Your Complete Guide to Workplace Health and Safety During Halloween

Fall is the perfect time for festive decorations, themed events, and a bit of holiday flair, but it can also bring hidden hazards into your workplace. From Wilmington offices to Sussex County construction sites, businesses across Delaware are adding spooky spirit to their spaces this October. 

At SafeDE, we believe safety and celebration can go hand in hand. This season, let’s make sure your team stays safe and your Halloween fun doesn’t turn into a fright.

Electrical & Fire Hazard Prevention

• Use equipment rated for the job. Only use lighting, cords, and extension cables with the proper safety ratings (e.g. UL-listed) and check them for damage before plugging in.
• Avoid overloading circuits. One string of lights more can push a circuit to the limit.
• Place decorations wisely. Keep flammable materials (paper, fabric, dried leaves) clear of heat sources: heaters, lamps, HVAC vents, etc.
• Inspect and maintain smoke alarms/fire systems. Make sure detectors, sprinklers, and extinguishers are unblocked and fully functional.
• Know your exit paths. Decorations should never block doors or hallways. Always keep emergency egress clear.

• Preventing even a small electrical fire avoids downtime, repair costs, and lost productivity.

Prevent Slips, Trips & Falls

• Mind the path. Decorations, cords, pumpkins, or props across corridors or aisles create trip hazards.
• Illuminate dark areas. As daylight fades earlier, make sure entrances, steps, ramps, and parking areas are well-lit.
• Watch weather effects. Wet leaves, early frost, or dew can make walkways slick. Use mats, signage, or traction strips where needed.
• Secure extension cords properly. Don’t let them cross high-traffic zones or lie unsecured; tape them down or route them safely.

• Slips, trips, and falls account for nearly one-third of all workplace injuries in the U.S., and they spike during seasonal events when decorations or weather hazards appear.

Costume & Attire

• Prioritize visibility and mobility. Masks or headgear that obstruct vision or hearing should be discouraged (especially in work areas).
• Avoid loose or dangling elements. Costumes with trailing fabric or loose edges can get caught in machinery or office doorways.
• Shoes matter. Encourage employees to wear safe, stable footwear, even if it’s a costume day.
• Layer for the season. October in Delaware can get chilly; lightweight overcoats, jackets, or leggings beneath costumes can help workers stay comfortable without sacrificing safety.
• Define “safe costume” guidelines. Consider distributing a short “Costume Safety Handbook” or memo ahead of time.

• Costumes that interfere with PPE (hard hats, gloves, goggles) can make even routine tasks unsafe. Dress smart while keeping the spirit alive!

Food, Treats & Allergens

• Stick to sealed, individually wrapped items. Consumer packaging helps reduce contamination and cross-contact.
• Label ingredients and allergens. If homemade treats are allowed, clearly note common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten).
• Temperature control is key. Use coolers or refrigeration as needed. Don’t leave perishable foods out for extended periods.
• Hand hygiene and sanitation: Provide hand sanitizer and remind guests and employees to wash their hands before eating or serving.
• Offer healthy alternatives. Think beyond candy: individually wrapped fruit, trail mix (with allergy notes), or seasonal fruit slices.

• Food-related illness costs U.S. workplaces an estimated $15 billion annually in lost productivity. Labeling and hygiene go a long way toward keeping everyone well.

Hosting Safe Halloween Events

• Plan foot traffic & parking. Design clear walkways, ensure adequate lighting, and provide safe curbside drop-off zones.
• Supervise controlled zones. If children or guests are present, designate staff to monitor entry/exit points.
• Security & staging. Use cones, barricades, or signage to keep vehicles and pedestrians separate.
• Emergency prep. Have a basic first aid kit, a contact protocol, and a plan in case something goes awry.

Seasonal Work Considerations

• Nighttime work visibility. As days shorten, crews working outside in construction or maintenance should wear high-visibility gear.
• Weather & PPE check. Cooler, damper autumn weather can affect grip, footing, and material performance; revisit PPE usage.
• Power tools and extension cables outdoors. If you bring decorative lighting to a jobsite, ensure electrical safety, GFCI-protected cords, and proper grounding.
• Costume + work overlap. On sites where safety gear (helmets, harnesses) is required, restrict costume elements that interfere.

• Nearly 60% of fatal construction incidents occur in the last few hours of a shift. Visibility and alertness make all the difference after sunset.

Halloween should be a time of fun, not fear. With some thoughtful planning, you can make sure your decorations, events, and dress-up days don’t compromise safety.

At SafeDE, we partner with Delaware businesses to keep your workplace healthy, compliant, and culture-forward, all at no cost and with confidentiality. Want help reviewing your seasonal safety plans or coordinating a workplace event safely? Request a free consultation, and let’s ensure your Halloween is full of treats, not scares.