Audit results: Santa's Workshop

SUBJECT: Safety Inspection of Santa’s Workshop.

1. Background. Santa’s workshop (SW) incorporates a range of workers, laborers and elfs from various backgrounds and skill levels. Some are registered as skill laborers and some as basic laborer, carpenters and master carpenters. A wide variance in health hazards exist in the workshop are present that place workers at risk. This report characterizes these hazards.

The walkaround was accompanied by Elf representatives from each of the respective work centers at SW so that each group was allowed to participate. The inspection was divided into sections so that each area received equal attention.


2. Findings. The inspector performed a comprehensive review of this workplace from December 1 through 12th during the height of activity. The following activities were observed:

a. Woodshop activities
b. Loading/unloading activities (Packing and transportation)
c. Radiation Protection.


a. Woodshop activities. The woodshop activities consist of skilled and unskilled carpenters and laborers involved in the development, fabrication, and finishing of toy products for general consumption of the public. Each of the areas lacks essential local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for protection of elfs and workers. There is a question whether the exposure to wood dust is in excess of the airborne standard outlined in the ACGIH TLV booklet, 2008. Housekeeping was poor around saws, workstations and break areas. Elfs complained about the height of workstations and the need for step-stools. Using the standard fall protection standard for elves, the working height limit would be 2 feet (29 CFR 1910). The use of paints, solvents and adhesives will be evaluated on a subsequent visit.

b. Loading/Unloading Activities. The tables in ACGIH, Table 1, do not apply for elves because these standards are based on standard man, not elf. Recommended limit was 16 kg was reduced to 4 kg based on size and strength. This standard is consistently exceeded at SW. A full comprehensive ergonomics evaluation is recommended.

c. Radiation Protection. The primary radiation at SW was identified as an organic source: Rudolph’s nose. The spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation has been identified as non-ionizing. The light is in the range of 595 nm and extends into the near infrared. It presents retinal spectral hazards to any individual within 2 meters and is limited to 0.1 W/cm2. This source produced actinic light capable of causing temporary blindness. Elfs complained of needing to purchase sun-glasses when in close proximately to the Nose during loading/unloading activities. Company provided eye wear is needed for all loading/unloading personnel.



3. Results. Numerous violations of OSHA, ACGIH standards were identified at SW. It appears that managers were aware at least in part of some of the deficiencies. However, they were amenable to immediate correction of deficiencies following the Holiday rush. A penalty will not be considered because SW recognition of hazards and the employer’s “good faith” in correcting these deficiencies.