Reminder to NT workplaces to put safety first this holiday season

NT WorkSafe Urges Workplaces to Put Safety First This Holiday Season

NT WorkSafe has issued a reminder to Northern Territory workplaces to put safety first this holiday season, as end-of-year pressures often lead to shortcuts that put workers at risk. Similar worksafe authorities have issued reminders across other jurisdictions, reinforcing a national push to keep employees safe as the festive season approaches.

NT WorkSafe Executive Director Peggy Cheong said many employers face pressure to meet end-of-year deadlines, and this may force workers to take shortcuts that compromise health and wellbeing on site.

"It's important for businesses to maintain safety as their priority and ensure their workers make it to Christmas healthy and safe," Ms Cheong said.

Employers Must Have a Risk Management Plan

"Employers must have a risk management plan to identify hazards and mitigate risks, and must ensure all their workers, including new staff, are adequately informed and trained to undertake their work safely," Ms Cheong added.

A sound risk management plan should:

• Identify hazards specific to the holiday period, including fatigue and reduced staffing levels
• Ensure employees have access to proper supervision and support
• Account for environmental conditions that may affect outdoor or seasonal work
• Confirm access to first aid and emergency procedures remains current

Businesses across sectors such as construction, manufacturing and healthcare should review site-specific procedures before entering the holiday period, review your safety plans, and communicate expectations clearly with all staff, including casual and temporary workers brought on to cover the festive rush.

Workers Encouraged to Speak Up

Ms Cheong urged workers to report any employer who ignores their health and safety concerns. This applies equally to environmental hazards on site, such as heat stress or storm-related risks, and to broader health and safety obligations under NT workplace legislation.

Environmental factors are particularly relevant during the Territory's build-up season, when heat and humidity can compound fatigue-related risks for outdoor workers. Employers should factor these environmental conditions into daily planning, not just annual reviews.

Practical Steps for a Safe Festive Season

To stay safe this season, businesses can take a few straightforward steps:

• Check Christmas lights and electrical decorations for damage before use — see our Electrical Safety Checklist for guidance
• Review and update the workplace Electrical Safety Policy ahead of seasonal decorating
• Confirm First Aid Policy documentation is accessible and up to date
• Ensure environmental and weather-related risks are reassessed for outdoor teams

Safety never takes a break simply because the calendar turns to December. NT WorkSafe's advice echoes broader industry sentiment; for example, making mine safety a priority this holiday season has been a consistent theme across high-risk sectors, and workplaces urged to make safety a priority this festive season reflects a similar message nationwide.

Businesses seeking tools to manage compliance can explore Safety Software solutions designed to streamline risk management documentation, or visit our support page for further assistance with workplace safety templates.

Read more here.