Article for Union Publications
During the holiday season, employers and workers
frequently get together to unwind and celebrate. Typically, these
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 union-sponsored events is an individual
decision for companies and/or unions to make. When 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 Celebrations
If unions or employers decide to provide or permit alcohol at a workplace party or union function,
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 members know their union’s and/or employer’s drug-free workplace policy and how it addresses
alcohol use in work-related situations or while representing the union.
Post the policy.Use different communication vehicles to ensure workers understand the policy.
Prior to a party, use union bulletin boards and/or, e-mail 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 members 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
supervisors and shop stewards 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 members 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 alcohol is provided at a workplace or union function, state laws regarding its
use and the resulting legal responsibilities should be consulted. In addition to the safety
concerns, improper alcohol use can expose businesses, and possibly even unions, 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 the Workforce Safe All Year Round
While the holidays serve to remind us about the perils of impaired driving, unions have
a vested interest in keeping their members safe all year round. After all, accidents and
injuries to members, whether on or off the job, impact worker availability as well as
union health and welfare funds through increased utilization of health benefits.
So encouraging safety before, after and, especially, during work makes good sense.
Drug-free workplace programs provide effective channels for sending messages to workers about
drug- and alcohol-related dangers – including impaired driving. Messages can be incorporated
into regular worker education sessions, union newsletters or 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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