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42% of Companies See Rise in Incidents During the Holidays, with Majority Boosting Health and Safety Spending

Dominic Lill , 

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for businesses and workers, it can also bring a unique set of challenges. Research by EcoOnline, a leading SaaS provider of safety and sustainability solutions, highlights the increased risks workers face during this busy period.

The findings reveal concerning trends, regional differences, and the crucial role technology can play in creating safer workplaces.

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The Rise of Holiday Hazards

EcoOnline’s research shows that nearly half (42%) of businesses experience a rise in workplace incidents during the holiday season. For UK workers, the top three hazards are:

  • Fatigue due to increased workloads or longer hours (38%)
  • Weather-related risks (38%)
  • Stress and pressure to meet deadlines (34%)

Despite these risks, nearly 1 in 10 businesses (11%) take no additional measures to protect their employees during the holidays. While most companies invest in health and safety, the research underscores the need for more proactive measures.

Read More: How to Reduce Staff Sick Leave During the Winter Months

Common Safety Practices in the UK

To mitigate risks, UK managers report using the following strategies:

  • Weekly team briefings (32%)
  • Access to mental health resources (32%)
  • Regular checks on equipment and machinery (30%)

These measures are effective to an extent, but gaps in coverage leave room for improvement, particularly during high-risk periods.

The Role of Technology in Workplace Safety

Technology is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of modern safety protocols. With 42% of managers noting a rise in incidents during the holidays, the need for innovative solutions is clear. EcoOnline’s research highlights the potential of technology to address these challenges year-round.

Key Findings on Technological Adoption

  • Safety inspections, training tools, and risk assessments rank as the top technology solutions for reducing holiday hazards.
  • 67% of respondents reported increased spending on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) protocols during the holiday season.
  • Over the next 3-5 years, businesses expect to invest in:
    • Artificial intelligence (39%)
    • Mobile safety apps (37%)
    • Safety cameras with analytics (35%)

Expert Insights

Helen Jones, Chief Customer Officer at EcoOnline, emphasises the importance of a dual approach combining employee feedback and technology:

“Fostering a culture of safety requires behavioural feedback and technologically driven supports like comprehensive reporting and automated responses to incidents.”

Graham Cowing, Vice President of Safety Standards at Menzies Aviation, shares his perspective:

“The holiday season brings heightened challenges, from adverse weather to increased workloads. EcoOnline’s reporting tools allow us to act swiftly, safeguarding our team and operations in real-time.”

Read More: How to Adopt a Safety-First Attitude

 

Regional Comparisons: UK vs. North America

The data reveals notable differences between the UK and North America in managing holiday workplace risks:

  • North America sees slightly higher incident rates during the holidays (46% vs. 42% in the UK).
  • Investment in safety measures is higher in North America (71% vs. 67%), indicating a greater reliance on seasonal spending versus year-round frameworks.
  • Regulatory frameworks also vary significantly. While OSHA regulations govern workplace safety in North America, the EU imposes more stringent requirements, such as ISO 45001 and COSHH, demanding formalised care for employees.

Jones highlights the global need for systematic solutions:

“Despite regional differences, holiday hazards are universal. Advanced technological solutions can reduce preventable incidents and foster safer environments for employees.”

Read More: How to Reduce the Risk of Workplace Stress

The Path Forward

The holiday season poses unique challenges for businesses, but with the right strategies and tools, these risks can be effectively managed. EcoOnline’s research points to a future where technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing workplace safety. From AI-powered tools to real-time reporting systems, businesses are poised to create safer, more supportive environments for their employees—during the holidays and beyond.