Holiday Safety
After a long-wet winter and spring, it is that time of year again when most of us turn our mind to Christmas holidays with family and friends.
We have featured holiday safety in numerous earlier summer editions of Safety News.
This year we collate our top tips, so you can have fun while applying our practical tips.
1. Water Safety
Warmer weather means everyone gravitates to water, whether beach, rivers, lakes, or swimming pool. Obviously, the ocean introduces a wide variety of risks ranging from tides and storms to things that bite.
Top tips:
Only swim in safe area with others.
Watch children and provide floatation aids, particularly if can’t swim or weak.
Stay within your limits and have a rescue plan.
2. Electrical Safety
Christmas decorations often results in lots of make-shift electrical arrangements and leads around the home.
Top tips:
Ensure all electrical leads and equipment are protected with a safety switch.
Check smoke detectors are working.
Avoid temptation to do unqualified electrical work
3. Falls from Height
Free time over holidays or desire to place decorations in high places leads many people to climb to areas they normally don’t, some result in serious falls.
Top tips:
Plan how to safely access roof or how to place Christmas decorations.
Use good quality stable ladder.
If unwell (e.g., balance problems) or in doubt stay low.
4. Camping Safety
Not everyone likes or can afford a luxury hotel for the holidays, and many families love the rustic experience of camping, but once again this type of holiday can introduce some special risks.
Top tips:
Select a safe area e.g., no overhead branches that can fall on tent or vehicle.
Brief children on key risks for area e.g., deep water, snakes, power boats, sun burn etc.
Be prepared e.g., well-stock first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge.
5. Slip Trip Falls
Falls at the same level don’t seem as scary, but data shows this is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation and celebrating with friends over the busy holiday season often increases this risk.
Top tips:
Don’t leave leads or items on the floor, particularly in walkways.
Avoid slippery surfaces and loose mats, which tend to trip people.
Use handrails on all steps and stairs.
6. Insects and Snakes
Warmer holiday season also brings out our snakes and breads more stinging insects to annoy us.
Top tips:
Use appropriate clothing and insect repellents, particularly for children.
Brief family on likely areas for snakes, and safety precautions.
Ensure first aid kit includes medication for insect bites.
7. Other?
Have we missed your top holiday risk or tips? If so, please pass on your ideas and we will update readers in our next edition.
Holiday periods always increase the volume of families travelling to popular areas at the same time, and therefore it is no surprise that we often see an increase in road accidents at this time of year.
Top tips:
Avoid being in a hurry, but don’t unnecessarily hold others up.
Be patient and courteous, even when other road users are not.
Be well-rested for long trips and take regular breaks.
