Mindful approaches to risk management
As the festive season approaches, work in hospitality and retail venues becomes predictably busier. In addition to an increased workload and generally higher turnover, many businesses turn to Christmas casuals to ease the workload, which can mean more new workers and perhaps less experienced workers. These risk factors can also correlate with a rise in workplace injuries, so we have provided the tips below to assist in managing risks in your business.
Please note this list is not exhaustive and is designed as a guide only. We always recommend speaking with a trusted and qualified professional for advice regarding your business’s workplace health and safety requirements. We can review your current health and safety systems to ensure your business has the appropriate policies and safety approaches in place.
1. Lifting and Moving
A rise in workload often means increased physical work, and it should be no surprise that this can be challenging during busy periods. Lifting and moving boxes, moving furniture, carrying heavy objects, and even holiday decorating can increase stress on your workers. These tasks are often unavoidable, so it is essential to ensure that you manage them safely to reduce workplace injury risk.
Conducting risk assessments can assist in mitigating risk while understanding the physical demands of the task and ensuring that policies are from informed positions. Risk assessments follow the below basic outline:
- Identify the hazard
- Assess the risk
- Control the risk
- Review the outcome
2. Take Time with the Team
Workers feeling rushed, tired or understaffed can be a common issue for businesses during the festive season. Taking the time to meet with the team to discuss safety in the workplace can help address any safety concerns before they become issues in your workplace. Regular staff meetings and catch-ups can also include reminders about reporting any hazards or incidents and should also ensure that all staff have received a safety induction.
3. Mind the Mental Load
With an increase in physical workload comes an increased mental load as well. Lapses in concentration can occur during busy periods, especially as staff balance work and personal commitments during the holidays. Establishing manageable and achievable workloads, rotating repetitive tasks amongst staff and ensuring your business has support systems in place can go a long way for the mental health of your workers.
4. Party-propriate
While end-of-year events are an exciting time and a chance for your team to celebrate all their achievements, ensuring these events are managed safely must be a priority. Consider putting an event management plan in place, which can cover responsible service of alcoholand safe travel for your staff.