.
Lift Smart, Not Like Santa After Cookies:
- Bend at the knees, not the eggnog belly.
- Ask for help—elves work in teams for a reason.
- Use carts instead of turning into a holiday pack mule.
🎉 Final Thoughts from Your Safety Elf
In senior living communities, safety is the greatest holiday gift we give to our residents, families, and each other. (Okay, cookies are close second.) If we sprinkle a little prevention, a little teamwork, and a lot of common sense, we can keep the season joyful, bright, and injury-free!
So go ahead—hang the wreath, sip the cocoa, sing the carols…
Just remember:
🎁 The best holiday memories do not involve incident reports! 🎁
