Over the Christmas period we have to keep the machines rolling but staff are cut to a minimum and I am worried about safety. Am I right to be worried and if so what should I do about it?

Yes, you are right to be worried about it. Accidents don't take a holiday at Christmas, in fact it’s their chance for a bit of overtime.

Cutting staff numbers (or changing shift patterns) is a change to the way of working and therefore your employer is obliged by law to carry out a fresh risk assessment which takes into account the changes. The risk assessment should be looking at, amongst other things:

• what is the safe number of people who should cover the shift - and why
• what kind and level of supervision is required - and why
• and whether the emergency procedures have been amended and the staff trained or informed of the changes.

You have a right to ask for a copy of the risk assessment. If you have any concerns after this, or your employer has not (or will not) do a risk assessment, contact your union rep or contact the Health and Safety Executive in confidence (if you are not in a union).