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Article for Association Publications
During the holiday season, employers and
workers frequently get together to unwind and celebrate. Typically,
workplace parties involve plenty of food and drinks. However, if
the drinks include alcohol, there is potential for unfortunate
consequences.
Whether alcohol is permitted at workplace parties
or other company-sponsored events is an individual decision for each
company to make. If alcohol is present, it makes good sense to take
precautions to help prevent workers or guests from becoming intoxicated
and to discourage impaired driving.*
Tips for Safe Workplace Celebrations
If employers decide to provide or permit alcohol at
a workplace event, they can take steps to help ensure a safe and sober
holiday party season – while still creating an enjoyable and festive
atmosphere. The following are some ways to minimize potential negative
repercussions.
Be honest with
workers.
Make sure workers know their employer’s drug-free workplace policy and
how it addresses alcohol use in work-related situations and social
functions.
Post the policy. Use different
communication vehicles to ensure employees understand the policy. Prior
to a party, use company bulletin boards, e-mail, and/or paycheck
envelopes to publicize the policy and any rules specific to alcohol use.
Reinvent the party concept. Why have
a “traditional” party? Consider trying something new like an indoor
carnival, amusement park outing or volunteer activity.
Make it a party of choice. Always
make plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available.
Make sure workers know when to say when.
When alcohol is served at an event, make sure all employees know that
they are welcome to attend and have fun, but are expected to act
responsibly.
Eat...and be merry! Avoid serving
only salty, greasy or sweet foods, which make people thirsty. Serve
foods rich in starch and protein, which stay in the stomach longer and
slow the bloodstream’s absorption of alcohol.
Designate party managers. Remind managers and supervisors that
even at a party, they may need to ensure that everyone adheres to their
drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy.
Arrange alternative transportation.
Anticipate the need for alternative transportation for all party goers
and make arrangements in advance. Encourage workers to make use of
available alternatives, such as designated drivers, if they consume
alcohol.
Serve none for the road. Stop
serving alcohol before the party officially ends.
Consult Applicable State Laws
Remember, if employers provide alcohol at a
workplace function, they should consult state laws regarding its use and
the resulting legal responsibilities. In addition to the safety
concerns, improper alcohol use can expose businesses to civil liability
under tort laws. For example, a business may be held liable if a person
consumes alcohol at a company-sponsored party and subsequently causes an
accident or injury.
Keeping Workplaces Safe All Year Round
While the holidays serve to remind us about the
perils of impaired driving, employers have a vested interest in keeping
employees safe all year round. After all, accidents and injuries to
employees, whether on or off the job, impact businesses through
increased absenteeism and the use of health benefits. So encouraging
safety before, after and, especially, during work makes good sense.
Businesses that maintain drug-free workplace
programs generally have effective channels for sending messages about
drug- and alcohol-related dangers – including impaired driving. They
can incorporate related messages into regular worker education sessions,
newsletters, payroll stuffers or workplace displays.
For those organizations that do not have a drug-free workplace program, the
Department of Labor’s
Working Partners for an Alcohol- and
Drug-Free Workplace Web site (at
www.dol.gov/workingpartners) is a valuable resource that
offers guidance on developing one. The site also features regularly
updated information about
impaired driving,
such as alcohol traffic safety facts, related statistics and prevention
initiatives employers can support.
Remember, safe roads and workplaces are
everyone’s business. This holiday season, and all year long, employers
are encouraged to send workers a safe and sober message
about workplaces and drinking.
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