Health and safety at Christmas
Jan 1, 2010
Christmas parties are a great time for team building and bonding and are an ideal opportunity to celebrate the Company’s success over the last year. These events can however, be a stressful time for employers. While it is important not to appear as a Scrooge, employers need to take sensible precautions to avoid Christmas party disasters.
A staff Christmas party, even held out of office hours and away from the employer’s premises would still be seen as an extension of work activities. Employers must treat festive events as they would any workplace activity by assessing risks and putting in place appropriate safety measures.
Any parties held on company premises should be carefully planned.
Risks in the party venue should be assessed bearing in mind furniture may be re-positioned, activities will be different to those in office normal hours and party
go-ers may be drinking alcohol.
Festive decorations should be put up safely. Good quality stepladders are far more preferable to standing on desks or on chairs with castors!
Christmas lights and electrical decorations should meet modern safety standards and should be turned off at the end of the day.
Re-arranged furniture should not obstruct fire exits and fire extinguishers. The “no smoking” laws have improved fire safety in buildings but it should be ensured these laws are enforced during the party.
Beware the Christmas tree – over 1000 people were injured by Christmas trees in 2002!
A sensible employer should also be aware of, and if necessary, limit the amount of alcohol being drunk. If employees have to drive to work the next morning, the employer should give simple advice to employees regarding the morning – after affects of alcohol.”
Christmas parties should be a time for celebrations, careful planning beforehand can ensure your party is a great one!
