Tuesday, 21 December 2010

Christmas Health and Safety

A reminder to all Dept. Heads & Supervisors:

1.  Sleigh Safety
Dashing through the snow 
In a one horse open sleigh 
O'er the fields we go 
Laughing all the way .

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter and the ringing of sleigh bells, is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance. 


2. Shepherds Abiding
While shepherds watched 
Their flocks by night 
All seated on the ground 
The angel of the Lord came down 
And glory shone around .

The Shepherds Union has complained that it breaches Health and Safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that, due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year, they should watch their flocks via CCTV cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts. 

Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around he / she must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory. 
  

3.  Discrimination & Harassment
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer 
had a very shiny nose. 
And if you ever saw him, 
you would even say it glows .

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities act, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place. 


4.  Gift Policy & Travel Rules
We three Kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar 
Field and fountain, moor and mountain 
Following yonder star .

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold', etc.
 - gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient's name or perhaps give a gift voucher. 

We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of
RAC Route
-finder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Face masks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels' hooves. 


5.  Sanitation, Hygiene & Navigation
Away in a Manger
No Crib for a bed. 

DHS should be immediately contacted as mangers are not suitable places of rest for newborn babies due to unsanitary conditions, sharing with animals, lack of proper ventilation and no access to running fresh water and heating.  Therefore under no circumstances should a crib be put in a manger. A risk assessment should also be carried out before allowing animals to occupy said manger - are there tethering facilities, running water, and food receptacles.  If not, the manger should not be used and the animals should be removed and housed elsewhere (but still not with the Baby Jesus).
This was sent to me by a friend thought you all might enjoy this