The Christmas Safety Quiz: Does Your Office Know How To Get Festive Safely?

It’s that time of year: good cheer, festive vibes and cringeworthy “elf and safety gone mad” headlines.

Contrary to popular belief, health and safety has not gone mad. Despite this, pages and pages of fake outrage are printed every year about festive-related safety happenings.

However, how many of these are true? How well is legislation applied to Christmas events?

Below, we discuss Christmas safety in detail, put your knowledge to the test and share our favourite festive safety tips.

The Christmas Safety Quiz

Can Office Workers Put Up Decorations?

You’ve got a load of decorations, your workers want to put them up and they’re ready with ladders, blu-tac and everything else.

However, legally, are they allowed to put up decorations?

1. Decorations need to be put up by a nominated safety officer on-site, and they should be observed at all times.
2. Decorations cannot be put up in the office legally.
3. Putting up decorations is fine, but it must be done on proper step ladders.
4. There are no safety rules around putting up decorations.

You Need To PAT Test Christmas Lights

PAT test labels help to review the safety of electrical appliances. This is essential for the office, with computers, chargers and all electrical appliances requiring a PAT test.

However, do Christmas lights require PAT testing?

1. Christmas lights must be PAT tested before being put up every time.
2. Christmas lights only need to be PAT tested once. Afterwards, they’re fine to use indefinitely.
3. Christmas lights should never be put up as they’re a fire hazard.
4. Christmas lights do not require any PAT testing.

An Employer Isn’t Responsible For Christmas Decoration Accidents

Picture it: your employee has just put some decorations up, slipped on a ladder and hurt themselves.

Are you responsible?

1. An employer holds no responsibility for the staff putting up decorations.
2. An employer is fully responsible for all accidents related to putting up decorations.
3. An employer is responsible for providing the right equipment such as step ladders – that’s it.

You Need To Carry Out A Risk Assessment Before Putting Up A Christmas Tree

How about putting up a Christmas tree? Christmas tree safety is a key part of festive decoration planning.

Do you need to conduct a risk assessment before this is carried out, or are workers free to set one up without recourse?

1. No risk assessment is necessary, just ensure the tree is away from any fire hazards.
2. A risk assessment of the area only must be carried out.
3. A risk assessment of the tree and the area it’s being erected in must be carried out.
4. Do whatever you want – there are no rules.

Alcohol Cannot Be Consumed On Office Premises

Office parties are frequent at this time of year, but are employees legally allowed to drink on-premises? Who is ultimately responsible for any alcohol-related mishaps?

1. Drinking alcohol should never occur on office premises.
2. The employer is responsible for any damages that occur when alcohol is ingested, but there is no law banning its consumption on work premises for most industries.
3. The employer holds no responsibility for drink-related accidents on their premises.

Other Christmas Safety Tips

To make Christmas as safe as possible, we also recommend these other tips:

• Clear snow and ice from key entryways and ensure there is an ice-free path to access your place of work.
• Stock plenty of stepladders for staff to reach high places. They must avoid using chairs, especially ones with wheels.
• Stay up to date on fire safety. Christmas trees, for example, are extremely flammable. Read more about fire safety risks here: How to Improve Your Fire Safety at Work
• Don’t rely on extension leads for lights and decorations. Try to use proper sockets.
• Buy reliable, good Christmas lights. Avoid buying budget Christmas lights, especially from abroad.
• Supply alternative refreshments and ensure there are alcohol-free activities at your Christmas party. This will keep non-drinkers involved and will likely reduce the chance of overdrinking.

Update Your Safety Processes This Christmas

The best way to enjoy safe festivities in your office is to update your safety across the board. Browse our wide range of safety signs to ensure you’re up to date.

For all else, follow our Twitter for the latest safety news.

Correct answers:

1) C.

2) D.

3) C.

4) A.

5) B.