Monday, December 23, 2013

Celebrating a sustainable holiday…….tips for the season


                                          
The Holiday season is ideally a time to celebrate with family and friends characterized with excitement and a lot of activities ranging from shopping, partying, hosting friends and family, increase in travel, waste generation and energy consumption. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be a time when accidents occur due to increase in criminal activities during this period.
The objective of this write up is to increase our situational awareness during the festive season and to provide tips to ensure zero harm to people, assets and the environment. It also reminds us of the precautions we can all take to have a safe and happy season.                         
Tips for the holiday season
The following are precaution that should be applied during the holidays to ensure our safety and health are not compromised during the season.
Ø  Do not use your cellphone while walking in isolated areas and while riding a public transportation to prevent being a victim of snatching.
Ø  Make ATM withdrawals only from secure point and utilize Point Of Sale terminals and Internet banking for large cash transactions as much as possible.
Ø  Send e-Cards to friends and loved ones via the Internet, in place of traditional Christmas greeting cards.
Ø  Reduce energy consumption; use energy efficient bulbs or appliance as required.
Ø  Combine trips to reduce the frequency of travel; this reduces your fuel consumption and limits your exposure to hazards associated with commuting or travelling.
Ø  Eliminate food wastage:  Buy only required quantities of food items, especially perishable items and make necessary arrangements for storage and preservation. Excess food should be promptly packed and placed in the freezer. Apply the Eat, Think and Save principle.
Ø  Dispose of waste appropriately; gather waste in refuse bags and drop off at designated dumpsters or employ the services of approved Private Sector Partnership waste collectors.
Ø  Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house/office. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Ø  Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry properly, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
Ø  Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you may need for emergencies.
Ø  Ensure designated drivers are available after a party. Do not drink and drive.
Ø  For long flights/travel, ensure you move around to promote blood circulation and prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
Ø  Listen to your pre-flight safety briefing and read the safety data card in the seat pocket to your front while travelling by air.
Ø  If attacked, do not argue or fight with armed criminals, be calm in speaking with them, avoid sudden movements or eye contact and remain subservient.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Written by O’ Reese on behalf of En-pact Solutions Limited. 2013.
Twitter: @O Reese2
         @EnpactHSE




     

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