afety awareness has improved throughout the Coulson Group of Companies this year as we have had an increase in monthly safety tours, meetings, and accident/incident investigations.  The new/young worker orientations have also become a consistent part of our documentation.  Let's continue on this trend as we move into 2010 because safe work practices can never take a day off. 

We must also remember to be safe away from work.  Here are some holiday reminders that will help keep your household safe during these busy times:
Be careful with holiday candles - Keep candles away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles. Keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.
Deck the halls with safety in mind - When decorating with lights, make sure they are certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If decorating an outside tree, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Don't overload electrical outlets, and always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Prevent choking -  For children, small toys and special foods can be an incident waiting to happen.  Ensure toys are appropriate for the age of the child, and won't create a danger for younger children in the household. Don't put out nuts or candies when young children are expected, and don't allow children to run around with food in their hands or mouth.  Learn basic first aid, so you know how to help a choking victim.
Keep Christmas trees fresh - Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits and check water levels daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
Prepare for holiday parties - Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check under sofa cushions and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
Designate a driver - When attending a party, designate a non-drinking driver. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages for guests who are driving and arrange for alternate transportation for guests who drink.
Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves - Have your chimney connections and flues inspected by a professional and cleaned if necessary. Use a sturdy screen when burning fires. Burn only wood—never burn paper or pine boughs. If purchasing a factory-built fireplace or wood stove, select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.
Buckle up - During the holiday season, more people are on streets and highways. Ensure that all passengers are wearing safety belts. Seat children in the back seat of the car and in approved safety seats if younger than nine years old or shorter than 4’9” tall.
Enroll in a First Aid & CPR course - Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise. To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact your local Canadian Red Cross.