NOTICE FROM THE HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE (CHRISTMAS FESTIVIES BRANCH)
- All employees planning to dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, going o'er the fields and laughing all the way, are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required, addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public. This Assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered.
- To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not so loud as to be considered a noise nuisance.
- Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning to watch their flocks by night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated Shepherd Observation Hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an Emergency Response Plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. Additionally, the Angel of the Lord is politely reminded that, prior to shining his/her Glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.
- Following last year's well-publicised case, everyone is reminded that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.
- Please ensure that, if leaving out mince pies or other midnight refreshment on Christmas Eve, a warning is prominently displayed as to both the contents of the same (particularly as to the risk of nuts) in case any reindeer, elf or other helper has an allergic reaction and as to the dangers of driving a sleigh or having conduct of a team of reindeer while under the influence of sherry.
- While it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing or receipt of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered.
- Attention is also brought to your recent training on the implication and effects of the Bribery Act; this applies regardless of the status of the individual - even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded and you are reminded to consult the MLRO as appropriate. Caution is also advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions.
- Finally, in the recent case of the infant found tucked-up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised.
- Have a Very Merry Christmas but remember that trip hazards can be caused by wrapping-paper on the floor, the risk of electrocution from Christmas tree lights that have not been PAT tested, the dangers of lifting heavy gifts and... of going out in the snow and walking in a Winter Wonderland.
- All employees planning to dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, going o'er the fields and laughing all the way, are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required, addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public. This Assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered.
- To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not so loud as to be considered a noise nuisance.
- Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning to watch their flocks by night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated Shepherd Observation Hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an Emergency Response Plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. Additionally, the Angel of the Lord is politely reminded that, prior to shining his/her Glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.
- Following last year's well-publicised case, everyone is reminded that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.
- Please ensure that, if leaving out mince pies or other midnight refreshment on Christmas Eve, a warning is prominently displayed as to both the contents of the same (particularly as to the risk of nuts) in case any reindeer, elf or other helper has an allergic reaction and as to the dangers of driving a sleigh or having conduct of a team of reindeer while under the influence of sherry.
- While it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing or receipt of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered.
- Attention is also brought to your recent training on the implication and effects of the Bribery Act; this applies regardless of the status of the individual - even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded and you are reminded to consult the MLRO as appropriate. Caution is also advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions.
- Finally, in the recent case of the infant found tucked-up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised.
- Have a Very Merry Christmas but remember that trip hazards can be caused by wrapping-paper on the floor, the risk of electrocution from Christmas tree lights that have not been PAT tested, the dangers of lifting heavy gifts and... of going out in the snow and walking in a Winter Wonderland.
