IT is almost Christmas time again, and I know many of us look forward to it with the same wonder, excitement and anticipation as when we were still in our childhood.
Even though it comes just once a year, the festive season brings with it its own peculiar traditions with which all are expected to comply. The Christmas season brings many celebrations and festivities that can sometimes get out of control.

Therefore, we should consider the health and safety risks associated with the celebrations at home and work.

How to stay healthy and safe as you celebrate
One of the secrets of having a memorable Christmas time is to enjoy the fun, knowing that the risks have been assessed and appropriate safety measures are implemented. We need to consider some of the issues associated with Christmas, such as Christmas decorations, electrical safety, toys and, of course, the persistent issue of drinking. We want everyone to enjoy this most widely celebrated holiday season without having to face the aftermath of some tragic event.

By their very nature, many of our arrangements for Christmas tend to be temporary, often makeshift in nature and that fact alone greatly increases the risk of accidents occurring. Consequently, it’s worth having a simple checklist on hand of what we need to keep in mind to minimise any additional risks that might arise.

Decorations: I’m sure most of you are in the process of cleaning and decorating. People will be unpacking decorations that were hastily put away last year, so take care when unravelling those, especially the electrical ones. Be careful when hanging decorations because this often means stretching to an extent that would not be permitted as part of normal work or home activities. Be extremely careful when climbing on chairs, ladders, etc. This all adds up to a recipe for falls that could easily result in bruises, fractures or worse.

Toys: People also need to pay special attention to the types of toys they buy for children. When buying toys, one needs to be very careful about the age group of the children and your choice of toys. Some toys, especially those with small parts, can be very hazardous to children. Ensure you buy toys that are educational and age-appropriate.

Christmas Trees: the other favoured Christmas decoration is a tree. Whether real or artificial, it must be stable, more so if it is close to a walkway where someone could catch it or if it is mounted on top of something else to give it additional height. Ensure that your Christmas tree is placed in a suitable location where it will not be a hindrance to people. Be careful with Christmas trees and small children who are often attracted to the decorations. Even if placed at work, ensure it’s at a strategic location.

Electrical Issues: Each year, we see more and more ingenious variations in Christmas lights. Low-voltage sets are obviously preferable as they pose less risk of electric shock, assuming they are properly installed. However, even low-voltage equipment can start a fire if it is faulty. In order to plug in your lights (or other electrically operated decorations), there’s a good chance you will be using extension cables or at least have trailing wires. Ensure that you take extra precautions when connecting your lights. Do not leave on your Christmas lights if going out for very long periods.

Fire is an ever-present danger. We’ve already mentioned some of the hazards, but we left this topic for last because almost everything we have considered so far can contribute to the risk of fire starting or hindering a prompt response should fire break out. As a reminder, these are some of the issues that need urgent attention:

● Don’t allow waste combustible materials to accumulate, but keep the premises as clean and tidy as at any other time of the year.
● Ensure decorations, Christmas trees, greeting cards, etc., are positioned to prevent them from catching fire or contributing to the spread of fire should it occur.
● Ensure all electrical items are tested for safety and there are no trailing cables, daisy-chained extension cables, etc. In other words, good cable management is important even when the installation is only temporary.
● If you must have electric lights, never turn them on when the premises are empty. In fact, it is advised to unplug them.
Most people spend a great deal of time and money preparing for it, but the older and wiser we get, the more we realise that the season can have its downside alongside all the festivities, parties and presents.

It is Important to Relax at Christmas. Remember, this is a day for the family as much as it is for anyone else. Keep the decoration simple and your celebrations green; keep the food simple but well-cooked; keep the guests happy and remember to have fun. Too many family members become consumed by all the work and preparations, and the home cooks end up shut away in the kitchen while Christmas carries on around them until they fall exhausted into bed.