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SAFETY MOMENT, DECEMBER 24

Use a ladder, not a chair

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Safety moment, December 24

Use a ladder, not a chair

The holidays bring deadlines, short days, cold weather, parties, travel and a lot on everyone's mind. Rushing to finish before the break can lead to skipped steps. Decorations, extra deliveries, cords and ladders show up in places they normally are not. OSHA has no specific standard for holiday safety; the general duty to train still applies.

SAFETY MOMENT

December 24

The hazard

The holidays bring deadlines, short days, cold weather, parties, travel and a lot on everyone's mind. Rushing to finish before the break can lead to skipped steps. Decorations, extra deliveries, cords and ladders show up in places they normally are not. OSHA has no specific standard for holiday safety; the general duty to train still applies.

The action

Hanging lights and decorations is work at height. Ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift. Face the ladder, keep at least one hand on it while climbing, and do not carry boxes that throw off your balance. Never stand on chairs, desks or boxes. (29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9))

ASK THE CREW

What should we check first when we come back after the break?

From the talk: Holiday season safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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