What's Happening?
Insurance company Hiscox has introduced a safety checklist titled 'Elf and Safety' aimed at helping small businesses protect their staff during the busy Christmas season. This initiative comes in response to data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicating that 680,000 workers experienced non-fatal workplace injuries in 2024/25, with higher rates reported in retail, hospitality, trade, and delivery services. The checklist includes six steps: rapid training for temporary staff, reviewing rotas for fatigue risk, reassessing physical layouts, assigning clear roles during busy periods, supporting team wellbeing, and ensuring accurate employers’ liability coverage. Hiscox's research highlights challenges such as high footfall, long shifts,
and physical strain, with 68% of seasonal workers suggesting that more staff would make their roles more manageable.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the 'Elf and Safety' guidelines is significant as it addresses the increased risk of workplace injuries during the holiday season, a critical period for small businesses. With 70% of consumers planning to shop in-person at small businesses, ensuring employee safety is crucial to maintaining operations and avoiding disruptions. The guidelines aim to mitigate risks associated with longer hours and temporary staff, which can lead to increased injury rates. By implementing these safety measures, small businesses can protect their employees and reduce potential liability, thereby safeguarding their operations and financial stability during a peak sales period.
What's Next?
Small businesses are encouraged to adopt the 'Elf and Safety' guidelines to prevent workplace injuries and ensure smooth operations during the holiday season. As businesses implement these measures, they may need to adjust staffing levels, provide additional training, and reassess workplace layouts to accommodate increased customer traffic. The effectiveness of these guidelines will likely be evaluated post-holiday season, potentially influencing future safety protocols and insurance policies. Stakeholders, including business owners and insurance providers, will be monitoring the impact of these measures on reducing workplace injuries and maintaining business continuity.
