The holiday season is meant to be joyous. Decorations go up, friends and family gather, and homes as well as offices become festive hubs. But with the increased activity, complex décor, ladders, cords and winter weather, the risk of falls spikes. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average about 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season, with over 40% involving falls.

And a study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that over three holiday seasons, nearly 17,500 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for fall-related injuries connected to holiday decorating. 

Clearly, fall prevention deserves a place on your holiday safety checklist. Here’s how you can help create a safer, more secure home environment for everyone: 

Holiday Fall Risk Factors 

1. Ladders and elevated surfaces – Hanging lights, trimming trees, clearing roofs: the higher the surface, the higher the fall risk. In one data set nearly 43% of decorating-related falls were from ladders, according to the CDC.
2. Trip hazards – Wires, extension cords, decorations, toys and wrappings often clutter walkways when holiday activity peaks, according to OrthoGeorgia.
3. Slippery/icy surfaces – Outdoor walkways, porches or steps may be slick from snow, ice or moisture. Indoors, spilled food or wrapping debris can contribute, according to AARP.
4. Inadequate lighting – With shorter days, natural light ebbs, and decorations may add glare or shadows making obstacles harder to see.
5. Fatigue, distraction, multitasking – Carrying boxes, decorating while supervising children, or stacking tasks can lead to missteps.
6. Older adults & mobility-challenged individuals – One in every four older adults falls each year, making heightened vigilance even more critical during the season. 

Practical Tips for a Safer Holiday Home or Office 

• Use ladders properly: Ensure solid ground, don’t over-reach, have someone hold the ladder, and avoid climbing if you feel unsteady or fatigued.
• Clear walkways and high-traffic zones: Remove cords and wires, plan décor placement so wires don’t cross paths, tape down or reroute cords where necessary.
• Check outdoor surfaces: Shovel and salt steps, walkways and porches before heavy foot traffic; ensure you have non-slip mats if needed.
• Improve lighting: Add extra lighting on entryways, stairs and décor zones; ensure you can see clearly before stepping or climbing.
• Encourage safe footwear: Indoors or out, wear shoes with good support and traction, not just soft slippers during high-risk tasks.
• Limit clutter and manage mobility: When guests arrive or children are playing, keep pathways clear, fold up toys at night, and ensure furniture or décor isn’t blocking routes.
• Plan décor and tasks early: Instead of rushing, allocate time when you’re fresh; ask for help with high-risk tasks (e.g., roof lights), and stay aware of your own physical limits.
• Supervise children and pets: More activity means more chaos. Pets underfoot and children darting around can raise trip risk substantially.
• Be mindful of weather changes: If you’re carrying heavy boxes through frost, snow or slush, pause and consider taking smaller loads or clearing a path first.
• Review emergency readiness: Know who will respond in case of a fall, have phone numbers handy, and consider keeping a first-aid kit in areas where decorating/maintenance is happening.  

Why It Matters 

A fall during the holidays often means more than a bruised ego; it can be a broken bone, a concussion, or months of recovery. With the holiday season bringing higher risk (due to décor, ladders, slips, tripping hazards), taking preventative steps helps ensure your time is spent celebrating, not rehabilitating.

And from a claims or risk perspective, household falls carry costs: medical care, mobility loss, potential legal/risk exposure. Reducing risk directly improves safety and cost outcomes. 

Season(al) Finale 

A safe home or office during the holidays is part celebration, part preparation. By proactively identifying hazards, planning your décor and activity flow, and remaining aware of how increased movement, ladders and seasonal conditions affect risk, you’ll create a safer, smoother season.

Celebrate fully, but wisely. A safer foundation means more good memories and fewer avoidable incidents. 

Let’s keep the workplace safe – during office decorating and beyond. Get in touch today.