Before we get too carried away, just a note of caution from my bank of built in Celtic misery.

In my role as H&S Officer I carried out many Christmas Risk Assessments, using the HSE’s Five Steps as a basis, and I think in all fairness my expertise should be shared.

Hazards Manual handling injuries, those of smaller stature being at particular risk; E.Coli, from livestock, and other forms of food poisoning from offerings from the public; falls from height; Emphysema, and other bronchial risk from soot, these deposits may be carcinogenic; the noise from sleigh bells, if taken to excess, may be in excess of the first action level of 90dBa, and should be the subject of a separate noise assessment; falling objects.

Persons at Risk Father Christmas, elves, sundry helpers, members of the public

Actions to Reduce the Risks From the Identified Hazards Mechanical handling aids must be made available, including, but not restricted to, roller tracking, hoists and parcel trolleys. Those below a height of 1.2m must only move weights of less than 250g. The use of livestock for draught use in this day and age is questionable. Light vehicles, particularly electric ones, should be considered instead. If livestock is essential, hand washing facilities with hot and cold water, soap, nail brushes and anti septic gel must be available. Food and drink from uncertified sources is not permitted. There is no reason why sleighs cannot be driven at ground level, and access to premises should be through normal entry egress points. Sleigh bells should be restricted to one per sleigh, with a maximum diameter of 100mm and only one clapper. As in all cases of working at height, the use of catch netting is compulsory for protecting members of the public from falling objects.

Risk Assessment Score Likelihood - Very Likely - Factor 4, Severity - Serious Disablement, Long Term Health Effects - Factor 5 Score (Likelihood x Severity ) 20. Action Priority for scores of 12 to 23 is High, All actions to be completed within 7 days.

Though not a H&S issue, it should be borne in mind that those with unsupervised access to children’s’ bedrooms must be subject to stringent criminal record checks

As in all H&S issues, the excuse that "We have always done it this way" can be no excuse for a Happy Christmas.