Safety Moment – December 1, 2023

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Safety Moment – Don’t Be a Clark Griswold (plus bonus ladder safety

Picture of Scott Griswold

Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency departments see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.

When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

  • Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
  • If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
  • If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it, and remove it from your home when it is dry
  • Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
  • Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
  • Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
  • Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
  • Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
  • Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
  • Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

Source: National Safety Council

Don’t forget to review ladder safety with the OSHA Portable Ladder Safety Quick Card

Have a safety related question? – contact [email protected]

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