Workplaces urged to make safety a priority this festive season

SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses and workers across the State to make safety a priority this festive season. Construction sites, hospitality venues, transport operations and retail outlets all face heightened risk during this period, and preparation is the first step towards Christmas safety for every workplace.

SafeWork NSW Executive Director of Compliance and Dispute Resolution, Tony Williams, said the festive season is a busy time for many industries.

"The lead-up to Christmas is the most demanding and dangerous period of the year for many in the hospitality, transport, retail and construction industries," said Mr Williams.

"With many school leavers and casual workers joining the workforce out of lockdown, the desire to impress can lead to risk taking that more experienced colleagues wouldn't take.

"Coupled with the additional pressure of trying to complete jobs before the Christmas break, potential for injury rises, so workplaces need to put safety first so that everyone makes it to Christmas injury-free."

Why Construction and Plant Operations Face Greater Risk During the Festive Season

Construction sites carry particular hazards at this time of year. Tight deadlines combined with unfamiliar plant operators can turn routine tasks hazardous, especially when experienced supervisors are absent due to holiday leave.

Plant equipment left unattended or operated by undertrained staff presents a significant risk on construction sites. Employers operating heavy plant should verify that every operator holds current competency and that plant maintenance schedules aren't neglected under end-of-year pressure.

Key risk factors on construction and industrial sites include:

• Reduced supervision as senior staff take festive leave
• Casual or seasonal workers unfamiliar with plant controls
• Rushed plant inspections skipped to meet deadlines
• Fatigue-related errors around mobile plant and machinery

Employers should treat plant safety checks as non-negotiable, regardless of how close a construction deadline sits to Christmas Day.

Steps Employers Can Take to Reduce Risk

Other steps businesses can take to prevent injuries include:

• Ensuring adequate staffing levels across all shifts
• Setting realistic workloads and work schedules
• Having contingency plans if work falls behind
• Providing regular rest breaks for employees and workers alike
• Reviewing hazardous work areas, especially around plant and machinery

Ensuring these measures are followed helps make sure your workforce stays protected at all times, even when deadlines tighten.

Health and Wellbeing Matter Too

Physical hazards aren't the only concern this festive season. Health pressures, including fatigue and stress from compressed deadlines, can compound risk for employees juggling personal commitments alongside work demands.

Mr Williams said following these steps will ensure it's a happy and productive Christmas for all.

Read full story here.

Related Safety Resources

Workplaces urging staff to stay alert this season may also find value in our forklift safety guidance, our workplace safety rules template, and our electrical safety checklist for teams managing hazardous equipment across busy sites. Businesses looking to strengthen documentation before the break can explore our electrical safety policy and our safety software solutions, or reach out via our support page for tailored assistance this festive season.