Recession. Mass layoffs. Budget cuts. A public health crisis.

2009 sure was a lousy year. But as we do every year at this time, let’s use the holiday season to reflect, count our blessings and look forward to what has got to be a better year in 2010.

Here’s a little holiday safety ditty to get you in the holiday spirit. [cue the harmonica] I call it “Frosty the Foreman,” and it goes something like this. A 1, a 2, a 1, 2. 3. . .

Frosty the Foreman
Was a safety conscious soul
With a steady hand and an eagle eye
And a knack for risk control

Frosty the Foreman
Is a fairytale they say
He was made of snow
But the workers know
How he came to life one day

There must have been some magic
In that old hardhat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He became a safety hound

Frosty the Foreman
Trained in a heartfelt way
And the workers vow
He would show them how
To do jobs the safest way

Frosty the Foreman
Knew the sun was hot that date
So he said let’s work
But not go berserk
We’ll stop and rehydrate

Down to the shop floor
Heat monitor in his hand
From the main hoist boom to the boiler room
Making sure the place was fanned

He watched them toil, checked the AC coil
Right on through the shift
And he let them stop and catch their breath
Even guys on the fork-lift

Frosty the Foreman
Was a’melting all away
But he waved goodbye
Saying don’t you cry
At least now I’ll get sick pay

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Recordables hit zero

So, come on, grumpy pants. Give me a smile. If you don’t, I’ll hit you with an even worse safety carol tomorrow.