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.