Health and Safety for seasonal workers

Over the festive period, businesses usually need to bring in extra hands to cope with demand. From retail assistants to warehouse operatives, seasonal workers play a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly. Even Santa needs to draft in some extra elves to get those presents out on time! But as a huge downside, seasonal workers may face greater risks than permanent staff if health and safety measures are overlooked. Making sure seasonal workers are just as clued up on safety as regular, year-round employees is very much the key to a successful and safe season for everyone.

What are the risks?
Seasonal workers, arriving at their new jobs are often unfamiliar with their surroundings and the specific hazards of their temporary roles. For example, a new warehouse worker might not realise that stacking heavy items incorrectly could lead to potential collapses. In retail, temping staff may not know how to safely use a box cutter or handle stockroom ladders  – leading to a higher chance of injury. Similarly, someone assisting in food prep may be not be in the know about proper hygiene protocols or how to safely use equipment like slicers or ovens. These gaps in knowledge can quickly turn routine tasks into dangerous situations.

Some other common risks include:

Insufficient training: Without proper guidance, workers may not know how to safely operate machinery, handle stock, or respond to emergencies.
Time pressures: The fast-paced nature of seasonal work can lead to rushed tasks and a greater likelihood of accidents.
Unfamiliar environments: New staff might not know where fire exits are, where to find the muster point, or where to grab a first aid kit from.

Why does it happen?

Seasonal workers are often onboarded quickly, with limited time for super-detailed training. Managers may assume tasks are straightforward or that temporary staff will ‘pick it up as they go along.’ Meanwhile, the hustle of the season can mean safety takes a back seat to productivity.

What can you do?

We’ve put together our list of steps businesses can take to prioritise health and safety for seasonal workers:

• Start with an induction: Provide clear and simple instructions covering workplace hazards, emergency procedures, and key safety policies.
• Train for tasks: Offer specific training for equipment like forklifts or manual handling aids.
• Assign buddies: Pair seasonal workers with experienced team members who be there for them and provide guidance and support.
• Post reminders: Use signage and visual aids around the workplace to reinforce key safety practices in high-risk areas.
• Encourage communication: Make sure workers feel really at ease and comfortable asking questions or reporting hazards without fear of judgment and however silly the question may seem.

Taking these steps can really go a long way towards reducing accidents and making sure seasonal workers are safe, protected, productive, and ready to hit the ground running (not literally of course!). A little extra effort now can create a safer, more efficient workplace for everyone this festive season.

Check out our health and safety consultancy – we’re all about making sure your business is not only compliant but also a safe place for all workers. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more health and safety tips.