As organisations prepare to close for Christmas or operate with reduced staffing, the final working days of the year bring a different set of risks. Temporary shutdowns, disrupted routines and fewer people on site can increase the likelihood of incidents if arrangements are unclear.

This checklist is designed to help workplaces, including construction sites, offices and mixed-use environments, finish the year safely, responsibly and ready to reopen without avoidable issues.

End-of-Year Safety and Operational Checks

Before closing or reducing operations, it’s important to confirm that work activities are properly finished or made safe.

• Are all tasks completed, paused or left in a safe condition?
• Have handovers been clearly documented rather than informally agreed?
• Are responsibilities clearly assigned for the final working days?
• Are emergency procedures and contacts still visible and up to date?
• Are lone workers or reduced teams clearly identified and supported?

Unclear ownership and unfinished work are common causes of incidents during shutdown periods.

Hazard Identification Before Locking Up

Quieter sites and offices can allow hazards to go unnoticed if not addressed in advance.

• Are access routes, walkways and escape routes clear?
• Have trip hazards, trailing cables and loose materials been removed?
• Are partially completed works, temporary structures or stored materials stable and secure?
• Have contractors and visitors been informed of closure arrangements?

Identifying hazards before closing reduces risk during the break and on return.

Fire Safety and Electrical Risks During Shutdowns

Fire risk can increase in unoccupied buildings if systems or equipment are left running unnecessarily.

Before closing:

• Switch off and unplug non-essential electrical equipment
• Check portable heaters, kitchen appliances and chargers are disconnected
• Ensure fire alarms and detection systems remain operational
• Where appropriate, test fire alarms before shutdown, particularly if additional flammable materials are present
• Confirm fire exits are secure but fully functional
• Store flammable materials and fuels in line with fire safety and COSHH requirements
• Ensure decorations and temporary items do not block escape routes or sit too close to heat sources

Fire safety checks are just as critical when buildings are empty as when they are occupied.

Securing Premises Without Creating New Risks

Locking up should never compromise safety.

• Check windows and doors are closed and locked where appropriate, without compromising emergency escape routes
• Secure doors, gates and access points appropriately
• Ensure security measures do not obstruct escape routes
• Check emergency lighting and signage are unobstructed
• Review temporary fencing, hoarding and barriers for stability
• Secure tools, plant and materials correctly

Security and safety must work together, not against each other.

Reduced Staffing, Lone Working and Emergency Arrangements

Christmas periods often involve skeleton staffing or lone working, which changes risk levels.

• Are emergency contacts clearly available?
• Do lone workers know escalation procedures?
• Are first aid and fire marshal responsibilities covered?
• Are monitoring or check-in arrangements in place where required?

With fewer people around, clear emergency planning is essential.

Wellbeing and Fatigue at Year End

Fatigue is one of the biggest contributors to workplace incidents, and it often peaks at the end of the year.

• Acknowledge that tiredness affects focus and decision-making
• Encourage realistic workloads and regular breaks
• Be mindful that Christmas is not easy for everyone
• Check in with colleagues who may be under pressure or isolated

Looking after wellbeing supports safer behaviour across all roles.

While this checklist focuses on end-of-year shutdowns, handovers and reduced staffing, seasonal conditions can also increase risk. Our Winter Toolbox Talks blog looks specifically at how colder weather and reduced daylight affect workplace safety during the winter months.

Many organisations reinforce these principles throughout the year using recognised health and safety awareness courses, helping staff understand how fatigue, focus and wellbeing link directly to safer working.

Offices and Remote Workspaces

When sites slow down or close for Christmas, many people continue working from offices or home on reduced staffing levels. This can change risk levels and working patterns.

For office-based and remote workers, consider:

• Reviewing workstation set-ups, particularly if people are working longer hours to complete handovers
• Encouraging regular movement and screen breaks during end-of-year reporting or admin tasks
• Being mindful of mental fatigue when workloads are compressed into fewer days
• Setting clear expectations around availability to avoid people feeling “always on” during the festive period

Workplace safety and wellbeing responsibilities apply wherever work is carried out, not just on site.

IT, Data Protection and Cyber Security

Digital risks often increase during holiday periods.

• Secure laptops, mobile devices and removable storage
• Review access permissions, including temporary or contractor access
• Ensure data backups are completed and stored securely
• Remind staff to remain vigilant about phishing emails
• Confirm systems remain protected and monitored during closures

Data security is a key part of responsible shutdown planning.

Contractors, Visitors and Third-Party Access

Reduced operations can create confusion over who is permitted on site.

• Confirm which contractors are authorised during the closure
• Communicate access restrictions clearly in advance
• Deactivate temporary passes or access codes
• Ensure responsibility for supervision is clearly assigned

Clear access control helps prevent unauthorised entry and incidents.

Insurance, Responsibility and Incident Reporting

End-of-year shutdowns are a good time to confirm accountability.

• Ensure insurance conditions are met during closures
• Record the condition of premises before closing
• Confirm who is responsible while the workplace is closed
• Keep incident reporting procedures accessible

Clear records protect both people and organisations.

Environmental and Utilities Management

Unattended buildings can be vulnerable to environmental issues.

• Isolate water supplies where appropriate to prevent leaks
• Set heating systems to frost-protection levels
• Remove waste, food and perishable items
• Secure chemicals and hazardous substances correctly
• Check ventilation systems are suitable for closure

Small issues left unattended can quickly escalate.

Preparing for a Safe Return in the New Year

A safe shutdown should include planning for reopening.

• Confirm reopening dates and staffing levels
• Schedule inspections before work resumes
• Review risk assessments if conditions have changed
• Communicate priorities clearly for the first days back

A controlled restart reduces incidents and sets the tone for the year ahead.

Closing the Year Safely

Christmas shutdowns and reduced operations bring different risks, but with planning, clear responsibilities and attention to safety, wellbeing and fire risk, they can be managed effectively.

Taking the time to close workplaces properly protects people, property and peace of mind.

From all of us at Essential Site Skills, we wish workplaces across the industry a safe, well-managed and restorative Christmas break.

For more guidance on workplace safety, wellbeing and compliance, explore our other recent articles.