Yes – I’m afraid so ... it looks like health and safety madness. But I’m going to try and look at the risks, provide some food for thought (not Christmas pudding though – urgh) and hope we all have a safe and happy Christmas.
As a business owner or manager, you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your staff, anyone who visits your business and the business itself.
In addition, a workplace Christmas party is considered an extension of the workplace – with all the risks attached.
None of the following lists are exhaustive – that would take up pages and pages of notes. But I hope it gives you an indication of the risks.
The first thing is to remember it is a time of enjoyment, people do like to celebrate the holiday period, put up decorations and go to the office party – but don’t force people to go.
This is more of a ‘what should I do?’
Please provide tested and safe step ladders – don’t let people use their office chairs, or desks when putting up decorations. Think about moving of boxes and working at height You can have parties too, see the end of this publication.
And you may need to think about a risk assessment – yes, really. If something happened whilst the decorations were being put up, you may be asked for the risk assessment by your insurer or solicitor.
You do not need to perform a formal risk assessment for every task. You need to focus on real risks and how you will control them - the significant risks identified can all be recorded in one overall risk assessment which should also include a note of the action you intend to take.
Acting to control the real risks should be the priority, not drafting endless paperwork covering every task staff undertake.
But remember, risk assessments are there to:
Yes – of course you can. If you want to.
But, think about your smoke or heat sensors, security alarm sensors, and fire call points – you don’t want to obstruct any of these.
Likewise, the Christmas tree, if you’re in a public facing business do you really want little Jimmy toddler trying to climb up your perfectly arranged tree – and then falling?
Think about the decorations you’re using,
Think about any cracker toys and party food – if you’ve got a pet friendly office, the little bits are an exciting and intriguing thing for the animals to explore. Not always with a good outcome.
You should also give serious thoughts to the provided food for any people with intolerances or allergies. Both in the office and during the external Christmas party.
Absolutely – if you want one, then go for it. It can be a great morale booster – if done correctly.
Please remember that every year there are the social media and newspaper articles about the Christmas parties. Think about:
Take some time to speak to one of our specialist advisors to gauge the best level of cover for your needs, or browse corporate and business insurance products from Towergate Insurance.
For more information or for a full review of your insurance needs, please see our insurance specialisms, contact your usual Towergate Insurance Brokers adviser or email TIB@towergate.co.uk.
Mark Holroyde CMIOSH DipNCRQ DipCII has over 30 years' experience in insurance, risk management, and health and safety. He is a Chartered Member of IOSH, a qualified internal and second party auditor for ISO45001 and ISO14001, an approved IOSH trainer, and a member of the CII. He also holds the NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management.