Love them or hate them! Most Australian businesses hold a Christmas party. But there’s more to it than simply arranging food and drinks. As an employer, if you are funding any of the costs of holding a Christmas party, the event is considered an extension of the workplace.
That means you are responsible for ensuring everyone remains safe.
Here are 5 tips to help you host a safe Christmas party or other work-related function.
Tip 1 – Choose your venue carefully
If you are planning to serve alcohol at your Christmas party (and let’s face it, most businesses do), you need to ensure you are following Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines. The easiest way to do this is to ensure the venue has appropriately trained staff. Another alternative is to place limits on the supply and availability of alcohol during the event.
You also need to check the venue for hazards such as balconies, staircases etc. where injuries and falls are a risk.
Tip 2 – Warn your staff
Before the event, ensure your staff understand the party is an extension of their workplace so all company policies remain in place. Examples includes:
- Inappropriate behaviour such as discrimination, bullying and harassment
- The company’s policy on alcohol consumption at functions and the repercussions of drinking to excess
- A worker’s responsibility to drink responsibly
- The legal driving limits
Tip 3 – Drink options
It is essential you provide non-alcoholic drink options. The ratio should be at least 50/50 soft drinks to alcohol. The hotter the weather or the more activities (e.g. dancing or playing sport) the higher the soft drink ratio should be.
Remember: You remain responsible for workers and their behaviour when they are drunk!
Tip 4 – Duration of your party
If you are serving alcohol at a Christmas party lasting more than 4 hours, your staff will be at greater risk of safety problems. An event lasting 2-4 hours is considered a moderate risk and gives your team plenty of time to have fun.
Be warned: If you arrange or pay for drinks to be served after the function has finished, your liability for worker safety will be extended.
Tip 5 – Catering
When alcohol is served at an event, you must serve food. For short parties, canapés may be sufficient but for events that are 2+ hours long, a meal should be provided.
Your health and safety helpers
You don’t need to be The Christmas Grinch. Let End2End Business Solutions help you keep your workers safe while enjoying the company Christmas party.
For expert help on your employer responsibilities, call End2End on 02 8977 4002.