Mardi Gras Ready: How Businesses Can Prepare for a Safe Carnival Season

Mardi Gras is one of Louisiana’s most celebrated traditions, bringing increased foot traffic, extended hours, and heightened activity for businesses around the state. While the season creates exciting opportunities, it also presents unique challenges related to staffing, safety, security, and weather readiness.

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LWCC, the state’s largest workers’ comp company, has a dedicated Safety Services team that works year-round with Louisiana businesses to help identify risks, strengthen safety practices, and prepare for the unexpected.

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“Mardi Gras brings a lot of energy and activity, which can be great for business,” said Damian Simoneaux, LWCC Safety Services Manager. “Taking time to plan ahead helps businesses reduce risk, protect their employees, and stay focused on serving customers, even during the busiest days of the season.”

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LWCC’s Safety Services team outlined the following considerations to help businesses prepare for a safe and successful Mardi Gras season.

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Plan Ahead for Staffing and Operations

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Mardi Gras can disrupt normal routines, from road closures to altered work schedules. Businesses should plan ahead for staffing needs and operational changes, ensuring employees understand adjusted schedules, alternate routes, and expectations for arrival and departure times.

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It is also important to consider transportation and parking challenges. Sharing information about parking availability, ride share options, or flexible scheduling when possible can help reduce stress and support safer commuting during peak days.

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Clear communication helps employees get to work safely, get home safely, and know who to contact if issues arise.

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Prepare Your Facility

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Before festivities begin, take time to inspect your facility. Ensure doors, windows, and locks are in good working order, and confirm that entrances and exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.

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With increased foot traffic, businesses should also pay close attention to slip, trip, and fall risks. Keeping walkways clear, promptly addressing spills or debris, and monitoring high traffic areas can help reduce common injuries during busy periods.

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If customer flow or access points change due to increased crowds or temporary layouts, take time to review those changes to help ensure they support safe movement throughout the space.

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Support Employee Safety

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Employee safety should remain a top priority during Mardi Gras. Review safety procedures and protocols with staff ahead of time, especially those related to crowd management, emergency response, and incident reporting.

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Providing guidance on how to handle challenging customer interactions and when to escalate concerns to a supervisor or security can help employees feel prepared while reinforcing a culture of safety.

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Increase Security Where Needed

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Higher traffic often requires additional security measures. Businesses should assess whether extra lighting, monitoring, or security personnel are needed during peak times. Visible security measures can help deter issues and provide peace of mind for both employees and customers.

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Prepare for Weather and the Unexpected

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Louisiana weather can be unpredictable during Mardi Gras season. Monitor local forecasts regularly and be ready to adjust operations if conditions change.

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Businesses should keep emergency kits stocked, back up important data, and ensure employees know how safety updates or operational changes will be communicated. Being prepared for the unexpected helps businesses respond calmly and effectively when conditions change quickly.

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Mardi Gras is meant to be enjoyed, and preparation plays a key role in making the season both successful and safe for businesses and employees alike. By planning ahead, reinforcing safety practices, and preparing for the unexpected, business owners can reduce risk while continuing to serve their customers with confidence.

LWCC’s Safety Services team is committed to helping Louisiana businesses thrive through thoughtful preparation during Mardi Gras and beyond.

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