The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also can be a time of stress. From family gatherings and time away from work to hectic travel and financial concerns, there’s no shortage of distractions.
In the mining industry, even a momentary lapse in focus can have life-altering consequences, which is why keeping a steady focus on the task and hazards at hand is so important.
With that in mind, remember the best present is being present — both at home and on the job.
“No matter what time of year it is, distractions are a contributing factor in many of our accidents,” explained Chris Rose, Director-Safety and Health Performance and Improvement. “Between the increase in those distractions and the holidays and time off contributing to leaner crews, it is essential that we continue to remain vigilant about the risks all around us during the holidays.”
Fostering a safety-first culture is part of Freeport’s commitment to Proudly Creating Better Futures for employees. Whether it’s the holidays or any other time of year, company leadership continually reinforces that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
For leaders, this means being mindful of taking on more work than can safely be accomplished with the resources at hand, Rose said. For all employees, it’s using the company’s stop work obligation if something seems unsafe, if there is uncertainty or if controls are lacking.
Fit for duty today, tomorrow, here and there
Mindfulness and safety extend to time off the job, as well.
The Department of Transportation notes travel poses more risk during the holidays due to increases in traffic, alcohol consumption and inclement weather. Fire risks also increase during this time. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home cooking fires make up almost half of all reported home fires, with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve being peak days.
Thankfully, every task – whether it is hopping in the car or popping a turkey in the oven – can benefit by taking the time to identify the risks and create an action plan.
Returning to work ready to work
Along these lines, one action plan employees should take into consideration is how to prepare for their return to work.
Though time off can provide valuable rest, it also is an opportunity to break from routine, especially with busy holiday schedules. To prevent post-holiday fatigue, employees should get back on an appropriate sleep schedule before they are required to report back to work, follow pre-operational procedures and always be prepared to speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
“The holidays are an opportunity to remind us why we work safely,” Rose said. “Showing up fit for duty, working safely and stopping the job aren’t just a commitment we made to the company—they’re a commitment we made to the people we leave at home every day.”
Remember, Spring Health, the company’s employee assistance program, is available with resources and support anytime at 1-855-629-0554 or fmi.springhealth.com. Through Spring Health, employees and household members can receive confidential, no-cost personalized care – from therapy to legal or financial guidance and more. If prompted, use code: Freeport.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call or text the 24/7 toll-free, confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Learn more about available help and suicide prevention at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.