We are coming into the season of Christmas parties and holiday’s.
Most companies will organise Christmas parties and decorate the office with Christmas decorations for their staff but must remember they are still responsible for the health, safety and welfare.
Consider having your office party out of the office. Try an organised event, a local hotel, restaurant or bar, which are set up for people to have a merry time without fear of unnecessary accidents.
Whilst making arrangements for Christmas activities, plan ahead to ensure you put sufficient control measures in place to ensure a hitch – free and hazard – free Christmas party.
Planning ahead is vital, consider anything that could go wrong from office decorations to the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Work Christmas parties
- Ensure the venue is suitable and the company has acceptable health and safety provisions in place.
- If the Christmas party is being held in the office, ensure the area is in good condition with no trip hazards etc.
- If food is being served ensure any special dietary requirements can be accommodated.
- If food is being arranged for within the office do not leave likely perishables in room temperature for too long as these foods can build bacteria and cause harm.
- Alcohol consumption must be monitored. All staff should be encouraged to drink in moderation. Ways to do this may be to give drink vouchers and limit the amount given to each staff member.
- Ensure no staff who are under the drinking age limit for consuming alcohol are engaging in drinking at any work events.
- Ensure that the party organiser is made aware of the venues emergency escapes, fire extinguishers, first aid arrangements.
- Inform staff who are travelling a long distance of local accommodation near the venue and local taxi numbers for all other staff.
Christmas decorations
- Make sure all lights are in good condition, replace damaged lights or any set of lights you’re unsure of.
- Make sure your Christmas tree is secured on a firm surface and not blocking emergency exits, emergency signage, fire extinguishers, fire alarms or walkways.
- Keep Christmas decorations away from any heat sources, ensure you use of fire retardant or flame resistant trees and decorations.
- All decorations should be hung in a secure manner and housekeeping in good condition.
- Use a step ladder and (not an office chair or desk) and ensure this is carried out by two people so one can assist the other.
- Staff are to be made aware it’s vital that Christmas lights are turned off by the end of the working day.
If you follow these simple safety tips you will have another successful, disaster free office party.
Keeping the Christmas merry cheer for both staff and company owners and a fun memorable Christmas office party for all.
Stephanie Byrne Roche is a Technical H&S Advisor working with Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd; who are Ireland’s leading provider of employment law and health & safety services. Established in Ireland since 1997, we have thousands of businesses who have already integrated Peninsula to work as part of their HR and Health & Safety departments. With offices in Dublin, Belfast, Sydney and Manchester, Peninsula employs 1000 people across Ireland, Australia and the UK
