The quieter end-of-year period is often one of the most practical times to focus on safety and maintenance. With fewer people on site and less day-to-day activity, it’s easier to step back, take stock, and address issues that can be harder to manage during busier months.
Weather, wear and tear, and unattended risks don’t pause over the holidays. Left unchecked, small issues can quickly become larger disruptions when teams return and sites reopen.
Your End-of-Year Safety Check
Think of it as a summer tune-up for your facilities. With sites quieter over the holiday period, it’s a good opportunity to pause, take a walk around, and check a few key areas before switching fully into holiday mode.
Here are a few things worth reviewing:
✔ Give your grounds a little love
Take a walk through outdoor areas such as gardens, pathways, shared spaces, courtyards and car parks. Look for uneven surfaces, trip hazards, overgrown vegetation or anything that could pose a risk when activity picks up again.
The holiday period is often an ideal window to tidy up smaller issues, complete grounds maintenance, and take care of jobs that are harder to schedule during busy operating periods.
✔ Buildings & painted surfaces
Looking at the site with fresh eyes can make it easier to spot areas that may need attention. Are painted surfaces starting to show wear? Is signage faded, unclear or no longer fit for purpose?
Noting these items now allows time to plan ahead — whether that’s arranging an audit, booking works during the quieter period, or setting up maintenance early in the new year. Getting these sorted can be quick wins when activity resumes and people return.
✔ Prepare for the Aussie summer
With warmer weather, storms and higher UV levels ahead, now’s the time to check gutters, drainage, roofing, shade structures, and external facades. These checks help protect buildings from weather-related damage and support the long-term health of your assets, reducing the likelihood of reactive repairs during peak summer conditions.
✔ Repairs and preventative maintenance
If there are repairs or maintenance items still sitting on your to-do list, the holiday period can be a good opportunity to progress them. Fewer people on site often means easier access, less disruption and faster turnaround.
If you’re unsure where to start, working with an experienced maintenance partner can help you prioritise the essentials and plan works efficiently.
Staying Safe Over the Festive Season
The holidays are a time to relax and enjoy a well-earned break, but changes to routine can also introduce a few extra risks — at work, at home and out in the community.
That’s why we share Programmed’s 12 Days of Safety at this time of year — a simple, practical and light-hearted reminder that everyday actions make a big difference when it comes to safety.
