With Santa's team getting ready for the big night ahead, its more important than ever to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and non-hazardous journey.
We thought we would help out Santa's Health & Safety team by putting together a list of the most hazardous situations that Santa will encounter on his long journey around the globe this Christmas.
Hazard Potential:
Cold/ Heat extremes of temperature
Control Measures:
Clothing, warm drinks, rest breaks, alternative transport e.g. polar express train. Bear in mind temperatures will change across the route from the northpole to the equator, so layers are recommended to avoid heat stress
Hazard Potential:
Weather or turbulence leading to roll or injury to occupants and loss of presents
Control Measures:
If sleigh is to be used for any of the journey, consider benefits of fitting roll-over protection system to protect occupants in the event of a mishap.
Hazard Potential:
Violence, theft, injury
Control Measures:
Buddy working. Check in with Mrs. Claus on the hour, every hour, to let her know you are safe.
Hazard Potential:
Deadlines, timescales
Control Measures:
Consider whether sufficient staff are available to meet demands whilst staying within working time and social distancing directives.
Hazard Potential:
MSD injuries
Control Measures:
Training - complete a manual handling course
Hazard Potential:
Chimney
Control Measures:
Complete a confined space permit for each and every chimney used, and ensure Santa and the elves (including those who might need to effect a rescue) receive CS training. Use a door if possible!
Hazard Potential:
Falling from a roof or down a chimney
Control Measures:
Use a door (be sure to lock up afterwards) or window (beware of glass)
Hazard Potential:
Zoonoses, Aggressive Animals, Allergies, Animal sustaining injury
Control Measures:
Consider alternative forms of transport taking into account environmental policy - electric vehicles, Polar Express train service should be used where possible.
Hazard Potential:
Mince pies, cookies, glasses of sherry. Can lead to stomach cramps, ST and LT weight gain, heart problems, diabetes, sleepiness.
Control Measures:
Take some healthy snacks and if there is time, a packed supper
Hazard Potential:
Mid-air collisions
Control Measures:
Observation of flight hazards, liaise with on-the-ground contacts.
Hazard Potential:
Inappropriate for any of Santa's helpers (or Santa) to be hindered from doing their job
Control Measures:
No alcohol whilst on duty. Take water, hot chocolate, coffee or tea
Hazard Potential:
Entering several different premises, coming into contact with different surfaces, potential contact with other people if discovered.
Control Measures:
Carry supply of hand sanitizer and shanties hands and sleigh frequently. Wear face mask at all times, and change frequently throughout the night.
Having a dedicated risk assessment software would likely make Santa's life a lot easier! While you (probably) don't have to worry about things like reindeer management and chimney navigation, our risk module may be able to help with the more typical day-to-day tasks on your organization.