Season’s Greetings for the Christmas and New YearMerry Christmas

We would like to wish all our subscribers, clients and readers a very merry festive time over the winter break.

This is the last newsletter for 2017, the next one will be sent on Tuesday 2nd January 2018.

We at The Wilkins Safety Group have had a great 25th Anniversary year this year. We have added to our team, given the big companies like, Arcadis a run for their money in the CDM Awards. We have also been pleased to take on some prestigious new clients such as the British Museum, Tesla and Dixons Carphone Warehouse.

So we look forward to 2018 and all that it may bring.

We continually strive to send you relevant information on current health and safety legislation, we hope you find it useful and informative.

If you have any requests or would like to see any specific information or safety details highlighted in future editions, then do drop an email.

Christmas is definitely in the air.

Christmas tree and presentsThe fairy lights are twinkling, and you’ve started your annual month-long mince pie marathon.

You’ve dusted down your obligatory ugly Christmas jumper and you’re just getting warmed up to the festive season with The Pogues, Slade, Wizard and Mariah Carey on repeat. Although personally I still prefer the more classical standards from the likes of Gustav Holst and Franz Gruber or of course Prokofiev’s Troika.

Christmas is definitely in the air.

If you’re lucky, that is. But we mustn’t forget all the wonderful people that will be working over the Christmas period to keep us safe, fit and well. So please raise a glass for Nurses, Doctors, Care home assistants, Police Officers, Firemen and anyone else who has to work over Christmas. Thank you.

The serious side

Follow these 12 safety tips to help prevent your festivities being cut short by a trip to casualty:

  • Make sure you buy children’s gifts for the correct age group and from reputable sources that comply with standards (e.g. The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011)
  • Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them – that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms
  • Look out for small items that could pose a choking hazard to young children, including parts that have fallen off toys or from Christmas trees, button batteries and burst balloons
  • Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings. Don’t leave burning candles unattended, make sure you put them out before going to bed and do not put candles on Christmas trees
  • If you have old Christmas lights, seriously consider buying new ones, which will meet much higher safety standards, keep the lights switched off until the Christmas tree is decorated, don’t let children play with lights (some have swallowed the bulbs), and remember to switch off the lights when going out of the house or going to bed
  • Remember, Christmas novelties are not toys, even if they resemble them, and they do not have to comply with toy safety regulations. Give careful thought to where you display them, for example, place them high up on Christmas trees where they are out of the reach of young hands
  • Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner to avoid hot fat, boiling water and sharp knife accidents that come from rushing, and keep anyone not helping with dinner out of the kitchen. Wipe up any spills quickly
  • Have scissors handy to open packaging, so you’re not tempted to use a knife, and have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys
  • Beware of trailing cables and wires in the rush to connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read instructions
  • Falls are the most common accidents so try to keep clutter to a minimum. Make sure stairs are well-lit and free from obstacles, especially if you have guests
  • Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Firework Safety Code
  • Do not drink and drive, and plan long journeys so you won’t be driving tired.

Closing times.Christmas Opening Hours

Over the festive break all our offices will be closed from 17.00 on 22nd December 2017 to 09:00 on 2nd January 2018 inclusive.

However, as many of you know, Jon doesn’t worry about holidays so please call us if needed on 01458 253682. This will be transferred to Jon’s direct line. If he is out there will be an answerphone. Leave a message and he will get back to you.

Footnote from Jon Wilkins.Jon Wilkins

I personally would like to thank all our clients for their continuing support over 2017. Recent years have been a very financially trying time for many companies and we at the Wilkins Safety Group appreciate you continuing to utilise our services for systems and training.  You obviously appreciate the cost effectiveness of having an effective safety system in place, which reduces the chances of you falling foul of legislation and incurring costs and fines.

I look forward to working with you for the foreseeable future. May I wish you well with a relaxing festive time and a prosperous 2017.

Jon

Jon Wilkins MSc AIIRSM CMaPS

Wilkins Safety Group.

If you have any queries on any health and safety matter, please contact Jon Wilkins on 01458 253682 or by email.

 

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