Staying safe during the holidays requires some extra attention and awareness. The hustle and bustle of the season may cause you to hurry instead of taking your time. Adding stress to the mix also increases your risk of injury and illness. Use these 10 safety tips during the upcoming holiday season.
1. Sign Up for Product Recalls
Sign up for product recalls through the Consumer Product Safety Council. This service provides you with information about recalls of dangerous consumer goods such as toys and electronics. Use this information for yourself or your patients.
2. Take Care With Decorations
When decorating your office, check for frayed wires on Christmas lights. Avoid using extension cords. Use UL-approved decorations for the outside of your office.
3. Get Enough Sleep
For many medical professionals, this is easier said than done. Your usual schedule may already be full, and adding holiday parties and family events to the mix may cause you to compromise your sleep. Delegate or say no to unnecessary activities. Getting enough sleep reduces your risk of making an error on the job.
4. Enjoy Holiday Merriment in Moderation
If you choose to enjoy a cup of traditional eggnog, a holiday toast or another type of liquid cheer, do so in moderation. Avoid driving home after a holiday party if you have imbibed. Choose a designated driver. Caution your patients about the risks of overindulgence in alcohol during the holiday season.
5. Beware of Ingredients in Holiday Treats
Well-meaning associates or patients might drop off trays of holiday treats as a demonstration of appreciation of your work. If these goods are homemade, beware of their ingredients. If you have any allergies or sensitivities to ingredients, it is best to forego the cookie platter.
6. Hide Packages
With your busy schedule, you might go gift shopping before your shift or even during a lunch break. If you leave your treasures in your car, be sure to disguise or hide the parcels. Consider bringing them into the office and locking them up until you go home. You might reroute your parcel deliveries to your office, too.
7. Turn Off Decorations
Before your office closes for the day, turn off all electrical decorations. If you decorate your home with lights, turn them off before you go to bed. If you work the night shift, extinguish any candles before leaving your house.
8. Refrigerate Leftovers
If your office has a party during the work day, be sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Don’t let the food sit out all day. Food at room temperature allows bacteria to grow. You could get food poisoning from eating food that was left out.
9. Avoid Space Heaters
If your office is chilly, avoid using gas-powered space heaters. They release dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Contact a technician if your heating system malfunctions.
10. Wash Your Hands
Holiday season is also cold and influenza season. Wash your hands often. If you stop by the cookie tray between patients, wash your hands again.
