End-of-Year Workplace Safety Checks: Wrapping Up the Year Right

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and prepare for the year ahead. For businesses, this means conducting crucial end-of-year safety checks to ensure the workplace is ready for a fresh start next year.

From ensuring compliance to safeguarding your team over the holiday break, these checks are a vital step in maintaining a safe and productive environment.

Let’s explore key areas to review before you close the doors on this year.

1. Review Safety Procedures

Take some time to revisit your workplace safety policies and procedures. Ask yourself:

            •           Are there updates to regulations you need to implement?

            •           Have you addressed all incidents or hazards reported this year?

            •           Do employees know what to do in emergencies?

Pro Tip: Schedule a toolbox talk to ensure everyone is up to date and confident iwith your companies health and safety practices.

2. Conduct an Equipment Audit

Inspect all tools, machinery, and safety equipment to ensure they’re in good working order.

            •           Are fire extinguishers tested and tagged?

            •           Is PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) clean and ready for use?

            •           Do any machines require servicing or replacement?

By addressing these now, you can avoid downtime or any unexpected issues in the new year.

3. Check Emergency Exits and Plans

Ensure all emergency exits are clear, accessible, and properly marked.

            •           Are evacuation routes free from obstructions?

            •           Is your emergency plan current and visible to all employees?

Now’s the time to make updates and communicate them to your team.

4. Review Incident Reports and Trends

Take a closer look at your incident reports over the last 12 months:

            •           Are there recurring issues that need attention?

            •           Did your safety initiatives lead to measurable improvements?

This review provides valuable insights into areas for improvement in 2025.

5. Prepare for the Holiday Break

If your workplace is closing over the holidays, take steps to ensure safety during downtime:

            •           Unplug all non-essential equipment to reduce fire risks.

            •           Secure hazardous materials and lock storage areas.

            •           Perform a final walkthrough to check for any risks before closing up.

6. Set Goals for the New Year

Use your end-of-year insights to plan safety priorities for 2025. Consider:

            •           Implementing new / additional training sessions and toolbox talks.

            •           Using more of the features of your health and safety system for better and more streamlined outcomes. (Talk to us about how to do that!)

            •           Launching initiatives to encourage hazard and near-miss reporting.

Pro Tip: Start small—focused improvements can make a big difference over time!

End-of-year safety checks aren’t just about compliance—they’re about creating a safe, productive environment where your team can thrive. By taking these steps, you’re ensuring a strong foundation for success in 2025.

From all of us at Engage, we wish you a safe and merry Christmas holiday. Let’s make next year the safest yet!

Don’t forget to download your free Holiday Safety Check List here.