Christmas parties are designed to be fun, but a few festive drinks can quickly get out of hand if not managed correctly. A sobering thought is that employers can be vicariously liable for the action of employees during work events such as Christmas parties.
So, what steps should employers take?
Risk assessments are a pre-party essential. Although admittedly not the most exciting element of the party planning, identifying risks and implementing appropriate measures can greatly reduce accidents and the costs associated with them.
Limiting numbers to employees only (no plus ones) can help control capacity. Issue employees with tickets and implement a ‘no-ticket-no-entry’ policy or operate a guestlist to safeguard against rogue admissions.
Consider transport. To ensure employees get home safely, remind them to arrange for a friend or relative to pick them up. Alternatively, and if budget allows, arrange for coaches to transport employees to the nearest towns to facilitate travel or subsidise overnight accommodation at a nearby hotel. Regardless of the chosen route, it is worth implementing a strict no drinking and driving policy and highlighting the consequences of not following it.
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