5 Safety Tips for December

December brings a rush of activity and increased stress. It's crucial to stay grounded and aware during this busy time. Managing fatigue, treating non-routine tasks with care, and clear communication are key. Preparing for seasonal pressures and prioritizing health and safety can help guard wellbeing. By focusing on presence and small acts of attention, December can be both joyful and meaningful.

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5 Safety Tips for December

December is a month of preparation, joy, and transition. Work accelerates in some areas and eases in others, while life outside grows fuller, faster, and—for many—more stressful. 

These shifts put extra pressure on our attention, our energy, and ultimately, our safety. Whether on the job, on the road, or at home, this is the season to stay grounded and aware while making space for meaning with family, friends, and community. 

Here are five practical ways to stay safe and mindful this December:

1.    Manage Fatigue and Rushing. Holiday pressures drain energy fast. Tired people take shortcuts—and shortcuts cause accidents. Here’s what to do: Before any task, pause and ask yourself three quick questions: Am I alert? Am I rushing? Do I fully understand the risks? Moments of reflection can prevent a lifetime of regret.

2.    Treat Non-Routine Tasks with Extra Caution. December brings unusual jobs—putting up decorations, stringing lights, year-end projects, winter maintenance. We’re most vulnerable when we’re outside our daily routine. Here’s what to do: Stop, identify the controls, and walk through the steps before you start. Never assume “It’ll be fine.” 

3.    Communicate Clearly Amid Changing Roles. People rotate shifts, cover for absences, or host guests. Roles blur, instructions get missed, and mistakes follow. Here’s what to do: Make expectations explicit. Confirm who’s doing what, verify they have the right skills or tools, and agree on the plan out loud. Clear communication prevents both operational slip-ups and household chaos. 

4.    Prepare for Seasonal Pressures – Weather, Travel, and Crowds. Winter roads, packed schedules, and busy stores all tighten the margin for error. Here’s what to do: Build in extra time, ease up on the accelerator—literally and figuratively—and stay calm instead of barreling ahead. Margin is your best safety tool. 

5.    Protect Health and Home Safety. Stress rises, sleep drops, and fire risks climb with cooking, candles, and space heaters. Here’s what to do: Guard your wellbeing with sleep, hydration with water, and reasonable routines. At home, keep an eye on cooking and small children, close bedroom doors nightly, and assure working alarms and pre-planned egress routes. Charge lithium-ion batteries for tools, e-bikes or scooters in an open space, away from combustibles — only while you’re awake. And of course, never drive impaired — and stay extra alert for other drivers who might be. 

In summary: December can be joyful, productive, and deeply meaningful—especially when we keep three things front-of-mind: PRESENCE: Slow down and stay aware. CLARITY: Confirm roles, plans, and expectations. CARE: Look out for yourself and everyone around you. 

Small acts of attention prevent big events. Stay safe, stay mindful, and take good care of yourself —and others —throughout this holiday season. 

Thanks for joining us on this edition of Mighty Line Minute.

See you next week!