End-of-Year Safety Checks: Keep Staff Safe Before Shutdown.

Why December safety checks matter

Before the lights go out and the holidays begin, one overlooked safety task can lead to major issues in January. Machinery left unserviced, poor shutdown procedures, or untrained temp staff can undo a year of compliance effort.
Now’s the time to run a short, sharp audit to make sure your workplace closes safely — and reopens smoothly.

1. Walk the Site: Look for the obvious problems first

You’ll find 80% of issues by doing one slow walk with a notepad.

• Trip hazards
• Damaged floor surfaces
• Blocked paths
• Pallets or equipment left where they shouldn’t be
• Leaks, stains, or signs of water damage

If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.

2. Roof Access & Work Areas: Make sure the top of the building is safe

This isn’t just for contractors — it protects your building long-term.

• Check ladders, platforms, walkways
• Inspect anchors, guardrails, and skylight protection
• Look for storm damage and pooling water
• Make sure documentation is up to date

If anyone’s going up there in January, sort it now.

3. Fire Safety: Test everything before shutdown

Fire season plus empty buildings is not a good mix.

• Check extinguishers and fire hose reels
• Confirm emergency lighting is working
• Test evacuation alarms
• Make sure all fire doors close properly
• Clear combustible material from plant rooms and storage areas

One quick test now saves a lot of drama later.

4. Electrical: Reduce the risk of faults and downtime

Summer heat exposes the weak spots.

• Check power boards and outlets
• Inspect switchboards for loose labels or heat damage
• Make sure high-load equipment is serviced and logged
• Tag any untagged tools before the new year

5. HVAC and Plant: Prepare for the January rush

Contractors are slammed after Christmas — don’t wait until they’re booked out.

• Clean filters
• Check platforms, rails, and safe access
• Make sure fans, pumps, and belts are running clean
• Log any noises, leaks, or performance issues

A quick check now avoids emergency call-outs in week one.

6. Warehouses & Storage Areas: Get things back in order

These areas get progressively messier as the year goes on.

• Clear aisles
• Check racking integrity
• Look for loose bolts or bent frames
• Make sure load signs are visible
• Remove overflow stock blocking exits and fire equipment

7. Machinery & Tools: Lock out, clean up, maintain

Shutdown is the best time to service equipment.

• Inspect guards and interlocks
• Check emergency stops
• Lock out equipment that’s due for service
• Replace worn blades, belts, and consumables
• Update maintenance logs

Start January with everything ready to run — not waiting for parts.

8. Chemicals & Hazardous Substances: Keep it tight

Heat and long shutdowns create extra risks.

• Update your chemical register
• Check for leaks or damaged containers
• Make sure spill kits are stocked
• Store everything in the right place
• Dispose of out-of-date materials

A tidy chemical store is a safe store.

9. Contractors & Visitors: Get your induction materials ready

January is when new contractors, temp staff, and project teams roll in.

• Update induction documents
• Confirm site maps are current
• Check access points and keys/cards
• Review safe work procedures for high-risk tasks

Make sure everyone starts the year with clear instructions.

10. Paperwork & Compliance: Close the year clean

If an inspector walks in after the break, this is what they’ll look for.

• Annual service records
• Height safety inspection certificates
• Test & tag logs
• Fire system test reports
• Risk assessments and SWMS
• Incident reports finalised for the year

Make sure it’s all filed and easy to find.

11. Security: Protect an empty site

A quiet site attracts the wrong attention.

• Check cameras and alarms
• Confirm gates and locks work
• Remove any keys from “temporary” hiding spots
• Ensure external lighting is working

12. End-of-Year Clean-Up: Start January fresh

• Remove rubbish
• Clear plant rooms
• Empty bins
• Store tools properly
• Clean common areas

---